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As a college basketball betting scandal ensnares Eastern Michigan University, Michigan gambling regulators face renewed pressure to protect players and the integrity of games.
Two former players and one current player were charged with crimes in relation to manipulating games in 2024.
That has brought up many questions about the integrity of games, and whether or not certain markets should be offered on Michigan sportsbooks.
Game manipulation
Two players, Da’Sean Nelson and Jalen Terry, both allegedly fixed games that involved Eastern Michigan in November 2024. Carlos Hart, who is currently on the roster, allegedly fixed games while playing for New Orleans before playing for Eastern Michigan.
All three players allegedly manipulated first-half spreads and full-game spreads, according to court documents.
PlayMichigan reached out to the Michigan Gaming Control Board, asking if it has been in contact with college programs in the state. We also asked whether or not it is considering removing certain markets, such as first-half spreads and college props.
The MGCB did not respond to PlayMichigan‘s request for comment.
While the case involving Eastern Michigan didn’t involve props, Michigan is one of a few states that accepts college prop wagers.
In March 2024, the MGCB told PlayMichigan that it would be “taking a look at this issue.” The board has not made any changes.
Hart’s charges surprised EMU
Hart was averaging 13.1 points per game and was the second-leading scorer for Eastern Michigan this season. During the 2023-2024 season, Hart played for New Orleans and then played Division II last year.
Eastern Michigan said it did not know of any involvement in a point-shaving scheme in a statement earlier this month. Hart has been suspended from team activities.
Eastern Michigan athletic director Scott Wetherbee told The Detroit News about the difficulties of the new college landscape of NIL and the transfer portal:
“It’s really tough right now. You’re speed dating with these young men, and young men to make a quick decision. That doesn’t give you a lot of time to get to know the character and integrity of the individual. You try to do checks and balances, but there’s no background check to see if somebody’s been doing this.
“That’s the hard part. Carlos Hart, this happened two years ago at two institutions ago.
“We had no issues with him here. At least, we don’t think we did.”
NCAA attempting to fix situation
NCAA president Charlie Baker has called on state gambling boards to eliminate prop bets and first-half markets for college basketball betting. Baker said in a statement earlier this month:
“The Association has and will continue to aggressively pursue sports betting violations in college athletics using a layered integrity monitoring program that covers over 22,000 contests, but we still need the remaining states and regulators to eliminate threats to integrity to better protect athletes and leagues from integrity risks and predatory bettors.”
As of now, the MGCB still allows college props and first-half markets on college basketball games.
