Celebrities, professional sports stars arrested in FBI gambling bust

Chante Ho Hip

Chante Ho Hip

24 October 2025 | 12:00

In one of the alleged schemes, poker games were rigged using X-ray tables that could read cards facing down.

Celebrities, professional sports stars arrested in FBI gambling bust

Photo: Unsplash/Michał Parzuchowski

Celebrities, professional basketball stars, and wealthy gamblers were among the 34 people arrested for illegal gambling in the US this week. 

The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) revealed two indictments, a sports betting scheme and a poker cheating operation, in what they believe is a massive conspiracy involving members of New York’s organised crime families. 

“People lost millions," says world news correspondent Adam Gilchrist. "One punter lost very nearly $2 million in this way."

Among those arrested were Portland Trail Blazers coach Chauncey Billups, Miami Heat guard Terry Rozier, and former Cleveland Cavaliers player Damon Jones.

To listen to Gilchrist in conversation with Stephen Grootes on 702's Breakfast with Bongani Bingwa, use the audio player below:

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