NBA Betting Scandal: What Actually Happened? Arrests, Timeline, Key Facts

More than 30 people, including NBA figures Chauncey Billups and Terry Rozier, were arrested on October 23, 2025, following a sweeping federal investigation into illegal gambling and insider betting schemes. The FBI said the operation uncovered two large-scale criminal enterprises that involved professional athletes, organized crime families, and millions of dollars in fraudulent winnings.

The twin investigations revealed a web of insider information, fake injuries, and rigged poker games using advanced cheating technology. Authorities called it one of the most extensive sports-related gambling crackdowns in recent U.S. history.

How the NBA Betting Scandal Unfolded

According to federal prosecutors, the first case centered on illegal sports betting involving NBA players and associates. The FBI alleges that inside information—such as injuries and expected playing time—was shared with bettors to influence wagers placed on player performance markets. In certain cases, players allegedly altered their game participation to make sure those bets paid off.

One game cited in the indictment involved Miami Heat guard Terry Rozier, who exited a March 2023 matchup with a supposed foot injury after just nine minutes. Prosecutors say some individuals knew about his early exit in advance and used that privileged knowledge to place winning bets. Similar allegations were made involving former player Damon Jones and other NBA games between February 2023 and March 2024.

In the second related case, 31 defendants are accused of running a rigged poker network tied to four major New York crime families: the Gambino, Genovese, Bonanno, and Lucchese. These groups allegedly used special contact lenses and x-ray poker tables to read marked cards, luring wealthy victims into games that were fixed from the start. One victim reportedly lost over $1 million, with total losses exceeding $7 million.

The FBI called the entire scheme “mind-boggling” and said it involved complex money laundering through shell companies and cryptocurrency channels.

Who Was Arrested and What Charges Were Filed

The arrests included Portland Trail Blazers head coach Chauncey Billups, Miami Heat guard Terry Rozier, and former Cleveland Cavaliers player Damon Jones. All three were charged in connection with insider betting or fraudulent gambling schemes. Federal officials stressed that the investigation remains ongoing and that each defendant is presumed innocent until proven guilty.

Charges include conspiracy to commit wire fraud, money laundering, extortion, and participation in illegal gambling operations. Officials said one defendant was even involved in a gunpoint robbery to steal a rigged card-shuffling machine used in the poker games.

The NBA released a statement confirming that both Billups and Rozier have been placed on immediate leave while the league continues to cooperate fully with authorities. “The integrity of our game remains our top priority,” the NBA said.

Background: Organized Crime Connection

Law enforcement officials confirmed that several members of organized crime families were directly involved. The New York Police Commissioner said that having four of the five major Mafia families indicted together was “extraordinarily rare,” underscoring how far-reaching the criminal operation had become.

The rigged poker games were orchestrated under a scheme known as “Operation Royal Flush,” while the NBA betting investigation was labeled “Operation Nothing But Bet.” Both cases converged after a four-year probe by the FBI, Homeland Security, and New York prosecutors.

Wider Impact on Sports and Betting

The scandal comes at a time when legal sports betting has exploded in the U.S. since its federal ban was overturned in 2018. Major sports leagues have increasingly partnered with betting companies, raising questions about integrity safeguards. This case reignites concerns that insider information could be exploited despite official oversight.

The NBA has dealt with similar issues before. In 2024, player Jontay Porter was permanently banned for leaking team information to bettors and placing wagers himself. The current scandal, however, is far broader, involving multiple players, coaches, and criminal groups working together over several years.

As of now, all suspects await formal court proceedings. The NBA has pledged to continue cooperating as the full scope of the illegal gambling network comes to light.

FYI (keeping you in the loop)-

Q1: What is the NBA betting scandal about?

It’s a federal investigation exposing insider betting and rigged poker schemes involving NBA players, coaches, and organized crime families. The FBI alleges millions were defrauded through fake injuries and cheating technology.

Q2: Who was arrested in the scandal?

Over 30 people, including Portland coach Chauncey Billups, Miami Heat guard Terry Rozier, and former player Damon Jones, were arrested as part of two related cases.

Q3: What did the Mafia have to do with it?

Members of four major New York crime families allegedly ran rigged poker games, using technology like x-ray tables and contact lenses to cheat players.

Q4: How did insider betting work?

Players allegedly shared non-public injury or performance details that allowed others to place profitable wagers. In some cases, players reportedly underperformed intentionally to affect outcomes.

Q5: What’s next for the NBA?

The league has placed the accused individuals on leave and continues to work with authorities. The investigation is ongoing, and further disciplinary actions could follow.

References

Reuters. (2025). NBA’s Chauncey Billups, Terry Rozier among dozens arrested in sweeping illegal gambling probe. October 23, 2025.

Associated Press. (2025). NBA coach and player charged in federal gambling and Mafia-linked poker case. October 23, 2025.

BBC News. (2025). NBA betting scandal: FBI arrests more than 30 including players and Mafia members. October 23, 2025.

Disclaimer: All defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty in court. The information presented reflects official statements and publicly released court documents.