Top Story with Tom Llamas - Oct. 23 | NBC News NOW

Gambling Scandal Involving NBA and Mafia - The FBI charged over 30 people, including NBA stars and coaches, in connection with wire fraud and money laundering related to sports betting and rigged poker games [1] - Two separate schemes were identified: "Operation Nothing But Net," a criminal sports betting scheme, and "Operation Royal Flush," involving the mafia and rigged poker games [1] - Rigged poker games utilized advanced technology such as marked cards, x-ray tables, rigged shuffling machines, and hidden cameras [1][2] - Four of the five New York mafia families were allegedly involved in coordinating and protecting the rigged poker games, using threats to secure debt repayments [1] - The illegal poker ring involved approximately $7.8 million in cash [1] NBA Players' Involvement - NBA Hall of Famer Chanty Bilips and Miami Heat star Terry Rosier were placed on immediate leave after their arrest [1] - Bilips and former NBA player Damon Jones allegedly lured wealthy players into rigged poker games [1] - Terry Rosier is charged for his role in a criminal betting scheme, accused of tipping off others to place bets on his stats after leaving a game early due to injury, generating tens of thousands of dollars in profit [1] Mafia's Role and Technology - The mafia has scaled back to gambling due to less severe penalties compared to violent crimes [1] - The mafia is utilizing advanced technology in gambling schemes, employing experts to create rigged systems [2] - The involvement of four mafia families indicates a large-scale operation with significant money involved [2] Legal and Investigative Aspects - The investigation originated in the Eastern District of New York [2] - Authorities have been investigating the case for years, gathering communications and information from victims [2] - Law enforcement is believed to have a good handle on the mafia with informants providing regular information [2][3]