The fallout from the Jontay Porter betting scandal is poised to instigate significant changes in the realm of sports betting in the foreseeable future. Discussions between the NBA and its betting partners have surfaced regarding potential limitations on the inclusion of certain players in prop bets, alongside the contemplation of removing “unders” from the betting menu altogether. Porter, the former Toronto Raptors center, found himself banned from the league last month following an investigation that unearthed instances of him divulging confidential medical information to a known sports bettor, deliberately affecting his performance to sway betting outcomes, and engaging in basketball wagers while affiliated with the Raptors.
The investigation was triggered by an unusual surge in sports betting activities surrounding bets predicting Porter’s failure to meet specific statistical benchmarks. Notably, a sports bettor associated with Porter placed an $80,000 wager on his underperformance on March 20, prompting Porter to withdraw from the game. Under a two-way contract with Toronto, Porter stood to earn $415,000 for the season.
In response to these revelations, the NBA is mulling over measures to restrict two-way players, like Porter, from being included in prop bets, effectively barring them from sportsbook offerings. The league has also reportedly shared findings from its investigation with federal prosecutors, highlighting the severity of the situation. Despite his brief stint with Toronto, where he played 26 games and made five starts, Porter’s actions have ignited a broader conversation about the integrity of sports betting and the need for stringent regulations to safeguard the sport’s integrity.