NBA Gambling Scandal: Mob Ties
A gambling scandal in the NBA becomes more serious than you could imagine. As for now, the U.S. authorities have already arrested 34 people in Brooklyn court connected to two linked schemes: one involving rigged sports bets on NBA games, and another tied to illegal mob-backed poker games played by well-known league names.
Operations Exposed
In the first scheme, current and former NBA figures were accused of manipulating in-game statistics to influence prop bets. Terry Rozier, the main suspect, is accused of purposely playing badly in a March 2023 game so his associates could win bets against him. The second scheme involved high-stakes poker games run by members of the Genovese and Bonanno crime families. Former players and coaches invited rich individuals to join these games, which were run by the mob. Some of the recognized names involved in the crime were coach Chauncey Billups, former NBA player Damon Jones, and Rozier.
NBA’s Response
In response, the NBA is now forced to take action. League officials have met with Congress staff and are planning stricter oversight of their gambling partnerships. Lawmakers were confused about why unusual bets like Rozier’s weren’t noticed for such a long period of time. Now the NBA’s partnerships with FanDuel and DraftKings can be under serious scrutiny. The NBA is looking to ban prop bets as they are the easiest to manipulate. The premier professional basketball league now must work harder to rebuild trust and reputation.
