Philly Ties: Man Charged in Illegal NBA Betting and Poker Schemes by NBC10 Philadelphia

NBA Rocked by Gambling and Poker Rigging Scandal: Players and Mafia Figures Implicated

Published: October 24, 2025

A sweeping federal investigation has exposed a refined illegal sports betting and poker rigging operation with startling ties to the National Basketball Association and alleged members of organized crime. The Federal Bureau of Investigation announced indictments on Thursday, implicating current and former NBA personnel alongside individuals linked to prominent mafia families.

Insider Trading and Fraudulent Wagers

The investigation centers around two distinct but connected schemes. The first involves the alleged use of non-public information from NBA players and coaches to facilitate fraudulent sports wagers. Six individuals have been charged with wire fraud and conspiracy to launder money for their involvement in this scheme, which operated between December 2022 and March 2024.

Among those named in the indictment are Miami Heat guard Terry Rozier, former NBA player Damon Jones, and Shane Hennen, a 40-year-old resident of Las Vegas with past connections to the Philadelphia and western Pennsylvania areas. Investigators allege that Hennen acted as a central figure, distributing confidential information obtained from sources within the NBA to a network of bettors.

One instance detailed in the indictment involves a game on March 23, 2023, where Rozier reportedly informed an associate he would be leaving the game early due to injury. this information was than allegedly used to place substantial bets-totaling over $200,000-on Rozier’s “under” statistics, which paid off when he left the game after onyl nine minutes of play.

Organized Crime and Rigged Poker Games

The second indictment outlines a scheme to rig high-stakes illegal poker games across multiple states, including New York and Pennsylvania. This operation allegedly involved 31 defendants, including Damon Jones, Portland Trail Blazers coach and former NBA player Chauncey Billups, and associates of the Bonanno, Gambino, and Genovese crime families.

Investigators claim that Mafia members actively manipulated the poker games, with NBA players allegedly participating as “Face Cards” to attract unsuspecting players. The cheating methods employed were remarkably sophisticated, including altered shuffling machines capable of revealing card sequences, electronic chips that could read cards, and specially marked playing cards visible only with specific aids.

authorities allege Hennen played a key role in both schemes, traveling to philadelphia in march 2023 to collect proceeds from the sports betting operation. His social media activity, documented on Instagram, shows continued engagement with sports betting even after the indictments were unsealed.

Key Figures and Connections

Name	Role	Alleged Involvement
Terry Rozier	Miami Heat Guard	providing insider information about injuries to facilitate fraudulent bets.
Damon Jones	Former NBA Player	Facilitating access to insider information; involvement in poker rigging.
Shane Hennen	Las Vegas resident	Central figure in distributing information and placing bets.
Chauncey Billups	Portland Trail Blazers Coach	involvement in rigged poker games.

Did You Know? illegal sports betting in the United States is estimated to generate over $150 billion in handle annually, according to the American Gaming Association.

Pro Tip: Always use licensed and regulated sportsbooks to ensure fair play and protect your funds.

The Growing Threat of Sports Betting Corruption

This case highlights the increasing vulnerability of professional sports to corruption as legal sports betting expands across the United States. The accessibility of online betting platforms and the potential for large payouts create an incentive for individuals to exploit inside information and manipulate game outcomes.

Experts predict that enhanced monitoring, stricter regulations, and increased player education will be crucial in safeguarding the integrity of sports moving forward. The NBA and other leagues are already implementing measures to detect and prevent such schemes, but this recent case demonstrates that ongoing vigilance is essential.

Frequently Asked Questions About the NBA Gambling Scandal

• What is the extent of the NBA’s involvement in this scandal? The investigation focuses on individual players and coaches, not the league itself. Though,the NBA is cooperating fully with authorities to ensure the integrity of the game.
• What are the potential penalties for those involved in illegal sports betting? Penalties can include hefty fines, imprisonment, and bans from the NBA.
• How does this affect the games that have already been played? Investigations are ongoing and could potentially lead to the review of past games and outcomes.
• What is being done to prevent future incidents like this? The NBA is reinforcing its policies on sports betting and player conduct, and working with law enforcement to detect and deter illegal activity.
• What role did the mafia families play in this scheme? Investigators allege the mafia members organized and fixed games, bringing in high-stakes gamblers to ensure profit.

What are your thoughts on the rise of sports betting and its impact on the integrity of professional sports? Share your opinions in the comments below!

