ESPN reported June 29 that unnamed gambling industry sources had confirmed Beasley was being investigated by prosecutors over irregularities pertaining to NBA games and prop bets in the 2023-24 season.

Beasley played for the Milwaukee Bucks from July 2023 until July the following year, when he signed with the Pistons.

The sources said an unnamed but “prominent” United States-based sportsbook saw “unusually heavy betting interest” on Beasley’s statistics starting in early 2024.

Beasley’s legal team said that the shooting guard is yet to be charged with wrongdoings. The NBA, meanwhile, said it has spoken to federal prosecution officials.

Contract Talks On Hold For Beasley

The Pistons, meanwhile, declined to comment further on the allegations, although the franchise did admit that it was aware of the probe. The NBA spokesman Mike Bass was quoted as stating: “We are cooperating with the federal prosecutors’ investigation.”

Beasley’s attorney Steve Haney said: “An investigation is not a charge. Malik is afforded the same right of the presumption of innocence as anyone else under the US Constitution. As of now, he has not been charged with anything.”

Haney also said he had spoken to prosecutors in the US Attorney’s Office in the Eastern District of New York. This office, he said, is currently leading the investigation.

Beasley is currently a free agent. He was reportedly holding talks with the Pistons over a new three-year, $42 million deal. These talks, ESPN’s unnamed sources said, are now on hold.

The insiders claimed that sportsbook odds on an NBA game between the Milwaukee Bucks and the Portland Trail Blazers on January 31, 2024, showed signs of irregularities.

Odds on Beasley recording less than 2.5 rebounds shifted significantly prior to the game. They shortened from around +120 to around -250 “due to a surge of action on the under,” the source said.

Beasley finished the game with six rebounds, the source explained.

Sports Gambling Controversies In NBA, Around The World

Beasley, born in Atlanta, Georgia, in November 1996, was first drafted to the NBA by the Denver Nuggets in 2016. He is not the only NBA player to be involved in a gambling investigation over recent years.

Last year, Jontay Porter of the Toronto Raptors received a lifetime ban from the league. This following an investigation that found Porter disclosed confidential information to other sports bettors for them to make wagers on games and prop bets.

Earlier this past NBA season, Terry Rozier of the Miami Heat was also under investigation due to unusual betting patterns connected to him for a March 2023 game when he was with the Charlotte Hornets. Rozier has not been charged with a crime and didn’t face any sanctions from the NBA.

Sports stars’ gambling-related activities have also been in the spotlight in Japan in recent weeks. Last week, the Tokyo District Public Prosecutors’ Office decided not to indict Rui Okoye and Daiki Masuda of the Japanese pro baseball team Yomiuri Giants.

The duo had admitted to using their smartphones to gamble on online casinos. The country’s strict gambling rules forbid all forms of online betting.

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The league sent a letter to the CFTC asking for greater oversight of platforms like Kalshi, which let users buy and sell contracts for real-world events.

Unlike traditional sports betting, which is regulated state-by-state, prediction markets such as Kalshi are available in all 50 states. Because these platforms are not bound to the same regulations, they lack anti-money laundering enforcement and other safeguards.    

“Without oversight and regulation tailored to the specific circumstances of sports wagering, the integrity risk posed by sports prediction markets are more significant and more difficult to manage than those presented by legal, regulated sports gambling,” wrote Alexandra Roth, the NBA’s vice president and assistant general counsel for league governance and policy.

“While exchanges and brokers operate under the general auspices of the CFTC, that broad-based financial oversight does not include the kind of sports-specific controls and protections that are the hallmark of state sports gambling regulations,” she continued.  

States Challenge the Legitimacy of Prediction Markets

Several states have issued cease-and-desist orders to companies offering prediction markets, prompting Kalshi to file countersuits. This led to the company winning preliminary injunctions in New Jersey and Nevada.

