On May 14, 2018, the United States Supreme Court overturned the Professional and Amateur Sports Protection Act of 1992, a federal law that had primarily limited legal sports betting to Nevada for 26 years. This monumental ruling opened the floodgates for legal gambling across the nation, impacting two major American interests: sports and wagering.
States rapidly moved to establish and tax legal sports betting markets, and professional sports leagues quickly formed partnerships with betting companies. Six years later, legal betting is permitted in 39 states, the District of Columbia, and Puerto Rico, with over $330 billion already wagered through these new state-regulated platforms. However, as betting activity has surged, so too have associated controversies.
In the last two years, numerous professional and college athletes and coaches have faced suspensions or termination 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 were initiated into suspicious betting activity surrounding Temple men`s basketball and prop bets related to Toronto Raptors reserve center Jontay Porter. The NBA issued a lifetime ban to Porter after their investigation concluded he shared confidential information with bettors, limited his participation in games, and bet on NBA games while playing in the G League.
Industry regulators and sports leagues maintain that the legal framework is effective, arguing that increased transparency in betting helps identify irregularities. Nevertheless, incidents, including players betting on games they are involved in, continue to occur.
Simultaneously, the long-standing underground betting market in the U.S. remains active. Unlicensed bookmakers offer credit and attract high-profile clients seeking discretion. Ippei Mizuhara, former interpreter for Los Angeles Dodgers star Shohei Ohtani, was dismissed in March for engaging with such a bookie. Mizuhara later surrendered to authorities following accusations from prosecutors that he embezzled over $16 million from Ohtani`s bank account.
With major states like California and Texas yet to legalize sports betting, the U.S. market has significant potential for expansion, and public interest in betting is high. The ultimate size of the American betting market is uncertain, but one safe prediction is that more controversies will inevitably arise.
2018
May 14, 2018: Supreme Court Lifts Federal Ban on Sports Gambling
The U.S. Supreme Court voted 6-3 to invalidate the Professional and Amateur Sports Protections Act, a 1992 law that barred state-authorized sports wagering except primarily in Nevada. This decision, concluding a nearly six-year legal dispute, enabled any interested state to legalize sports gambling.
2019
Nov. 29, 2019: NFL Indefinitely Suspends Josh Shaw
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 that wagered 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 included advertising space at Colorado`s sports venues and on radio broadcasts.
2021
May 26, 2021: Capital One Arena Opens On-Site Sportsbook
Capital One Arena in Washington, D.C., became the first professional sports venue in the U.S. to feature a fully operational sportsbook, following a 10-year lease agreement between Monumental Sports (owners of the Wizards, Mystics, Capitals) and William Hill Sportsbook.
Oct. 8, 2021: Sporting KC`s Felipe Hernandez Suspended by MLS
An independent investigation revealed that Sporting Kansas City player Felipe Hernandez engaged in “extensive and unlawful sports gambling,” including betting on MLS games. Hernandez had previously alerted his team to his gambling issues, citing safety concerns over accumulated debts.
2022
March 7, 2022: Calvin Ridley Receives One-Year NFL Suspension
Atlanta Falcons receiver Calvin Ridley was suspended for at least the 2022 season after it was found he gambled on NFL games over five days 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: Jets WR Coach Miles Austin Suspended for One Year
Miles Austin, the New York Jets wide receivers coach, received a minimum one-year suspension for violating the NFL`s gambling rules. The league`s investigation found he bet on non-NFL sports, which is prohibited for team personnel.
2023
Jan. 19, 2023: UFC Stricter Gambling Rules, Hires Integrity Firm
Amid investigations into unusual betting patterns, the UFC revised its fight code of conduct to include stricter language on wagering and partnered with sports wagering monitoring firm U.S. Integrity. This followed suspicious betting activity 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 deal after nearly three years, citing mutual benefit. This came shortly after the American Gaming Association released updated guidelines recommending against such partnerships between sportsbooks and colleges.
