Mafia-Linked NBA Gambling Scheme Uncovered

Federal prosecutors unsealed indictments alleging a sprawling, mafia-linked illegal gambling and insider-sports-betting scheme that used rigged poker games and confidential NBA information, prompting more than 30 arrests across multiple states and tens of millions in losses. High-profile NBA figures named include Chauncey Billups (accused of hosting mafia-linked rigged poker games), Terry Rozier (arrested in Orlando and accused of sharing insider information), and Damon Jones (arrested in Las Vegas and charged in the Eastern District of New York with conspiracy to commit wire fraud and money laundering). Prosecutors told a judge Jones has a "very serious gambling problem" and have sought conditions on his pretrial release, and indictments describe Jones and others acting as "face cards" to attract victims. Investigators allege the operation used sophisticated cheating technology — altered shuffling machines, special lenses and alleged X‑ray tables — plus insider tips about player availability or altered play to place fraudulent bets and launder winnings. Authorities say victims were cheated out of millions in poker scams (at least $7 million cited) and that the probe and related court proceedings are ongoing as additional arrests and legal actions continue.