Nationwide Betting Ring Sparks Concern for US College Sports

The statewide expansion of sports betting across the United States is a fact and its success is unquestionable. Yet, while millions of Americans place billions of dollars on a range of sports and competitions, more than half say no to college betting.

While some states have outright banned betting on college sports, many still haven’t. Now, a newly released report suggests that a country-wide illegal gambling ring may be putting college athletes at risk and impacting the integrity of such competitions.

Gambling Ring with Nationwide Coverage

Earlier this year, we reported that the gambling scandal that affected the National Basketball Association (NBA), spilled over into college basketball. Following the ban of Jontay Porter, the former Toronto Raptors forward, three college basketball teams faced scrutiny as a part of an investigation into the same gambling ring that resulted in Porter’s ban.

While investigation is still ongoing, one source close to the matter claimed that the gambling ring is likely operating across the country. That’s according to Chris Grant, the commissioner of the Southland Conference, who was recently quoted by ESPN.

Members of the gambling ring are traveling across the country and throwing lavish parties with college athletes. Such parties would also offer gambling activities that are sought to compromise student-athletes and get them into debt. Yes, that undoubtedly sounds like a movie script, yet, according to Grant, members of that ring do exactly what was described.

According to the commissioner: “And when they come to these parties, they get (players) to gamble on site and (then say), ‘OK, well you owe me X amount of dollars on the back end.'” The announcement comes at a time when college basketball is facing threats throughout the latest season, affecting smaller rather than high-profile teams.

Investigation Into the Betting Ring Is Ongoing

In the words of Grant, such activities suggest a nationwide group, likely led by an organized criminal group. “It is going on around the country,” the commissioner warned. Ensuring the compliance of its competitions as well as proactive monitoring, the Southland Conference has joined forces with ICE360, a leading and trusted integrity compliance company. In that line of thought, Grant spoke about the importance of preventing such integrity threats before they compromise the athletes and competitions.

“For us, it seems to point back to an organized crime ring that’s not just localized in the Southland footprint.“

Chris Grant, commissioner of the Southland Conference

An investigation into the gambling ring is currently ongoing. It is too soon to tell how many people are involved in the scheme. Undoubtedly, if the gambling ring is operating on a national level, it may involve tens if not hundreds of individuals. Also, it is uncertain how many college sports teams and athletes have been affected and how the gambling ring chooses which players or teams to target.