World Business Report NBA stars and mafia arrested in illegal gambling crackdown
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Oct 23, 2025 Jonathan Cohen, author of "Losing Big," examines the unchecked risks of rapid sports betting legalization in the U.S., arguing it fuels integrity scandals. Meanwhile, Jason Russell advocates for increased transparency and regulation in the sports betting market. Nada Taufik provides a chilling report on the FBI's investigation into illegal gambling linked to NBA figures like Terry Rozier and Chauncey Billups, who are accused of rigged poker games and insider betting. The conversation delves into the dramatic rise of sports gambling and its impacts on player behavior and fan trust.
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NBA And Mafia Linked In Gambling Probe
- The FBI uncovered a multi-million dollar illegal gambling ring linking current and former NBA figures with Cosa Nostra.
- Prosecutors say the scheme included sharing insider player info, rigging bets, and coordinated arrests across 11 states.
Alleged Player Misconduct And Rigged Poker
- Nada Taufik recounts allegations that Terry Rozier shared private NBA player information to place large bets and once faked an injury.
- She also describes Chauncey Billups allegedly working with the mafia to rig high-stakes poker games using rigged shufflers and X-ray tables.
Rapid Betting Rollout Increased Integrity Risks
- Legalisation of sports betting after 2018 expanded wagering rapidly with limited guardrails, raising integrity risks.
- Experts argue the rollout lacked player education and protections, increasing temptation and exposure across all levels of sport.
