Over 30 Arrested in Nationwide NBA Gambling and Mafia Poker Scheme

Federal authorities have indicted over 30 individuals across 11 states in connection with a large illegal gambling and sports betting ring involving NBA players, coaches, and members of New York organized crime families. High-profile figures charged include Miami Heat guard Terry Rozier, Portland Trail Blazers head coach Chauncey Billups, and former NBA player Damon Jones, facing allegations such as conspiracy to commit wire fraud, money laundering, illegal gambling, and extortion. The scheme included rigged illegal poker games tied to the Bonanno, Gambino, and Genovese crime families, and a sports betting conspiracy exploiting confidential NBA information. Among those arrested are three Georgians involved in the poker game side of the indictments, highlighting the nationwide scope of the investigation. U.S. Attorney Joseph Nocella described the case as one of the most brazen sports corruption schemes since the legalization of online sports betting in the U.S. The case has sparked legislative discussions in Georgia about legalizing online sports betting, although the indictments do not implicate legal online betting platforms directly.