NBA and WNBA launch responsible gambling campaign with NCPG covering sports betting and prediction markets

The National Basketball Association and the Women's National Basketball Association have unveiled a new responsible gambling campaign created together with the National Council on Problem Gambling (NCPG). The initiative was announced on October 13, 2026, and aims to raise awareness of the risks linked to sports betting and prediction markets.

According to the announcement, the campaign will be built around a new spot that will run across NBA and WNBA channels and on social media. The leagues say both betting and prediction markets can be enjoyed safely, but that excessive engagement can get out of control and seriously affect mental health and personal relationships.

The campaign will also point out that many sports bettors overestimate their knowledge of the sport, which often results in losses. It will encourage people to treat betting and prediction markets as a pastime rather than a way to make money. In addition, it will promote safer gambling tools such as limits on the time and money spent. The NCPG will help direct audiences to resources on the risks, the warning signs of problem gambling and where to seek help.

Scott Kaufman-Ross, the NBA's head of media distributions and partnerships, said: "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." He added that educating fans is crucial to a healthy sports sector.

Colie Edison, the WNBA's chief growth officer, said the campaign would reach more fans with practical guidance on understanding financial risk, setting limits and recognizing when and where to find support. Derek Longmeier, president of the NCPG board of directors, described awareness as an "important first step in preventing gambling-related harm" and said the organization was proud to back an education-first effort.

Further details of the campaign will be released at a later date. In the meantime, the NBA directs people who are struggling to ResponsiblePlay.org for information on playing safely, or to the National Problem Gambling Helpline.