Protecting the Game: Michigan Gaming Control Board Responds to NBA Gambling Scandal

DETROIT, Nov. 3, 2025 — In light of recent federal indictments involving current and former NBA players and coaches, the Michigan Gaming Control Board (MGCB) is reaffirming its commitment to protecting the integrity of sports betting through robust regulatory safeguards and oversight.

Federal authorities have linked the scandal to organized crime syndicates and allege the misuse of confidential player information, manipulation of proposition wagers (“prop bets”), and participation in an illegal mafia-backed poker cheating ring. These developments underscore the need for robust regulatory frameworks to prevent fraud and protect consumers.

“The integrity of sports betting in Michigan depends on more than enforcement — it requires proactive safeguards designed to detect and deter misconduct before it occurs,” said MGCB Executive Director Henry Williams. “We’ve built a regulatory structure that prioritizes transparency, accountability, and consumer protection.”

To uphold the integrity of legal sports betting in Michigan, the MGCB has implemented several key measures:

• Mandatory Integrity Monitoring: All licensed operators must participate in an integrity monitoring program that identifies and reports unusual or suspicious betting patterns.
• Review and Approval of Events and Wager Types: The MGCB reviews and approves events to ensure compliance with Michigan’s regulatory standards, which require effective governance and integrity safeguards. Certain wager types that are objectionable or easily manipulated — such as bets on officiating decisions — are prohibited.
• Prohibition on Insider Betting: Operators must have controls in place to prevent wagering by individuals associated with an event, including players, coaches, and officials, or anyone with access to nonpublic information. Under Michigan law, manipulating the outcome of a sporting event or using insider information to wager is a criminal offense.
• Internal Control Requirements: Operators are required to maintain comprehensive internal controls designed to prevent and detect fraud.

The MGCB is closely monitoring risks associated with player proposition wagers — bets based on individual player performance rather than game outcomes — which were reportedly exploited in the recent scandal.

“Certain types of prop bets present a higher risk of manipulation, particularly when tied to insider knowledge or player behavior,” Williams said. “As regulators, we must assess whether current safeguards are sufficient or if additional restrictions are necessary.”

The MGCB also continues to warn the public about the dangers of illegal gambling, which operates without oversight, consumer protections, or transparency. Illegal operators often exploit vulnerable individuals, evade taxes, and operate without accountability.

“Illegal gambling undermines public trust and puts Michigan residents at risk,” Williams said. “We remain committed to disrupting these operations and educating the public about the benefits of betting legally and responsibly.”

As new details emerge from the ongoing investigation, the MGCB will use the findings to form future regulatory actions and strengthen Michigan’s sports betting framework.

“This case is a wake-up call for the entire industry,” Williams concluded. “We must remain vigilant, adaptive, and committed to protecting the integrity of the game — and the safety of those who enjoy it.”