New Details Surface in Chauncey Billups and Mafia Linked Poker Scheme

High-stakes private poker games tied to organized crime and well-known sports figures are now under intense investigation. Details released by authorities describe the use of advanced technology, hidden communication signals, and coordinated cheating plans to target wealthy players across multiple cities.

Good to Know

• Authorities say players used tech devices, marked cards, and signaling systems
• Professional athletes allegedly helped attract victims to private games
• Over 30 people were arrested following a multi-year federal investigation

Federal investigators described the scheme as a long-running underground gambling network that involved members of several major organized crime families. According to law enforcement, high-profile individuals in professional basketball were used to draw in wealthy participants and give the games a sense of legitimacy.

U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of New York Joseph Nocella and FBI Director Kash Patel said the operation stretched across at least 11 states. Patel said:

“This is an illegal gambling operation and sports rigging operation that spanned the course of years. The FBI led a coordinated takedown across 11 states to arrest over 30 individuals today responsible for this case, which is very much ongoing.”

Charges listed so far include wire fraud, money laundering, extortion, robbery, and illegal gambling. Authorities estimate the operation generated tens of millions of dollars.

How the Games Functioned

Investigators say organizers held games in New York, Las Vegas, Miami, and other locations. The groups involved allegedly controlled where the games took place, who attended, and how any debts were collected.

Victims were referred to as “fish,” while well-known athletes and coaches who participated were called “face cards.” Authorities say the presence of famous figures encouraged players to trust the game, lowering suspicion.

One example in the indictment describes a player who lost 1.8 million dollars in a Manhattan game in July 2023 using a manipulated card shuffling machine.

The Cheating Technology

Federal documents describe several layered cheating techniques:

1.  Card shuffling devices that scanned the deck and relayed winning hands
2.  Off-site accomplices messaging hand information to conspirators via cell phone
3.  Secret signals at the table to coordinate betting and folding
4.  Special glasses or contact lenses that detected invisible ink markings
5.  Card-reading trays and “x-ray table tops” that revealed face-down cards

The person receiving the off-site hand data was reportedly called the “quarterback,” who would then discreetly prompt others in the group during play.

Violence and Debt Collection

Authorities also described threats, extortion, and physical violence connected to money owed from the games. One robbery reportedly involved holding a person at gunpoint to obtain a cheating device used in the operation. Investigators say more than 7 million dollars was taken from targeted players since 2019.

Funds moved through shell businesses and cryptocurrency channels to avoid detection.

Locations and Public Details

One Manhattan location used for the games was previously rented by Kylie Jenner and Travis Scott. Neither was alleged to have played any role. Law enforcement described one incident where members of rival criminal groups arrived at the property at the same time, leading to an altercation.

Poker professional Matt Berkey discussed the network on a podcast before the arrests, saying he had been approached about playing in one of the games in 2019 and was told the game was “100% safe.” He later said the information shared now explains why he felt some details of the invitation did not add up.

The FBI is continuing to ask for information and says additional arrests may follow.

FAQ

How did players get targeted?

Investigators say wealthy individuals were invited to private games through social networks of athletes and entertainment figures.

Were casinos involved?

No. These were private, off-the-books games hosted in rented properties and private venues.

Will there be more charges?

The investigation remains active, and authorities said more enforcement is possible.

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