On May 14, 2018, shortly after 10 a.m. ET, the United States Supreme Court overturned the Professional and Amateur Sports Protection Act of 1992. This federal statute had limited legal sports betting primarily to Nevada for 26 years.
This ruling was a monumental moment for two of America`s most popular activities: sports and betting.
States quickly moved to launch legal sports betting markets and implement taxes. Professional sports leagues rapidly formed partnerships with sports betting companies. Six years later, 39 states, the District of Columbia, and Puerto Rico now have legal betting markets, with bettors having already wagered over $330 billion through state-regulated sportsbooks. However, as betting activity has grown, so have the controversies associated with gambling.
Over the past two years, numerous professional and collegiate athletes and coaches have faced suspensions or termination due to violations of gambling rules. At least one bettor has admitted guilt to obstruction charges related to a college baseball betting scandal. In early 2024, investigations were initiated concerning suspicious betting activity involving Temple men`s basketball and prop bets related to Toronto Raptors reserve center Jontay Porter. Following its investigation, the NBA banned Porter permanently after discovering he had shared confidential information with bettors, reduced his playing time in at least one game with the Raptors, and placed bets on NBA games while playing in the G League.
The sports betting industry and sports leagues argue that the legal framework is effective, claiming that the increased visibility of betting helps identify irregularities. Nevertheless, incidents, including players wagering on games in which they are involved, continue to occur.
Simultaneously, the underground betting market, which has long existed in the U.S., continues to flourish. Unlicensed bookmakers offer credit and attract some prominent individuals who may seek greater anonymity. Ippei Mizuhara, formerly interpreter for Los Angeles Dodgers star Shohei Ohtani, was dismissed in March for using such a bookmaker. Mizuhara later surrendered to authorities after prosecutors alleged he had stolen more than $16 million from Ohtani`s bank account.
California and Texas, the two largest states by population, have yet to legalize sports betting, indicating significant potential for growth in the U.S. market. Public interest in betting remains high. How large the American betting market will eventually become is uncertain. However, it is highly probable that more controversies will arise. — David Purdum
2018
May 14, 2018: Supreme Court Invalidates Federal Ban on Sports Wagering
The U.S. Supreme Court, in a 6-3 decision, overturned the Professional and Amateur Sports Protections Act, a 1992 law that had prohibited state-authorized sports betting (with Nevada being the primary exception). This ruling concluded nearly six years of legal disputes and opened the door for any state interested in legalizing sports wagering to do so.
2019
Nov. 29, 2019: NFL Suspends Josh Shaw Indefinitely
Josh Shaw became the first active player, although on injured reserve at the time, to receive a suspension for wagering on league games. He publicly placed bets at a Las Vegas sportsbook, including betting against his own team, the Arizona Cardinals, as part of a parlay wager.
2020
Sept. 8, 2020: University of Colorado Enters Sponsorship Agreement with PointsBet
The University of Colorado and Denver-based PointsBet signed a five-year deal allowing the sports betting operator to display advertising at the university`s football stadium and basketball arena, as well as through other media channels like radio broadcasts.
2021
May 26, 2021: Capital One Arena Becomes First U.S. Pro Sports Venue with Operational Sportsbook
Monumental Sports, the ownership group for the Washington Wizards, Washington Mystics, and Washington Capitals, agreed to a 10-year lease with William Hill Sportsbook, resulting in the opening of a fully functional sportsbook within Capital One Arena in Washington, D.C.
Oct. 8, 2021: Sporting KC`s Felipe Hernandez Suspended for Betting on MLS Games
An independent investigation initiated in July 2021 determined that Felipe Hernandez of Sporting Kansas City had engaged in “extensive and unlawful sports gambling,” including wagering on MLS matches, while a member of the team. Hernandez had notified the team about his gambling on July 5, expressing concerns for his personal safety due to accumulated debts.
2022
March 7, 2022: NFL Suspends Calvin Ridley for One Year
Calvin Ridley, then a wide receiver for the Atlanta Falcons, was suspended for a minimum of the entire 2022 season after the NFL concluded he had gambled on games over a five-day period in November 2021 while listed on the non-football injury list. Reports indicated these bets included multi-leg parlays that featured the Falcons winning. He was reinstated in March 2023.
Dec. 23, 2022: New York Jets WR Coach Miles Austin Suspended for One Year
Miles Austin, the wide receivers coach for the New York Jets, received a suspension of at least one year for violating the NFL`s gambling policy. The league`s investigation into Austin began after discovering he was gambling on sports other than NFL or college football games, which is prohibited by the NFL`s personnel gambling policy.
2023
Jan. 19, 2023: UFC Stricter on Gambling Rules, Hires Integrity Firm Amid Investigations
Following investigations into suspicious gambling activity preceding a fight, the UFC updated its fight code of conduct to include stricter language regarding wagering and hired U.S. Integrity, a firm specializing in monitoring sports betting. This change was prompted by unusual betting patterns observed in relation to a UFC bout between Darrick Minner and Shayilan Nuerdanbieke.
