A man involved in a scheme to fix college basketball games has been sentenced to six years in federal prison, prosecutors in Pennsylvania announced Tuesday. Jalen Smith, 30, was a central figure in an elaborate point-fixing operation that defrauded sportsbooks and gamblers out of more than $3 million.
Prosecutors stated that Smith pleaded guilty earlier this year to bribery and wire fraud charges. The investigation revealed a widespread network of professional gamblers and college basketball players who profited from manipulated games during the 2023-24 and 2024-25 NCAA Division I seasons. Smith was accused of placing bets and recruiting players with promises of significant payments for intentionally underperforming in games.
Payments to players typically ranged from $10,000 to $30,000 per game, according to court documents. Smith and others allegedly targeted players, particularly those considered underdogs, to ensure specific point spreads were met. These players were seen as prime targets because the offered bribes exceeded potential income from legitimate sponsorships.
Smith, of Charlotte, North Carolina, used his connections with local basketball players, whom he trained for professional scouting combines, to recruit them into the scheme. The point-shaving operation reportedly involved nearly 30 NCAA basketball games and included schools such as DePaul University, the State University of New York at Buffalo, and Tulane University.
In addition to the six-year prison sentence, Smith was ordered to pay $1.1 million in restitution to gambling platforms, which represents the cost incurred as a result of the scheme. He also pleaded guilty to a separate felony gun possession charge.
Authorities highlighted that this sentencing sends a message that those who exploit athletes for personal gain will be held accountable. The scheme targeted not only fixers who recruited players and placed bets but also over a dozen former college basketball players and four active college players from the previous season.
The sentencing comes as the NCAA basketball season begins, a period when billions of dollars are wagered nationwide, both legally and illegally. Law enforcement, regulators, and sports leagues continue to grapple with the increasing popularity of sports gambling in collegiate and professional sports.