In a significant law enforcement operation, US authorities announced a sweeping investigation into illegal gambling and organized crime, resulting in the arrest of numerous individuals. Among those in custody are prominent figures from the National Basketball Association (NBA), including Portland Trail Blazers coach Chauncey Billups and Miami Heat player Terry Rozier. These arrests stem from two major cases: one focusing on NBA players allegedly faking injuries to manipulate betting markets, and another targeting a sophisticated illegal poker ring with ties to New York’s major crime families.
The FBI described the allegations as “mind-boggling,” revealing that the schemes involved tens of millions of dollars and spanned multiple years and states. In the first case, dubbed “Operation Nothing But Bet,” players and associates are accused of using insider information to influence bets on major sports betting platforms. Some players allegedly altered their performance or intentionally left games early due to fabricated injuries to ensure fraudulent bets paid out, leading to substantial profits.
The second, more complex case, implicated four of New York’s five major crime families and involved rigged illegal poker games. The accused allegedly used advanced technology, including modified shuffling machines, special contact lenses to read marked cards, and even an X-ray table to identify cards face down. Victims were reportedly lured into these games, unaware that dealers and other players were part of the scam. The investigation, which began in 2019, uncovered a sophisticated operation involving money laundering through bank wires and cryptocurrencies, and even instances of violence, robbery, and extortion.
Authorities have indicted a total of 34 defendants across both cases. Six individuals were charged in the first case, including Terry Rozier, who allegedly communicated his intention to leave a game early due to a supposed injury in March 2023, enabling fraudulent bets. Former NBA player Damon Jones was also arrested in connection with this scheme, which reportedly involved seven NBA games between February 2023 and March 2024.
The illegal poker ring case saw the indictment of 31 defendants, including Hall of Famer Chauncey Billups. Thirteen members and associates from the Bonanno, Colombo, Gambino, and Genovese crime families were also implicated. Charges range from robbery and extortion to wire fraud, bank fraud, and illegal gambling.
The NBA has stated its commitment to reviewing the indictments and cooperating with authorities, placing both Rozier and Billups on immediate leave. The league emphasized that the integrity of the game remains its top priority.
The ‘Five Families’ of New York – the Bonanno, Colombo, Gambino, Genovese, and Lucchese – have historically dominated organized crime in the city. While mob activity has diminished since the 1990s due to law enforcement efforts, these indictments highlight their continued presence.
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