March 29, 2023: University of Colorado and PointsBet Terminate Partnership Early
The University of Colorado and SportsBet jointly announced the premature end of their partnership, stating it was “mutually beneficial,” after nearly three years. This occurred one day after the American Gaming Association released updated guidelines advising against similar partnerships between sportsbooks and universities.
April 21, 2023: Five NFL Players, Including Jameson Williams, Suspended for Gambling
Detroit Lions wide receiver Quintez Cephus, safety C.J. Moore, and Washington Commanders defensive end Shaka Toney were indefinitely suspended for placing bets on NFL games. Jameson Williams and Stanley Berryhill received six-game suspensions for mobile betting conducted at the Lions` team facility in Allen Park, though their bets were not on NFL games.
May 4, 2023: Alabama Fires Head Baseball Coach Brad Bohannon Due to Suspicious Bets
Gambling regulators in Ohio initially halted betting on college baseball games involving Alabama after suspicious wagering activity was detected for its game against LSU. Federal prosecutors later alleged that Bert Neff, an Indiana businessman, communicated with Coach Bohannon prior to an Alabama-LSU baseball game and subsequently placed bets against the Crimson Tide. Alabama dismissed Bohannon six days after betting on the game was suspended.
May 8, 2023: Investigation into Gambling at Iowa and Iowa State Universities Begins
Both the University of Iowa and Iowa State University announced that more than three dozen athletes from various sports (baseball, football, men`s basketball, men`s track and field, and wrestling) and one full-time employee of the Iowa athletic department were suspected of violating NCAA rules against sports gambling.
June 29, 2023: NFL Suspends Four More Players for Gambling Violations
Indianapolis Colts players Isaiah Rodgers Sr. and Rashod Berry, along with free agent Demetrius Taylor, were suspended by the NFL through at least the 2023 season for wagering on NFL games in 2022. Rodgers, however, claimed the bets he placed were on behalf of other individuals, whom he declined to name.
Sept. 29, 2023: Jameson Williams Reinstated After NFL Adjusts Gambling Policy
The NFL revised its gambling policies, implementing harsher penalties for players who bet on their own teams (at least a two-year suspension) and a one-year suspension for players who bet on any NFL games. Players betting on non-NFL sports while at a team facility or on team travel would now face a two-game suspension for a first offense, six games for a second, and at least one year for a third.
Oct 26, 2023: NHL Player Shane Pinto Suspended for 41 Games Over Gambling
The specific nature of Ottawa Senators center Shane Pinto`s violation of the NHL`s sports wagering policy was not fully disclosed. However, reports indicated that an online gambling account in the U.S. linked to Pinto was flagged by an NHL integrity partner due to “unusual activity.”
Oct. 27, 2023: Two Korn Ferry Tour Golfers Suspended for Sports Betting
Vince India and Jake Staiano, players on the PGA Tour`s developmental Korn Ferry Tour, received suspensions of three and six months, respectively, for placing wagers on PGA Tour competitions. Neither player bet on tournaments in which they participated.
2024
Jan. 25, 2024: Patriots` Kayshon Boutte Arrested for Alleged Illegal Betting at LSU
Louisiana State police announced charges against wide receiver Kayshon Boutte, including a felony count of computer fraud and a misdemeanor count related to gambling prohibited for individuals under 21. Authorities indicated potential additional charges as the investigation continued. Boutte allegedly used a pseudonym to circumvent age restrictions for placing sports bets in Louisiana, wagering between April 6, 2022, and May 7, 2023, while he was 20 years old.
March 8, 2024: Temple University Reviews Reports of Unusual Gambling Activity
The integrity monitoring firm U.S. Integrity flagged at least one Temple men`s basketball game for unusual betting patterns, prompting several sportsbooks, including Caesars Sportsbook and FanDuel, to suspend betting on the game.
March 12, 2024: Ex-Jaguars Employee Amit Patel Sentenced to 6 ½ Years for Fraud
Amit Patel pleaded guilty to defrauding the Jacksonville Jaguars organization of $22 million. Over a period of 3½ years, Patel stole the funds, transferring approximately $20 million to FanDuel and $1 million to DraftKings, and spending the remainder on other various expenses.
March 20, 2024: Dodgers Fire Shohei Ohtani`s Interpreter Amid Theft Allegations Linked to Gambling Debts
Ippei Mizuhara was terminated by the Los Angeles Dodgers following questions surrounding at least $4.5 million in wire transfers from Shohei Ohtani`s bank account to a bookmaking operation under federal investigation. A spokesperson for Ohtani initially told ESPN that Ohtani had transferred the money to cover Mizuhara`s gambling debts.
March 25, 2024: NBA Investigates Raptors` Jontay Porter Regarding Betting Issues
Multiple reports indicated the NBA was investigating Toronto Raptors forward Jontay Porter concerning 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 a ban on prop bets in college sports. Baker stated this measure was necessary to protect “the integrity and competition” of the games and to prevent harassment directed at student and professional athletes.
April 11, 2024: Federal Prosecutors Allege Mizuhara Stole Over $16 Million from Ohtani
Federal authorities filed a complaint accusing Ippei Mizuhara of bank fraud, linked to allegations that he stole money from Shohei Ohtani to satisfy his personal gambling debts. Prosecutors identified Ohtani as a victim in the case.