The CFTC had planned to hold a roundtable last month to address the issue, but it was cancelled and has yet to be rescheduled. 

Roth stated that if sports-event contracts are allowed to continue, the CFTC must create a regulatory and oversight system analogous to what’s in place for state-regulated sports betting. She also stressed the importance of “continued expansion” as markets evolve and increase visibility and popularity.

“The NBA’s support for legalized sports betting has long been underwritten by our view that sports betting is made safer — both for our fans and for our fans and our league — when it is legal and subject to robust, sports-specific regulation,” Roth wrote. “In contrast to the many states that have dedicated sports betting regulatory personnel, there is no CFTC division dedicated to overarching, sports-specific oversight of these new betting markets.”

The CFTC has also recently dropped its appeal against Kalshi, effectively green-lighting its ability to offer nationwide election markets. 

Maintaining Integrity a Priority

Roth raised particular concern over player proposition markets, citing integrity issues.

In April 2024, the NBA banned Toronto Raptors forward Jontay Porter for life for violating the league’s gambling rules. An investigation found at least one instance where Porter removed himself from a game, claiming illness, so his proposition bet would hit.

Another player, guard Terry Rozier, is also under investigation for possible ties to alleged illegal betting activities during a 2023 game.

Roth didn’t cite either player in her letter but emphasized that without proper safeguards, “leagues have little ability to monitor and understand integrity risks and issues if and when they arise.”

She added: “And as sports prediction markets become more popular, and more money flows through these channels — which exist outside of existing sports betting regulatory structures — we anticipate that the risks arising from this limited visibility will grow.”

MLB and NBA Share Similar Concerns With CFTC

The NBA is not the first major professional sports league to take a stand against sports prediction markets.

Major League Baseball sent a letter to the CFTC last month to share similar concerns.

“MLB has supported legal sports betting at the state level based on robust regulation and relationships in which sports leagues are viewed as partners and integrity of competition is considered paramount,” MLB Executive Vice President of Legal and Operations Bryan Seeley said. “If the CFTC decides to permit sports event contracts, this same integrity framework should be applied.”

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According to a report by Bloomberg, the group is looking to bring an NBA team to the region, a move that would significantly elevate the sporting footprint of the region. 

Internal deliberations are set to have already taken place, however, further progress for a potential team hinges largely upon the cost of an expansion team. 

It has been predicted that after the NBA forms its plans for its next media rights deal, reportedly worth up to $76bn in a multi-year agreement, the league will then commence exploring expanding the NBA by adding two new franchises. 

The league’s activity in the region in recent times has fuelled speculation around the potential for Sin City to be one of the regions that benefits from an expansion team. 

It’s a move that could prove a significant boost for Vegas, which is already deemed an entertainment capital that brings in mass tourism every year and has recently hosted the F1 as well as the Super Bowl and was also boosted by the expansion of an NFL side. 

The region has been significantly uplifted by sports tourism in recent years, with Jonathan Halkyard, Chief Financial Officer at MGM Resorts International, detailing that Formula One Las Vegas Grand Prix helped to produce the best hotel gross revenue weekend for the company in its history.

He was speaking at last year’s Bank of America Securities Leveraged Finance Conference, where he explored the evolution of the city as a hub for key sporting events.

The CFO noted that the F1 booked to come to the city during one of its slowest weekends of the year. Because of the high expectations MGM had for the event, it invested heavily into it, including creating experiences for casino and retail customers in front of the Bellagio.

As a result of the investment, MGM ended up having one of its best weekends of the year and in the company’s history in terms of hotel revenue, with the event having contributed towards predicted record November numbers in terms of hotel revenue as well.

Halkyard commented: “The race met every one of our expectations. It was the highest-grossing weekend for us in hotel revenue in the company’s history. The second highest was the CES (Consumer Electronic Show) in 2019. 

“When you think about other events that have happened in Las Vegas over the years, and in the scale of our company, that’s quite something, to have a record weekend on what was otherwise the slowest weekend of the year.”

