The NBA and WNBA announced on Tuesday campaigns to educate fans about responsible sports betting and prediction market practices.
The campaign, which will launch during the upcoming season, will be conducted in collaboration with the National Council on Problem Gambling (NCPG). It will include a new advertisement spot that will be shared across social and linear platforms through NBA and WNBA-owned and affiliated channels.
NBA, WNBA talk gambling and prediction markets
The focus of the leagues’ upcoming campaign is to present the dangers that can occur when betting or trading on sports. It also hopes to convince fans that gambling and trading should be used as forms of entertainment instead of a way to generate income, regardless of how much they know about their favorite teams.
“Whether placing a sports bet or trading on a prediction market, both activities can put fans at meaningful risk when not done responsibly,” the announcement reads. “When participation becomes difficult to control, the impact can extend beyond finances to mental well-being and relationships with family and friends.”
Through the campaign, fans will be encouraged to access responsible gaming tools offered by gambling and prediction platforms, such as setting time and deposit limits on their accounts.
It also encourages users who struggle with compulsive thoughts to seek support from friends, family, professionals, or public resources.
“As the ways people engage with sports continue to evolve, it is important that fans understand the risks associated with putting money on sports outcomes,” said Scott Kaufman-Ross, NBA Head of Media Distribution and Partnerships. “Through this campaign, we want to help fans make informed decisions, understand the risk and, if they choose to bet, trade or anything similar, that they do so responsibly.”
Awareness and education
The NCPG is the country’s leading nonprofit organization focused on preventing and limiting the negative effects of problem gambling. Its focus has expanded to include trading amid the rise of prediction markets.
The Council approaches its efforts through programs and campaigns focused on preventing, educating, advocating, researching, and supporting individuals struggling to maintain healthy behaviors when using sports betting platforms or prediction markets. Responsible behaviors include sticking to a budget, limiting time in-app, maintaining a regular emotional cycle, and being accountable for losses.
From a broader view, the NCPG’s primary goal is to increase the public’s understanding of the risks presented by sports betting and trading before the season gets underway.
“Awareness is an important first step in preventing gambling-related harm,” said Derek Longmeier, President of the NCPG Board of Directors. “We’re proud to support a campaign that brings greater visibility to the risks of sports betting and prediction markets and puts education at the forefront, helping fans better understand the potential for harm and the resources available to those who may need help.”
The NBA previously collaborated on campaigns with the NCPG. It is now extending that effort to the WNBA, which will begin its best-of-seven championship series between the Atlanta Dream and the Golden State Valkyries on Saturday.
Roughly $71.5 million has already been traded in NBA and WNBA championship winner prediction markets offered by Kalshi and Polymarket. Sportsbooks have also taken bets in a variety of basketball-focused markets and will see a strong increase in activity when the NBA season begins on Tuesday, Oct. 20.
Fans can find more information about responsible gaming and helpful resources at ResponsiblePlay.org. Free and immediate help can be accessed by calling or texting the National Problem Gambling Helpline at 1-800-MY-RESET at any hour of the day.
The Trade Handle Prediction Markets Take
The NBA and WNBA grouping prediction markets with sports betting emphasizes the relationship between the industries, despite regulatory differences. Individuals who partake in risking money are always encouraged to do so responsibly and with an understanding that their money can be lost, meaning they should not stake more than they would be willing to part ways with in the event a wager or trade loses.