The NBA has launched an investigation into betting irregularities surrounding Toronto Raptors forward Jontay Porter’s performance in games against the Los Angeles Clippers and Sacramento Kings. These irregularities are related to “prop bets” which allowed gamblers to wager on whether Porter would exceed certain benchmarks for points, rebounds, assists, and 3-pointers. Porter was removed early from both games, with bets on the “Under” for Porter prop bets proving to be lucrative for bettors. While Porter has not been formally accused of wrongdoing, the NBA is concerned about the possibility of fixed games.
The NBA’s investigation is likely to involve working with sportsbooks and outside experts to identify suspicious bets and connections between Porter and the bettors. Investigators will also look at the timing and amount of wagers, social media records, and potentially even cryptocurrency transactions. Interviews with team personnel and possibly even bettors may be conducted, although without law enforcement involvement, obtaining private records may be challenging. The repeal of PASPA in 2018 and the subsequent legalization of sports betting in many states have increased integrity risks in professional sports.
The proliferation of sports betting and advertising since the repeal of PASPA has raised concerns about the integrity of sports. Pro player prop bets, in particular, have become more common, presenting new risks for leagues and associations. While match-fixing risks are not new, the regulation and increased visibility of sports betting have highlighted these issues. The NBA has been proactive in partnering with companies like Sportradar for fraud monitoring services in anticipation of these risks.
Guardrails have been put in place in today’s sports betting environment to prevent and detect illegal activity. Proactively, sportsbooks have limits on wager amounts and extensive identification requirements for customers. Reactively, data analyses are used to monitor market activity for signs of fraud. These controls, along with the financial incentives for professional athletes to maintain the integrity of the game, help to keep fixed games at bay. The proliferation of sports betting has shed light on integrity issues, rather than causing them.
The investigation into Jontay Porter’s performance-related prop bets serves as a reminder of the risks associated with sports betting and the importance of maintaining integrity in sports. With the legalization of sports betting in many states, these risks are likely to persist. However, the safeguards in place, along with the incentives for athletes to play honestly, will hopefully continue to prevent and detect illegal activity in professional sports. The NBA’s investigation into Porter’s games highlights the need for continued vigilance and monitoring in the ever-evolving sports betting landscape.
