The recent charges brought against a Brooklyn man shed light on an alleged illegal sports betting scheme involving former Toronto Raptors player, Jontay Porter. Porter, known as “Player 1” in the court complaint, was banned from the NBA after it was revealed that he had bet on his own team to lose. According to federal prosecutors, Porter had accrued significant gambling debts to co-conspirators in the alleged scheme, prompting him to withdraw prematurely from certain games to ensure the success of bets placed on his performance.
Long Phi “Bruce” Pham, the man charged in connection with the alleged illegal sports betting scheme, played a crucial role in orchestrating the plan. Pham, aware of Porter’s intention to withdraw from a game, placed bets on Porter’s performance during the Raptors’ matchup against the LA Clippers. This strategic move led to Pham winning $40,250 from the bets he had placed. Pham was subsequently arrested at JFK Airport in New York as he attempted to board a one-way flight to Australia, and has since been detained pending trial on a charge of conspiring to defraud a sports betting company. Three other unnamed co-conspirators involved in the scheme are still at large.
The illegal sports betting scheme masterminded by Pham and his co-conspirators reaped over $1 million in profits, as stated by the United States Attorney’s Office. The corrupt nature of the scheme cast a shadow over professional sports, with United States Attorney Breon Peace emphasizing the detrimental impact of fraud and dishonesty in the sports industry. The brazen nature of the betting scheme, which allegedly involved an NBA player, serves as a stark warning against engaging in such illicit activities.
Leading up to a game against the Sacramento Kings, Pham and his co-conspirators reportedly discussed in a Telegram group chat the plan for Porter to exit early, claiming illness as the reason. Subsequent to their discussion, the group gathered at a casino in Atlantic City and placed multiple bets on Porter’s performance. Porter followed through with the plan, exiting the game after only three minutes of play and recording minimal statistics. Furthermore, in a group chat among Porter and the conspirators on April 4, ominous references to potential legal repercussions were made, indicating the severity of their actions. Ultimately, Porter was banned from the NBA following an investigation into the matter.
The case of the illegal sports betting scheme involving Jontay Porter and orchestrated by Long Phi “Bruce” Pham serves as a cautionary tale against the allure of quick and dishonest gains in the realm of professional sports. The consequences of such actions reverberate far beyond the individuals involved, tarnishing the integrity of the sports industry as a whole. As the legal proceedings unfold, it is clear that fraud and corruption will not be tolerated, sending a resounding message to those who seek to exploit the system for personal gain.