UK: Six basketball players face potential lifetime bans for match-fixing
The former Surrey Scorchers players were caught accepting payments to alter the outcome of particular basketball matches.
Key points:
– The Gambling Commission’s Sport Betting Intelligence Unit was part of an investigation into match fixing
– At least six basketball matches have been found to be affected
– The sanctions include worldwide bans and fines
The Gambling Commission’s Sport Betting Intelligence Unit (SBIU) has finalised investigations into six players within the former British Basketball League (BBL).
The International Basketball Federation (FIBA) and the British Basketball Federation (BBF) were also part of the efforts.
Five players from Surrey Scorchers were found to be involved with manipulating match outcomes and being aware of corrupt activity but failing to report it.
They have received fines and bans ranging from 10 years to a lifetime.
Quincy Taylor and Charleston Dobbs were sanctioned with lifetime bans from all basketball activities in the UK and fines of £3,000 ($4074.45), which they did not appeal.
Shakem Johnston and Padiet Wang received worldwide lifetime suspensions, while Joshua McFolley will have the same ban until September 2034.
Good to know: The incidents took place between 2019 and 2023 and saw players take payments to fix the results of basketball matches or directly betting on matches themselves
The final player, Dean Wallis, will also be sanctioned with a £3,000 fine, suspension from all basketball activities and will be recommended to undertake appropriate awareness training relating to anti-corruption and betting in sport.
Although the players were part of the Surrey Scorchers, as Wallis was a registered player in Spain, the investigation brought in the Spanish Basketball Federation (FEB) and the International Olympic Committee Monitoring Unit.
Elsewhere in Hong Kong, the Government is taking steps to legalise basketball betting in the country, which will start with a one-month consultation process.
Gambling Insider delivers the latest industry news, in-depth features, and operator reviews that you can trust. Our team combines rigorous editorial standards with decades of specialized expertise to ensure accuracy and fairness. We are committed to delivering clear, impartial, and dependable coverage across the global gambling sector.