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After being named the maiden sportsbook partner of the MLB in the Canadian province last week, this latest alliance will see users of the OLG’s Proline sports betting and online casino entity gain the ability to wager on the NBA draft for the first time.

Furthermore, the deal will also see OLG continue to utilise NBA betting data, integrate official league marks and logos into select products, as well as collaborating with the NBA on “a variety of engaging basketball content” for customers across its sports betting, lottery and igaming product lines.

“This expanded relationship marks the latest iteration of our deeply valued long-term relationship with OLG,” commented Kuljeet Sindhar, NBA’s Associate Vice President, International Gaming and Data Ventures. 

“We are delighted to continue to work together with OLG to innovate around the fan experience in a new era for Ontario sports betting.”

Under the new multiyear deal, OLG and the NBA also say that they will “create unique experiences” on Proline+, OLG’s online sportsbook, and through a retail offering that is available at almost 10,000 outlets across the region

“Continuing our partnership with an incredible organisation like the NBA will help OLG create new excitement and opportunities for basketball fans on Proline+ and Proline at retail,” commented Dave Pridmore, OLG’s Chief Digital and Strategy Officer. 

“We’re thrilled to offer wagering on the NBA Draft for the first time while bringing our valued sports bettors even closer to the game through exclusive content and gameplay.”

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Under the terms of agreement,, Betway signage is set to be displayed through The Wells Fargo Center during the 76ers televised regular-season home games, including visibility on team bench aprons, courtside and basket stanchion LEDs and tv-visible signage alongside the scorer’s table. 

Anthony Werkman, CEO of Betway, expressed: “We’re thrilled to be partnering with the Philadelphia 76ers. As the Betway brand is licensed in Pennsylvania, this is not just a branding opportunity but a chance for us to engage with fans who will also be able to access our product. 

“With an extensive list of marketing assets associated with the deal, we are sure this will be a very successful partnership.”

Alongside the aforementioned visual assets, the collaboration between the two entities also includes a social media sweepstakes for fans to enter for the chance to win 76ers home game tickets, which is currently open for entry. 

“We are thrilled to announce our partnership with Betway,” commented Owen Morin, Philadelphia 76ers senior vice president of corporate partnerships. 

“As a leader in sports betting across leagues and teams, Betway is best-in-class and provides their customers with premiere betting offerings and together we will bring elite experiences to 76ers fans.”

The partnership with the Philadelphia 76ers follows on from Betway’s donation of assets from West Ham United’s home fixture versus Tottenham Hotspur – the former’s shirt sponsor – to the Betting and Gaming Council and it’s ‘Take Time to Think’ campaign.

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As part of the deal, the sports technology companies have retained the non-exclusive rights to the NBA and the Women’s National Basketball Association betting figures throughout the regular season and playoffs.

Steve Byrd, head of global strategic partnerships at Sportradar, said: “We are pleased to extend our partnership with the NBA for official NBA betting data in the U.S. market.

“As legalised sports betting expands into more states and grows in popularity overall, this presents us with a tremendous opportunity to continue spearheading cutting-edge NBA feeds and betting products for operators, while redefining the customer experience for the fans.”

The partnerships, which were initially secured in 2018, provide NBA fans with real-time access to official betting data from licensed operators, allowing both parties to distribute betting data products through the official feeds.

CEO of Genius Sports Group, Mark Locke, concurred: “We are delighted that the NBA has chosen to extend its official data partnership with Genius Sports Group in the U.S. We look forward to providing official NBA data, alongside our advanced in-game NBA betting products and services, to sportsbooks across the US.

“We are world renowned for driving innovation in basketball sports betting and this extended partnership reaffirms our commitment to delivering a first-class betting experience for NBA fans.”

The agreements are two of more than 20 partnerships the league has in place with various operators.

