FBI sports betting case mentions two Ohio colleges
The FBI has mentioned two major Ohio academic institutions – Ohio University and Kent State University – in a sportsbook fraud indictment. But OU and Kent were apparently only named because players on opposing basketball teams were involved, according to charging documents and statements the schools sent to 614NOW.
The scheme allegedly involved more than 39 players on 17 NCAA Division I men’s basketball teams who manipulated or attempted to manipulate 29 games in the 2023-24 and 2024-25 seasons.
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Federal prosecutors said it’s a massive international conspiracy, but the heart of it is this: gamblers paid players to underperform and placed bets against them.
Buffalo vs. Kent State
The indictment alleges several ‘fixers’ wagered nearly $500,000 on a February 2024 game for Kent to cover an 8.5-point spread against University at Buffalo. A spread is a projected total by which one team is favored to win against another team. Prosecutors said the group coordinated the scheme ahead of the game, including a FaceTime call with Buffalo players to ensure Buffalo would not cover the first-half spread.
According to the indictment, Buffalo players intentionally missed dunks and layups during the first half. The bet won. Prosecutors said days later, the gamblers paid $54,000 in cash to the Buffalo players.
“[Our] university is referenced in the investigation only as an opponent of a team whose players are alleged to have engaged in this conduct,” said a Kent spokesperson in a statement to 614NOW. “Our men’s basketball program competes with integrity and is committed to upholding the highest standards of collegiate athletics.”
Buffalo vs. Ohio University
The indictment goes on to say the same group engaged in a FaceTime call with the same players to ensure Buffalo would fall to Ohio University in early March. This time, the ‘fixers’ allegedly agreed to ensure Buffalo failed to cover a 5.5-point spread in favor of the Bobcats.
Once again, Buffalo lost. And once again, the bet won.
Buffalo Athletic Director Mark Alnutt told the media: “We believe these to be isolated incidents that in no way reflect the values and core ethics of the Division of Athletics or our men’s basketball program.”
An OU spokesperson released this statement to 614NOW: “Ohio University, our tremendous student-athletes, coaches and staff were not involved in any way in the alleged misconduct. However, if requested, we will cooperate with any ongoing investigation of the matter.”
U.S. Attorney David Metcalf told reporters the investigation isn’t finished. The indictment suggests many others, including unnamed players, had a role in the scheme but weren’t charged.
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