FBI Uncovers $7 Million Gambling and Rigged Poker Schemes, Arresting 31 Including NBA Figures and Mafia Members

Federal authorities have announced a sweeping crackdown on two extensive illegal gambling operations, resulting in the arrest of 31 individuals across 11 states. The FBI's "Operation Nothing But Net" and "Operation Royal Flush" revealed schemes involving illegal sports betting, rigged poker games, and the alleged participation of current and former NBA players and coaches, alongside members of La Cosa Nostra. Victims were defrauded of at least $7 million over several years.

The investigation highlighted a sports corruption scheme where six defendants, including former NBA player and coach Damon Jones, allegedly exploited insider information. As stated in the tweet, "Current and former NBA players and coaches Chauncey Billups, Terry Rozier, and Damon Jones have been arrested." Charges include illegal gambling, wire fraud, and extortion.

One significant accusation involves Miami Heat guard Terry Rozier, who allegedly informed co-conspirators of his plan to leave a March 2023 game early due to injury. "The defendants then placed more than $200,000 of wagers on the unders for his prop bets, with Rozier leaving the game after nine minutes," the tweet detailed, adding that profits were counted at his home. Former Toronto Raptors player Jontay Porter was also mentioned, reportedly threatened into participating due to gambling debts.

The second indictment targeted a nationwide scheme to rig illegal poker games, involving 31 defendants. These games, backed by the Bonanno, Gambino, and Genovese crime families, utilized advanced cheating technology. Devices such as altered shuffling machines, hidden cameras in chip trays, special contact lenses, and x-ray poker tables were employed to defraud players, some losing up to $1.8 million in a single game.

Former NBA player and current Portland Trail Blazers coach Chauncey Billups and former NBA player Damon Jones were allegedly used as "Face Cards" to lure unsuspecting victims to these rigged poker games. The FBI confirmed that three of the defendants, including Damon Jones, were involved in both the sports betting and poker schemes. The NBA has placed Billups and Rozier on immediate leave, stating, "We take these allegations with the utmost seriousness, and the integrity of our game remains our top priority."

The FBI's four-year investigation involved reviewing thousands of hours of video evidence and executing dozens of search warrants. Authorities emphasized their commitment to combating organized crime, noting that the operations underscore how La Cosa Nostra continues to adapt and exploit new technologies and social connections for illicit gains.