Jontay Porter admits he bet $500 million before NBA lifetime ban

Jontay Porter estimates he bet at least $500 million before the NBA imposed a lifetime ban on him in April 2024. In an interview with The New Yorker, Porter detailed how sports betting, mounting debts and attempts to recoup losses consumed his life; he also confirmed he wagered more than $50 million on FanDuel over an 18-month span.

Betting volume and origin of the problem

Porter earned just over $2.8 million during his NBA and G-League career, but he estimated his total betting volume reached $500 million. Some of that money went to unusual wagers, including significant stakes on table tennis in Russia. At one point he borrowed $500,000 against his home to bet on ping-pong matches; he won more than $1 million, repaid the loan, but continued gambling and ultimately sold the property.

"It's exhilarating because, in your mind, your whole life rides on how good a serve this Ping-Pong guy has," Porter said in the interview. "It drives you insane, quite literally. Eyes bloodshot. Staring at the screen. I think you're addicted to the thrill of the in-between, when you don't know if it's going to win or lose."

After being cut by the Memphis Hustle in 2021, Porter went on a losing streak that included $125,000 wagered on the Kansas City Chiefs to beat the Baltimore Ravens, and more than 140 additional bets totalling over $1 million. During a family visit he turned to mobile blackjack and lost another $200,000.

Conduct in the NBA and sanctions

The NBA, led by commissioner Adam Silver, investigated Porter’s conduct and determined he had shared confidential health information with bettors, manipulated his playing time and placed bets on league games. He played his final NBA game on 22 March 2024; in April 2024 the league imposed a lifetime ban on him. For context on the league’s disciplinary rules see the [NBA regulation page](/regulation).

The investigation also identified a player-prop parlay of $80,000 that bet on a poor performance by Porter and that carried a potential payout of $1.1 million; the sportsbook froze that wager without paying it. Between January and March 2024, investigators attributed at least 13 NBA bets totalling $54,094 placed through an associated account. The story notes heavy activity on retail and mobile sportsbooks such as [FanDuel](/sports).

Legal consequences and treatment

In July 2024 Porter pleaded guilty to conspiracy to commit wire fraud. His sentencing was postponed several times; ESPN reporter Brian Windhorst previously suggested a potential sentence of three to four years in prison.

Family members detected the financial problem: after marrying Kelli in 2022, Porter secretly transferred money from his wife's Venmo account and used her credit cards. He also reported transactions as fraudulent and even took thousands of dollars from his mother on Thanksgiving. Relatives organised a 30-day treatment programme in Florida.

"(The last time I manipulated my performance) was the last day I ever gambled," Porter told HeyHenryTV in July. "It’s been a tough journey, but it’s been a restorative journey." "I’m in a much better place than I would be if I had never gotten caught," he added.

Porter returned to play after treatment, but his problems persisted until the investigation that culminated in the ban and criminal actions.

Key facts and figures

• Estimated lifetime wagers: $500 million

• Wagers on FanDuel in 18 months: more than $50 million

• Career NBA/G-League earnings: just over $2.8 million

• Mortgage loan to gamble: $500,000 (later repaid after winning more than $1 million)

• NBA bets detected between January and March 2024: 13 totalling $54,094

• Parlay identified: $80,000 with potential payout of $1.1 million

• Last NBA game: 22 March 2024

• NBA ban: April 2024

• Guilty plea: July 2024

• Family treatment: 30 days in Florida

Porter credits his personal recovery to the consequences of being caught and to undergoing treatment, statements he made to The New Yorker and to HeyHenryTV.