On May 14, 2018, a pivotal decision by the U.S. Supreme Court dismantled a 1992 federal law that had largely confined legal sports betting to Nevada for 26 years. This landmark ruling significantly altered the landscape for two popular American interests: sports and gambling.
Following the decision, states rapidly established and began taxing legal sports betting markets. Professional sports leagues quickly formed alliances with betting companies. Six years later, 39 states, along with the District of Columbia and Puerto Rico, have legal betting markets, witnessing over $330 billion wagered through regulated sportsbooks. However, this surge in betting activity has been accompanied by a rise in controversies.
Over the past two years, numerous professional and college athletes and coaches have faced suspensions or terminations due to gambling violations. At least one individual has admitted guilt to obstruction charges linked to a college baseball betting scandal. Early in 2024, investigations arose concerning suspicious betting surrounding Temple men`s basketball and prop bets involving Toronto Raptors player Jontay Porter. The NBA ultimately banned Porter for life after finding he shared confidential information, limited his play in a game, and bet on NBA games while in the G League.
Both the gaming industry and sports leagues contend that the legal system is effective, as the increased transparency of betting activities helps identify irregularities. Nevertheless, incidents, including players wagering on games they are involved in, continue to occur.
Simultaneously, the longstanding underground betting market in the U.S. persists, with unlicensed bookmakers providing credit and attracting clients, some high-profile, seeking anonymity. Ippei Mizuhara, formerly interpreter for baseball star Shohei Ohtani, was fired in March for using such a bookie. Mizuhara later surrendered to authorities amid allegations he stole over $16 million from Ohtani`s account.
With major states like California and Texas yet to legalize sports betting, the U.S. market holds significant potential for expansion, and public interest in betting remains strong. The ultimate size of the American betting market is uncertain, but it`s highly probable that more controversies will emerge.
2018
May 14, 2018: Supreme Court Overturns Federal Sports Gambling Ban
The U.S. Supreme Court, in a 6-3 ruling, struck down the Professional and Amateur Sports Protection Act of 1992, which had restricted state-authorized sports gambling primarily to Nevada. This decision, concluding nearly six years of legal dispute, allowed any state interested in legalizing sports gambling to do so.
2019
Nov. 29, 2019: NFL Suspends Josh Shaw Indefinitely
Josh Shaw became the first active NFL player, though on injured reserve at the time, to be suspended for betting on league games. He openly placed bets at a Las Vegas sportsbook, including a parlay bet against his own team, the Arizona Cardinals.
2020
Sept. 8, 2020: University of Colorado Partners with PointsBet
The University of Colorado signed a five-year sponsorship agreement with Denver-based sports betting company PointsBet. The deal allowed the operator to display advertising at the university`s football stadium and basketball arena, as well as on radio broadcasts and other media.
2021
May 26, 2021: Capital One Arena Opens First In-Arena Sportsbook
Capital One Arena in Washington, D.C., home to the Wizards, Mystics, and Capitals (all owned by Monumental Sports), became the first professional sports arena in the U.S. to feature a fully operational sportsbook, following a 10-year lease agreement with William Hill Sportsbook.
Oct. 8, 2021: Sporting KC`s Felipe Hernandez Suspended for Betting
An independent investigation concluded that Sporting Kansas City player Felipe Hernandez engaged in “extensive and unlawful sports gambling,” including betting on MLS games. Hernandez had previously informed the team about his gambling issues and concerns for his personal safety due to debts.
2022
March 7, 2022: NFL Suspends Calvin Ridley for One Year
Atlanta Falcons receiver Calvin Ridley was suspended for at least the entire 2022 season after the NFL determined he gambled on games during a five-day period in November 2021 while on the non-football injury list. Reports indicated his bets included parlays featuring the Falcons winning. He was reinstated in March 2023.
Dec. 23, 2022: New York Jets Coach Miles Austin Suspended
Jets wide receiver coach Miles Austin received at least a one-year suspension for violating the NFL`s gambling policy. An investigation found Austin gambled on sports, although not on NFL or college football games, which still breached the policy for league personnel.
2023
Jan. 19, 2023: UFC Updates Gambling Rules Amid Investigations
The UFC strengthened its fight code of conduct regarding wagering and partnered with U.S. Integrity, a monitoring firm. This action followed suspicious betting patterns detected before a fight between Darrick Minner and Shayilan Nuerdanbieke.
