“What’s Shams was doing was criminal” – NBA insider accused of colluding with betting company to change draft odds and SCAM BETTORS

How Shams Charania’s false report on the NBA draft 2023 benefited FanDuel and angered bettors and fans.

“What’s Shams was doing was criminal” – NBA insider accused of colluding with betting company to change draft odds and SCAM BETTORS

Shams Charania (Via Getty Images)

Shams Charania is one of the most influential NBA insiders in the business, but his latest report on the 2023 draft raised some serious questions about his credibility and ethics. Charania, who works for both The Athletic and FanDuel, tweeted that Scoot Henderson was “gaining serious momentum” at No. 2 with the Charlotte Hornets, despite overwhelming evidence that Brandon Miller was their choice. 

The tweet caused a massive shift in the betting market, as Henderson’s odds to go second overall soared and Miller’s odds dropped. However, the tweet turned out to be false, as Miller was indeed selected by the Hornets and Henderson went No. 3 to the Portland Trail Blazers.

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The problem with Charania’s tweet was not just that it was inaccurate, but that it also benefited his other employer, FanDuel, one of the leading sportsbooks in the U.S. FanDuel denied having any advance knowledge of Charania’s reporting, but many bettors and fans were furious by the apparent conflict of interest and accused Charania of colluding with FanDuel to manipulate the market and scam bettors.

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“FanDuel is not privy to any news that Shams breaks on his platforms,” said a FanDuel spokesperson.

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NBA Twitter reacts with anger and disbelief to Shams Charania’s tweet

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Shams Charania (Via The Athletic)

Many Twitter users expressed their anger and disbelief at Charania’s tweet and FanDuel’s involvement, calling it “criminal”, “unethical”, and “a scam”. Here are some of the reactions:

Before Charania tweeted on Thursday that Henderson was “gaining momentum” to be the second pick in the draft, FanDuel Sportsbook had Miller as the overwhelming favorite at -650 and Henderson as a long shot at +400.

But after the tweet, the tables turned quickly, with Henderson becoming the heavy favorite at -700 and Miller dropping to +400. The tweet caused a huge shift in the betting market for the explosive guard who was once considered a lock for the No. 2 spot.

Some might say that this is a case of overreacting. Maybe they’re right. But it doesn’t take a genius to see how insiders could use their influence to sway the market in their favor down the road.

As sportsbooks become more cozy with reporters, it’s something punters should be aware of.

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