FBI arrests Billups, Jones in rigged poker scandal

• Chauncey Billups among 31 charged in poker-rigging bust
• FBI says “Face Cards” lured victims to fixed games
• Former NBA player Damon Jones also charged
• Miami Heat’s Terry Rozier arrested in separate betting case
• Billups suspended; Tiago Splitter named interim coach

Portland Trail Blazers head coach, 2004 NBA Champion and Finals MVP and Hall of Famer Chauncey Billups was stunningly arrested overnight (AEDT) and charged "over schemes to rig illegal poker games".

Billups, 49, is one of 31 men (some with links to the Mafia), along with former NBA player Damon Jones, 49, charged after "a seven-count indictment was unsealed charging 31 defendants in criminal schemes to rig illegal poker games at various locations in New York City, East Hampton, New York, and throughout the United States," the FBI said.

“Well-known former NBA players and former professional athletes, acted as 'Face Cards' to lure unsuspecting victims to high-stakes poker games, where they were then at the mercy of concealed technology, including rigged shuffling machines and specially designed contacts lenses and sunglasses to read the backs of playing cards, which ensured that the victims would lose big.

"Today’s indictment and arrests sounds the final buzzer for these cheaters."

Separately, Miami Heat guard Terry Rozier was arrested, accused of participating in an illegal sports betting scheme using insider NBA information.

Billups, Jones and Rozier have immediately be put on indefinite leave. Billups coaches Australians Duop Reath and Matisse Thybulle in Portland.

Assistant Tiago Splitter has taken over as interim head coach of the Blazers.

Chris Heywood, an attorney for Billups, told ESPN through a statement that the former guard is a “man of integrity” who intends to fight the case.

“Anyone who knows Chauncey Billups knows he is a man of integrity; men of integrity do not cheat and defraud others,” Heywood said.

“To believe that Chauncey Billups did what the federal government is accusing him of is to believe that he would risk his hall-of-fame legacy, his reputation, and his freedom. He would not jeopardise those things for anything, let alone a card game.

“Furthermore, Chauncey Billups has never and would never gamble on basketball games, provide insider information, or sacrifice the trust of his team and the League, as it would tarnish the game he has devoted his entire life to.

“Chauncey Billups has never backed down. He does not plan to do so now. He will fight these allegations with the same tenacity that marked his 28-year career. We look forward to our day in court.”

The Illegal Poker Scheme Charges

1. Conspiracy to commit wire fraud

2. Wire fraud

3. Operating an illegal gambling business

4. Conspiracy to commit money laundering

5. Extortion and conspiracy to commit extortion

6. Robbery

7. Use of unlawful devices in gambling

Losses:
Victims were defrauded of at least $7 million between 2019 and 2025.

Main Allegations

1. The group allegedly used concealed wireless technology to cheat victims out of more than $7 million at underground poker games.

2. Members and associates of the Bonanno, Gambino, and Genovese crime families were said to have backed and profited from the operation.

3. Former NBA players acted as “Face Cards”, luring wealthy victims to the rigged games by promising celebrity participation.

4. The group used modified shuffling machines, x-ray tables, and marked cards readable through contact lenses or glasses to predetermine winning hands.

5. Inside players, known as “Quarterbacks”, received real-time data on card orders and secretly signalled teammates at the table.

6. The scheme also involved money laundering, extortion, robbery, and assaults to enforce debts and maintain control over operations.

“Today over 30 people were arrested and charged for their alleged roles in criminal schemes to rig illegal poker games to win large amounts of money. These individuals used technology and deceit to scam innocent victims out of millions of dollars – eventually funnelling money to La Casa Nostra and enriching one of the most notorious criminal networks in the world,” FBI Director Kash Patel said.

"This investigation spanned nine states and FBI offices, and I want to thank the men and women of the FBI for their tremendous work and dedication rooting out those actors responsible. This FBI will never stop following the money to pursue and find those who break our laws."

FBI Assistant Director in Charge Christopher G. Raia alleged Billups was used a lure to attract high-stakes poker players.

“Using the allure of high-stakes winnings and the promise to play alongside well-known professional athletes, these defendants allegedly defrauded unwitting victims out of tens of millions of dollars and established a financial pipeline to La Cosa Nostra,” Raia said.

“This alleged scheme wreaked havoc across the nation, exploiting the notoriety of some and the wallets of others to finance the Italian crime families.

"Our office maintains its aggressive pursuit of any Italian organised crime operating in our jurisdiction and will continue to stem all unlawful revenue streams fuelling their illicit activity.”

HSI New York Special Agent in Charge Ricky J. Patel likened the scheme to a movie.

“With the alleged involvement of three La Cosa Nostra crime families, an NBA head coach and Hall of Famer, as well as other current and former professional athletes, the investigative work that culminated with this morning’s operation are reminiscent of a Hollywood movie. But this was not luck, and it was not theatrics,” Patel said.

"Over four years ago, HSI New York uncovered the operation and worked tirelessly with HSI Newark, the FBI, the New York Waterfront Commission, and the NYPD to expose crimes that defrauded victims of at least $7 million dollars and included violent robberies. I commend all agencies and personnel involved in today’s sweeping arrests, which should serve as a testament to our relentless, evidence-driven and unified effort."

The indictment alleges, the Bonanno, Genovese, and Gambino organised crime families backed two poker games and "received a portion of the criminal proceeds from both the 'straight' illegal poker games and rigged games run by the organisers of those games."

Rozier's charges are different. He is accused of giving gamblers non-public information (team news) to bet on at least seven NBA games between March 2023 and March 2024 against the Charlotte Hornets, Orlando Magic, Trail Blazers, Los Angeles Lakers and Toronto Raptors.

The indictment alleges Rozier shared information about LeBron James, who is accused of no wrong-doing, only his status shared by Rozier to the benefit of gamblers.

It's alleged players intentionally took themselves out of games to benefit the gamblers' bets. The indictment alleges the defendants "had access to private information known by NBA players or NBA coaches" that would likely impact the outcome of games or players' performances for either a flat fee or a share of betting profits.