March 29, 2023: Colorado and PointsBet End Partnership Early
The University of Colorado and PointsBet jointly announced the early termination of their sponsorship, citing mutual benefit. This came a day after the American Gaming Association issued revised guidelines discouraging similar partnerships between sportsbooks and colleges.
April 21, 2023: Five NFL Players Suspended for Gambling
Detroit Lions players Quintez Cephus, C.J. Moore, and Washington Commanders defensive end Shaka Toney received indefinite suspensions for betting on NFL games. Lions players Jameson Williams and Stanley Berryhill were suspended for six games for placing mobile bets while at the team facility, although not on NFL games.
May 4, 2023: Alabama Baseball Coach Brad Bohannon Fired
Brad Bohannon, Alabama`s head baseball coach, was fired following links to suspicious betting activity on the team`s game against LSU. Gambling regulators in Ohio initially halted betting on college baseball involving Alabama after detecting unusual wagering patterns. Federal prosecutors alleged an Indiana businessman communicated with Bohannon before the game and then bet against the Crimson Tide.
May 8, 2023: Iowa and Iowa State Launch Gambling Investigations
The Universities of Iowa and Iowa State announced investigations into more than three dozen athletes across multiple sports (baseball, football, men`s basketball, men`s track and field, wrestling) and one Iowa athletic department employee, suspected of violating NCAA gambling rules.
June 29, 2023: NFL Suspends Four More Players
Indianapolis Colts players Isaiah Rodgers Sr. and Rashod Berry, along with free agent Demetrius Taylor, were suspended through at least the 2023 season by the NFL for betting on NFL games in 2022. Rodgers stated his bets were placed for others, whom he did not name.
Sept. 29, 2023: NFL Modifies Gambling Policy and Reinstates Player
The NFL revised its gambling policy to impose stricter penalties: betting on one`s own team results in a minimum two-year suspension, betting on any NFL game results in a one-year suspension. Betting on non-NFL sports from team facilities or during team travel now incurs escalating penalties (two games for first offense, six for second, at least a year for third). Following these changes, Jameson Williams was reinstated.
Oct 26, 2023: NHL Player Shane Pinto Suspended
Ottawa Senators center Shane Pinto received a 41-game suspension for violating the NHL`s sports wagering policy. While the specific violation details were not fully disclosed, reports indicated an NHL integrity partner flagged unusual activity on his online gambling account in the U.S.
Oct. 27, 2023: Two Korn Ferry Tour Golfers Suspended
Vince India and Jake Staiano, golfers on the PGA Tour`s developmental circuit, were suspended for three and six months, respectively, for placing bets on PGA Tour competitions. Neither player wagered on events they participated in.
2024
Jan. 25, 2024: Patriots Player Kayshon Boutte Arrested
New England Patriots wide receiver Kayshon Boutte was arrested in Louisiana facing charges including a felony count of computer fraud and a misdemeanor for gambling under the age of 21, stemming from alleged illegal betting activity while he was a student at LSU. He is accused of using an alias to bypass age restrictions and place bets between April 2022 and May 2023, during which he was 20.
March 8, 2024: Temple Basketball Gambling Review
Watchdog company U.S. Integrity flagged unusual betting activity concerning at least one Temple men`s basketball game. This prompted several sportsbooks, including Caesars Sportsbook and FanDuel, to temporarily halt betting on the game.
March 12, 2024: Ex-Jaguars Employee Sentenced for Fraud
Amit Patel, a former Jacksonville Jaguars employee, was sentenced to 6 ยฝ years in prison after pleading guilty to stealing $22 million from the team. Over 3ยฝ years, Patel reportedly transferred approximately $20 million to FanDuel and $1 million to DraftKings, using the remaining stolen funds for other expenses.
March 20, 2024: Shohei Ohtani`s Interpreter Fired Amid Theft Allegations
Ippei Mizuhara, interpreter for Los Angeles Dodgers star Shohei Ohtani, was fired following questions regarding wire transfers totaling at least $4.5 million from Ohtani`s bank account to a bookmaking operation under federal investigation. Initially, a spokesman for Ohtani stated Ohtani had transferred the funds to cover Mizuhara`s gambling debt.
