As the U.S. sports activities betting panorama continues to develop and extra leagues embrace partnerships with wagering corporations, gamers’ involvement in playing has change into a higher concern. That was amplified once more Thursday in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, with the arrest of the New England Patriots’ Kayshon Boutte.
The former LSU broad receiver confronted varied gambling-related fees together with felony pc fraud and a misdemeanor for playing underneath the age of 21. The fees stem from an investigation by the Louisiana State Police Gaming Enforcement Division, which alleges that Boutte positioned greater than 8,900 bets – together with not less than 17 on NCAA soccer video games.
Authorities additional allege that not less than six of these wagers concerned his personal staff at LSU. School officers stated they’re cooperating with the investigation.
“In July 2023, LSU was made aware of allegations regarding a former student-athlete’s improper conduct related to sports gambling while enrolled at the university,” LSU stated in a press release. “Since then, we have fully cooperated with all relevant authorities involved in the investigation and will continue to do so. We have no evidence that any other student-athletes participated in these prohibited activities, and we are grateful for measures that detect and discourage sports gambling related misconduct.”
Details On The Allegations
Not solely would wagering underage be against the law underneath Louisiana legislation, however betting on any sport is towards NCAA guidelines. Those betting on their very own groups can face additional penalties.
The Gaming Enforcement Division alleges that Boutte positioned bets from April 6, 2022, by means of May 7, 2023, utilizing an alias at a web based sportsbook.
At LSU, Boutte recorded 131 profession receptions and 1,782 yards. He was drafted within the sixth spherical in 2023 by the Patriots, however solely performed in 5 video games and had two receptions for 19 yards.
Investigators allege that Boutte continued placing bets for a couple of week after he was drafted final yr. The NFL permits gamers to wager on sports activities, however not on any NFL video games.
“The New England Patriots are aware that Kayshon Boutte is cooperating with Louisiana police regarding their investigation into an underage gambling charge while he was a student at Louisiana State University,” a Patriots consultant instructed ESPN.
The NFL noticed a number of gamers suspended throughout the offseason and in addition just lately made some adjustments to the league’s playing coverage. Police say the Boutte investigation will proceed.