An investigation has revealed that five UK basketball players have been involved in corrupt activity and manipulating match outcomes.
The UK Gambling Commission’s Sport Betting Intelligence Unit (SBIU) has supported investigations led by the International Basketball Federation (FIBA) and the British Basketball Federation (BBF) into match-fixing and regulation breaches within the former British Basketball League (BBL). The league came to an end last year, citing financial concerns.
At least six compromised matches were identified throughout the season. The investigation found five former Surrey Scorcher players involved in manipulating match outcomes and failing to report corrupt activity during the 2022–2023 season. They were slapped with a range of punishments, from 10-year bans from the sport to lifetime suspensions, depending on the severity.
Which basketball players were involved?
Two players, Quincy Taylor and Charleston Dobbs, were sanctioned by the BBF with lifetime bans and fines, with the FIBA also extending these sanctions worldwide. The three other players, Shakem Johnston, Padiet Wang, and Joshua McFolley, were also sanctioned by FIBA, also with lifetime or 10-year suspensions.
A sixth player, Dean Wanliss, was also ordered to pay a fine, as well as facing a suspension of three years for betting on basketball matches between 2019 and 2021. The investigation also had input from the Spanish Basketball Federation (FEB), the GB betting industry, and the International Olympic Committee Monitoring Unit.
“This case underscores the commitment of FIBA, the BBF, the Gambling Commission and other stakeholders to maintaining integrity in sport and enforcing a zero-tolerance policy toward betting-related corruption,” reads the statement from the UKGC.
Suspicious or unethical gambling activity has also been found across the pond, with Eastern Michigan college basketball games also under investigation for similar issues. The investigation, supported by the UKGC, comes as the organization is focusing on gambling reform after years of legislation being left untouched.
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