The NBA and WNBA, alongside their players’ and referees’ unions, have called on gambling regulators to take stronger action against betting-related harassment.
The group has renewed the call for action in a follow-up letter, following a joint appeal from the NFL, NBA, MLB, NHL and MLS earlier this month.
While the initial statement focused more on the negative consequences associated with the rise of sports betting for athletes and their families, the latest letter, obtained by The Athletic, focuses specifically on the targeted harassment faced by players from angry bettors.
The letter said the members of the organizations were facing a “marked increase in betting-related harassment and threats”, ranging from abuse in arenas and on the street to threats online and on social media.
