A shocking revelation has rocked both the poker and sports worlds this week as two former NBA players—Chauncey Billups and Damon Jones—were arrested for their alleged involvement in a massive, mob-connected poker scam that spanned multiple U.S. states and defrauded players out of tens of millions of dollars.
The U.S. Attorney’s Office has accused 31 individuals of orchestrating rigged poker games under what investigators have dubbed “Operation Royal Flush.” Among those named are Billups, an NBA Hall of Famer and current coach of the Portland Trail Blazers, and Jones, a former player who suited up for 10 teams during his 11-year career.
According to prosecutors, the pair acted as “face cards” — high-profile figures strategically invited to these underground games to attract wealthy, unsuspecting gamblers. The scheme reportedly operated under the protection of organized crime families who handled debts and security for the illicit tables.
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A Sophisticated Web of Cheating
At the heart of the operation were high-tech rigging tools that allowed participants to manipulate the outcome of hands without detection. The indictment outlines the use of rigged card shufflers, hidden cameras, marked decks, and even an x-ray poker table capable of revealing face-down cards.
FBI Director Kash Patel, who led the four-year investigation, described the operation as “mind-boggling in scale.” He noted that the ring used wireless communication devices and remote operators to transmit card information to players during live games.
Investigators say the fraudulent system worked as follows: a rigged shuffler would scan and transmit data on every hand to an off-site operator, who then texted the card information to a co-conspirator at the table. That player discreetly shared the details with other insiders, ensuring that all non-conspirators—known as “fish”—had no chance of winning.
The scheme wasn’t limited to one city. Games took place in New York, Miami, Las Vegas, and the Hamptons, often under the cover of otherwise legitimate private poker clubs.
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A Criminal Enterprise Hidden in Plain Sight
“Everyone at the table was in on it,” said U.S. Attorney Joseph Norcella, Jr., during a press conference on Thursday. “The dealers, the hosts, even the celebrity guests. The only ones out of the loop were the victims.”
According to the indictment, organized crime families in New York oversaw parts of the operation, providing “muscle” and collection services for unpaid debts. In return, they took a percentage of the winnings from the rigged games.
While the celebrities were allegedly used to lure targets, the real control remained with experienced operators who specialized in cheating technologies. The investigation suggests that the scam ran from 2019 through 2023, defrauding players of amounts reaching into tens of millions of dollars.
“It’s not hundreds or thousands. It’s not even millions,” Patel said. “We’re talking tens of millions stolen through deceit, technology, and manipulation.”
Separate Charges and Fallout
In addition to the poker scam, Damon Jones faces a second indictment related to the misuse of confidential sports data to place fraudulent bets. This charge ties him to a separate network of insider betting schemes involving professional basketball statistics.
For Billups, the implications are particularly devastating. Having been inducted into the Basketball Hall of Fame in 2024 and serving as a respected NBA coach, his name had become synonymous with professionalism and leadership. The allegations now cast a shadow over his legacy.
Both men were arrested on Thursday morning and released on bail pending trial. Their attorneys have declined to comment.
The Larger Implications for Poker and Sports
This scandal once again highlights the blurred line between celebrity culture, gambling, and organized crime. The use of sports stars as bait for high-stakes games is not new, but the level of technological sophistication in this case marks a disturbing evolution in how such frauds are executed.
Legal experts suggest that the involvement of household names like Billups and Jones will ensure that “Operation Royal Flush” receives unprecedented scrutiny.
“These weren’t backroom hustlers,” said gaming law analyst Rachel Meyer. “These were public figures with global recognition, being used to give credibility to a criminal network. It’s a wake-up call for both the poker industry and professional sports.”
A Case Still Unfolding
As the FBI continues to uncover details, more arrests are expected in the coming weeks. Patel confirmed that federal agents are pursuing links between the poker ring and several New York and Miami crime families, suggesting that the investigation is “far from over.”
The Department of Justice has also hinted at money-laundering charges, as much of the stolen money was reportedly funneled through offshore accounts and shell companies tied to entertainment and gambling ventures.
In the meantime, the poker community watches closely. The scandal has prompted renewed discussion about integrity in both live and online poker. Many professionals have called for tighter surveillance at private games and stronger player protections.
A Cautionary Tale of Fame and Greed
What began as an invitation-only high-stakes poker experience promising glamour and access to sports legends has now exposed one of the most elaborate cheating operations in modern gambling history.
For the players involved, the allure of fame and easy money may have come at the ultimate cost. As one investigator put it:
“They built a table where everyone thought they were playing the game of poker.
In reality, they were playing the game of greed.”
Courtesy: POKER.ORG