Gambler Pleads Guilty in Betting Scheme with Jontay Porter

Earlier this year, a betting scandal erupted with allegations against the Toronto Raptors center, Jontay Porter, who allegedly participated in betting activities, that shook the NBA. The scandal resulted in Porter’s ban from the NBA, while an investigation into the unlawful actions continued. Now, a second person involved in the betting scheme that included the former Toronto Raptors center admitted to their role.

Second Bettor in Scheme with Porter Admits to Role

A total of four individuals were identified for their participation in the betting scheme together with Porter. The gambling scandal resulted in charges and most recently, Mahmud Mollah, one of the bettors in the scheme, pleaded guilty to his role, The Associated Press reports.

Mollah’s guilty plea came Wednesday. The man, similar to Porter and another Long Phi Pham, another man involved in the scheme, pleaded guilty to conspiracy to commit wire fraud. Charges against the remaining two people involved in the unlawful activity have also been filed but they are yet to plead.

Sentencing Expected Soon

Allegations against the group claim that they used information provided by Porter to their advantage. In particular, the player would exit the games early, allowing members of the group to collect winnings on wagers.

For Mollah’s part of the plan, he placed bets with sportsbooks that would’ve raked him a sum north of $1 million. The bets were on the Raptors’ game with the Sacramento Kings on March 20. Despite the plan and Porter’s early exit in the game, Mollah wasn’t able to cash in on the $1.1 million he expected considering that the game was flagged as suspicious by sportsbooks. While the winnings would have been split with the group’s participants, the former Raptors’ player was also due to a cut of the winnings.

Porter’s lifetime ban from the NBA was the toughest penalty the Association could impose on him. Still, in light of his actions, he faced prosecution. Following his guilty plea from July, Porter’s sentencing is scheduled for December 18. If found guilty, the NBA player may receive a penalty of up to four years in prison. On the other hand, Mollah’s sentencing is planned for May 2, 2025.

Earlier this month, the NBA released revised guidelines that seek to limit the use of cell phones and social media during games. The move comes in light of Porter’s recent lifetime ban, growing concerns about the integrity of basketball games and the impact of gambling on the sport.