April 21, 2023: Five NFL Players Suspended for Gambling
Detroit Lions players Quintez Cephus (WR), C.J. Moore (S), and Washington Commanders defensive end Shaka Toney received indefinite suspensions for betting on NFL games. Lions wide receiver Jameson Williams and Stanley Berryhill were suspended for six games for mobile betting at the team facility on non-NFL sports.
May 4, 2023: Alabama Fires Head Baseball Coach Brad Bohannon
Alabama`s head baseball coach Brad Bohannon was fired following suspicious wagering on an Alabama-LSU game. Ohio regulators had halted betting on the game after detecting anomalies. Federal prosecutors alleged an Indiana businessman communicated with Bohannon before betting against the Crimson Tide.
May 8, 2023: Iowa and Iowa State Gambling Investigations Begin
Investigations at the University of Iowa and Iowa State University were announced, involving over three dozen athletes from multiple sports (baseball, football, basketball, track, wrestling) and an Iowa athletic department employee, suspected of violating NCAA gambling rules.
June 29, 2023: NFL Suspends Four Players for Gambling Violations
Indianapolis Colts` Isaiah Rodgers Sr. and Rashod Berry, along with free agent Demetrius Taylor, were suspended by the NFL through at least the 2023 season for betting on NFL games in 2022. Rodgers claimed he placed bets for others.
Sept. 29, 2023: Jameson Williams Reinstated as NFL Modifies Policy
The NFL updated its gambling policy, imposing harsher penalties: at least two years for betting on one`s own team, one year for betting on any NFL game, and shorter suspensions (2 games first offense, 6 second, 1+ year third) for betting on non-NFL sports at team facilities or during travel. Jameson Williams was reinstated under the new policy.
Oct 26, 2023: NHL Player Shane Pinto Suspended 41 Games
Ottawa Senators center Shane Pinto received a 41-game suspension for violating the NHL`s sports wagering policy. Details were unclear, but his online gambling account in the U.S. was flagged for unusual activity by an integrity partner.
Oct. 27, 2023: Two Korn Ferry Tour Golfers Suspended
Vince India (three months) and Jake Staiano (six months), golfers on the PGA Tour`s developmental circuit, were suspended for placing bets on PGA Tour events. Neither player wagered on tournaments in which they participated.
2024
Jan. 25, 2024: Patriots` Kayshon Boutte Arrested Over LSU Betting
Louisiana State police arrested New England Patriots wide receiver Kayshon Boutte on charges including felony computer fraud and misdemeanor underage gambling. Boutte allegedly used an alias to bet on sports in Louisiana while under 21, from April 2022 to May 2023, during his time at LSU.
March 8, 2024: Temple Investigates Unusual Betting Activity
Watchdog firm U.S. Integrity flagged at least one Temple men`s basketball game for suspicious betting patterns, leading sportsbooks like Caesars and FanDuel to halt wagering on the game.
March 12, 2024: Ex-Jaguars Employee Amit Patel Sentenced for Fraud
Amit Patel, a former Jacksonville Jaguars employee, received a 6 ½ year prison sentence after pleading guilty to stealing $22 million from the team over 3 ½ years. He transferred approximately $20 million to FanDuel and $1 million to DraftKings, using the remainder for other expenses.
March 20, 2024: Dodgers Fire Shohei Ohtani`s Interpreter Ippei Mizuhara
Ippei Mizuhara, Shohei Ohtani`s interpreter, was fired amidst allegations of “massive theft” related to gambling debts. Questions arose after at least $4.5 million in wire transfers were sent from Ohtani`s bank account to a bookmaking operation under federal investigation. Initially, an Ohtani spokesman stated Ohtani sent funds to cover Mizuhara`s debt.
March 25, 2024: NBA Investigates Raptors` Jontay Porter
Multiple sources reported the NBA was investigating Toronto Raptors forward Jontay Porter regarding prop bets placed on games involving himself on January 26 and March 20.
