Malik Beasley Denies Betting Scheme Allegations as Federal Probe Widens in the NBA

Former NBA player Malik Beasley has denied accusations that he altered his play to help win prop bets while with the Milwaukee Bucks in 2024. The case matters for high-risk payment operators because it sits at the intersection of sports betting, alleged fraud, and money laundering — exactly the kind of setup that tends to bring sharper scrutiny to wager flows and source-of-funds checks.

1. Beasley is accused of changing the quality of his performance during at least four games in 2024 to beat bookmaker odds, with the alleged payoff being the clearing of debts to former NBA player Ed Davis, who is also a defendant.
2. He and Davis are among six defendants facing charges of fraud conspiracy, bribery in sporting contests, and money laundering conspiracy. US Attorney Joseph Nocella Jr. said the group won hundreds of thousands of dollars in wagers through the scheme.
3. Earlier reports said Beasley may have been under financial pressure, including eviction from his home last year after accumulating millions of dollars in gambling losses. Those reports also said he took a substantial loan from Davis before the alleged arrangement.
4. Beasley was released on bond with the help of his parents and will return to court for a status conference on August 6. Other defendants include sports agent Paolo Zamorano, who has also pleaded not guilty.
5. Beasley last played in the NBA for the Detroit Pistons in the 2024-2025 season but missed this year’s games because of the investigation. His lawyer, Jason Goldman, said in court that Beasley is presumed innocent and will fight the accusations.

The case comes alongside another high-profile NBA investigation involving former guard Terry Rozier, who faces charges of sports bribery and conspiracy to commit wire fraud and has pleaded not guilty. US Attorney Joseph Nocella Jr. said these cases threaten the integrity of the sport, and the NBA has responded by tightening wagering-related rules, changing injury reporting and adding mandatory education for athletes.