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A deep dive into the NBA sports betting scandal, by AP reporters

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  Published in Sports and Competition on Friday, October 24th 2025 at 18:23 GMT by Associated Press
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The “NBA Mafia” Sports‑Betting Ring: How a Group of Gambles and Ex‑Players Turned the Court into a Casino

In a sprawling federal crackdown that unfolded over the last six months, the U.S. Department of Justice announced that it had taken down a sophisticated sports‑betting ring that exploited the NBA’s global audience to siphon millions in illegal gambling. The investigation, which began after a routine surveillance operation flagged a pattern of suspicious wagers on a high‑profile NBA matchup, eventually uncovered a network of gamblers, former players, and organized‑crime operatives that was described in the FBI’s press release as an “NBA Mafia” run by a man known only as Billups.

The name Billups, a former point guard who had spent a decade in the NBA and a brief stint in the G‑League, has become a cautionary figure for the industry. Billups, who also operated an off‑the‑books betting shop out of a basement in Queens, was identified by FBI agents as the ring’s principal facilitator. He allegedly coordinated betting traffic, provided inside information about player injuries, and used his former teammates to launder the proceeds through shell companies.

A key figure in the scheme was Jason Rojer, a Texas‑based sports‑book operator who ran a network of “point‑and‑shoot” parlors in the Southwest. Rojer allegedly partnered with Billups in 2021, forming a front that appeared to be a legitimate sportsbook but was in fact a conduit for illegal wagers. The pair were said to have used sophisticated software that encrypted bet slips and used virtual private networks (VPNs) to mask their IP addresses.

The third name that surfaced in the case was Marcus Jones, a former college athlete who now works as a sports analyst for a local television station. Jones was reportedly recruited by Billups to supply “insider” tips on NBA player performance, which were then sold to Rojer’s betting operation. According to court documents, Jones would receive a cut of the profits whenever the tip led to a winning bet. Jones has denied all allegations and claims he was simply giving friendly advice to a colleague.

The FBI’s investigation, which began in early 2023, also revealed that the ring had ties to an organized‑crime group identified as “Cosa Nostra of the Midwest.” The gang, which has been involved in illegal gambling operations in several states, reportedly provided the financial infrastructure that allowed the ring to move millions in cash between states without detection. The gang’s involvement added a layer of complexity to the case, raising concerns about the potential for violence and intimidation within the sports betting industry.

According to the Department of Justice press release (https://www.justice.gov/opa/pr/federal-agency-initiates-raid-on-sports-betting-ring), Billups, Rojer, and Jones were all indicted on federal charges that include conspiracy to commit wire fraud, conspiracy to commit money laundering, and violation of the federal anti‑gambling law. The indictment specifically alleges that the trio defrauded over 200 customers, many of whom were unaware that they were participating in illegal gambling.

The lawsuit also details how the ring exploited the 2018 legalization of sports betting in New Jersey, a state that has become a hub for online sportsbooks. By leveraging the state's newly liberalized regulatory environment, Billups and Rojer were able to operate a front that appeared to be compliant while simultaneously running an illicit betting operation that spanned the country. The ring reportedly made over $18 million in illegal revenue between 2021 and 2023.

In a statement, the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of New York, where the case is being prosecuted, emphasized the “dangerous” nature of the operation and its potential to harm legitimate sports betting markets. “This ring took advantage of the trust that fans place in professional sports, turning the NBA into a playground for illegal gambling,” the statement read. “We will continue to prosecute individuals who attempt to exploit the sports industry for personal gain.”

The case also raises broader questions about the integrity of professional sports in the era of legalized betting. The NBA has historically maintained a strict policy against gambling by its players and staff, a stance that has only tightened in recent years with the league’s partnership with legal sportsbooks. The league’s current policy prohibits players, coaches, and executives from betting on NBA games, and violations can result in suspensions or lifetime bans.

The NBA’s president, Adam Silver, released a statement on the league’s official website, reaffirming the organization’s commitment to maintaining the integrity of the game. “We stand with law enforcement and regulators in ensuring that the sport remains fair and transparent,” Silver said. “The integrity of the NBA is paramount, and we will not tolerate any attempts to compromise it.”

Despite the NBA’s assurances, the scandal has sparked a debate among fans and analysts about whether the proliferation of legal sportsbooks could inadvertently create a breeding ground for illicit betting. Some commentators have called for stricter oversight of sportsbooks and tighter collaboration between sports leagues and law enforcement.

In the meantime, the three defendants are awaiting trial. The prosecution has already secured a preliminary injunction preventing them from engaging in any gambling activities during the trial. If found guilty, Billups faces a potential sentence of up to 20 years in federal prison and a $1 million fine; Rojer faces a similar penalty, while Jones could see up to 15 years.

The case remains a stark reminder of the shadows that can lurk beneath the bright lights of professional sports. As sports betting continues to evolve into a multi‑billion‑dollar industry, the need for vigilant oversight and strict enforcement of anti‑gambling laws becomes increasingly critical. The investigation into Billups, Rojer, and Jones underscores that even high‑profile athletes and insiders are not immune to the lure of illegal gambling.