In June 2007, the FBI informed the NBA that one of its referees, Tim Donaghy, was the subject of a probe into illegal gambling.
Within months, the public knew the broad outlines of a scheme involving Donaghy betting on games he officiated with a co-conspirator, longtime Donaghy acquaintance and professional gambler Jimmy “Baba” Battista. They were joined in the scandal by a mutual childhood friend, Tommy Martino. By November 2008, each man had pleaded guilty to charges relating to the conspiracy, and was in federal prison. The story was over. Or so it seemed to be. Researched with dozens of interviews, court documents, betting records, referee statistics, and unique access to witness statements and confidential law enforcement files, GAMING THE GAME looks inside the FBI’s investigation and beyond to provide the definitive account of the scandal. Jimmy Battista’s remarkable decades-long bookmaking and betting career is examined, including and especially his role as architect of the widely publicized scandal. Battista, who – unlike his co-conspirators – never spoke with federal authorities, reveals for the first time the intricate details of the scheme, most of which only he knows.
GAMING THE GAME deals explicitly with numerous previously unknown aspects of the NBA betting scandal, including:
- Pro gambler Battista’s discovery of referee Donaghy’s bets on games he was officiating, and an examination of what pro gamblers, led by Battista, were doing with this information for years before Battista and Donaghy ever agreed to their own illicit deal.
- Details of Battista’s relationships with co-conspirators Donaghy and Martino dating back many years, including the extent of their involvement together in the betting world.
- The unraveling of the NBA betting conspiracy, including the behind-the-scenes details of Battista’s indictment, arrest, and negotiations with federal authorities.
- An explanation of why federal law enforcement officials never alleged referee Donaghy fixed games, and why they came far short of concluding he didn’t. The
- first ever discussion of why pro gamblers wagered millions on games Donaghy officiated and bet, and the compelling evidence which supports their contentions that Donaghy influenced game outcomes when his bets were at stake.
Among other non-NBA betting scandal matters also discussed in GAMING THE GAME are:
- The trying – but ultimately and ironically fortuitous – mix of Philly mob extortion and local law enforcement heat that forced Battista’s move from Philadelphia’s suburbs to Las Vegas, without which his meteoric rise to the top of the betting world could never have occurred.
- Inside accounts detailing the highest levels of the Las Vegas-based international betting scene.
- A mind-boggling look into the big-time offshore sports betting infrastructure and its operations within the U.S., including the daily, secretive movement of millions of dollars.
- A fascinating discussion of the world’s tight-knit fraternity of heavy-hitting sports gamblers.
- The mechanics of wagering millions of dollars on a particular bet, which few people have ever understood – and even fewer could pull off (for a host of reasons beyond acquiring the funds).
“impeccably researched…insightful…[Griffin’s] street-wise writing sounds anything but academic…After reading ‘Gaming the Game,’ you’ll never watch an NBA contest the same way again.”
Las Vegas Review-Journal
“[Griffin] straddles the line between academic and storyteller, cop and journalist…[Gaming the Game] will blow your mind.”
Philadelphia Magazine
“An exhaustively researched book threatening to overturn some comfortable assumptions about the NBA’s referee scandal …[Gaming the Game] delivers the intrigue you’d expect from a true crime thriller”
ESPN.com’s True Hoop
“Griffin’s impressive work…contains footnotes, source notes, cross-referenced facts from many officials and resources and exhaustive due diligence conducted by a forensic expert with a Ph.D…Gaming the Game is definitive, vital to comprehending the NBA scandal and how sports-betting money zips around the world. The book is gold, a forensic masterpiece.”
Chicago Sun-Times
“Offers a fascinating look into the Donaghy scandal … intriguing”
Philadelphia Daily News
“[This] important new book … offers a full picture of how the world of big-time sports gambling operates”
The Painted Area (an official ESPN.com NBA blog)
“A book you can bet is worth reading…fascinating…a complete effort”
Delaware County (PA) Daily Times
“a tremendous read…fascinating…gripping…a must read for any bettor serious about the global marketplace…by far the most believable [account of the NBA betting scandal]”
Covers.com
“If you’ve ever wondered what the REAL story was behind Tim Donaghy and the NBA betting scandal, this is a must read…If you’re interested in sports betting, you won’t be able to put [Gaming the Game] down”
Bettors World
“compelling [and] many leveled…the research behind Gaming the Game is impressive…Griffin’s knowledge of the crime scene in and around Philadelphia illuminates Gaming the Game…He’s a fluid, crisp writer and an A-1 historian of crime [who] combines an eye for human detail with the ability to convey broad social themes.”
Blogger News Network
“An outstanding read that might make you change the way you view professional sports.”
Beyond the Bets
“A riveting story…fascinating…just a great book.”
