The NBA is pulling off its version of Slenderman because it appears they are always watching.
A surprising sports betting scandal unfolded at Harrah’s Gulf Coast casino in Biloxi, Mississippi, catching the attention of both federal investigators and the NBA.
It revolves around 30 suspicious bets placed on Miami Heat guard Terry Rozier's performance during a game against the New Orleans Pelicans on March 23, 2023.
Suspicious Activity Raises Eyebrows
The centerpiece of the investigation is Terry Rozier, who was playing for the Charlotte Hornets at the time.
That morning, a professional bettor placed 30 bets totaling $13,759 on Rozier scoring below (under) predicted totals in points, rebounds, and assists.
Rozier left the game early due to a foot injury, ensuring that all those bets were successful, netting the bettor $13,017.70.
“On the morning of March 23, 2023, a bettor at a sportsbook in Biloxi, Mississippi, placed $13,759 in bets on the unders on Rozier’s statistics in a game that night between the Charlotte Hornets and New Orleans Pelicans,” according to the documents, which ESPN acquired through an open records request. All 30 bets won after Rozier left the game just 10 minutes in, reporting a foot injury.
Sportsbooks across several states noticed this unusual betting behavior and flagged it as suspicious.
Harrah’s initially refused to pay out, suspecting insider involvement. However, regulators eventually required the casino to honor the wagers.
Who Is Terry Rozier?
Rozier's NBA career began with four seasons as a reserve for the Celtics, after which he was traded to the Charlotte Hornets, where he became a starter and enjoyed a significant role for over four seasons.
In 2024, Rozier was traded to the Miami Heat, where he continues to impress with his scoring and playmaking abilities. Throughout his career, he’s been recognized for his speed, quickness, and scoring touch. Rozier remains under contract with Miami through the 2025-26 season.
His career NBA averages include over 10 points, 3.7 rebounds, and 2.6 assists per game in recent seasons. Rozier has also been highlighted for his performances in the 2018 NBA Playoffs and for thriving in expanded roles with both the Hornets and Heat.
Investigations and Ongoing Probes
The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of New York and the FBI launched an investigation, linking the case to others involving alleged sports betting manipulation. Although the NBA's review didn’t find Rozier violating any rules, the possibility of bettors having inside information about his condition is under scrutiny.
The NBA cleared Rozier after its investigations in 2023, but a federal investigation remains open.
Rozier’s attorney Jim Trusty noted that, “to date, Mr. Rozier has not been charged with any crimes, nor has he been characterized by prosecutors as a target.”
However, he did admit that, “Federal investigations can take years to complete, and the government rarely lets the subject of an investigation know whether or not they have been cleared of allegations of wrongdoing.”
Rozier’s attorney clarified that he isn't the target of the investigation, as confirmed by an NBA internal review. The focus remains on whether there’s a connection between Rozier’s unexpected early exit from the game and the informed nature of the bets.
The Fallout
The incident became one of the highest-profile cases highlighting the increased attention on sports betting integrity. The betting industry and sports leagues are now under more pressure than ever to monitor and prevent any form of manipulation.
In April 2024, Toronto Raptors forward Jontay Porter was charged with a felony and received a lifetime ban from the NBA as a result of the same investigation.
Meanwhile, free-agent guard Malik Beasley is under investigation by federal authorities and the NBA for placing prop bets, allegedly starting in January 2024, during his time with the Milwaukee Bucks. To date, he has not been charged.
Rozier, who played for the Miami Heat last season, has not faced any charges; however, federal scrutiny continues to surround the matter, reflecting the broader context of gambling challenges in professional basketball.
This case serves as a reminder of the ongoing battle against potential corruption in sports betting, which aims to preserve the integrity of professional sports.
