Published on: October 24, 2025, 10:49 AM.
Last refreshed on: October 24, 2025, 10:55 AM.
- Public sentiment about sports betting in the United States continues to decline.
- This week’s FBI revelations regarding purported collusion in the NBA only compound these issues.
Recent surveys indicate that a growing number of Americans express discontent towards the rapid legalization of sports betting in the United States—an expansion that took off after a pivotal Supreme Court decision in 2018. The latest stir from the FBI, revealing serious allegations against several NBA players and coaches collaborating with organized crime to deceive legal sportsbooks and unwitting poker enthusiasts, is likely to fuel negative perceptions.
According to the Pew Research Center, recent data shows that over 40% of Americans (43%) now feel that the legalization of sports betting has negatively impacted society. This represents an increase of nearly 10% from similar research conducted in 2022.
Currently, sports betting is legally permitted in 39 states along with Washington, D.C.
This week, federal authorities accused NBA star Terry Rozier of spilling inside information to a friend, yielding financial benefits for bettors. Rozier faces allegations of feigning injuries and manipulating game outcomes.
In a related case, former NBA player and coach Damon James is accused of providing bettors with insider information regarding LeBron James’ status in exchange for a $2,500 fee.
Issues with the NBA
Public sentiment regarding sports betting is particularly negative among younger men. The Pew Research survey indicates that nearly half of males under 30 (47%) consider sports betting detrimental, a substantial rise from just 22% two years ago.
When the major leagues and the NCAA adopted legalized sports betting, they reassured the public about their commitment to maintaining the integrity of their sports. These leagues invested in third-party integrity monitors to oversee betting markets for any questionable actions.
However, the FBI’s recent announcement reveals that the NBA has apparently fallen short in this regard. It is noteworthy that sportsbooks flagged suspicious betting activity concerning Rozier as early as 2023 and alerted the league, but the NBA concluded no violations occurred.
In March 2023, the NBA was informed of irregular betting patterns related to Terry Rozier during a game between Charlotte and New Orleans,” stated NBA spokesman Mike Bass in June 2025. “The league investigated and found no breaches of NBA regulations. We are now cooperating with the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of New York in an ongoing investigation.”
In an attempt to restore its image, the NBA released a statement on Thursday.
“We are currently reviewing the federal indictments issued. We take these accusations very seriously, and the integrity of our sport remains our highest priority,” read the league’s statement.
Both Rozier and Portland Trail Blazers coach Chauncey Billups, who is implicated in the poker scheme, have been placed on immediate leave.
Trump’s Response
Former President Donald Trump has expressed disdain for the NBA and its commissioner, Adam Silver. He criticizes the league for allegedly catering to China, specifically calling out Silver, former coach Greg Popovich, and Golden State Warriors coach Steve Kerr.
Trump shared his thoughts on the NBA situation yesterday.
This corrupt NBA Commissioner Adam Silver should be summoned to Congress immediately to testify. What did he know regarding the gambling scandal, and when?
Silver was notably the first among major league commissioners to welcome sports betting, advocating for its legalization and regulation in a 2014 op-ed for The New York Times.