Pregame.com“
Griffin’s investigation into big time gambling is fascinating…Highly Recommended”
Gambling Book and News
“Few people are as qualified as Griffin to write this book…[his] scholarly background is evidenced in his research, which is flawless, a remarkable feat considering the subject matter…If you’ve ever wanted to know how the big-money betting outfits work, this is the book for you. If you’ve ever wondered about the true story behind the Tim Donaghy scandal and how much of the truth are we being told, this is also the book for you. Griffin gives readers the best of both worlds with Gaming the Game. His academic background ensures that readers will get all of the information that they need, but he is also a gifted story teller and writes in a way that will have you glued to the pages. This is easily one of the best books ever written about the sports betting scene and will give you a first-hand look at the biggest scandal to ever hit the NBA.”
About.com
“Griffin curates FBI files, interviews, statistics and court documents, providing a narrative so vigorous and complex that readers are practically courtside. The cast of characters — bookies, refs, cops, and the infamous Donaghy — come to life like players in a true crime novel”
Biographie
Other praise for the work
“Sean Patrick Griffin is the single best person [to explain the 2003-07 NBA betting scandal]. He wrote Gaming the Game and has been on this story since the late 2000s.” Bill Simmons, The Bill Simmons Podcast/The Ringer
“[Gaming the Game] is amazing…a must read for any NBA fan or someone who’s just into true crime or gambling…the definitive account of the Tim Donaghy scandal…It’s a fascinating read…It’s a must for gamblers if you’re interested in the world of sports gambling. You’ll get just as much out of it even if you know nothing about the NBA…Sean Patrick Griffin is the Tim Donaghy expert…he is the authority [on the NBA betting scandal].” – Tom Haberstroh, Basketball Illuminati Podcast/Dan Le Betard’s Podcast Network
“The story the NBA never wanted told about the point shaving scandal that almost brought the game to its knees. Gaming the Game chronicles the major events, the actual players, and timelines that created the biggest mess to face a major sports league in this country over the last 30 years…the level of detail is fascinating, especially for those unfamiliar with the story.” – Todd Fuhrman (“Bet the Board” podcast, CBS Sports, formerly of Fox Sports)
“I strongly urge people to go out and get this book…really fascinating stuff “ – Gill Alexander (“Beating the Book” podcast, VSIN)
“A great read…Go pick up a copy of Gaming the Game“ – Michael Barkann, Comcast SportsNet Philadelphia /Sportsradio 94WIP
“An exhaustive study…The ultimate rejection of Tim Donaghy’s lies…I highly recommend you grab this book” – Dwight Jaynes, Comcast SportsNet Northwest
“Remarkable…A must-read, especially for NBA fans…Great research…Griffin does a great job of exposing Tim Donaghy…fascinating” – Chad Doing, “The Morning Sports Page” program on 95.5FM/750AM The Game (Portland)
“It’s a must read!” – John Kincade, CBS Sports Radio/Sports Radio 680/93.7 FM The Fan (Atlanta)
“Outstanding…You’ve got to see this book…fascinating” – “Open Mic Daily” program on 97.1FM/1400AM ESPN Radio (Spartanburg)
“Heavily researched, heavily footnoted…The definitive book on the NBA betting scandal” – John Karalis (Red’s Army)
“Absurdly fascinating” – Isaac Ropp of the “Primetime with Isaac and Big Suke” program on1080 The Fan, ESPN Radio (Portland)
“Great stuff” – Dom Giordano, 1210 WPHT The Big Talker (Philadelphia)
“A terrific book…I enjoyed it immensely” – Joshua Halickman, “The Sports Rabbi”
“A fascinating read” – “The Opening Drive” program on Jox 94.5FM (Birmingham)
“I couldn’t put this book down” – Greg Rasheed, 88.5FM/1390AM KGNU (Boulder/Denver)
“A fantastic read…fascinating stuff” – Mike Richards, “The Mike Richards Show,” TSN Radio
“Very comprehensive” – Soren Petro,”The Program,” Sports Radio 810 WHB (Kansas City)
“Really interesting…well-researched…fascinating” – Adam Levitan ( Metro columnist, Rotoworld NFL/NBA writer)
“A must read…Very interesting” – Pat Williams, Don Best TV
“Fascinating…well-written…illuminating” – Crime Beat
“Fascinating stuff” – “Prime Time Sports” program on SportsNet Radio 590 (Toronto)
“A great book” – Tony Cap (Professional gambler/handicapper)
“Simply amazing…factual and authentic” – “Vegas Runner,” professional gambler and sports betting expert for Pregame.com
“A classic…riveting…read the book, you’re gonna love it” – “Philly Godfather,” professional gambler and host of “The Breakdown” program on 97.5 The Fanatic ESPN Radio (Philadelphia)
