Meet the Philly Gambler Under Federal NCAA Investigation

Shane Hennen, a Philadelphia-based professional gambler, has been indicted for his alleged role in a widespread sports-betting conspiracy linked to both the NCAA and the Chinese Basketball Association. Hennen, also known as “Sugar Shane,” was unsealed in a federal indictment revealing he acted as a central figure in this scheme.

Federal Charges and Allegations

The indictment accuses Hennen of bribing athletes to manipulate game outcomes, including a former NBA player and a leading scorer in the CBA. Additionally, he is alleged to have fixed poker games in New York City. The charges include:

• Conspiracy to place fraudulent bets involving former NBA players.
• Bribing athletes to underperform in various basketball games.
• Rigging NCAA games with the help of college basketball trainers.

Federal authorities have linked Hennen to the bribing of college basketball players and coaches, impacting at least 39 athletes across 17 Division 1 teams. Much of this activity was reportedly coordinated from Rivers Casino in Philadelphia.

Background of Shane Hennen

Hennen’s history reveals a background marred by crime. He grew up in Pittsburgh, serving time for drug and gambling charges. In 2006, he received probation for his involvement in an illegal gambling operation.

In a violent incident in 2009, Hennen was implicated in a stabbing linked to a dispute over cheating during a card game. After facing several felony charges, he cooperated with law enforcement and served a reduced prison sentence.

Rise as a “Betfluencer”

After his release, Hennen attempted to reinvent himself as a “betfluencer,” utilizing social media to promote his online betting consultancy. His platform, “Sugar Shane Wins,” gained traction as he showcased high-stakes bets and luxurious travels.

However, his focus on luxury and international gambling drew scrutiny. Reports indicate substantial sums were wagered on Chinese basketball games, where he allegedly bribed players to influence game outcomes.

Connections and Corruption

Hennen’s network extended globally, impacting NBA teams and NCAA programs. He allegedly collaborated with sports handicapper Marves Fairley to coordinate rigging efforts across various leagues.

By 2024, Hennen reportedly enlisted trainers to sway numerous college basketball games, further complicating the ongoing investigations into sports integrity.

Crackdown and Investigation

Law enforcement has become increasingly focused on Hennen since his relocation to Las Vegas in 2023. As betting irregularities surfaced, particularly around Temple University basketball games, the NCAA launched an investigation.

In January 2025, authorities arrested Hennen as he attempted to flee to South America. He was found with $10,000 cash and claimed he was seeking dental treatment. Investigators had already identified him as a lead orchestrator in the fraudulent betting scheme.

Impact on Professional Sports

During a recent press conference, FBI agent Wayne Jacobs highlighted the detrimental effects of Hennen’s actions on public trust in professional sports. “We expect athletes to embody hard work, skill, and discipline,” Jacobs stated. “When they sell out to corrupt influences, it undermines the very essence of competitive sports.”

As investigations unfold, the implications for Hennen and the broader sports community remain significant. The case continues to highlight the ongoing battle against corruption in sports betting.