What specific Pennsylvania laws were violated by operating an illegal gambling business?

Philly Ties: Man Charged in Illegal NBA Betting and Poker Schemes

The Allegations: A Deep Dive into the Case

A Philadelphia man is facing serious charges related to operating illegal NBA betting and high-stakes poker schemes, as reported by NBC10 Philadelphia. The examination, which has been ongoing for several months, alleges a complex network involving ample financial transactions and potential links to organized crime. Authorities believe the schemes operated both online and in-person, attracting participants from across the region. The core of the case revolves around accusations of unlawful gambling operations, specifically targeting fans eager to wager on professional basketball games – including those found on sites tracking NBA results.

key Details of the Charges

The defendant, whose name is being withheld pending further legal proceedings, is accused of:

* Illegal Gambling: Operating an illegal gambling business, a felony offense under Pennsylvania law. This includes accepting bets on NBA games and other sporting events without proper licensing.

* Money Laundering: Allegedly attempting to conceal the source of funds generated from the illegal gambling operations. This involves complex financial transactions designed to disguise the illicit income.

* Conspiracy: Working with others to facilitate the illegal schemes and evade law enforcement.

* Tax Evasion: Failing to report income generated from the illegal gambling activities to the IRS.

The charges carry potentially meaningful penalties, including lengthy prison sentences and substantial fines. The investigation is being led by the Philadelphia district Attorney’s Office, in collaboration with state and federal law enforcement agencies.

How the Schemes Operated: Understanding the Mechanics

The alleged schemes were reportedly sophisticated, utilizing various methods to attract and retain participants. These included:

1. High-Stakes Poker Games: Regularly hosted poker tournaments and cash games with buy-ins reaching tens of thousands of dollars.These games were often held in private residences and exclusive clubs.
2. Online Betting Platform: A dedicated website and mobile app were allegedly used to facilitate sports betting, especially on NBA games. The platform offered a wide range of betting options, including point spreads, money lines, and over/under totals.
3. Credit System: participants were reportedly offered credit to place bets, further fueling the gambling activity and increasing the risk of debt and potential coercion.
4. Layered Transactions: Funds were allegedly moved through multiple accounts and shell companies to obscure their origin and avoid detection by authorities.

The Connection to the NBA: Impact and Concerns

While the charges do not directly implicate any NBA players or teams,the case raises concerns about the potential for sports betting to be compromised by illegal activity. The integrity of professional basketball relies on fair play and the absence of external influence. Illegal betting schemes can create opportunities for match-fixing and other forms of corruption.

* Increased Scrutiny: This case is likely to led to increased scrutiny of the sports betting industry in pennsylvania and across the country.

* Regulatory Review: Regulators may review existing laws and regulations to identify loopholes and strengthen enforcement efforts.

* Player Education: The NBA and other sports leagues may enhance player education programs to raise awareness about the risks of gambling and the importance of reporting suspicious activity.

Pennsylvania’s Legal Gambling Landscape

Pennsylvania has a relatively liberal legal gambling landscape, with both casinos and online sports betting permitted. However, these activities are subject to strict regulations and licensing requirements. The illegal schemes in question operated outside of these legal frameworks, circumventing regulations designed to protect consumers and ensure fair play.

* Legal Sports Betting: Launched in 2018, legal sports betting in pennsylvania has generated significant revenue for the state.

* Casino Gambling: Pennsylvania has a thriving casino industry, with numerous casinos offering a variety of gambling options.

* Online Gambling: Online casinos and poker sites are also legal in Pennsylvania, providing convenient access to gambling for residents.

Protecting Yourself: Recognizing and avoiding Illegal Gambling

If you or someone you no is struggling with gambling addiction or has been targeted by an illegal gambling operation, here are some resources:

* National Problem Gambling Helpline: 1-800-GAMBLER

* Pennsylvania council on Problem Gambling: https://pacpg.org/

* Gamblers Anonymous: https://www.gamblersanonymous.org/ga/

Red flags to watch out for:

* Unlicensed or unregulated betting platforms.

* Offers of credit or loans to place bets.

* Pressure to gamble more than you can afford.

* Suspicious financial transactions.

Recent NBA Results (as of 2025-10-24 – Based on provided search result)

While not directly related to the case, staying informed about NBA results can be a harmless pastime for basketball fans. As of today, October 24, 2025, you can find the latest scores and boxscores at https://www.basketusa.com/resultats-nba/. this resource provides a complete overview