Julian Dorey Podcast #350 - The NBA’s Mafia Gambling Ring Scandal Could Get Way WORSE | Jeff Nadu
Oct 30, 2025
Jeff Nadu, a sports bettor and independent crime reporter, dives into the NBA's gambling scandal. He reveals the mafia's historical ties to underground poker and how modern celebrities get caught in the web. Discussing the tactical cheating methods used, Nadu highlights sordid tales from high-stakes games and the potential legal fallout for players and coaches involved. He emphasizes the importance of digital evidence in ongoing investigations and the shifting dynamics of organized crime today, making it clear that the stakes are higher than ever.
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How Underground Poker Networks Operate
- Underground New York poker games are often connected to organized crime but also run by a mix of associates and non-mafia operators.
- Many families cooperate across games, sharing representation and taking a cut rather than waging open turf wars.
Why Celebrities Fuel Rigged Games
- High-profile athletes frequently gamble and can be regulars in big-stakes underground games.
- Their presence attracts wealthy marks and raises the stakes, which tempts operators to cheat for extra profit.
Reported 2019 Vegas Game Win
- Jeff Nadu's source claimed Chauncey Billups "cleaned up" at a 2019 Las Vegas game where Kevin Garnett also played briefly.
- The source also said Billups' skill suddenly improved, raising suspicion about the game's integrity.