The NBA has imposed a ban on Toronto Raptors player Jontay Porter for violating gambling regulations. The league’s investigation is ongoing and may uncover additional infractions. Porter was found to have engaged in activities such as disclosing confidential information to bettors and placing bets on NBA games. The results of the investigation have been shared with federal prosecutors.
NBA commissioner Adam Silver emphasized the importance of upholding the integrity of competition in the league. Porter placed a total of at least 13 bets on NBA games between January and March 2024, amounting to $54,094. His winnings totaled $21,965, with bets ranging from $15 to $22,000. Despite playing for the Raptors 905 and the NBA team during this period, Porter did not participate in any of the games he placed bets on.
Porter’s involvement in limiting his participation in games in order to influence outcomes was highlighted, particularly during the Raptors’ loss to Sacramento on March 20. A bettor placed an $80,000 prop bet in relation to Porter’s performance in that game, in which Porter only played three minutes due to claiming illness. The bet was not paid out due to suspicious activity.
The NBA is considering the implications of this incident for the betting industry and the need for tighter regulations. Commissioner Silver emphasized the importance of having a regulatory framework in place to prevent such incidents in the future. The league’s investigation into Porter’s actions underscores the significance of maintaining fair play and integrity in professional sports.