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Last month, we learned more about the ongoing NBA betting probe with high-profile NBA arrests linked to rigging and player props; meanwhile, MLB is pushing to ban micro props. The NCAA delayed the controversial athlete betting rule amid backlash. Regulators seek to end Rhode Island's sports betting monopoly, while Evolution expanded live dealer offerings and Underdog secured NHL partnerships ahead of Missouri's launch.
TL;DR: A Bite-sized Overview:
- Multiple high-profile arrests in NBA gambling probe: Billups, Rozier, and Jones face federal charges for insider betting and rigged poker.
- MLB seeking to ban micro props: League secures operator agreements to eliminate specific in-game wagers.
- OpticOdds and Pragmatic Play aim to improve their props offerings: Partnership expands US player prop coverage amid scrutiny.
- NCAA delays controversial betting rule: Backlash pushes athlete wagering allowance to November 22.
- Underdog partners with St. Louis Blues: Multi-year deal targets Missouri betting launch.
- Rhode Island eyes multi-operator market for sports betting: RFI draws eight bids to end IGT monopoly in 2026.
- Evolution adds Ezugi in NJ: New live dealer titles stream from Atlantic City studio.
- Crazy Time launches in CT: Evolution completes US rollout of top game show.
NBA's Billups, Rozier, and Jones Arrested in Federal Gambling Probe
Portland Trail Blazers coach Chauncey Billups, Miami Heat guard Terry Rozier, and former Cavaliers assistant Damon Jones were arrested in a federal investigation into illegal sports betting and Mafia-linked poker games.
Their arrests are part of 34 arrests across 11 states involving tens of millions in wagers. Rozier allegedly used insider information to profit from prop bets on seven NBA games between March 2023 and March 2024, including intentionally exiting three games to influence "under" totals.
Billups is accused of acting as a "face card" to lure victims into rigged high-stakes poker tournaments using cheating technology, benefiting Bonanno, Gambino, Lucchese, and Genovese crime families.
Jones reportedly sold non-public injury data, with ties to a prominent NBA player, possibly LeBron James.
The NBA placed Billups and Rozier on immediate leave, with Portland naming Tiago Splitter interim coach. The case, linked to the Jontay Porter scandal, underscores the risks of prop bets, with US sportsbooks flagging abnormal "under" activity..
MLB Pushes Operators to Ban ‘Micro Prop’ Bets
While the NBA betting scandal is unfolding, Major League Baseball is collaborating with sports betting operators to eliminate "micro prop" wagers on specific in-game actions, such as pitcher strikeouts or innings completed, according to Ohio Governor Mike DeWine.
In an October 2025 interview with The Columbus Dispatch, DeWine revealed Commissioner Rob Manfred’s office secured agreements with nearly all major operators, except one, to ban these bets, citing threats to game integrity.
DeWine called micro props "very dangerous," noting their prevalence in live betting, which exceeds 50% of FanDuel and DraftKings handle. The push follows FBI arrests of NBA figures in a gambling probe and echoes DeWine’s July call for a ban after Cleveland Guardians pitchers were investigated. He favors a nationwide solution but may direct the Ohio Casino Control Commission to act post-World Series if needed, potentially via swift league-requested rules, similar to the 2024 college prop ban.
OpticOdds and Pragmatic Play Partner to Expand US Player Prop Markets
At a time when major sports leagues are pushing back on player props, we’re seeing providers make efforts to improve their offerings. OpticOdds, provider of real-time sports betting data feeds, announced a partnership with Pragmatic Play to enhance US player prop market coverage for Pragmatic's Sportsbook vertical. The integration delivers OpticOdds' ultra-low-latency odds feed, enabling operators to offer a broader range of player-focused bets with precise, real-time pricing across NBA, NFL, and MLB leagues.
OpticOdds CCO Ryan Weinstock emphasized equipping operators with reliable data to engage with wagers and maintain integrity. Pragmatic Play SVP of Sports Gareth Crook highlighted strengthening US coverage through comprehensive player props, adding to diverse data options for operators.
The deal supports the $30 billion US sports betting market, where player props account for 40% of volume, amid regulatory calls to limit micro props to protect integrity. It positions Pragmatic Play to compete with DraftKings and FanDuel, leveraging OpticOdds' feeds for low-latency trading solutions in a sector projected to grow 12% annually.
