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Kennesaw Sports Betting Scheme Expands, Reaching $3 Million

  //sports-competition.news-articles.net/content/2 .. s-betting-scheme-expands-reaching-3-million.html
  Published in Sports and Competition on Friday, January 30th 2026 at 22:58 GMT by WSB-TV
      Locales: Georgia, UNITED STATES

KENNESAW, GA - January 31st, 2026 - The U.S. Department of Justice's investigation into an international sports betting scheme orchestrated by two former Kennesaw State University (KSU) football players, Jovaughn Maurice Patterson, 25, and Deangelo Marcus Thompson, 24, is expanding, revealing a potentially far-reaching network beyond the initial $1.7 million in illicit wagers. While the original indictment focused on activities between January 2023 and December 2023, sources within the DOJ confirm the investigation now extends into early 2024 and involves scrutiny of transactions exceeding $3 million.

Initially accused of conspiracy to transmit wagering information and unlawful transmission of wagering information, Patterson and Thompson allegedly used social media platforms to post betting lines and accept bets on a variety of college and professional sports. The scale of the operation, according to investigators, suggests a sophisticated understanding of both the betting market and methods to evade detection. Unlike simple, individual bookmaking, the pair appear to have established a multi-tiered system, recruiting "runners" and utilizing encrypted communication channels to shield their activities.

The case arrives at a particularly sensitive moment for Georgia, which continues to debate the legalization of sports betting. Proponents of legalization point to the potential for significant tax revenue--estimates suggest a mature Georgia sports betting market could generate upwards of $80 million annually--while also bringing the industry under regulatory oversight. This case fuels the arguments of those advocating for a regulated system, illustrating the inherent risks of an underground market that lacks transparency and consumer protection.

"This isn't just about two former athletes," explains legal analyst Sarah Chen. "This is about a symptom of a much larger problem. The demand for sports betting is clearly there, and when legitimate avenues are blocked, it drives activity into the shadows, creating opportunities for criminal enterprises. This case should serve as a wake-up call for lawmakers."

The indictment details how Patterson and Thompson allegedly leveraged their connections within the KSU athletic community to broaden their network. While neither player was actively on the team at the time of the alleged scheme, investigators believe their past association provided access to a network of current and former athletes, potentially including individuals who may have been pressured to participate, either knowingly or unknowingly.

Further complicating the investigation are allegations of potential connections to organized crime. While the DOJ remains tight-lipped about specifics, sources indicate investigators are exploring possible links between the duo and known gambling syndicates operating internationally. This raises the stakes considerably, suggesting the $3 million figure may only represent a small fraction of the total illicit funds involved.

If convicted on the current charges, Patterson and Thompson each face a maximum sentence of four years in prison. However, with the expanding scope of the investigation and potential connections to organized crime, the possibility of additional charges and a significantly longer sentence looms large. The DOJ is reportedly working with international law enforcement agencies to trace the flow of funds and identify other individuals involved in the scheme.

The KSU athletic department has released a statement emphasizing its commitment to integrity and cooperation with authorities. The university has initiated an internal review to determine if any current students or staff were involved, and to reinforce its existing policies regarding responsible conduct.

The debate over sports betting legalization in Georgia is expected to intensify in the coming weeks. Lawmakers will now need to weigh the potential benefits of a regulated market against the clear risks highlighted by this case. The outcome could have significant implications for the future of sports wagering in the state and beyond.