Prosecutors say suspects in an NBA- and Mafia-linked gambling ring used advanced technology — including X-ray tables, hidden cameras, and pre-marked cards — to swindle victims out of millions.
At a Thursday news conference, officials revealed that the poker scheme, dubbed “Operation Royal Flush,” began as early as 2019 and operated in major cities like New York.
The victims, known as “fish,” were drawn into high-stakes games with the promise of playing alongside professional athletes — referred to as “face cards” — including former NBA player Damon Jones and Portland Trail Blazers head coach Chauncey Billups.
“The FBI led a coordinated takedown across 11 states to arrest over 30 individuals today responsible for this case,” said FBI Director Kash Patel.
According to Joe Nocella, U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of New York, the victims didn’t realize that everyone else at the table — from the dealer to the players, even the face cards — were in on the scam.
The suspects allegedly used self-shuffling machines modified to read and predict card sequences. That information was sent to an off-site contact, who relayed it to a “quarterback” at the table.
“The quarterback then secretly signaled the information he had received,” Nocella explained.
Other tools reportedly included a poker chip tray equipped with a hidden camera, contact lenses that could detect marked cards, and even an X-ray table capable of reading the deck.
“This alleged scheme wreaked havoc across the nation, exploiting the fame of some and the wallets of many,” said Christopher Raia, Assistant Director in Charge of the New York Field Office.
Officials estimate the operation stole tens of thousands of dollars per game, amounting to millions overall. Former federal prosecutor Neama Rahmani, now President of West Coast Trial Lawyers, said those involved could face significant prison time.
“People lost millions of dollars, and since sentencing guidelines are based on the amount of fraud, Billups and others could be looking at years in federal prison,” Rahmani said.
Rahmani added that while most federal cases end in guilty pleas, this one may play out differently because of the high-profile names involved.
“Expect to see a fight in this case,” he said. “I don’t think all the defendants are going to roll over like you typically see.”
Both Chauncey Billups and Miami Heat guard Terry Rozier, also named in the case, have been placed on leave while the NBA conducts its own review. Rozier’s attorney maintained his client’s innocence, saying he “isn’t a gambler and looks forward to clearing his name.”
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