Nearly 3 Dozen Arrested in NBA Betting Probe

A federal indictment unsealed this week led to arrests of nearly three dozen people in a sprawling probe of underground poker and insider NBA betting, including Portland coach Chauncey Billups and Miami guard Terry Rozier. Prosecutors allege Rozier tipped associates about his playing status to help them win prop bets — notably in a March 23, 2023 Hornets game — and accuse Billups of involvement in Mafia‑backed, rigged high‑stakes poker games that used hacked shuffling machines and card‑scanning devices; both men have denied wrongdoing. Officials say conspirators reaped millions and name defendants including John Mazzola, Shane Hennen and Damon Jones; prior related guilty pleas (including Jontay Porter) have already emerged. NBA Commissioner Adam Silver said he was “deeply disturbed,” apologized to fans and stressed the primacy of competitive integrity, and teams and coaches have reminded players of gambling rules amid growing scrutiny. Arraignments are pending and prosecutors say those charged face serious prison exposure as investigations continue.