Malik Beasley Gambling Probe: What It Means for the NBA’s Integrity

By Edcel Panganiban July 04, 2025 07:44

The NBA finds itself grappling with another high-profile gambling-related controversy as guard Malik Beasley becomes the subject of a federal investigation tied to allegations of betting activity on NBA games and prop bets. The probe, which centers on suspicious wagering patterns dating back to the 2023-24 season when Beasley was with the Milwaukee Bucks, has sent shockwaves through the league and raised serious questions about the integrity of professional basketball.

Beasley, 28, who most recently played for the Detroit Pistons and averaged a career-best 16.3 points per game while shooting 41.6% from three-point range last season, now faces an uncertain future. The investigation reportedly began after a U.S. sportsbook noticed an unusual surge in bets on Beasley’s individual statistics, such as rebounds per game, starting around January 2024. These “prop bets” are wagers on specific player achievements rather than game outcomes, and their manipulation poses a unique threat to the sport’s fairness.

The NBA has confirmed it is cooperating fully with federal prosecutors in the Eastern District of New York, with league spokesman Mike Bass stating, “We are cooperating with the federal prosecutors’ investigation.” Beasley’s attorney, Steve Haney, emphasized that an investigation is not a charge, saying, “Malik is afforded the same right of the presumption of innocence as anyone else under the U.S. Constitution. As of now, he has not been charged with anything.”

Still, the ramifications have been immediate. Contract negotiations for a lucrative three-year, $42 million deal with the Pistons have been put on hold, casting doubt on Beasley’s market value amid the probe. Adding to his troubles, Beasley is also facing a $2.25 million lawsuit from his former agency, Hazan Sports, over an alleged breach of contract and unpaid advance, compounding the off-court distractions.

This investigation follows a troubling pattern in the NBA, which has seen multiple players linked to gambling-related scandals in recent years. Notably, Jontay Porter was banned for life last year after admitting to manipulating his playing availability and sharing injury information with gamblers. Terry Rozier is also reportedly under investigation for alleged point-shaving activities, though he has not been charged or penalized. These incidents highlight the growing tension between the NBA’s embrace of legalized sports betting and the imperative to protect the game’s integrity.

The NBA’s challenge is formidable. Since the 2018 Supreme Court decision that struck down the federal ban on sports betting, the league has forged partnerships with major sportsbooks like FanDuel and DraftKings, seeking to capitalize on the booming industry. However, these relationships come with risks, as the line between promotion and protection of the sport’s integrity becomes increasingly blurred.

Analysts warn that the Beasley probe could have wide-reaching consequences. As sports betting becomes more sophisticated and widespread, the temptation and opportunity for players to engage in illicit activity increase. The league’s ability to detect and deter such behavior will be crucial to maintaining fan trust and competitive fairness.

Malik Beasley’s federal gambling investigation is a stark reminder of the NBA’s ongoing struggle to balance commercial interests with safeguarding the sport’s integrity. While Beasley has not been charged, the probe underscores the vulnerabilities that come with the league’s expanding ties to sports betting. As the NBA navigates this complex landscape, it must continue to enforce strict oversight and education to protect the game that millions cherish.