NCAA Delays College Athlete Betting Rule Amid Backlash and Investigations
In early October 2025, the NCAA initially approved a policy shift allowing college athletes and staff to bet on professional sports, effective November 1, while maintaining bans on college wagers, outcome manipulation, and insider sharing.
The Division I Administrative Committee endorsed the proposal to align with legalized betting in most states, focusing enforcement on integrity threats, as stated by chair Josh Whitman. The Student-Athlete Advisory Committee supported it for promoting education over punishment.
However, backlash prompted the Division I Board to delay implementation to November 22, coinciding with a 30-day rescission period where schools could overturn it. SEC Commissioner Greg Sankey urged rescission in a letter to President Charlie Baker, citing risks to integrity and welfare, advocating refined guardrails. ACC coaches like Pittsburgh's Pat Narduzzi called it "stupid," comparing gambling to addictive habits amid NBA arrest scandals.
Underdog Partners with St. Louis Blues Ahead of Missouri Betting Launch
Underdog signed a multi-year marketing partnership with the St. Louis Blues last month, becoming the NHL team's first online gambling partner as Missouri prepares for its December 1 sports betting launch.
The deal, announced October 15, aims to enhance fan engagement with in-arena promotions at Enterprise Center, broadcast integrations, and digital campaigns using Blues IP for home and away games.
Underdog, with a pending Missouri Gaming Commission license via a Kansas City Royals access agreement, currently offers fantasy sports in the state and licensed betting in North Carolina. Blues’ CRO Steve Chapman praised Underdog's in-person activations, while Underdog Strategy Director Joshua Anderson highlighted authentic connections with passionate fans.
Rhode Island Aims to End Online Sports Betting Monopoly in 2026
Rhode Island Lottery regulators are evaluating expanding the state's online sports gambling market to multiple operators starting in 2026, ending the current monopoly held by Sportsbook RI.
The agency received eight responses from interested companies, including Bally’s, Fanatics, Kambi, DraftKings, BetMGM, OpenBet, FanDuel, and IGT.
Lottery spokesperson Paul Grimaldi stated the agency is assessing feasibility and may issue a request for proposals soon. Bally’s expressed interest in an RFP, Fanatics supported competition, and DraftKings backed prior legislation for three to five operators. Bills to expand access passed the Senate earlier this year but stalled in the House.
Advocates argue that more apps could recapture revenue lost to Massachusetts ($11 million in August) and Connecticut ($13 million), where Rhode Island's single app generated only $3 million. A University of New Hampshire Survey Center survey found that 15% of Rhode Islanders bet on sports, compared with 18% in Massachusetts. Opponents warn of increased youth exposure, as Rhode Island allows betting from age 18, unlike the 21 minimum in neighboring states.
Evolution Rolls Out Ezugi Live Dealer Games in the US Market
Evolution has launched Ezugi, its second live dealer brand, in New Jersey, expanding the catalogs of US online casino operators. Titles like EZ Baccarat with Panda 8 and Dragon 7 side bets, Ultimate Auto Roulette with circus-themed chromakey, and upcoming Revolution Roulette with 2x-5x multipliers stream from Evolution’s Atlantic City studio.
Operators gain integrated access to Ezugi alongside Evolution’s core live games, enhancing player variety. A new Grand Rapids, Michigan studio, opening H1 2026, will host both brands, including Ultimate Roulette and 000 Roulette. Evolution North America CEO Jacob Claesson called it a key growth step, complementing world-leading game shows with Ezugi’s distinctive portfolio tailored for US audiences.
Ezugi also plans the US launch of Marble Race, an RNG-based marble racing game with operator branding options.
Evolution Launches ‘Crazy Time’ Live Game Show in Connecticut
Evolution rolled out its flagship live game show, Crazy Time, in Connecticut, completing its US rollout across all six legal states with live dealer operations: New Jersey, Pennsylvania, West Virginia, Michigan, Delaware, and Connecticut. Streaming from Evolution’s Connecticut studio, the game features a money wheel, Top Slot, and four bonus rounds: Cash Hunt, Pachinko, Coin Flip, and Crazy Time. The game features multipliers up to 10,000x.