Gambling Scandals Shake Major League Baseball and NBA

Recent gambling scandals involving Major League Baseball (MLB) and the National Basketball Association (NBA) have intensified concerns about the integrity of professional sports amid the widespread legalization of sports betting.

On July 28, 2025, the Cleveland Guardians' closer, Emmanuel Clase, was placed on non-disciplinary paid leave through August 31 as MLB investigates potential sports betting violations. Clase, a three-time All-Star with a 3.23 ERA and 24 saves this season, is the second Guardians pitcher under scrutiny. Earlier in July, right-hander Luis Ortiz was also placed on paid leave due to suspicious in-game prop bets related to two of his starts. The Guardians have stated they will fully cooperate with the league’s confidential investigation process.

In the NBA, former Toronto Raptors forward Jontay Porter was banned for life in April 2024 after an investigation revealed he had disclosed confidential information to sports bettors, limited his own participation in games for betting purposes, and placed bets on NBA games. Porter admitted to withdrawing early from games to help co-conspirators win bets on his performance, actions he took to alleviate significant gambling debts. He pleaded guilty to conspiracy to commit wire fraud and is awaiting sentencing.

These incidents underscore the challenges professional sports leagues face in maintaining integrity as sports betting becomes more accessible. The 2018 Supreme Court ruling that legalized sports betting in many states has led to increased scrutiny and several high-profile incidents. Experts stress that even well-paid athletes are vulnerable to gambling problems, highlighting the need for stricter regulation. While legal sportsbooks have made suspicious activities easier to track compared to illegal channels, the overall threat to sports integrity remains serious. Policymakers are considering regulatory measures to address these risks.

The NBA has a history of gambling-related scandals. In 1954, Jack Molinas of the Fort Wayne Pistons was permanently banned for betting on his own team while in college. In 2007, referee Tim Donaghy was sentenced to 15 months in prison after pleading guilty to conspiracy to engage in wire fraud and transmitting wagering information through interstate commerce. He was known to have both bet on games that he officiated as well as pass information to bettors who would profit themselves and then pay him for correct picks.

The recent scandals involving Clase and Porter serve as a stark reminder of the challenges professional sports face in the era of legalized gambling. Maintaining the integrity of the game is paramount, requiring vigilant monitoring, stringent regulations, and a commitment from all stakeholders to uphold the principles of fair play.