SAN FRANCISCO, California – In a major change of foundational rules, the NBA will now allow league referees to gamble on the outcome of NBA games and playoff series. The rule change was announced in a press release from NBA Commissioner Adam Silver early this morning and is effective immediately.

With this overhaul of league regulations, NBA referees will have no restrictions on monetary wagers and parlays made before and during games, though players and coaches will still be barred from any such betting.

According to Silver’s statement, referees will not be obligated to disclose their bets, but can if they would like.

Calling it a “more honest and modern approach,” the Commissioner explained that the rule change is part of his administration’s effort to reduce inefficiency in the structure and operation of the league.

“It’s about streamlining. Our goal is to root out any inefficiencies in how the league functions, and sometimes that involves updating the old rules.”

He also said the Department Of NBA Efficiency (DONE) intends to restructure other aspects of the league’s operation, and that further deregulation inquiries will be led by businessman Mark Cuban. Cuban’s team will review NBA policies and cut unnecessary regulations, while occasionally reporting to Commissioner Silver.

When Silver was asked why the former rules for referee betting needed to be updated, he responded saying, “lately this just seems to be the vibe.”