“Over the past two seasons Sportradar and Genius Sports Group have been sources for official NBA betting data, which is crucial for authorised gaming operators and ultimately fans who engage with NBA and WNBA games through betting,” said senior vice president, head of fantasy and gaming at the NBA, Scott Kaufman-Ross.

“The U.S. sports betting industry has recognised the value of official data, particularly for in-play betting, and these extensions will ensure operators continue to have access to our real-time feed as sports betting develops throughout the U.S.”

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Publishing its national consumer study of over 1,000 ‘self-identified’ American sports fans, DraftKings examined the anticipation for live sport to return, looking at the perspectives and adaptations of modern fandom as a direct result of COVID-19.

“With over half of respondents having reported missing sports during the resultant hiatus, fans across the country are inarguably eager for the return of their favorite leagues and teams, albeit with largely adjusted expectations as exemplified by our latest findings,” said Matt Kalish, co-founder and president, DraftKings North America. 

“By deepening our understanding of the American fan through data and leveraging the technology of our platform, we are better able to adjust and serve the new experience of sports fans throughout the US.”

The survey also highlighted that 56 per cent of respondents only reported taking the developments regarding COVID-19 more seriously once major sports leagues around the US were suspended in the interest of safety.

Following the cancellation of live events, sports fans across the country began their search for a replacement, with over one in four American fans following a new sport. Of those that found a new sport, 67 per cent plan to continue following said sport even as more prominent leagues resume.

Among upcoming season relaunches, 64 per cent of fans said the NBA is their most highly-anticipated sport to watch again, followed by MLB at 48 per cent.

Both leagues are expected to restart later this month. Findings also indicated that approximately 66 per cent of fans feel it important for live sports to return before September, dwarfing the 39 per cent which believe that the return to play is occurring too soon.

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Four

Just four months after entering into partnership, MGM Resorts and GVC Holdings have signed up Sportradar as the exclusive supplier of US sports data for its joint enterprise.

Striving to create the US leader in the sports betting and online gaming sectors, MGM GVC Interactive has recruited Sportradar for the provision of sports betting data from certain US sports leagues, which the company itself has the right to distribute.

Adam Greenblatt, MGM GVC Interactive’s CEO, commented, “We have a clear and simple objective; to provide our US customers with the best and broadest range of betting products in the market. Sportradar is a great partner to help us get there, enabling us to offer a huge spectrum of US sports events while leveraging off our global portfolio.”

Adding to a plethora of current agreements, which already encapsulates US heavyweights the NBA, NFL, NHL and NASCAR, Neale Deeley, vice president of gaming sales for Sportradar, added: “MGM and GVC are leaders in the sports betting landscape, and we are proud to be their provider for US sports data.

“We have been preparing for the opening of the US market for some time now, with an across the board ramp up of our US sports betting offering, and we are delighted with this endorsement from MGM and GVC that all the hard work is delivering what world class betting operators are looking for.”

€1m

The Microgaming Poker Network’s Universal Championship of Poker saw Mateusz Moolhuizen become the fourth player to claim the title, and take home the €1m guaranteed prize pot.

Spanning 88 events and in excess of 360 satellite tournaments, this years offering was the MPN’s largest to date, with the Betsson player claiming top spot after collecting a total of 2779.48 points.

Alex Scott, Managing Director of Poker at Microgaming, stated: “This year’s tournament series was the biggest and most thrilling we’ve had yet, building on last year’s event with an impressive €1 million guaranteed. Congratulations to Mateusz on taking the coveted title as the Greatest Poker Player in the Universe!”

A regular at the MPN Poker Tour, Mateusz’s previous achievements includes €3,000 in cash and two MPN Poker Tour packages, each of which featured entry into the main event and one side event, in addition to accommodation and travel expenses.

Mateusz also took the 8th spot of the final table at the MPN Poker Tour at the Battle of Malta Main Event for €30,000.

