NBA coach and players arrested in mafia-linked betting scheme

THE FBI arrested this Thursday, 23, the coach of Portland Trail Blazers, Chauncey Billupsand the player from Miami Heat, Terry Rozierin an operation that revealed a major illegal sports betting scheme linked to the mafia. The action took place simultaneously in 11 states and resulted in the arrest of 31 people, including the former player Damon Jonesfrom Cleveland Cavaliers.

According to authorities, the group used internal information from the NBA — such as data on injuries, lineups and training — to place bets on online platforms and physical casinos. The scheme turned over millions of dollars and had direct connections to three New York mafia families: Bonanno, Gambino and Genovese.

Billups and Rozier are accused of participating in a network that manipulated results and promoted illegal poker matches. The coach was arrested in Portlandjust hours after the team’s season debut. Rozier was detained in Orlandoduring a trip with the team.

The U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of New York called the case “one of the most daring sports corruption scandals since the legalization of online betting in the US.” Investigations indicate that the group used privileged information to profit from rigged sports betting and card games.

In a statement, the commissioner of NBA, Adam Silverstated that the league was already monitoring possible irregularities and promised “rigorous measures to protect the integrity of the sport”. According to the FBInew arrests and charges are expected to occur in the coming weeks, as the investigations progress.

The impact on the NBA and the advancement of sports betting

The case reignites the debate about the limits between professional sports and the betting industry, which has grown exponentially in the United States since 2018. With the legalization of sports betting in several states, the NBA has become one of the most targeted leagues, establishing partnerships with betting companies — which makes it difficult to monitor fraud.

Experts believe that the scandal could provoke revisions in contracts between leagues and bookmakers, in addition to accelerating transparency policies on the use of athlete data. The arrest of influential names such as Billups and Rozier it also calls into question the reputation of the league, which has historically prided itself on its ethical image.

THE FBI continues to investigate the financial ramifications of the scheme, while the NBA should open an internal investigation. If the charges are confirmed, those involved could face sentences of up to 20 years in prison, in addition to millionaire fines and a permanent ban from the league.