NBA Gambling Scandal Spills over Into College Basketball, Report

Last year, a betting-related scandal put a stain on the record of one recognizable basketball player. That’s the case for Jontay Porter, the former Toronto Raptors forward, who following a gambling probe was permanently banned by the National Basketball Association (NBA).

The ban was handed out in April last year after an investigation found the player allegedly placed more than 1,000 bets on sports, breaching the Association’s regulations. He was also accused of manipulation after a bet on his underperformance which would’ve granted a $1.1 million win was flagged as suspicious.

The same investigation against Porter brought scrutiny to Terry Rozier, a basketball star who currently plays for the Miami Heat. Now, a new report suggests that the federal probe, which is ongoing, is also looking into suspicious betting activities on men’s college basketball games.

Three Men’s College Basketball Teams Subject to Federal Scrutiny

As announced by ESPN, citing unnamed sources close to the matter, the same gambling ring that was involved in the suspicious bets involving Porter may have been involved in wagers on college basketball games this season. Bets, believed to be placed by the illegal gambling ring, against North Carolina A&T, Eastern Michigan and Mississippi Valley State during this season were flagged as suspicious. Reportedly, some of the same accounts that placed wagers on the underperformance of Rozier and Porter placed bets against the three aforementioned college basketball teams.

A statement released by the National Collegiate Athletics Association (NCAA) did not confirm or reject the possibility of an ongoing investigation. The Association reaffirmed its stance on sports betting, saying that it is dedicated to ensuring the integrity of its competitions and protecting the well-being of its student-athletes.

In addition, the NCAA explained that it constantly collaborates with regulators, industry stakeholders, as well as integrity monitoring companies to “conduct appropriate due diligence whenever suspicious reports are received.” Finally, the Association outlined: “Due to confidentiality rules put in place by NCAA member schools, the NCAA will not comment on current or potential investigations.”

Bets Against the Three Teams Flagged as Suspicious

College games that have been flagged for suspicious wagering activity included a game between North Carolina A&T and Delaware from January 9, 2025.

On the other hand, two games with the participation of Eastern Michigan were also identified for suspicious betting activities by integrity monitoring companies.

The recognizable betting integrity firm, Integrity Compliance 360, flagged suspicious wagering activity against Eastern Michigan during its games with Central Michigan on January 16, 2025, and Wright State on December 21, 2024.

The two flagged cases were similar as wagers for the underperformance of Eastern Michigan were placed for the first half.

The massive scandal that resulted in the ban of Porter also saw him plead guilty to conspiracy to commit wire fraud. While his sentencing was scheduled for last month, it was rescheduled to May 20, 2025.

Unlike Porter, Rozier is currently not facing any charges, nor is he accused of wrongdoing.

Still, the far-reaching investigation reaffirms that the illegal gambling ring undoubtedly operated on a large scale. It is yet to be seen if other players or college teams may represent interest for federal investigators.