EMU basketball games flagged for suspicious betting activity

Betting integrity firms are investigating Eastern Michigan’s men’s basketball program after reports of unusual wagering activity surfaced during two of their games this season.

The most recent incident occurred during Tuesday’s matchup between Eastern Michigan and Central Michigan, highlighting concern among sportsbooks and regulators.

On Wednesday, Integrity Compliance 360 issued an alert flagging suspicious betting patterns.

The alert detailed that a bettor attempted to place their largest wager to date on Central Michigan to cover the first-half spread against Eastern Michigan.

“While investigating, the operator also found two other high stakes wagers from two accounts in a different jurisdiction, both on Central Michigan first Half spread,” the alert said, per ESPN.

Additionally, two high-stakes bets on the same market were noticed in Connecticut and Tennessee.

These activities prompted sportsbooks and the Mid-American Conference — where EMU and CMU play — to launch a review.

Tuesday’s game marked the second instance this season where Eastern Michigan games were flagged, as the bets were against them.

A similar alert was issued on Dec. 21 during a matchup against Wright State, where significant bets targeted Wright State’s first-half spread against Eastern Michigan.

Wright State led EMU 38-27 at halftime of their game before EMU won 86-82.

Eastern Michigan said it is cooperating with the Mid-American Conference and other regulatory bodies.

“We became aware of the matter on Wednesday and a review is underway,” a spokesperson for Eastern Michigan told ESPN in a statement. “At this time, we do not know anything further about what may have precipitated the suspicious activity. We are working with the Mid-American Conference and will provide further details as we learn additional information.”

The point-spread movements have also raised concerns.

For Tuesday’s game, the first-half line for Central Michigan opened at -3.5 and climbed to -6.5 shortly before tipoff.

Central Michigan ultimately led 39-33 at halftime.

First-half betting has emerged as a focus in broader investigations, with sportsbooks removing these markets from select games.

A Las Vegas bookmaker noted to ESPN: “Closing higher on a half than a full game couldn’t be a bigger red flag.”