Quick summary
In this guide, we explain what point shaving is, how it works, and why it’s illegal. You’ll learn about recent real-world cases, the signs that suggest a game may be compromised, and practical steps to protect yourself as a bettor. For more articles like this, visit our blog, The Advantage.
Want to protect your bets from shady fixes?
Think your bet lost fair and square? Maybe not. It might have been rigged through point shaving. This is when players deliberately miss shots, slow down, or make “mistakes” to manipulate the spread. In cases like that, your bet never stood a chance from the start.
In this article, we’ll explain what point shaving is, how it works, and show you how to spot the warning signs so you can protect yourself as a bettor.
What is Point Shaving?
Point shaving is a type of sports betting fraud where players deliberately manipulate the score of a game to affect the point spread, not the final outcome. Instead of trying to lose, players intentionally underperform. They miss shots, commit turnovers, or slow the pace, just enough to keep the margin of victory smaller (or larger) than oddsmakers set.
This fraud is most commonly linked with basketball, since one or two players can heavily influence the final margin. But the concept can exist in any sport where spreads determine betting outcomes.
How does point shaving work?
In point shaving, the fix is subtle. Instead of throwing the whole game, players make small adjustments that change whether a team covers the spread.
Here’s a breakdown of how it works:
- The spread is set: Oddsmakers establish how many points the favorite is expected to win by (for example, –10).
- Gamblers approach players: A player is bribed or pressured to influence the score.
- Player underperforms strategically: They miss shots, commit turnovers, or let opponents score at key times.
- The margin shifts: The favorite might still win, but by fewer points than the spread.
- Bets pay out: Those in on the scheme win money by betting against the spread.
Real-world examples of point shaving
Jontay Porter NBA point shaving scandal (2024)
In 2024, former NBA player Jontay Porter admitted to fixing his own performance for gambling purposes. Struggling with heavy gambling debts, he worked with others to deliberately underperform in games so bets placed on his player props would pay out. He even texted co-conspirators during games to give them inside information.
The NBA found, he not only shaved points, but also shared confidential details with bettors and wagered on NBA games himself. Multiple suspicious bets of $10,000 to $20,000 were linked to his scheme. Porter was banned from the NBA for life and now faces federal felony charges.
Fresno State and San Jose State players point shaving case(2025)
In 2025, three players, Mykell Robinson and Jalen Weaver from Fresno State, and Steven Vasquez from San Jose State, were caught in a point shaving scheme. They bet on their own games, passed along inside information, and at times even changed how they played to win prop bets.
The National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) finished the investigation and gave all three permanent bans. They lost their eligibility, which ended their college basketball careers.
Point shaving vs match-fixing (key differences)
Feature | Point shaving | Match-fixing |
Goal | To adjust the margin of victory to influence betting outcomes | To fix the result of the game itself to benefit certain bets |
Involvement | Players or sometimes coaches underperform to control the spread | Players, coaches, or officials intentionally change the result |
Impact on the game | The team wins, but the point spread is affected | The actual result of the game is altered |
Common in | Sports like basketball and football, where points are crucial to the spread | Any sport, especially team sports where the final result can be fixed |
Legal consequences | Banned from the sport, fines, and potential criminal charges | Severe penalties, including lifetime bans, criminal charges, and imprisonment |
How to spot point shaving
- Strange line movements: If odds shift sharply before a game without any clear reason (no injuries, no lineup changes), it can be a sign that large, suspicious bets are being placed with insider knowledge.
- Unusual player performance: When key players consistently miss easy shots, commit avoidable fouls, or rack up turnovers at crucial moments, it may raise suspicion, especially if their stats are far below normal.
- Repeated late-game swings: Point shaving often happens near the end of a game when the outcome is safe but the spread is still in play. Watch for sudden collapses, missed free throws, or unnecessary errors that change only the margin of victory.
- Betting patterns flagged by sportsbooks: Reputable sportsbooks track abnormal betting activity. If props or spreads on less popular games suddenly attract big money, that game could be under investigation.
- Media or regulator alerts: Sometimes watchdog groups, reporters, or even the NCAA itself will flag suspicious games. If you hear about a game being “under review,” it’s best to stay away from betting on it.
Tips for protecting yourself from point shaving
- Bet only with regulated sportsbooks: Licensed books suspend suspicious games and help keep your money safe.
- Avoid “sure thing” tips: Claims of guaranteed outcomes are often scams tied to illegal activity.
- Diversify your bets: Spread your wagers across different markets so one compromised game doesn’t wipe you out.
- Track your wagers: Keeping records helps you spot patterns and protect your bankroll.
- Stay informed: Follow news and regulator alerts to avoid betting on games under investigation.
Conclusion
With point shaving, players don’t have to throw games outright. Just a few missed shots or turnovers can shift the spread and sink your bet. To protect yourself, stick with regulated sportsbooks, stay alert to unusual betting activity, and avoid shady “inside tips”.
Frequently asked questions
Why is point shaving illegal?
It’s considered fraud and match-fixing. Point shaving undermines the integrity of sports and the fairness of betting markets, which is why players face bans and criminal charges.
How do you shave points?
Players can miss easy shots, commit fouls, slow the pace, or make careless turnovers at key moments. All these are done to shift the score just enough to affect the spread without losing the game outright.
Which sport is most linked to point shaving?
Basketball is most often tied to point shaving because one or two players can heavily influence the margin in a single game.
How common is point shaving?
It’s rare today compared to past decades, but it still happens. Recent investigations in both the NCAA and NBA show that gambling-related manipulation remains a risk.
What’s the difference between point shaving and throwing a game?
In point shaving, the player wants their team to still win, just by fewer (or more) points. Throwing a game means intentionally losing.