Moolhuizen added: “UCOP has made poker very exciting for me this year, every all in was an exhilarating experience and climbing the leaderboards added another layer of anticipation. Most of all, the event was a good excuse to skip some time with my parents in law!”

$105bn

In a recent study the American Gaming Association revealed that tribal gaming contributed $105bn in output across the US in 2016, the year from which the most current data is currently available.

Undergoing significant growth from a $121m segment of the country’s gaming industry in 1998, via the introduction of the Indian Gaming Regulatory Act, tribal gaming also employs some 676,000 individuals who are paid a combined $36bn in wages, whilst a further $15bn is issued in taxes and revenue share payments to federal, state and local governments.

California was proven to be by far the largest and most dominant tribal gaming state, trailed by Oklahoma and Florida.

“Tribal gaming operators are present in 28 states and create nearly half of all US gaming revenue,” said Sara Slane, senior vice president of public affairs for the AGA. “This report details the widespread economic impact that tribal casinos have in states across the country, providing diverse career opportunities, supporting local businesses and generating tax revenue and revenue share payments for all levels of government.”

25 per cent

Shares in gaming technology firm Scientific Games leapt over 25 per cent, when the company’s Q3 financial results exceeded expectations laid forth by analysts.

SG shares climbed by more than a quarter, closing on $26.74, on the news that like-for-like losses were better than anticipated, with an “adjusted loss” of $0.14 per share for the three months to September 30, less than the $0.18 loss predicted.

Revenue was up seven per cent in Q3, to $821m, including $46.5m from NYX, along with growth in SG’s lottery and social businesses.

Net loss was $351.6m compared to $59.3m in the corresponding period in 2017, thanks mostly to a hefty $338.7m bill for restructuring and other charges, including $309.6m in relation to the verdict in the Shuffle Tech legal matter – an antitrust lawsuit relating to patent infringement.

Barry Cottle, CEO and president of SG, stated: “We are very pleased with the growth we are seeing across our businesses as we continue to lead our industry into the future.”

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2

Harrah’s New Orleans unveiled a duo of “landmark” partnerships, after becoming the official casino partner of the NFL’s and NBA’s Saints and Pelicans.

Becoming the first land-based entity to finalise an agreement with a franchise of both leagues, the multi-year partnership is said to unite “three notable New Orleans entertainment brands,” and is to provide “unique opportunities for Harrah’s to bring the Saints and Pelicans experience to life”.

Via its link-up with the Mercedes-Benz Superdome based Saints, Harrah’s is to develop a series of customers experience, in-games features and have a branded area on site dedicated to the franchise, whilst also being designated as an official post-game destination.

Dennis Lauscha, New Orleans Saints and Pelicans president, said of the new link-up: “We are proud to align ourselves with a brand such as Harrah’s New Orleans casino, that is an industry leader not only nationally but on a local level as well.

“Located in the heart of downtown New Orleans, Harrah’s vision for development and commitment to the city mirror that of the Saints and Pelicans, and we could not be happier about this partnership.”   

€893m

Swedish gaming group Cherry is the subject of a €893m takeover bid from a consortium that includes current chairman Morten Klein and Betsson CEO Pontus Lindwall.

Cherry’s Independent Bid Committee – set up specifically to consider the bid on the board’s behalf but excluding chairman Klein – has recommended shareholders accept the public offer of SEK87 (€8.46) in cash per share submitted by European Entertainment Intressenter BidCo.

The Independent Bid Committee consisting of Gunnar Lind, Johan Moazed and Jörgen Olsson was established on October 16. Rolf Åkerlind was elected to the board of directors on November 21 and has since joined the bid committee.

The Independent Bid Committee’s recommendation highlighted a number of considerations in connection with the offer, notably that the bid represents a premium of 20 per cent compared to the closing price of Cherry’s series B shares on Nasdaq Stockholm on December 17, the last trading day before the announcement of the offer.

