Joseph "Joe Vito" Mastronardo

Serious NBA betting scandal followers may recall that it was Joe Vito’s phone records that were first subpoenaed in the FBI probe which led to the successful prosecution of the scandal’s three conspirators (pro gambler Jimmy Battista, referee Tim Donaghy, and mutual friend Tommy Martino).   Until now, there has been no explanation offered for this curiosity.  In this regard, some may find this post on my primary blog of interest. 

Some tidbits on what readers can expect to see in Gaming the Game

As publication nears for the new book on the career of Jimmy Battista, architect of the 2006-07 NBA betting scandal involving referee Tim Donaghy, here are some bullet items from the publisher discussing some of the things readers can expect…

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).