By Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI)
In one of the largest sports-related crime operations in recent years, U.S. authorities have arrested more than 30 individuals — including NBA stars, a head coach, and members of organized crime families — over their alleged involvement in a multi-million-dollar illegal gambling and poker network.
Federal Investigation Uncovers Two Major Operations
The U.S. Attorney’s Office and the FBI said the coordinated sting targeted two intertwined criminal schemes: an illegal sports-betting ring involving NBA insiders and an underground poker operation tied to Mafia families.
The first operation allegedly revolved around players and associates passing on sensitive, non-public team information — such as injuries, lineup changes, and minutes restrictions — to bettors who placed large wagers based on those tips.
The second focused on high-stakes poker games that were reportedly manipulated through marked cards, rigged shuffling machines, and secret signaling methods to defraud players and launder proceeds through criminal channels.
FBI Director Kash Patel described the coordinated crackdown as a “historic operation exposing the deep connections between organized crime and professional sports betting.”
NBA Personalities Among Those Charged
Those arrested include several well-known figures from the basketball world:
- Chauncey Billups, head coach of the Portland Trail Blazers and former NBA Finals MVP, was arrested in Oregon and charged in connection with the Mafia-linked poker scheme.
- Terry Rozier, Miami Heat guard, was detained in Florida and accused of supplying inside information for betting purposes, including allegedly exaggerating an injury ahead of a 2023 game to manipulate odds.
- Damon Jones, a former NBA player and coach, was also implicated for allegedly providing confidential details that influenced betting outcomes.
All three have been released on bail pending further hearings, according to U.S. court filings.
Mafia Links and Millions in Illicit Profits
Federal prosecutors said the poker component of the network had ties to multiple organized-crime families, including the Bonanno, Gambino, Genovese, and Lucchese groups.
Investigators allege that millions of dollars were moved through offshore accounts, shell companies, and cryptocurrency platforms.
Authorities also seized luxury vehicles, designer watches, and large amounts of cash during raids in New York, Florida, and California.
NBA Faces Integrity and Regulatory Questions
The arrests have triggered a crisis of credibility for the NBA at a time when legal sports betting in the U.S. is expanding rapidly.
League officials said they were “aware of the ongoing federal investigation” and would cooperate fully.
The NBA strictly prohibits players, coaches, and staff from betting on games or sharing insider information, violations of which can result in fines, suspensions, or permanent bans.
Sports law experts say the case could prompt the league to introduce stricter monitoring of betting activities, particularly involving player prop bets and injury disclosures.
What Happens Next
The accused face a series of federal charges including wire fraud, money laundering, racketeering, and operating illegal gambling businesses.
The U.S. Attorney’s Office confirmed that indictments have been filed in both New York and Florida.
Court proceedings are expected to begin later this year. Meanwhile, both the FBI and the NBA have pledged to tighten internal oversight to prevent further corruption within professional sports.
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