The offer also corresponds to a premium of 28 per cent compared to the volume-weighted average share price of Cherry’s series B shares on Nasdaq Stockholm during the last 90 trading days and 59.6 per cent compared to the closing price on October 15, the day before the board received the written offer.

The committee also stressed that several of those individuals in the consortium “have a long ownership history and deep understanding of the company’s operations and future prospects”.

5

DraftKings has announced the launch of its second online sportsbook, unveiling a new agreement with an affiliate of Hollywood Casino at Charles Town Races operator Penn National Gaming in West Virginia.

The Mountain State became the fifth territory to legalise sports betting earlier this year, behind Nevada, Delaware, New Jersey and Mississippi,

DraftKings states that its sportsbook is to offer “a superior and engaging online sports betting experience,” including live and in-game betting, alongside the opportunity to wager on major and niche international and US sports.

Matt Kalish, chief revenue officer and co-founder of DraftKings, explained: “We are thrilled to work with Penn National Gaming to bring our online sportsbook product to West Virginia. We look forward to serving sports fans in the Mountain State, and building on the immense success we have had in leading the New Jersey market.

“With over 90 percent of sports bettors returning to play after trying DraftKings Sportsbook, we are confident we can deliver on being the best place to play for West Virginia consumers.”

1m

CasinoFair, “the world’s first, truly fair blockchain casino” launched by FunFair Technologies earlier in the year, is launching a festive campaign to crown a crypto millionaire.

To be in with a chance of winning one million Fun, the betting token utilised by CasinoFair, players need to opt-in and keep playing the online entity’s games from December 25 to January 1.

The more time spent playing increases an individual’s chance of winning, with players receiving more tickets for the draw, the more they wager throughout the period.

Players can earn tickets for the giveaway draw, which is to be conducted and the winner contacted by January 5, by wagering the following:

• 1 ticket – Wager over 1000 Fun
• 10 Tickets – Wager over 10,000 Fun
• 150 tickets – Wager over 100,000 Fun

Carlos McWayne, VP Product at FunFair, stated: “To celebrate our players this festive period, we’re excited to be giving away an enormous amount of Fun with Millionaire Maker, making one lucky person a crypto millionaire!

“Not only are we famous for fairness, but we’re also the most generous and exciting blockchain casino around.

“Our players receive regular ‘FairDrops’ in Fun which see them come back time and time again, and this latest campaign will showcase our desire to give them the best experience possible.”

The post DraftKings, New Orleans and FunFair Technologies: The week in numbers appeared first on CasinoBeats.

During the course of the link-up both parties will work together on best-in-class practices to protect the integrity of NBA games, beginning with the current 2019/20 season.

Furthermore, DraftKings will have also access to official NBA betting data and league marks across its mobile platform and in its sportsbooks throughout the United States.

“We are excited to team with DraftKings, who has established itself as one of the leaders in the sports betting landscape in the US and has a passionate NBA following,” Scott Kaufman-Ross, senior vice president and head of fantasy and gaming at the NBA, said of the new agreement.

 “Our partnership will provide our fans with an authentic and enhanced gaming experience and help us further protect the integrity of our games.”

DraftKings stresses that the partnership will further refine its NBA category, which it says “currently ranks among the most popular offerings for its customers”.

The firm also lauds live betting as “a critical component of sports betting technology and the future of the industry,” with NBA more prevalent that any other sport on the DraftKings Sportsbook. More than 70 per cent of NBA bettors have live-wagered, while nearly 45 per cent of NBA handle has come from in-play bets.

“NBA games are among the most captivating, dramatic and widely-consumed sports entertainment products globally, and the advocacy of the league around legal sports betting further demonstrates its consistent foresight to innovate for the betterment of the fan experience,” commented Ezra Kucharz, chief business officer at DraftKings. 

“The correlation between sports betting and fan engagement is proven, and we look forward to the opportunities that being an authorised gaming operator of the NBA will unlock for consumers.”

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