NBA gambling scandal: Billups, Rozier, Jones indicted in FBI probes

When Chauncey Billups, head coach of the Portland Trail Blazers, Terry Rozier of the Miami Heat, and former player‑coach Damon Jones walked into a federal courtroom on October 23, 2025, the NBA gambling scandal hit the headlines worldwide. The indictment came from the Federal Bureau of Investigation during a news conference in Washington, D.C., and it marked the first time active NBA coaches and current players were named in separate, yet overlapping, federal probes.

Background to the investigations

The FBI’s two‑pronged inquiry, disclosed by ESPN contributors Doug Greenberg and Brian Windhorst, stems from a months‑long surveillance operation that began in early 2022. According to court filings, investigators tracked phone calls, text messages, and betting‑site activity that linked insiders to high‑stakes wagers on NBA games. The National Basketball Association was notified after the FBI secured search warrants on October 12, 2025, but the league has yet to release an official comment.

Details of the betting scheme

The first case centers on illegal betting that exploited "under" prop bets – wagers on whether a player would log fewer minutes than a predetermined threshold. Prosecutors allege that between December 1, 2022, and March 31, 2024, co‑conspirators placed bets on at least seven regular‑season games using non‑public injury reports and lineup decisions leaked by insiders.

• Charlotte Hornets vs. Miami Heat (Dec 12, 2022) – alleged misuse of a late‑night injury update.
• Orlando Magic vs. Los Angeles Lakers (Jan 25, 2023) – suspected manipulation of a star player’s minutes.
• Portland Trail Blazers vs. Toronto Raptors (Feb 8, 2023) – Billups allegedly discussed rest days.
• Los Angeles Lakers vs. Boston Celtics (Mar 15, 2023) – "under" bet tied to LeBron James’s minutes.
• Toronto Raptors vs. Golden State Warriors (Apr 2, 2023) – undisclosed ankle tweak.
• Additional games involving the Denver Nuggets and the Philadelphia 76ers (late 2023‑early 2024) remain under investigation.

Windhorst explained, "Players were literally sitting out or playing limited minutes to hit a prop bet, and that information was passed to a betting ring before the official injury report hit the news wires." The alleged profits range from $500,000 to $2.3 million, though exact figures have not been disclosed.

Alleged poker‑rigging operation

The second indictment alleges that Billups, Jones, and a handful of former NBA personalities helped lure high‑rollers to exclusive poker nights that were "Mafia‑associated" – a euphemism for organized‑crime syndicates operating out of Atlantic City. Once the players were seated, a covert team of card‑deal manipulators allegedly used marked cards and pre‑arranged signals to ensure the house won every hand.

According to the affidavit, the rigged games took place between June 2023 and September 2024 in private suites at three Atlantic‑City casinos. The FBI claims the scheme netted roughly $1.1 million from unsuspecting gamblers, many of whom were high‑net‑worth individuals linked to the entertainment industry.

"The use of former athletes adds a veneer of legitimacy that makes it easier to attract wealthy participants," said federal prosecution attorney Rebecca Torres. "When you hear a former NBA star say, ‘Come play a friendly game,’ it lowers the guard.

Reactions from the NBA and the teams

While the league has remained officially silent, insiders suggest Commissioner Adam Silver is preparing an emergency meeting of the Board of Governors. "We cannot allow the integrity of the game to be questioned," a source close to the office said, adding that any player or coach found guilty could face a lifetime ban.

The Portland Trail Blazers released a brief statement late Thursday, expressing "deep concern" and pledging to cooperate fully with authorities. The Miami Heat issued a similar remark, emphasizing that Rozier "has the right to a fair legal process".

Legal implications and next steps

Both cases will be heard in the U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia. The indictment lists charges of conspiracy to commit wire fraud, illegal gambling, and money‑laundering under Title 18 of the United States Code. Bail for Billups and Rozier was set at $500,000 each; Jones, a first‑time defendant, was released on his own recognizance.

Defense attorneys for the trio have already filed a motion to suppress certain electronic communications, arguing that the FBI overreached with its warrants. A hearing on that motion is scheduled for November 12, 2025.

Historical precedents and broader impact

This scandal is the most serious breach of NBA integrity since the 2007 betting scandal involving former player Tim Donaghy, which resulted in a nine‑year prison sentence for the ex‑referee. Unlike Donaghy’s case, which involved a single individual, the current allegations implicate a coach, an active player, and a former player‑coach, suggesting a deeper cultural issue within professional basketball.

Experts warn that the fallout could extend beyond the court. Sports‑betting firms may face tighter federal regulation, and insurance companies that underwrite player injury policies could see premiums rise. The NBA’s global brand, already tested by the recent lockout, may also suffer a credibility dip with overseas markets, especially in Canada where the Raptors are the sole non‑U.S. franchise mentioned in the betting scheme.

Key facts

• Indictments announced: October 23, 2025 (Washington, D.C.)
• Primary individuals charged: Chauncey Billups, Terry Rozier, Damon Jones
• Charges: conspiracy to commit wire fraud, illegal gambling, money‑laundering
• Betting period: Dec 2022 – Mar 2024, covering at least seven NBA games
• Estimated illegal profits: $500K – $2.3M (betting) + $1.1M (rigged poker)