Tennis Faces Betting Integrity Challenge as Insider Urges ATP and WTA to Adopt NBA-Style Measures
Jon Wertheim recently challenged the ATP and WTA over tennis's ongoing betting integrity problems. Match-fixing has been a persistent issue in tennis, not just at lower ranks but now reaching higher-profile events, especially as tournaments like the US Open form partnerships with betting companies.
Wertheim urged tennis authorities to consider restrictions similar to those recently implemented by the NBA. He highlighted how many players convicted of match-fixing by the International Tennis Integrity Agency had rankings below 1000, suggesting limits on microbets and restricting betting on challenger-level and lower matches.
NBA's New Betting Restrictions Set a Benchmark
This week, the NBA limited wagers on who scores the first basket and bets on players expected to play fewer than 12 minutes per game. The league sent letters to sportsbooks such as FanDuel, DraftKings, and Fanatics, outlining these new restrictions.
Additionally, NBA governance chief Dan Spillane announced enhanced training for teams, led by former NFL player Charles Tillman, to educate players and staff on betting-related risks. The league also updated its NBA Fan Code of Conduct to address harassment stemming from betting-related threats toward players.
"For us, whether it’s called a prediction market or sports betting, it’s the same issues for our league, and I think for all leagues," NBA Commissioner Adam Silver told CNBC. "There are issues around integrity first and foremost."
ATP and WTA Respond with New Player Protection Rules for 2027
Unlike the NBA, the ATP and WTA have yet to impose measures on the same scale, though their new 2027 rules mark a shift. Tournaments with betting partners will be required to contribute 10% of relevant contract revenue toward player welfare programs designed to address safety, health, and well-being concerns linked to sports betting.
These initiatives also tackle online abuse and the sport’s broader gambling challenges, aiming to enhance protections for players both on and off the court.
Despite these steps, it remains unclear if the ATP and WTA's new policies will reduce the number of betting sponsorships in tennis events. This season, tournaments such as the Davis Cup, Nordic Open, Miami Open, Madrid Open, and US Open all featured betting partners.
Pressure Builds for Tennis to Follow NBA's Lead
The growing visibility of betting-related problems in tennis places pressure on governing bodies to act decisively. Will tennis implement tighter controls similar to the NBA’s approach? For now, the question lingers as fans and insiders watch closely.
