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The NBA and WNBA are launching a responsible gaming campaign with the National Council on Problem Gambling that will warn fans, particularly young adults, that betting on basketball or trading on its outcomes puts their money at risk no matter how well they know the sport.
The leagues announced the initiative Tuesday in a joint release. It will roll out during the 2026-27 NBA season with a new spot running across social and linear platforms on NBA- and WNBA-owned channels as well as partner outlets. The creative and the debut date will be announced later, the leagues said.
The campaign addresses fans who bet through US sportsbooks and sports betting apps as well as those who trade on prediction markets. According to the release, both activities “can put fans at meaningful risk when not done responsibly,” and when participation becomes difficult to control, the effects can extend beyond finances to mental well-being and relationships with family and friends.
A central message is that sports knowledge is no safeguard. The leagues said the campaign will stress that fans’ money is at risk regardless of how much they think they know, and that betting and trading should be for entertainment only, not an effort to generate income.
Fans Urged to Set Limits
Fans who choose to take part will be encouraged to understand the risks, set limits on the time and money they spend, avoid risking money they cannot afford to lose and seek support if their participation becomes difficult to manage. Working with NCPG, the NBA and WNBA will direct fans to responsible gaming education and to resources for recognizing problems and finding help.
“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, the NBA’s 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.”
Colie Edison, the WNBA’s chief growth officer, said bringing the campaign to WNBA audiences allows the league to reach more fans “with practical guidance on understanding financial risk, setting limits and recognizing when and where to find support.”
“Awareness is an important first step in preventing gambling-related harm,” said Derek Longmeier, president of the NCPG Board of Directors. He said the campaign “brings greater visibility to the risks of sports betting and prediction markets and puts education at the forefront.”
The initiative builds on the NBA’s existing responsible gaming education work with NCPG and extends it to WNBA fans. The release describes NCPG as the nation’s leading nonprofit dedicated to preventing and reducing the harms associated with problem gambling.
The announcement comes as the NBA pushes for more oversight of prediction markets. Commissioner Adam Silver said Friday that the league wants access to prediction market data so it can detect insider trading and other manipulation, arguing the platforms raise the same integrity issues as sports betting.
Researchers are also measuring harm among bettors. Interim results from a University of Nevada, Las Vegas study flagged problem gambling among Colorado sports bettors, with 7% of the gamblers examined reporting serious problems. The lead researcher said 7.3% of participants had also purchased contracts on prediction markets.
The leagues pointed fans to ResponsiblePlay.org for responsible gaming information. Anyone concerned about their own gambling or that of a loved one can call or text the National Problem Gambling Helpline at 1-800-MY-RESET for free, confidential support, available 24/7.