31 Arrested Including NBA Coaches Players in Multi-State FBI Gambling Probe

A major federal investigation has led to the arrest of 31 individuals, including current NBA coach Chauncey Billups and player Terry Rozier, in connection with mafia-linked illegal gambling operations spanning 11 states. The probe uncovered two primary schemes: rigged underground poker games using advanced cheating technologies like X-ray machines and shuffling devices, and insider information exploited for placing fraudulent NBA bets. Mafia crime families were involved in running the poker games and collecting debts, while NBA figures, including Billups, were recruited to legitimize the operations. Former NBA player Damon Jones was also charged in a related sports betting case. The investigation highlights growing concerns about game integrity amid the expanding relationship between professional sports and the gambling industry. Sentences for such crimes typically range from five to seven years, depending on the amount of money involved.