NBA and Poker Gambling Scandals Raises Integrity and Legal Questions

By Jacob Soro

Sports gambling has exploded across the country, especially for fans between the ages of 18 and 35. More states are legalizing betting every year, and sportsbooks are now becoming a part of the everyday sports experience. But with that rapid growth comes new problems. The idea that players would ever compromise the integrity of the sport seemed unbelievable - until it became a reality. That is why the latest federal investigation into NBA gambling activity has caught the entire sports law community’s attention. 

In October 2025, a major federal investigation arrested Miami Heat guard Terry Rozier, Portland Trail Blazers head coach Chauncey Billups, and former NBA player Damon Jones. According to investigators, these individuals were connected to a scheme that used insider information to place successful “prop bets.” Prop bets are individual player stats offered for a variety of things such as points, rebounds, assists, and much more. This was not just casual betting on the side. Prosecutors say it was a coordinated setup where private team info was shared with bettors who then wagered thousands of dollars and gave the winnings back to the insiders. 

The allegations against Rozier are straightforward. Investigators say he told an associate before a 2023 game that he would exit early due to an injury. That information was passed along to people who placed bets on Rozier to fall below his point, assist, and rebound totals. When the bets hit, the money reportedly made its way back to Rozier’s home as compensation. Billups is accused of providing information about lineup plans, including when certain players would rest, which allowed outside bettors to place highly targeted wagers before sportsbooks could adjust the lines. For example, Billups might have told a certain person that player Scoot Henderson would not play more than 5 minutes, prompting that outsider to then wager a large sum of money on the under.

The gambling problem at the professional level is not only present in the NBA. In pro baseball, the sports world’s attention has turned to the case of Emmanuel Clase. The 27-year-old closer for the Cleveland Guardians was indicted in November 2025 alongside fellow pitcher Luis Ortiz. Prosecutors allege that starting in May 2023, Clase accepted bribes from bettors in exchange for intentionally manipulating pitch outcomes so that outside gamblers could win prop bets on pitch speed or whether a pitch would be a ball or strike. The indictment claims bettors profited hundreds of thousands of dollars, and that some wagers were placed shortly before the games began with advance knowledge of how the pitchers would throw. Clase pleaded not guilty and was released on bond under travel restrictions, GPS monitoring, and a ban on gambling. Ortiz faces similar charges including wire fraud conspiracy, bribery, and money laundering. The MLB has placed both on non-disciplinary paid leave and is cooperating with authorities. If convicted, they face long prison sentences and a likely lifetime bans from professional baseball. Clase and Ortiz are prime examples of how legalized sports betting can lead to an ill result for the integrity of sports.

From a legal perspective, this moves beyond simple rule breaking and enters criminal territory. The charges filed so far include conspiracy to commit wire fraud and conspiracy to commit money laundering. The charges revolve around using interstate communication and financial transfers to execute a fraudulent scheme. In plain terms, federal prosecutors are treating this like sports-based insider trading. Each count carries significant prison time and heavy financial penalties.

The fear of illegal activities involving money laundering and prop betting seen in the MLB and other sports has worried the NBA. From the NBA’s standpoint, these actions violate core integrity rules. The league’s policies clearly prohibit players, coaches, and staff from betting on NBA games or sharing confidential details related to player availability or strategy. If the allegations are confirmed, Rozier and Billups could face indefinite suspensions or even lifetime bans. These decisions fall under the commissioner’s authority and will likely be handled aggressively because of how serious the issue is for the league’s reputation. Looking ahead, the NBA will likely respond by tightening access to injury information, increasing internal monitoring, and expanding its partnerships with law enforcement. Gambling education programs may also become more detailed and mandatory for all team personnel. The league cannot afford to let bettors feel like outcomes can be influenced from the inside, and it certainly cannot risk losing trust during a time when sports betting is financially tied to so many broadcast and sponsorship deals. 

This case is a reminder that as sports gambling grows, so does the need for stronger oversight. For those in sports law, it represents a major moment in how leagues, courts, and regulators handle insider information in a world where betting is no longer on the fringe, but part of the mainstream.