Federal prosecutors have charged 31 individuals, including members and associates of three major organized crime families and NBA coach Chauncey Billups, in connection with schemes to rig illegal poker games across New York City, East Hampton, and other locations throughout the United States. The indictment was unsealed at the federal courthouse in Brooklyn, with arrests taking place in 11 states.
The defendants include members of the Bonanno, Gambino, and Genovese crime families of La Cosa Nostra (LCN), as well as current and former professional athletes. Among those charged are Chauncey Billups, head coach of the Portland Trail Blazers, and Damon Jones, a former NBA player.
According to federal authorities, the accused operated a sophisticated fraud scheme using concealed technology such as rigged shuffling machines and special eyewear that allowed them to determine winning hands in advance. “As alleged, members and associates of organized crime families fixed illegal poker games as part of a highly sophisticated and lucrative fraud scheme to cheat victims out of millions of dollars and conspired with others to perpetrate their frauds,” said United States Attorney Joseph Nocella Jr. “Well-known former NBA players and former professional athletes acted as ‘Face Cards’ to lure unsuspecting victims to high-stakes poker games… Today’s indictment and arrests sounds the final buzzer for these cheaters.”
FBI Director Kash Patel commented on the scale of the operation: “Today over 30 people were arrested and charged for their alleged roles in criminal schemes to rig illegal poker games… These individuals used technology and deceit to scam innocent victims out of millions of dollars – eventually funneling money to La Casa Nostra and enriching one of the most notorious criminal networks in the world.” Patel thanked FBI personnel involved across nine states.
Assistant Director Christopher G. Raia emphasized how defendants used prominent figures: “Using the allure of high-stakes winnings and the promise to play alongside well-known professional athletes, these defendants allegedly defrauded unwitting victims out of tens of millions… exploiting notoriety… Our office maintains its aggressive pursuit…”
Homeland Security Investigations Special Agent Ricky J. Patel highlighted agency cooperation: “With the alleged involvement… investigative work that culminated with this morning’s operation are reminiscent of a Hollywood movie. But this was not luck…” He noted HSI began uncovering evidence more than four years ago.
New York City Police Commissioner Jessica S. Tisch described threats faced by players who resisted payment: “This complex scheme was so far reaching that it included members from four organized crime families… when people refused to pay because they were cheated… they used threats, intimidation, and violence.”
Phoebe S. Sorial from the Waterfront Commission called attention to longstanding regional influence by LCN groups: “The arrests … is a stark reminder that they are not averse to working together … Disruption … weakens their grip on our region.”
Authorities allege that since at least 2019 conspirators ran underground Texas Hold’em games using wireless cheating devices—altered shuffling machines could read all cards dealt; this information was relayed off-site then sent back via cellphone or secret signals at game tables so co-conspirators could win against unsuspecting players. Other devices included chip tray analyzers equipped with hidden cameras or contact lenses able to read marked cards.
Organizers allegedly laundered proceeds through shell companies; funds moved between bank wires or cryptocurrency before returning minus laundering fees.
Investigators say all three crime families took cuts from both rigged games (using cheating tech) as well as non-rigged ones run under their oversight at locations such as Lexington Avenue (“on record” with Bonanno family) or Washington Place (“on record” with Gambino family). At times operations merged so all received shares.
Some acts involved violence—including assault or robbery—to ensure debts were paid or equipment secured.
Prosecutors state that bettors defrauded may be eligible for restitution under federal law; anyone believing themselves a victim is encouraged to contact authorities at 1-800-CALLFBI.
The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Michael W. Gibaldi, Irisa Chen, Sean M. Sherman (with support from Paralegal Specialists John Schneider & Marlane Bosler), while forfeiture matters are handled by Assistant U.S. Attorney Michael Castiglione.
All charges remain allegations; defendants are presumed innocent unless proven guilty.
