NBA Rigging and Poker Fraud: What we know so far about the FBI’s 'mind-boggling' cases

Portland Trail Blazers coach Chauncey Billups, Miami Heat guard Terry Rozier, and former Cleveland Cavaliers assistant Damon Jones were arrested Thursday in a federal probe into Mafia-backed illegal sports betting and rigged poker games. Billups allegedly helped fix high-stakes card games across major cities, Rozier is accused of using confidential NBA intel to place fraudulent bets, and Jones is charged with involvement in both schemes.

But what makes the cases stand out is their extraordinary scale, intricate planning, and the involvement of high-profile figures. According to FBI director Kash Patel, the allegations are 'mind boggling', tying NBA stars to several New York crime families, millions in illicit cash, and even an x-ray poker table capable of reading face-down cards.

ARE THESE TWO CASES CONNECTED?

Two separate but connected indictments were released on Thursday - one alleging the manipulation of NBA games, and the other outlining a complex operation to rig illegal, high-stakes poker matches. More than 30 suspects have been arrested across 11 US states, with one individual named in both cases. In the NBA investigation, six defendants are accused of using confidential information, including injury details, to place profitable bets tied to specific player performances.

Overall, 34 individuals were taken into custody as part of the parallel investigations into illicit betting and rigged poker operations, according to Christopher Raia, assistant director of the FBI’s New York field office. He described the arrests as a 'massive, nationwide takedown' that also swept up 13 Mafia members and associates.

WHAT IS LA COSA NOSTRA?

The second indictment focuses on underground poker games allegedly supported by four of New York’s historic Mafia families, collectively known as La Cosa Nostra. Prosecutors say more than 30 defendants relied on advanced technology to rig matches. Targets, called 'fish', were lured to events at various locations nationwide with promises of playing alongside celebrities and other high-profile 'face cards'.

"What the victims, the fish, didn't know was that everybody else at the poker game, from the dealer to players, including the face cards, was in on the scam," US attorney Joseph Nocella Jr. said.

Nocella Jr. said the poker operation allegedly used high-tech tools, including X-ray devices to read face-down cards and tampered shuffling machines to predetermine outcomes.

WHO ARE INVOLVED?

The investigations touch some of the NBA’s most recognizable figures, including an active player and head coach. Portland’s Chauncey Billups is accused of serving as a high-profile 'face card' in Mafia-backed, fixed poker games, while Miami Heat guard Terry Rozier allegedly faked an injury during a 2023 matchup to secure winnings for associates.

Former Cavaliers assistant Damon Jones is charged with leveraging locker-room access, player relationships, and confidential injury details for the gambling ring’s benefit. According to the FBI, Jones attempted to profit by selling non-public information so others could place successful bets, including details surrounding LeBron James’ February 9, 2023 absence due to ankle soreness.

Suspicion around Rozier reportedly began after a March 23, 2023 game, when he exited early with a claimed foot injury. Investigators allege Rozier informed associates in advance, leading to more than $200,000 wagered and a cut of the profits returning to him.

HOW POKER GAMES WERE RIGGED?

The underground poker case alleges the games were rigged using advanced technology. Prosecutors claim several automatic shuffling machines were altered to scan cards in the deck, with that data sent to someone off-site. That external contact then fed the information back to select players inside the room to influence the outcome.

"The defendants used other cheating technologies, such as poker chip tray analysers, which is a poker chip tray that secretly reads cards using a hidden camera, special contact lens or eye glasses that could read pre-marked cards, and an x-ray table that could read cards face down on the table," Nocella said.