Draymond Green gives his take on NBA sports betting ties
The Golden State Warriors star questioned whether it’s possible to truly separate the league from the world of sports betting.
The fallout from Thursday’s shocking news of the FBI investigation into illegal sports betting continues with key players giving their thoughts on the matter.
NBA veteran Draymond Green spoke to reporters after the Golden State Warriors victory over the Denver Nuggets on Thursday. He admitted that he had been shocked by the revelations but offered thoughtful perspective on the growth of sports betting and the recent ties to the NBA.
“For all of us, from ownership, to players, it grows the pot. And I haven’t heard anyone complaining about the pot growing.”
"From ownership, to players — it grows the pot. And I haven't heard anyone complaining about the pot growing."
— KNBR (@KNBR) October 24, 2025
Draymond Green gives a long answer in light of the gambling scandal and isn't here to condemn the NBA for partnering with sports betting companies. pic.twitter.com/DkYLyAnTac
“The business is the business,” Green continued. “I am not going to sit here and condemn the league for partnering with gambling, sports betting companies like the businesses is the business. And you know it is what it is, I wish everybody well.”
“It is a tough moment for the individuals involved, it is a tough moment for the league, but I am not going to sit here and be like, ‘Man, y’all partnered with a gambling company, you opened a can of worms.’ Like that can of worms can be opened with partnering with gambling companies or not."
Until 2012 there was a federal ban of sports betting in the United States outside of Nevada. In 2014 NBA commission Adam Silver was one of the most vocal proponents of legalization, calling for “a federal framework that allows states to authorize betting on professional sports.”
By 2018 the league had announced MGM Resorts as its official gambling partner, going on to sign further deals with DraftKings and FanDuel. As of 2025, sports betting is legal in 38 states and gambling is increasingly integrated in the ways that fans views and experience sports.
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