Details Continue to Emerge
According to the report, a sportsbook operator began noticing unusual betting around the Bucks guard’s stats. Although all the details are still unknown, the report does mention one game against the Blazers at the end of January. A large amount of action popped up on Malik Beasley to record less than 2.5 rebounds. However, they all lost when he finished with six.
This differs from other betting scandals, which often focus on hitting the under on prop bets. This is easier for the player to control, ensuring that the bet will be a winner. The odd result signals that this may be more complex than the Jontay Portay NBA scandal from last year.
Industry Waits for Reaction
The legalization of sports betting in the US has also brought a rise in gambling-related scandals among pro and college sports. This has led to bills being introduced to regulate the industry at both the state and federal levels. While most have failed, concerns over the integrity of those leagues continue to be raised.
If the investigation confirms Beasley’s involvement in a bet-fixing scheme, it could end the industry’s ability to hold off increased regulations. The country saw these kinds of scandals lead to the downfall of pro boxing, which was once a significant part of the American sports landscape. Lawmakers will be motivated to protect other leagues and sports from a similar fate, which could lead to heavy-handed regulations.
Beasley Scandal Differs from Porter, Rozier
The NBA is no stranger to accusations of betting scandals. Toronto’s Jontay Porter was convicted of a plot to fix his prop bets. That was followed by the announcement of a federal investigation into veteran Terry Rozier, who was a member of the Hornets at the time, though no charges have been filed.
The accusations against Beasley may carry far more weight. While Rozier and Porter played for bad teams with nothing to play for, Beasley is accused of fixing bets as a member of a very good Bucks team. That means the games he played in mattered far more and attracted more action from bettors.
If charged, expect the story to receive far more attention from bettors, fans, and lawmakers.
