• Loading stock data...
Tuesday, July 8, 2025

NBA’s Lifetime Ban Highlights Surge in Gambling-Related Incidents

  • Jontay Porter’s lifetime ban marks a crescendo of escalating incidents across the industry.
  • Despite many leagues’ efforts to create clear rules for players, constant vigilance is required.
John E. Sokolowski-USA TODAY Sports

In the nearly six years since the broad legalization of sports betting in the U.S., it was almost inevitable that a lifetime suspension like the one handed down by the NBA on Raptors center Jontay Porter (above) would eventually happen.

The last two years in particular have seen both a rising number of threats across sports, domestically and abroad, as well as a rising number of player suspensions across many major sports leagues. Sports data company Sportradar put a finer point on the rising threat, when it said recently that suspected match fixing remains a concerning issue around the world, and that it is increasingly using artificial intelligence to detect fraud. 

Among the recent flash points in what remains a rising tide of gambling-related infractions: 

  • The recent federal bank fraud charges levied upon Ippei Mizuhara, the former interpreter for Dodgers superstar Shohei Ohtani, marking a manifestation of a serious sports betting addiction that left Mizuhara more than $40 million in debt. 
  • Suspensions of 10 NFL players last year for various gambling-related infractions, highlighted by season-long bans for a trio of Colts players, and following a similar season-long penalty for Jaguars receiver Calvin Ridley in 2022. That spate of violations prompted the NFL to heighten its gambling penalty and enforcement structure, with specific rules also in place for this February’s Super Bowl in Las Vegas.
  • The NHL’s suspension last fall of Senators forward Shane Pinto for half a season for “activities related to sports wagering.”
  • Former Jaguars employee Amit Patel was sentenced to six-plus years in prison for embezzling more than $22 million from the NFL team, and he said he has been struggling with a serious gambling addiction.
  • Even without a specific penalty involved, there have been several other concerning signs, including J.B. Bickerstaff, coach of the NBA Cavaliers, saying he and his family have been threatened by gamblers, and Pacers star Tyrese Halliburton saying he feels like a “prop” and that his social media has been dominated by gambling chatter.

Challenging Backdrop 

These incidents arrive as sports betting overall continues to soar to unprecedented heights, reaching record levels of revenue and total handle in 2023. As nearly every major sports league has built an extensive portfolio of gambling-related business relationships—sparking accusations of hypocrisy among some fans—those leagues have also sought to create a bright line marking what is and isn’t permissible for players. To that end, NBA commissioner Adam Silver called Porter’s conduct a “cardinal sin” threatening the integrity of the league. 

The Porter lifetime ban shows both the powerful allure of sports betting, even for a highly paid NBA player, and the need for constant enforcement vigilance. Perhaps ironically, Silver was the first among his peers to call nearly a decade ago for widespread legalization and regulation of sports betting. And now he again sits in a history-making place.

Linkedin
Whatsapp
Copy Link
Link Copied
Link Copied

What to Read

Breanna Stewart

WNBA Players Call League Proposal For Fixed Salary Cap Inadequate  

The league’s collective bargaining agreement expires in less than four months.
exclusive

CBS, NFL Host James Brown Discussing Contract Extension

The 74-year-old Brown has hosted a record 10 Super Bowl pregame shows.

How Bradley Beal Buyout Would Save Suns $230M, and What’s Next

Beal has two years and $110 million remaining on his deal.

Nationals Hit Reset Button, Oust Rizzo and Martinez Before Draft

The MLB club made major leadership changes just days before the draft.

Featured Today

American Celebs Want to Be Sports Owners. Soccer Is Where They Start

As U.S. team prices climb, investors set their sights abroad.
July 5, 2025

Baseball’s Celebrity Row: Behind MLB’s First-Pitch Ritual

Often planned, sometimes spontaneous, the ritual throw is baseball’s celebrity row.
July 4, 2025

3,000 Hot Dogs, $20K in Prizes: Behind the Nathan’s Eating Contest

Nathan’s serves up thousands of hot dogs and $20,000 in prize money.
July 3, 2025

Geoffrey Esper Can’t Catch a Break at Nathan’s Hot Dog Eating Contest

“Hot dogs is not one of my favorite competitions of the year.”
Sports are shown on TVs behind a bar as guests enjoy the grand opening of DraftKings Sports & Social in Ohio.

California Has Declared Daily Fantasy Sports Are Illegal. Now What?

The opinion might spark a broader DFS conversation in the state.
Jun 9, 2025; Cleveland, Ohio, USA; Cleveland Guardians starting pitcher Luis Ortiz (45) throws a pitch during the first inning against the Cincinnati Reds at Progressive Field.
July 3, 2025

Guardians Pitcher Luis Ortiz Put on Paid Leave Amid MLB Gambling Probe

Reports say the investigation is tied to gambling.
Dec 29, 2024; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA; Dallas Cowboys quarterback Cooper Rush (10) passes the ball against the Philadelphia Eagles during the first quarter at Lincoln Financial Field.
July 3, 2025

California AG Says Daily Fantasy Sports Are Illegal

The AG rejected arguments that DFS are games of skill, not chance.
Sponsored

Hottest Matchups Following NFL Schedule Release

The NFL released the 2025 regular-season schedule, and anticipation is already building in the ticket marketplace with four months to go.
Jun 19, 2025; Indianapolis, Indiana, USA; Indiana Pacers guard Andrew Nembhard (2) drives to the basket against Oklahoma City Thunder forward Chet Holmgren (7) during the third quarter during game six of the 2025 NBA Finals at Gainbridge Fieldhouse.
July 1, 2025

‘Existential Threat’: Underdog Sports Sues to Stop AG’s Fantasy Sports Opinion

The California AG is expected to release his opinion by Thursday.
Mar 15, 2025; Detroit, Michigan, USA; Detroit Pistons guard Malik Beasley (5) celebrates in the first half against the Oklahoma City Thunder at Little Caesars Arena.
June 30, 2025

Malik Beasley Is Latest Betting-Related Headache for NBA

It’s the third NBA betting scandal in the last year-and-a-half.
Quincy Taylor
June 17, 2025

Several Americans Banned in British Basketball Game-Fixing Scandal

Five former Surrey Scorchers players were hit with lengthy gambling suspensions.
Mar 30, 2025; Spokane, WA, USA; LSU Lady Tigers guard Flau'Jae Johnson (4) shoots against UCLA Bruins center Lauren Betts (51) during the second half of a Elite 8 NCAA Tournament basketball game at Spokane Arena.
June 17, 2025

Louisiana Sports Betting Set to Aid LSU and Other State Schools

Louisiana lawmakers have been creative in finding state money for NIL.