The NFL, MLB, NBA, NHL, and MLS, along with their respective players' unions, have jointly called for increased action against online abuse from sports bettors. A letter sent to gambling regulators in 35 states and the District of Columbia urges officials to implement policies that would penalize individuals who harass or threaten athletes, coaches, officials, or their families.
The leagues are advocating for a lifetime ban from legal sportsbooks for those found to have engaged in such behavior. They also propose the establishment of a unified reporting mechanism that would allow for the swift transfer of evidence of threats to regulators and law enforcement, ultimately leading to a shared exclusion list across states.
"Too often, individuals who lose sports bets direct threatening and harassing messages toward players, coaches, and their families via social media and in-person interactions," the letter states. "Threatening the safety of an athlete or their family members over a sports bet crosses a bright ethical and criminal line, and it is entirely unacceptable."
The issue has gained prominence as online sports betting has expanded. According to a 2024 NCAA report, one in three high-profile athletes have experienced abuse from individuals with a "betting interest." Professional athletes have also been targeted, with former Houston Astros pitcher Lance McCullers Jr. reporting threats to his family in May 2025 following a poor performance.
In response to escalating threats, companies like FanDuel and DraftKings have partnered with Integrity Compliance 360, a firm that utilizes AI and investigative tools to identify and ban abusive bettors. Scott Sadin, co-founder and co-CEO of IC360, noted that "threats and harassment in sports continue to escalate, threatening the safety of participants and the integrity of the ecosystem."
Matt King, CEO of Fanatics Betting and Gaming, has also described the situation as an "infuriating issue." Four states—Louisiana, Ohio, West Virginia, and Wyoming—currently have policies similar to those proposed by the leagues.
Fred VanVleet, president of the National Basketball Players Association, highlighted the burden placed on athletes due to their association with gambling, stating, "We carry all of the burden, all of the risk and danger that comes with the association to gambling."