April 17, 2024: NBA Issues Lifetime Ban to Jontay Porter
The NBA announced the results of its investigation, stating that “Porter violated league rules by disclosing confidential information to sports bettors, limiting his own participation in one or more games for betting purposes, and betting on NBA games,” resulting in his permanent ban from the league.
June 3, 2024: Padres` Marcano Faces Potential Lifetime Ban
San Diego Padres infielder Tucupita Marcano was reported to be facing a potential lifetime ban from baseball. Sources confirmed that Major League Baseball received information indicating he had wagered on games involving the Pittsburgh Pirates during the previous season when he was with that team.
June 4, 2024: Marcano Receives Lifetime Ban; Four Other Players Suspended for One Year
For violating MLB`s sports betting rules and policies, the league declared San Diego Padres infielder Tucupita Marcano permanently ineligible. Additionally, Oakland Athletics pitcher Michael Kelly, Padres minor league pitcher Jay Groome, Philadelphia Phillies minor league infielder José Rodríguez, and Arizona Diamondbacks minor league pitcher Andrew Saalfrank were all declared ineligible for one year.
June 14, 2024: MLB Disciplines Umpire for Gambling Rule Violation
Umpire Pat Hoberg received disciplinary action for violating Major League Baseball`s gambling regulations, though the specifics of the discipline were not disclosed. Hoberg denied betting on baseball and is appealing the decision, but he has not officiated a game during the current season.
Aug. 15, 2024: Notre Dame Suspends Men`s Swim Team for at Least One Year Due to Gambling
An external review found that members of the Notre Dame men`s swim team violated NCAA rules by wagering on the outcomes of their own competitions and failed to uphold standards of “dignity and respect” for one another. This resulted in the program`s suspension for a minimum of one year. According to a source, the athletes created an internal sportsbook within the team for placing bets. However, the source stated they did not wager on competitors or other Notre Dame athletic events.
2025
Jan. 30, 2025: Federal Investigators Reportedly Examining Terry Rozier`s Play in a 2023 Game
Federal prosecutors are reportedly investigating unusual betting patterns surrounding the performance of former Charlotte Hornets guard Terry Rozier in a game played nearly two years prior. This investigation is said to be linked to the same inquiry that led to Porter`s lifetime ban. The Wall Street Journal first reported that Rozier, who played for the Hornets at the time and is now with the Miami Heat, has not been charged with any crime nor accused of wrongdoing. The NBA stated it had previously reviewed the matter and found no violation of league rules.
Feb 22, 2025: NCAA, Fresno State Investigating Betting Allegations
Fresno State and the NCAA are investigating claims that two men`s basketball players participated in daily fantasy sports contests based on their own statistics, according to sources familiar with the situation.
Sources told ESPN that junior forward Mykell Robinson and associates allegedly placed bets and entered daily fantasy sports contests involving Fresno State games in which he played. The wagers and fantasy entries reportedly included betting on the “under” for Robinson`s points and rebounds. An industry source indicated that at least one major U.S. sportsbook saw increased betting interest on Robinson`s prop bets in games this season. Robinson, a junior, was removed from the roster after playing in a January 11 game against Nevada. Attempts to contact Robinson for comment were unsuccessful.
Fresno State senior guard Jalen Weaver told ESPN on Thursday that he played a daily fantasy contest on his points total for the Bulldogs` home game against New Mexico on December 31. Weaver stated he risked $50 on the fantasy site Sleeper that he would score more than 11 points. He finished the game with 13 points in a 103-89 loss to the Lobos.
A third Fresno State player, sophomore guard Zaon Collins, was held out of the game against Air Force on Saturday for allegedly betting on professional sports, according to multiple sources familiar with the investigation.
On Saturday, when the gambling investigation was initially reported, Fresno State released a statement indicating that Weaver and Collins were “being withheld from competition as the University reviews an eligibility matter.”
June 29: Sources: Pistons` Malik Beasley Subject of Federal Gambling Probe
Federal authorities are reportedly investigating Detroit Pistons guard Malik Beasley regarding allegations of gambling related to NBA games and prop bets, sources informed ESPN on Sunday.
The allegations reportedly stem from the 2023-24 season, during which Beasley played for the Milwaukee Bucks. That season, Beasley averaged 11.3 points over 79 games, making a career-high 77 starts.
According to a gambling industry source who spoke with ESPN`s David Purdum, at least one prominent U.S. sportsbook detected unusually heavy betting interest on Beasley`s statistics starting around January 2024.
A gambling industry source specifically mentioned a game between the Bucks and the Portland Trail Blazers on January 31, 2024. The odds for Beasley recording fewer than 2.5 rebounds shifted significantly at sportsbooks before the game, shortening from around +120 to approximately -250 due to a surge of money placed on the “under” bet. Beasley ultimately finished with six rebounds, resulting in the unusual bets being unsuccessful.
“An investigation does not equate to a charge,” Beasley`s attorney, Steve Haney, told ESPN. “Malik is entitled to the same presumption of innocence as any other individual under the U.S. Constitution. As of now, he has not been charged with anything.”
