Sports betting integrity monitor IC360 issued a warning to its clients regarding suspicious betting activity involving Eastern Michigan University basketball games. It’s the second time in a month that Eastern Michigan has been the target of an IC360 warning.
According to reporting by ESPN.com’s David Purdum, monitors were alerted when a bettor placed a very large wager on the first half of Eastern Michigan’s recent game against Central Michigan. “While investigating, the operator also found two other high stakes wagers from two accounts in a different jurisdiction, both on Central Michigan 1st Half spread,” the alert read.
This is not the first time that first half point spread betting on men’s college basketball has come to the attention of integrity monitors. Earlier this season monitors flagged a Wright State-Eastern Michigan match-up for the same thing. The problem with first half betting dates back to last season and ESPN reports that some mainstream sportsbooks have stopped taking first half point spread action entirely. IC360 confirmed the suspicion in its report saying, “At this time, there is belief of a potential tie between these bettors, and bettors who placed suspicious wagers on First Half markets in flagged games last season.” First half betting is a relatively stable market, which is why wild point spread swings draw plenty of scrutiny.
So far, there’s no indication that any players or coaching staff are involved in the suspicious activity. A spokesperson for Eastern Michigan said only, “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.”