March 25, 2024: NBA Investigates Jontay Porter
Reports surfaced that the NBA was investigating Toronto Raptors forward Jontay Porter for alleged involvement in prop bets related to his own performance in games on January 26 and March 20.
March 27, 2024: NCAA President Calls for Ban on College Prop Bets
NCAA President Charlie Baker publicly advocated for a ban on college prop bets. He argued this measure is necessary to protect the integrity of competition and prevent harassment of both student and professional athletes.
April 11, 2024: Prosecutors Allege Mizuhara Stole Over $16 Million
Federal authorities filed a complaint accusing Ippei Mizuhara of bank fraud, alleging he stole more than $16 million from Shohei Ohtani to cover his gambling debts. Prosecutors clarified that Ohtani was considered a victim in the case.
April 17, 2024: NBA Bans Jontay Porter for Life
The NBA announced a lifetime ban for Jontay Porter. The league`s investigation found Porter violated rules by sharing confidential information with bettors, limiting his participation in at least one game for betting purposes, and betting on NBA games himself.
June 3, 2024: Padres Player Faces Potential Lifetime Ban
San Diego Padres infielder Tucupita Marcano reportedly faced a potential lifetime ban from baseball. Information received by Major League Baseball indicated he placed wagers on games involving the Pittsburgh Pirates during the previous season when he was a member of that team.
June 4, 2024: Marcano Receives Lifetime Ban; Four Others Suspended
MLB declared San Diego Padres infielder Tucupita Marcano permanently ineligible for violating the league`s sports betting policies. Additionally, Oakland Athletics pitcher Michael Kelly, Padres minor leaguer Jay Groome, Phillies minor leaguer Josรฉ Rodrรญguez, and Diamondbacks minor leaguer Andrew Saalfrank were each suspended for one year for betting violations.
June 14, 2024: MLB Disciplines Umpire
MLB disciplined umpire Pat Hoberg for violating the league`s gambling rules. The specifics of the discipline were not made public. Hoberg has denied betting on baseball and is appealing the ruling; he has not umpired a game this season.
Aug. 15, 2024: Notre Dame Swim Team Suspended for Gambling
Notre Dame suspended its men`s swim team for at least one year following an external review. The review found team members violated NCAA rules by wagering on the outcomes of their own competitions and failing to uphold team conduct standards. According to a source, the athletes created an internal sportsbook for wagers but did not bet on competitors or other Notre Dame athletic events.
2025
Jan. 30, 2025: Investigators Eye Terry Rozier`s Play in 2023 Game
Federal prosecutors are reportedly investigating unusual betting patterns related to the performance of former Charlotte Hornets guard Terry Rozier in a game nearly two years prior. This investigation is part of the same probe that led to Jontay Porter`s ban. Rozier, who was with the Hornets at the time and now plays for the Miami Heat, has not been charged or accused of wrongdoing. The NBA stated it reviewed the matter previously and found no league rules violations.
Feb 22, 2025: NCAA, Fresno State Investigate Betting Allegations
Fresno State and the NCAA are investigating allegations involving members of the men`s basketball team. Sources indicate junior forward Mykell Robinson and associates may have participated in daily fantasy sports contests based on his own performance, including betting on the under for his points and rebounds in games he played. Senior guard Jalen Weaver admitted to playing a daily fantasy contest on his own point total in one game. A third player, sophomore guard Zaon Collins, was withheld from a game for allegedly betting on professional sports.
June 29: Sources Report Pistons` Malik Beasley Subject of Federal Probe
Federal authorities are reportedly investigating Detroit Pistons guard Malik Beasley regarding allegations related to betting on NBA games and prop bets. Sources indicate the allegations stem from the 2023-24 season when Beasley played for the Milwaukee Bucks. Unusual betting interest on Beasley`s statistics was reportedly detected by at least one prominent U.S. sportsbook, particularly noting activity before a game against the Portland Trail Blazers on January 31, 2024, where odds on him recording under 2.5 rebounds shifted significantly due to a surge in bets.
“An investigation is not a charge,” Beasley`s attorney stated. “Malik is afforded the same right of the presumption of innocence as anyone else under the U.S. Constitution. As of now he has not been charged with anything.”
