Jontay Porter Betting Controversy: Potential Ramifications Loom for the Raptors star amid Rising Suspicion

The NBA has launched an investigation into Toronto Raptors’ two-way player Jontay Porter amid gambling allegations. According to the NBA policy, all NBA players, along with all employees affiliated with the NBA, are prohibited from betting on any NBA events, including prop bets. But there is a rising suspicion that the Toronto Raptors two-way player was involved in multiple instances of betting irregularities over the past several months.

In a recent episode of the NBA on ESPN, analyst Brian Windhorst shared intriguing details about the investigation into Jontay Porter’s alleged gambling involvement. While nothing has been proven yet, Windhorst noted that there is a lot of “circumstantial evidence” and “suspicious activity.” For one, while there are betting options available to players like Jontay, it is unusual to see much volume. One Sportsbook industry source told ESPN that numerous betting accounts tried to place larger bets, upward of $10,000 and $20,000, on Porter under in the January game against the Clippers. Typically, the betting limit is around $1,000 to $2,000 for NBA player props.

Moreover, there were specifically two instances in which DraftKings Sportsbook flagged prop bets involving Porter in its daily betting insights. Each of those nights, Porter had a very increased amount of betting on his prop bets, way higher than you would have for any normal game. On both nights, the 24-year-old exited the games without being listed on the injury report before the game. “So that is just extremely suspicious, suspicious enough to the point where he’s been taken and put on leave away from the team, and the NBA is investigating,” said Windhorst.

If the investigations yield incriminating evidence, Porter’s career could be in jeopardy. NBA regulations clearly state that any player who “wagers money or anything of value on any game or event in the Association or in the NBA G League” can face penalties from the league’s commissioner, Adam Silver, ranging from a fine to “perpetual disqualification.” He has already missed two games following the news earlier this week due to “personal reasons.”

Which games are being investigated?

The investigation is centered around two specific games that the DraftKings Sportsbook found unusual. The January 26 game against the LA Clippers saw an increased betting interest on the under-for-Porter props, which were set at around 5.5 points, 4.5 rebounds, and 1.5 assists. Additionally, there was an over/under for Porter’s made 3-pointers, set at 0.5.

That evening, Porter logged in just four minutes before leaving the game after flaring an eye injury suffered during the team’s loss to the Memphis Grizzlies on Jan. 22. Porter did not score against the Clippers, but had three rebounds and one assist. Notably, he made no attempts from the three-point range. This resulted in all his props hitting under, a hefty win for all the bettors. The next day, DraftKings Sportsbook’s daily reports revealed that the under on Porter’s 3-pointers proved to be the No. 1 bet among all NBA player props from all the games played that evening.

A similar scenario unfolded on March 20th against the Sacramento Kings, where Sportsbooks set Jontay Porter’s over/under at approximately 7.5 points and 5.5 rebounds. However, Porter played only two minutes and 43 seconds before leaving the game due to illness, as reported by the Raptors. He finished the game with no points, no assists, just one shot attempt, and two rebounds. Once again, DraftKings Sportsbook reported in a media release that Porter’s prop bets were the most profitable of the night in the NBA.

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