A major FBI investigation has led to the arrests of over 30
individuals, including prominent NBA figures, in connection with an elaborate gambling scandal involving organized crime families. Current Miami Heat guard Terry Rozier, Portland Trail Blazers head coach Chauncey Billups, and former NBA player Damon Jones were among those taken into custody as part of a multi-state investigation into illegal gambling operations.
The sophisticated scheme, which spanned 11 states and involved members of the Bonnano, Gambino, and Genovese crime families, utilized advanced technology to defraud victims of tens of millions of dollars. The mafia families allegedly served as enforcers and received portions of the illicit winnings.
U.S. Attorney Joseph Nocella, Jr. revealed that the operation, dating back to 2019, employed various cheating methods including modified self-shuffling machines, X-ray tables capable of reading face-down cards, and specialized contact lenses for reading marked cards. The games took place in exclusive locations across Miami, Las Vegas, Manhattan, and the Hamptons.
The scheme targeted wealthy individuals, referred to as “fish,” who were lured by the opportunity to play poker alongside NBA
personalities, known as “face cards.” According to prosecutors, these games were entirely rigged, with everyone from the dealers to the professional athletes participating in the fraud.
Rozier faces specific allegations related to a March 23, 2023 game against the Pelicans, where he allegedly manipulated betting results by leaving early due to a claimed foot injury. The departure came after just 9:36 of play, during which he recorded five points, four rebounds, two assists, and one steal. Suspicious betting patterns on Rozier’s “Under” props led some sportsbooks to suspend wagering on his lines.
The defendants allegedly laundered their criminal proceeds through various means, including cash exchanges, shell companies, and cryptocurrency transfers. The investigation also uncovered violent elements to the operation, including an armed robbery to obtain a rigged shuffling machine and multiple instances of extortion.
The NBA has responded by placing both Rozier and Billups on immediate leave from their respective teams. In an official statement, the league emphasized its commitment to maintaining the integrity of the sport and confirmed its ongoing cooperation with authorities.
FBI Director Kash Patel described the fraud as “mind-boggling,” while Nocella characterized the case involving Rozier as “one of the most brazen sports corruption schemes” since the widespread legalization of online sports betting in the United States.
The arrests occurred on Thursday morning, with Billups being taken into custody in Oregon following his team’s season-opening loss to the Minnesota Timberwolves, and Rozier being arrested at an Orlando hotel after the Heat’s opener against the Magic, a game in which he did not participate due to a coach’s decision.
The investigation has also touched former Detroit Pistons guard Malik Beasley, who remains under federal investigation regarding allegations of gambling on games and prop betting, according to sources familiar with the matter.
Both Billups and Rozier are scheduled to make court appearances, facing charges including conspiracy to commit wire fraud and conspiracy to commit money laundering. The case continues to develop as authorities work to unravel the full extent of the gambling operation and its connections to organized crime.