The NBA has announced that current Toronto Raptors player Jontay Porter has been banned from the NBA for disclosing confidential information to sports bettors.
Following an investigation by the league, it was discovered that, prior to 20 March, Porter revealed confidential information about his own health status to a known NBA bettor. It was also uncovered that Porter limited his own participation in one or more basketball games for wagering purposes.
According to the NBA, the known associate of Porter’s then went on to place an $80,000 parlay proposition bet with an online sportsbook, to win $1.1m – wagering that Porter would perform poorly in the 20 March Fixture against the Sacramento Kings. The Raptors lost the game 123 – 89.
Further, the accused was discovered to have placed at least 13 bets on NBA games using the associate’s online betting account from January to March of this year. The bets that were placed varied in size, with the smallest being $15, and the largest being placed at $22,000. All told, a total of $54,094 was wagered on NBA games, with a payout of $76,059. The total net winnings amounted to $21,965.
The investigation began following the discovery of suspicious betting activity, which was brought to the attention of the NBA by licensed sports betting operators.
NBA Commissioner commented on Porter’s ban, stating: “There is nothing more important than protecting the integrity of NBA competition for our fans, our teams and everyone associated with our sport, which is why Jontay Porter’s blatant violations of our gaming rules are being met with the most severe punishment.”
Last year, the NBA teamed up with MLB and the NHL in a responsible betting advertisement initiative that aims to remind bettors that sports betting is designed for entertainment purposes only.
