Two shocking federal indictments give a glimpse into an alleged illegal sports betting scheme in the National Basketball Association and rigged poker games involving organized crime families, leading to the arrests of more than 30 people.
Miami Heat guard Terry Rozier, Portland Trail Blazers coach Chauncey Billups and former Cleveland Cavaliers guard Damon Jones were among the list of people arrested.
Authorities referred to the schemes as “Operation Nothing But Bet” and “Operation Royal Flush,” respectively. In a press conference on Thursday, FBI Director Kash Patel called the fraud “mind-boggling.”
In an indictment related to Operation Nothing But Bet, prosecutors say that Jones and others would sell details about NBA games and players to others before the information became public to inform illegal bets. He and the five other codefendants in the suit have been charged with conspiracy to commit wire fraud and conspiracy to commit money laundering.
In one instance, Jones allegedly sold information about an injury to “Player 3’s” lower body ahead of a game between the Los Angeles Lakers and the Milwaukee Bucks on Feb. 9, 2023.
