Billups Indicted in Mafia-Backed Poker Ring

Federal agents arrested and indicted Portland Trail Blazers coach Chauncey Billups this week as part of an FBI sweep that charged more than 30 people in an alleged Mafia‑backed illegal high‑stakes poker ring. Prosecutors say Billups was used as a “face card” to lure wealthy players into games that employed sophisticated cheating methods, including clandestine cameras, X‑ray tables, pre‑marked cards and high‑tech contact lenses. Authorities allege the scheme cheated victims of roughly $7 million across Manhattan, the Hamptons and Las Vegas. Resurfaced 2023 clips show professional player Matt Berkey alleging a 2019 Los Angeles–to–Las Vegas game “built around” Billups was rigged, and a 2019 photo has been circulated purporting to show Billups at a table with alleged co‑conspirators. Some reports note discrepancies about which specific charges Billups faces across related indictments.