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A man identified by federal prosecutors as a central figure in an NCAA basketball betting-fix scheme was sentenced to six years in prison, closing one chapter in a case that authorities say touched nearly 30 Division I games across the 2023-24 and 2024-25 seasons.
According to prosecutors, Jalen Smith, 30, helped orchestrate a point-shaving operation in which players were recruited to underperform so bettors could wager against their teams. Authorities said the scheme generated more than $3 million in fraudulent wagers. Smith was also ordered to pay $1.1 million in restitution.
Prosecutors say players were paid to influence betting outcomes
Smith previously pleaded guilty to bribery and wire fraud charges, along with a separate felony gun possession charge. Prosecutors said players were typically paid between $10,000 and $30,000 per game.
Schools mentioned in the case included DePaul University, the State University of New York at Buffalo, and Tulane University. The investigation has named at least 26 other defendants and targeted more than a dozen former college basketball players, along with four players who were still active with their college teams last season.
The case stands out for sports-betting integrity because prosecutors said sportsbooks and gambling platforms were hit by wagers tied to manipulated performances rather than ordinary game results.
FBI says case is about protecting the integrity of competition
In announcing the sentence, FBI Philadelphia Special Agent in Charge Wayne A. Jacobs said the punishment should send a warning to anyone trying to exploit athletes for gambling profit.
“Today’s sentencing sends a clear message: Those who exploit professional and collegiate athletes for personal gain will be held accountable,” Jacobs said. He added that the conduct “undermines the integrity of sports and the trust placed in fair competition.”
For New York readers, the case has at least an indirect connection because SUNY Buffalo was among the schools referenced by prosecutors. But the broader takeaway is national: betting-related corruption cases remain a direct threat to fair competition and to confidence in college sports wagering markets.
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Source: As reported by SAFIYAH RIDDLE, Associated Press.
