A massive betting scandal has hit American basketball, with players and a coach now facing charges.The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) and the United States attorney for Brooklyn announced two indictments in what they say is a massive cheating conspiracy involving current and former basketball players, coaches and members of New York’s organised crime families. On Thursday, the FBI also carried out arrests, including of NBA players allegedly involved in the scam.Recommended Stories list of 1 itemend of listThe news came during the NBA season’s opening week, just as the league launched new broadcast deals worth $76bn over 11 years. It’s the latest in a series of scandals to hit US sport since sports betting took off in 2018.Here is what we know.What is the gambling scandal in the NBA?A sweeping federal investigation has shaken the world of professional basketball, uncovering ties between NBA figures and organised crime in an illegal betting network worth millions of dollars.“The investigative work that culminated with this morning’s operation are reminiscent of a Hollywood movie. But this was not luck, and it was not theatrics,” said Ricky Patel, the special agent in charge of homeland security investigations, who has led the ongoing probe.In total, 34 individuals were arrested across 11 states. Among those arrested were Portland Trail Blazers coach Chauncey Billups, Miami Heat guard Terry Rozier, and former Cleveland Cavaliers player Damon Jones.Authorities said they unsealed the indictments and carried out coordinated arrests nationwide on Thursday.
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— FBI (@FBI) October 23, 2025 Advertisement First indictment: Sports betting scheme (US v Eric Earnest Indictmen …
