Sports · Basketball · 1 hr ago
Jalen Smith sentenced to six years in NCAA basketball betting scheme
Jalen Smith was sentenced to six years in federal prison for his role in a scheme to fix college basketball games.
Prosecutors said Smith helped arrange fixes during the 2023-24 and 2024-25 NCAA Division I seasons by recruiting players and placing bets.
Players were offered money to underperform, allowing bettors to wager against their teams and profit from the results.
The alleged scheme involved nearly 30 games and more than $3 million in fraudulent wagers; prosecutors said player bribes typically ranged from $10,000 to $30,000 per game.
Smith must pay $1.1 million in restitution to gambling platforms, and he also pleaded guilty to a separate felony gun possession charge.
The investigation has also led to charges against other fixers and players, including former college players and athletes who were active last season.
Jalen Smith was sentenced to six years in federal prison for his role in an NCAA basketball point-shaving scheme.
Prosecutors said he recruited players to underperform and placed bets on games during the 2023-24 and 2024-25 seasons.
The scheme involved nearly 30 games and more than $3 million in fraudulent wagers, according to prosecutors.
Smith pleaded guilty to bribery, wire fraud and a separate felony gun possession charge.
He must pay $1.1 million in restitution to gambling platforms.
- Who
- Jalen Smith, 30, of Charlotte, North Carolina, was sentenced.
- What
- He received six years in federal prison for his role in a college basketball betting scheme.
- When
- Prosecutors announced the sentence on Tuesday, October 13, 2026.
- Where
- The case was announced by prosecutors in Pennsylvania. The scheme involved NCAA Division I games.
- Why
- Prosecutors said Smith recruited players to underperform and placed bets, helping defraud sportsbooks and other gamblers.
This story does not have two clearly opposing sides.
Prosecutors said Smith helped fix NCAA Division I basketball games during these seasons.
Smith pleaded guilty to bribery and wire fraud charges.
Prosecutors announced that Smith had been sentenced to six years in federal prison.
- Prison sentence
- Six years
- Games involved
- Nearly 30 NCAA basketball games
- Fraudulent wagers
- More than US$3 million
- Restitution
- US$1.1 million
- Player bribes
- Typically US$10,000 to US$30,000 per game
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What people are saying
Today’s sentencing sends a clear message: Those who exploit professional and collegiate athletes for personal gain will be held accountable.
Today's sentencing sends a clear message: Those who exploit professional and collegiate athletes for personal gain will be held accountable.