NBA Figures Implicated in Alleged Mafia Poker Scheme

Federal prosecutors have revealed that two NBA figures, Portland Trail Blazers head coach Chauncey Billups and former NBA player Damon Jones, are allegedly involved in a sophisticated, Mafia-backed poker scheme. The operation is accused of defrauding victims of millions of dollars through rigged games and advanced cheating devices.

Story Highlights

Chauncey Billups and Damon Jones are reportedly linked to an FBI operation targeting an illegal poker scheme tied to four Mafia families.
The athletes allegedly served as “face cards” to attract high-net-worth individuals to rigged high-stakes games across multiple states.
The scheme reportedly utilized advanced cheating technology, including rigged shuffling machines and specialized contact lenses.
A total of 31 defendants have been charged in a seven-count federal indictment related to the six-year criminal enterprise.

Alleged Role of Celebrity Athletes

According to federal prosecutors, Chauncey Billups and Damon Jones acted as celebrity attractions in an elaborate criminal enterprise. Their sports fame was reportedly leveraged to draw wealthy individuals to exclusive poker games held in various locations, including New York City, Las Vegas, Miami, and the Hamptons. Their presence is said to have provided the operation with credibility, granting access to individuals who might otherwise avoid underground gambling.

The FBI says Chauncey Billups was part of a scheme with the mafia to defraud people for millions of dollars in illegal poker games alongside.

They used high tech to cheat players who they lured into back room games.
pic.twitter.com/zspFY6Z3G4

— Nick Grunewald (@iamnickgrune) October 23, 2025

Mafia Families and High-Tech Fraud

The Bonanno, Gambino, Lucchese, and Genovese crime families are alleged to have provided protection and operational support for the cheating operation, which reportedly commenced in April 2019. Federal investigators have reported the use of rigged shuffling machines and specialized contact lenses, which allegedly enabled conspirators to identify marked cards. This indicates a modern adaptation of organized crime, utilizing technology to potentially maximize profits and minimize detection.

Federal raids and arrests target NBA players and coaches as well as La Costa Nostra Italian Crime Families in a far-reaching Federal Indictment alleging serious Federal Felonies, including illegal sports betting, extortion, wire fraud, robbery, and other charges.

Attorney Vikas… pic.twitter.com/wDJ3Xn1cNJ

— Vikas Bajaj (@vikasbajajlaw) October 24, 2025

Federal Indictment and Sports Integrity Concerns

The FBI unsealed a seven-count indictment in October 2025, charging 31 defendants in connection with the multi-million-dollar fraud scheme. Both Billups and Jones have received indefinite suspensions from the NBA pending the completion of the investigation. This incident has prompted discussions regarding professional sports oversight and the potential vulnerability of athletes to organized crime recruitment, particularly concerning institutional safeguards.

NBA coach, player arrested in gambling probe tied to Mafia [FULL]

Impact on Victims and Industry

The alleged sophisticated operation is reported to have defrauded numerous victims of significant sums through the rigged games. The broader scandal also poses potential challenges to the NBA’s reputation and integrity. Federal prosecutors have highlighted the complexity of the scheme and the difficulties in detecting such technologically advanced fraud operations. This case suggests an evolving approach by organized crime, potentially exploiting celebrity culture and modern technology to perpetrate gambling fraud.

Watch the report: FBI: Mafia involved in NBA gambling scandal