Gambling Scandals Across US Sports in 2024
The rapid rise of regulated sports betting in the United States in 2024 brought both growth and controversy. While the industry reached record-breaking revenues, it also faced a surge of gambling-related scandals. From Major League Baseball to college athletics, violations exposed the vulnerabilities in professional and amateur sports, raising pressing questions about integrity and oversight.
MLB’s Rough Year: Scandals On and Off the Field
Major League Baseball endured a turbulent 2024, as gambling controversies struck players, staff, and officials.
Shohei Ohtani, National League MVP, became embroiled in a scandal when his former interpreter, Ippei Mizuhara, siphoned $16 million from his account to fund illegal bets. Mizuhara placed nearly 19,000 wagers, altering Ohtani’s bank settings to bypass detection, and later pleaded guilty to federal charges.
Meanwhile, former Padres player Tucupita Marcano was banned for life after placing 231 bets on MLB games, totalling over $150,000. MLB also suspended four minor league players for wagering on games and disciplined umpire Pat Hoberg for violating league gambling policies.
These cases highlighted the challenges MLB faces in safeguarding its integrity as sports betting continues to grow.
NBA Rocked by Insider Betting Scandal
The NBA was not spared from controversy. In April, former Toronto Raptors player Jontay Porter received a lifetime ban for providing insider information to settle gambling debts. Porter’s co-conspirators placed illicit bets that earned them over $1.2 million before suspicious activity was flagged.
Porter, who pleaded guilty to conspiracy to commit wire fraud, now faces up to 20 years in prison. The scandal underscored the risks of insider betting and the need for robust monitoring within professional leagues.
College Sports Under Scrutiny
College athletics also faced significant gambling-related issues. At Georgia, a former football staff member was dismissed for wagering on professional sports, violating NCAA policies.
In November, former Temple University basketball player Hysier Miller became the subject of an FBI investigation. Suspicious betting activity before a March game led sportsbooks to halt wagers entirely, shining a spotlight on the potential influence of gambling in collegiate sports.
NFL Controversy: Betting and Backlash
Even the NFL couldn’t escape the scandals. Former Cleveland Browns quarterback Bernie Kosar was removed from a pregame show after placing a $19,000 bet at a charity event. Kosar filed a lawsuit, claiming wrongful termination and accusing his former employer of coercing him into the wager.
This incident highlighted the strict gambling policies enforced by the NFL and the potential career risks for those who violate them.
Lessons from 2024’s Gambling Scandals
The gambling scandals of 2024 revealed both the opportunities and challenges of sports betting’s rapid growth. While the industry generated record revenues, these controversies highlighted the importance of integrity and oversight across all levels of sports. As betting continues to evolve, leagues, regulators, and sportsbooks must work together to ensure a fair and responsible environment for players, fans, and operators alike.
