Chauncey Billups Pleads Not Guilty in Federal Case Alleging Rigged Poker Games
Portland Trail Blazers head coach and NBA Hall of Famer Chauncey Billups is facing serious federal charges after prosecutors accused him of benefiting from a long-running network of rigged high-stakes poker games tied to organized crime groups. Billups, 49, appeared in federal court in Brooklyn on Monday, where he entered a not-guilty plea and was released on a $5 million bond secured by his Greenwood Village, Colorado home.
Federal investigators allege that Billups participated in manipulated poker games orchestrated by members of multiple Mafia families, along with several co-defendants — including former NBA player Damon Jones. According to prosecutors, Billups served as a recognizable “face card,” a term used to describe former professional athletes allegedly brought in to lure victims into games that were secretly fixed.
Court filings describe an elaborate cheating operation that reportedly ran for six years and siphoned more than $7 million from players. Prosecutors say the group used a suite of hidden technology, including altered shuffling machines that transmitted card data to an off-site operator. That operator allegedly texted real-time instructions to a designated player at the table, who signaled co-conspirators on how to bet. Authorities also claim the operation used camera-equipped chip trays, marked cards readable through special contact lenses, and even an X-ray poker table.
Federal officials say at least 25 rigged games have been identified so far.
Billups is one of 31 defendants charged in the case, which includes alleged associates of the Bonanno, Gambino, and Genovese crime families. Many of the co-defendants filled the courtroom gallery on Monday during a status hearing held just after Billups’ arraignment. Prosecutors told the judge they expect months of extensive discovery due to the size and scope of the case, and suggested splitting the defendants into three groups for future proceedings — an idea strongly opposed by several defense attorneys.
U.S. District Judge Ramon Reyes declined to divide the case for now and set the next status conference for March 4, 2026. He made clear he wants the case ready for trial by September of next year to avoid prolonged delays.
Billups has not spoken publicly about the allegations. The Trail Blazers placed him on unpaid leave on Oct. 23, the day the charges were announced. That same day, prosecutors also revealed a separate illegal betting case involving Damon Jones and Miami Heat guard Terry Rozier, who faces accusations of influencing player-performance wagers.
Federal officials say both investigations remain active.
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