How Jordan Spencer Overcame His Gambling Addiction and Continued His Professional Basketball Career

Gambling addictions are no joke and they can affect all types of people. That includes professional athletes who find themselves in a predicament more often than not. In the last year, we’ve seen a few betting scandals across professional sports. Former Raptors center Jontay Porter was involved in a betting scandal. A rather serious one with the NBA. After an investigation into the case, Commissioner Adam Silver eventually gave Porter a lifetime ban. 

There have been other scandals in the sports betting world since its popularity has continued to expand across the globe. Most haven’t heard the story of UK professional basketball player Jordan Spencer He’s played in England and also took his talents to the United States when he was in college. Let’s take a deeper look into how Spencer got caught up in a betting scandal. 

Where did Jordan Spencer’s betting journey begin?

As a British kid, Jordan Spencer struggled to get any real offers from a Division I school. That didn’t stop Spencer from chasing his dreams. Eventually, a Division II school called Augustana came to England to watch Spencer play. He was offered a scholarship to play and found himself in Sioux Falls, South Dakota to play his collegiate career. In America, Spencer saw how his US teammates bet through bookies at Augustana. In college, Spencer was not sports betting just yet. Instead, he would cross state lines and head to Iowa to bet at tribal casinos. 

Once Spencer’s collegiate career ended, he returned to the UK and started playing for the London Lions. That’s when Spencer’s gambling addiction took a turn for the worse. His friends were betting on soccer matches in England and some action in the NBA. Spencer saw the money they were making and joined in on the fun. However, Spencer started losing thousands of dollars, leading to some unethical practices. The UK professional basketball player was betting on his team. Breaking league rules.

Spencer received a suspension from the British Basketball Association

From 2018-2021, Jordan Spencer reportedly lost $50,000. After the 2018-19 season, Spencer received a one-year ban from the BBL and the national team. Additionally, Spencer needed to pay a fine of $2,000. While serving his suspension, Spencer went overseas and played in Germany for a year. However, Spencer still found ways to bet in Germany and he found himself lying to his parents again. His one-year suspension was up and he was back with the London Lions. He played again for the team but was later released. 

Spencer got professional help from Gambler’s Anonymous and his last bet was placed in 2021. Since then, he’s been able to turn his life around a found a new team to play for. Last month, Spencer led the Milton Keynes Breakers on a 30-game winning streak. En route to winning the NBL D2 championship over the Solent Kestrels. Spencer has 26 points, 11 rebounds, and 11 assists in the championship game. He was named MVP. Jordan Spencer has overcome his gambling addiction and is excelling on the court.