American Gaming Association (AGA) President and CEO Bill Miller has released an official statement following the 31 arrests made by the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) on October 23, stemming from a multi-year investigation into the suspicious betting activity of NBA players and coaches as well as an illegal ring of rigged poker games.
"Today's revelations are a stark reminder of the pervasive and predatory illegal market, ensnaring countless individuals and operating in the shadows," Miller said.
"It is important to recognize that the regulated legal market delivers transparency, oversight and collaboration with authorities that assists in bringing these bad actors to light."
Former NBA player Damon Jones, current Miami Heat guard Terry Rozier and Portland Trail Blazers head coach Chauncey Billups are among those charged with a range of gambling-related offenses in what was described as a "massive nationwide takedown."
The allegations of illegal gambling state the poker games were backed by members of the Bonanno, Gambino and Genovese crime families, as victims were enticed to join poker games in New York, Las Vegas and Miami with the possibility of playing with former and current NBA athletes.
Miller continued: "Today, we applaud the work of the FBI, the NYPD, the Department of Homeland Security and the Eastern District of New York, and reiterate the legal gaming industry's commitment to integrity and collaboration with regulators, leagues and law enforcement.
"We will continue to work closely with all partners to eliminate illegal gambling and uphold the public's trust in the games we love."
Billups, Rozier and Jones would also allegedly share insider information relating to players pulling out of games and use a network of conspirators to place bets online and in casinos located across the US.
FBI Assistant Director of the New York Field Office Christopher Reia stated the victims were "hustled" out of tens of millions of dollars while these offenses were reportedly being perpetrated between 2019 and now.
Miller also criticized the NHL's recent partnership with Kalshi and Polymarket, arguing the deal represents a departure from state-regulated sports betting markets constructed over several years
