Free agent Malik Beasley is facing a federal investigation for gambling on NBA games and prop bets during the 2023-2024 season while with the Milwaukee Bucks. The news was first reported by ESPN’s Shams Charania on Sunday, June 29. The U.S. Attorney’s Office in Eastern District of New York is leading the investigation, prompted by a major U.S. sportsbook identifying unusual betting activity concerning Beasley’s statistics starting January 2024. The NBA has acknowledged and is cooperating with the investigation.
CBS Sports revealed that the questionable game was a Jan. 31, 2024 matchup between the Bucks and Portland Trail Blazers, where odds on Beasley recording under 2.5 rebounds shifted significantly before the game, yet he finished with six rebounds.
Beasley is the third NBA player investigated for gambling in the past year. Former Toronto Raptors player Jontay Porter incurred large gambling debts and left games early to manage them. He was banned from the league in 2024 for betting on NBA games and intentionally influencing game outcomes.
Earlier this year, veteran Terry Rozier, now with the Miami Heat, came under federal scrutiny for potentially manipulating a 2023 game while with the Charlotte Hornets. On March 23, 2023, Rozier left a game with a foot injury after less than 10 minutes, despite averaging over 35 minutes a game that season, raising suspicions of involvement in an illegal betting ring.
- SCCG Management. The Gambling Industry’s Global Connector. Access Here.
- Source: SCCGManagement.com