NFL Player Arrested For Underage Sports Betting

As the U.S. sports betting landscape continues to grow and more leagues embrace partnerships with wagering companies, players’ involvement in gambling has become a greater concern. That was amplified again Thursday in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, with the arrest of the New England Patriots’ Kayshon Boutte.

The former LSU wide receiver faced various gambling-related charges including felony computer fraud and a misdemeanor for gambling under the age of 21. The charges stem from an investigation by the Louisiana State Police Gaming Enforcement Division, which alleges that Boutte placed more than 8,900 bets – including at least 17 on NCAA football games.

Authorities further allege that at least six of those wagers involved his own team at LSU. School officials said they are 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 said in a statement. “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 only would wagering underage be a crime under Louisiana law, but betting on any sport is against NCAA rules. Those betting on their own teams can face further penalties.

The Gaming Enforcement Division alleges that Boutte placed bets from April 6, 2022, through May 7, 2023, using an alias at an online sportsbook.

At LSU, Boutte recorded 131 career receptions and 1,782 yards. He was drafted in the sixth round in 2023 by the Patriots, but only played in five games and had two receptions for 19 yards.

Investigators allege that Boutte continued placing bets for about a week after he was drafted last year. The NFL allows players to wager on sports, but not on any NFL 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 representative told ESPN.

The NFL saw several players suspended during the offseason and also recently made some changes to the league’s gambling policy. Police say the Boutte investigation will continue.