FBI Arrests NBA Coach Chauncey Billups in Sports Rigging Probe

he FBI has arrested Portland Trailblazers Head Coach Chauncey Billups and Miami Heat guard Terry Rozier as part of a sweeping federal investigation into sports rigging and illegal poker operations connected to organized crime. Authorities confirmed 34 arrests across 11 states, charging suspects with wire fraud, money laundering, extortion, robbery, and illegal gambling.

Good to Know

• 34 people arrested, including NBA coach and player.
• Charges span sports rigging and poker cheating schemes.
• The operation, named “Royal Flush,” links to four Mafia families.

FBI Confirms Dual Fraud Investigations

FBI Director Kash Patel described the coordinated arrests as part of two major criminal probes — one targeting sports betting fraud and another exposing rigged underground poker games. He said:

“The charges and arrests that were taken down across this country range from wire fraud, money laundering, extortion, robbery, and illegal gambling. This FBI will leave no room for any perpetrating of crime across this country.”

U.S. Attorney Joseph Nocella of the Eastern District of New York detailed how high-tech cheating devices were used to manipulate poker results, stealing millions of dollars from players in private games. “Your winning streak has ended,” Nocella said. “Your luck has run out. Violating the law is a losing proposition, and you can bet on that.”

Operation Royal Flush: Mafia Ties Uncovered

Authorities say the poker operation was run through networks supported by the Bonanno, Gambino, Lucchese, and Genovese crime families. Christopher Raia, FBI Assistant Director in Charge of the New York Field Office, said:

“This alleged illegal gambling operation hustled unwitting victims out of tens of millions of dollars, and created a financial pipeline for La Cosa Nostra.”

Investigators discovered that the poker tables used chip tray analyzers and card-reading sensors hidden beneath the felt to track players’ hands in real time. Professional athletes, including NBA personnel, were allegedly recruited to lure victims to the games, giving the setup an air of legitimacy.

Nocella added that some defendants “committed acts of violence and extortion” to recover debts. According to Ricky Patel, Special Agent in Charge of Homeland Security Investigations New York, victims were defrauded of at least $7 million through the scheme.

NBA Figures Under Federal Investigation

Chauncey Billups, arrested in Oregon, is alleged to have participated in the poker-rigging network. The 2024 Basketball Hall of Fame inductee and 2004 NBA Finals MVP spent most of his career with the Detroit Pistons before becoming Portland’s head coach in 2021.

Terry Rozier, a 10-year NBA veteran, was arrested in Orlando, Florida, on allegations of participating in an illegal sports betting scheme. Prosecutors claim Rozier and others used insider information from NBA players and coaches to manipulate bets in exchange for payouts.

The case reportedly connects to the 2024 betting scandal involving Toronto Raptors forward Jontay Porter, who was banned for life from the NBA after pleading guilty to wire fraud conspiracy related to game fixing.

Former Cleveland Cavaliers assistant coach Damon Jones was also detained and implicated in both investigations.

Technology and Poker Cheating Concerns

The arrests have reignited concerns about high-tech poker cheating. The Operation Royal Flush case follows recent revelations that automatic shuffler machines can be hacked. A Wired investigation earlier this month showed how modified shufflers could be exploited to view or manipulate card sequences.

High-stakes pro Doug Polk advised players to avoid private games using such devices, warning that while most casino-operated shufflers are secure, “underground setups are never fully safe.”

Cheating methods continue to evolve worldwide. In France, two men were arrested last year for using cell phone cameras and microscopic earpieces to read opponents’ cards. Police reported they used one device on the table to photograph cards and another concealed on the body to transmit information to accomplices outside.

FAQ

Who was arrested in the FBI investigation?

NBA coach Chauncey Billups, player Terry Rozier, former assistant coach Damon Jones, and 31 others were arrested across 11 states.

What is Operation Royal Flush?

It is the FBI’s investigation into a nationwide poker-rigging scheme linked to Mafia families.

How much money was stolen?

Authorities estimate at least $7 million was taken from victims through rigged poker games.

What are the main charges?

Defendants face wire fraud, extortion, money laundering, and illegal gambling charges.

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