California Penal Code Section 337c PC: Accepting Bribe To Throw A Sporting Event

Sporting events rely on the legitimacy of competition in order maintain their integrity. It is very important that every participant in a sporting event is putting forth his or her best efforts. In many cases in our history, athletes have accepted bribes in order to affect the outcome of a sporting event. Accepting a bribe in order to throw a sporting event is a serious felony level offense under California Penal Code Section 337c PC that can result in prison for those convicted.

In order to prove a defendant is guilty of accepting a bribe to throw a sporting event, the following elements must exist:

1. The defendant in a sporting event, contest or exhibition accepted or attempted to accept money or a bribe.


2. The bribe was accepted with the intention or understanding that the participant or player shall not use his or her best efforts to win the sporting event, contest or exhibition.

Other similar or related offenses include:

1. Bribery - California Penal Code Section 67 PC and California Penal Code Section 68 PC


2. Commercial Bribery - California Penal Code Section 641.3 PC


3. Gaming – California Penal Code Section 330 PC


4. Pool Selling / Bookmaking / Wagering – California Penal Code Section 337a PC


5. Bribing a Player/Participant to Throw a Sporting Event – California Penal Code Section 337b PC

A man is the point guard on his college basketball team. He is approached by a group of gamblers and is offered a substantial amount of money to engage in a point shaving scheme that would result in him causing turnovers and missing shots. The man agrees and intentionally plays poorly to affect the game’s score. The basketball player could be charged with accepting a bribe to throw a sporting event in violation of California Penal Code Section 337c PC.

In another example, a man belongs to a wrestling league that bills itself as sports entertainment. The outcome of the wrestling matches is prearranged before each match. One wrestler who is new to league knows that he is a better fighter than his upcoming opponent. However, he is paid by the league to lose in a dramatic fashion in the last minute. The wrestler would not be guilty of accepting a bribe to throw a sporting event because the scripted wrestling match would not be considered a sporting event, contest or exhibition as defined by California Penal Code Section 337c PC.

There may be instances where an athlete is threatened with violence to themselves or loved ones if he or she does not throw a sporting event. In these circumstances, the athlete could assert a duress defense if charged criminally with this offense.

Additionally, there may be circumstances in which law enforcement runs sting operations intended to ensnare athletes accepting bribes. If the undercover operative becomes overly aggressive in his or her attempts to push a bribe on the athlete, there may be grounds for an entrapment defense.

Accepting a bribe to throw a sporting event is always a felony level offense. Those convicted of this crime can be sentenced to serve up to three years in prison and a $5,000 fine. In addition, the defendant would likely be banned for life from whatever professional league or organization he or she had previously belonged to.

Accepting a bribe to throw a sporting event is a serious felony offense that can result in lengthy prison sentences for those convicted. If you have been accused of this offense, or are currently under investigation, it is very important that you meet with an established Los Angeles Criminal Defense Lawyer as soon as possible. Los Angeles Criminal Defense Attorney Michael Kraut is a former Deputy District Attorney with over 14 years of prosecutorial experience who possesses the legal acumen and litigation skills necessary to defend against charges like this. Mr. Kraut works tirelessly to ensure his clients’ rights are protected and that they receive the absolute best defense possible.

For more information about accepting a bribe to throw a sporting event, and to schedule your free consultation, contact Los Angeles Criminal Defense Lawyer Michael Kraut at the Kraut Criminal & DUI Lawyers located at 6255 Sunset Boulevard, Suite 1520, Los Angeles, CA 90028. Mr. Kraut can be reached 24/7 at 888-334-6344 or 323-464-6453.