NBA Figures Indicted in Betting, Rigged Poker

Federal prosecutors unsealed indictments naming more than 30 people, including Portland coach Chauncey Billups, Miami guard Terry Rozier and former player/coach Damon Jones, in two related Mafia‑backed schemes involving rigged high‑stakes poker games and fraudulent sports betting that prosecutors say defrauded victims of tens of millions of dollars. Prosecutors allege the poker operation used a rigged shuffle machine and X‑ray technology to read face‑down cards, used high‑profile “face cards” to attract victims, and that at least some defendants were coached in real time during games. In the sports‑betting case, prosecutors say current and former NBA personnel sold or tipped nonpublic injury and availability information and manipulated play to exploit prop bets — alleging Jones texted that LeBron James would be out of the Feb. 9, 2023 Lakers‑Bucks game and provided other insider tips that enabled large wagers. Jones has been charged with conspiracy to commit wire fraud and money laundering and was described in court filings as having a "very serious gambling problem"; Rozier is accused of leaving games early to influence prop bets and says he will fight the charges. Authorities say arrests span multiple states, the investigation and court proceedings are ongoing, and the indictments tie the betting and poker schemes to organized crime.