FBI Arrest NBA Stars and Mafia in Major Illegal Gambling Case
The FBI conducted a large-scale operation across 11 states, arresting more than 30 people — including NBA players and coaches, as well as members of organized crime families. It’s one of the biggest scandals in league history, involving insider betting and rigged poker games worth tens of millions of dollars.
Insider Betting in NBA Games
Terry Rozier, guard for the Miami Heat, and former Cleveland Cavaliers assistant coach Damon Jones are accused of passing confidential information to online bookmakers. Prosecutors allege that between February 2023 and March 2024, suspicious bets were placed on seven NBA games.
According to the indictment, Rozier allegedly informed associates ahead of time when he planned to leave games early under the pretense of injury. In March 2023, he reportedly told others he would exit a game early, leading to over $200,000 in bets on his underperformance stats — netting tens of thousands in profits for those involved.
Jones allegedly shared information about player injuries, including those of LeBron James, prior to Lakers matchups against the Milwaukee Bucks (February 2023) and Oklahoma City Thunder (January 2024). The data was then used for bets with foreknown outcomes.
Investigation Progress and Defense Response
Attorneys for Rozier and Jones deny all allegations. The defense claims Rozier had previously been “cleared by the NBA,” but investigators reopened the case after receiving new evidence. Rozier has been released on bail, secured by his $6 million Florida home.
An FBI assistant director stated that those arrested may represent only “the tip of the iceberg.” The investigation is ongoing and extends to several sportsbook networks across the United States.
Rigged Poker Games and Mafia Involvement
The second case involves illegal high-stakes poker tournaments that allegedly included Chauncey Billups, head coach of the Portland Trail Blazers, and other suspects, including Jones. They are accused of collaborating with four Cosa Nostra families — Bonanno, Genovese, Gambino, and Lucchese.
Victims were lured into exclusive poker events in Las Vegas, Miami, and New York, where sophisticated cheating devices were used:
- X-ray tables and contact lenses to read marked cards;
- Modified shufflers to control card outcomes;
- Dealers and players allegedly acted in collusion.
Investigators estimate total losses of about $7 million, with one player reportedly losing $1.8 million in a single night. When participants refused to pay debts, mafia members resorted to extortion and threats. The profits were laundered through cryptocurrency wallets.
Main Figures and Charges
| Defendant | Role in Scheme | Charges |
|---|---|---|
| Terry Rozier | Insider betting | Fraud, illegal gambling |
| Chauncey Billups | Participation in poker events | Fraud, extortion |
| Damon Jones | Information leak, intermediary | Fraud, conspiracy |
Federal prosecutors described the operation as “one of the boldest sports corruption schemes” since the legalization of online betting in the U.S. The defendants maintain their innocence and vow to “fight to clear their names in court.”
Reactions from the NBA and FBI
The NBA has suspended Rozier and Billups pending the outcome of the investigation, emphasizing that “the integrity of the game remains our top priority.” League officials confirmed full cooperation with the FBI and federal prosecutors.
FBI Director Kash Patel called the operation a “coordinated takedown,” noting that the investigation spanned 11 states and is exploring links between organized crime and professional sports circles.