- Oklahoma Sooners quarterback John Mateer is involved in a sports gambling scandal that started after his Venmo transactions emerged on X.
- In 2022, he made two separate Venmo transactions that included “Sports gambling” in the title.
- The NCAA prohibits athletes from betting on any NCAA-sanctioned event, and Mateer was actively a member of the Washington State Cougars football team at that time.
NORMAN, Okla. – Venmo transactions from Oklahoma Sooners quarterback John Mateer could spark an investigation for wagering on college football games. Mateer sent a Venmo with the title of “sports gambling” on Nov 20, 2022, and another titled “Sports gambling (UCLA vs USC) from the same date.
Both transactions were sent to a Venmo account with the name Richard Roaten, who is believed to be former Washington State offensive lineman and teammate Landon Roaten. It’s prohibited for student athletes to participate in college football gambling, and records show that Mateer was a redshirt freshman for the Washington State Cougars at the time of the Venmo transactions.
He completed both of his pass attempts for 32 yards and a touchdown in the 2022 season. Mateer was the No. 1 ranked player in the transfer portal before arriving at Oklahoma after throwing for 3,139 yards and 29 touchdowns last season.
- John Mateer Heisman Trophy Odds +2000
Mateer’s Heisman trophy odds haven’t changed since the screenshots of his Venmo transactions made headlines late Monday night. His potential absence would tank futures odds for the Oklahoma Sooners to have any success in the 2025-2026 college football season.
How Does Mateer Gambling Investigation Impact Oklahoma’s Odds?
As of Tuesday afternoon, Sooners’ futures odds at Oklahoma gambling sites are unchanged. However, with an investigation pending, the under on Oklahoma’s 6.5-win total has serious value if Mateer were to lose eligibility.
Oklahoma Sooners Futures Odds
- National Championship Winner +5000
- SEC Championship Game Winner +2000
- To Make The Playoffs +400
- Over 6.5 Regular Season Wins -200
- Under 6.5 Regular Season Wins +160