March 27, 2024: NCAA President Calls for Ban on College Prop Bets
NCAA president Charlie Baker advocated for banning college prop bets to protect “the integrity and competition” of games and prevent harassment of student-athletes.
April 11, 2024: Prosecutors Allege Mizuhara Stole Over $16 Million from Ohtani
Federal authorities filed a complaint accusing Ippei Mizuhara of bank fraud, claiming he stole more than $16 million from Shohei Ohtani`s account to pay off gambling debts. Prosecutors stated Ohtani was considered a victim.
April 17, 2024: NBA Bans Jontay Porter for Life
The NBA announced a lifetime ban for Jontay Porter after its investigation concluded he violated league rules by sharing confidential information with bettors, deliberately limiting his game participation for betting reasons, and betting on NBA games.
June 3, 2024: Padres` Marcano Faces Potential Lifetime Ban
San Diego Padres infielder Tucupita Marcano faced a potential lifetime ban for betting on baseball games. Sources confirmed MLB received information indicating he wagered on Pittsburgh Pirates games while he was a member of that team the previous season.
June 4, 2024: Marcano Banned for Life; Four Others Suspended One Year
MLB declared Tucupita Marcano permanently ineligible for violating betting policies. Additionally, Oakland Athletics pitcher Michael Kelly, Padres minor leaguer Jay Groome, Phillies minor leaguer José Rodríguez, and Diamondbacks minor leaguer Andrew Saalfrank were suspended for one year for similar violations.
June 14, 2024: MLB Disciplines Umpire Pat Hoberg
Umpire Pat Hoberg was disciplined by MLB for violating gambling rules, though the specific nature was not disclosed. Hoberg denied betting on baseball and is appealing, but has not umpired a game this season.
Aug. 15, 2024: Notre Dame Suspends Men`s Swim Team
An external review led to the Notre Dame men`s swim team being suspended for at least one year. Team members were found to have violated NCAA rules by wagering on the outcomes of their own competitions and failing to maintain respect among teammates. A source indicated athletes established an internal sportsbook for their wagers but did not bet on other Notre Dame sports.
2025
Jan. 30, 2025: Terry Rozier`s 2023 Play Eyed in Federal Probe
Federal prosecutors are investigating unusual betting patterns related to the performance of former Charlotte Hornets guard Terry Rozier in a game nearly two years prior. This is part of the same investigation that led to Jontay Porter`s ban. Rozier, now with the Miami Heat, has not been charged or accused of wrongdoing. The NBA stated it reviewed the matter at the time and found no rule violations.
Feb 22, 2025: NCAA, Fresno State Investigate Betting Allegations
Fresno State and the NCAA are investigating allegations that two men`s basketball players participated in daily fantasy contests based on their own performance statistics. Sources reported that junior forward Mykell Robinson and associates allegedly bet on and entered contests involving Fresno State games he played in, specifically targeting the “under” on his points and rebounds. One major sportsbook noted increased betting interest on Robinson`s prop bets this season. Robinson was removed from the roster after a January 11 game. Separately, senior guard Jalen Weaver told ESPN he played a daily fantasy contest on his own points total. A third player, sophomore guard Zaon Collins, was held out of a game for allegedly betting on professional sports. Fresno State confirmed players were withheld from competition pending an eligibility review.
June 29: Sources: Pistons` Malik Beasley Under Federal Gambling Probe
Federal authorities are reportedly investigating Detroit Pistons guard Malik Beasley regarding allegations of gambling related to NBA games and prop bets. These allegations stem from the 2023-24 season when Beasley played for the Milwaukee Bucks. A gambling industry source noted unusually heavy betting interest on Beasley`s statistics around January 2024, citing a specific game where odds on his rebounds dramatically shifted due to betting volume, though the unusual bets ultimately lost. Beasley`s attorney stated that an investigation is not a charge and that Beasley is presumed innocent, having not been charged with anything as of now.
