The NBA is constantly looking to tighten up sports betting rules to maintain the integrity of the game. The latest restriction will prevent people who vote on end-of-season awards like the MVP, Defensive Player of the Year, and Rookie of the Year from placing bets on these markets. Most leading US sportsbooks accept wagers before, during, and after the season on who will get these honors.
NBA wants to ensure there is no conflict of interest
A panel of 99 broadcasters and sports writers currently decide on the winners. The NBA wants to ensure there is no conflict of interest since a certain level of subjectiveness goes into deciding on the players in each category. They don’t solely rely on statistics as they can also take into account how much influence a player has on the league.
The restriction will be in place for the upcoming season, with the most recent awards show taking place in May. Denver Nuggets Center Nikola Jokić unanimously won the MVP award.