FBI Probes NBA Gambling Scandals Involving Players Mafia Insider Info

Since the 2018 Supreme Court ruling allowing states to legalize sports betting, the U.S. sports landscape has seen a surge in gambling-related activities and scandals. Recently, the FBI revealed two major NBA betting scandals involving active players and coaches, including Miami Heat guard Terry Rozier and Portland Trail Blazers head coach Chauncey Billups, linked to illegal poker games and insider information leaks. These cases underscore ongoing challenges despite the growing integration of gambling companies with sports leagues, raising concerns about the long-term sustainability of the relationship and its impact on fans and players. Historically, sports betting scandals have plagued professional sports for over a century, with notable cases such as the 1919 Chicago White Sox World Series fix and several 1950s college basketball point-shaving controversies involving NBA players. Experts note the rise of smartphone betting as the most prevalent form today, and there are calls for more vocal engagement from communities like the church to address gambling's social risks. Meanwhile, gambling content has become deeply embedded in sports media, though problem gambling rates show signs of stabilizing after an initial rise following legalization.