A List Of NBA Figures Caught Up In Gambling Cases

The recent arrests of Terry Rozier (of the Miami Heat) and Chauncey Billups (head coach of the Portland Trail Blazers) shine a serious light on how gambling-related issues have come to the forefront of the NBA’s recent history. According to reports, both men were arrested in a federal probe into illegal gambling and sports betting activity. In Rozier’s case, the scrutiny extends back to a March 2023 game when unusual betting patterns (specifically large wagers on his “under” props) caught the attention of sportsbooks and integrity monitors. While the NBA’s own investigation cleared him of rule violations, the federal case remains active. Billups, meanwhile, is allegedly tied to a broader illegal poker and gambling scheme.

The surge in such incidents has raised questions about the NBA’s vulnerability to gambling-related misconduct. With sports betting now legal in many jurisdictions and prop markets growing rapidly, the combination of increased access, sophisticated wagering systems and large sums at stake has created an environment where suspicious activity is more visible and more tempting. It’s not just isolated events anymore; various players and coaches have found themselves under investigation for potential links to betting markets or manipulated performances. An ESPN timeline describes how “dozens of professional and collegiate athletes and coaches” have faced gambling-related scrutiny in recent years. The growing volume of betting activity combined with tighter sportsbook monitoring means that deviations, whether actual or perceived, are being flagged more aggressively.

In this context, the importance of maintaining competitive integrity becomes even more pronounced. The NBA has taken steps (education programs for players, enhanced monitoring of betting flows, tighter restrictions on player-betting interactions). Still, the overlapping issues of debt, financial pressure, peer influence and external gambling networks make this a persistent risk. The Rozier and Billups arrests highlight that even well-known figures are not immune, and that the league must remain vigilant across all levels. For example, Rozier’s case involved detailed documentation: one bettor placing 30 wagers in 46 minutes on his under-stats in a single game, generating red flags for multiple sportsbooks. In light of today’s arrest, we made a list of some NBA players/coaches who have been arrested, investigated or otherwise caught up in gambling-related cases in recent years. RELATED: A Guide To Watching The 2025-26 NBA Season

1. Terry Rozier

Under federal investigation for suspicious prop-betting patterns tied to a March 2023 game; recently arrested in a broader gambling probe.

2. Chauncey Billups

Arrested this morning in connection with an alleged illegal gambling/poker ring under federal investigation.

3. Malik Beasley

Subject of a federal investigation by the U.S. Attorney’s Office for alleged prop-betting/gambling tied to games during the 2023-24 season; no charges, and the attorney states he is no longer a target.

4. Jontay Porter

Former player for the Toronto Raptors, banned for life by the NBA for violating gambling rules, including disclosing his health status before a game to a bettor and limiting his own participation to affect outcomes of wagers.

5. Gilbert Arenas

Retired NBA All-Star, indicted mid-2025 for operating a high-stakes illegal poker ring and other gambling-related crimes.

6. Tim Donaghy

Not a player or coach, but in 2007, the referee admitted to betting on NBA games (including ones he officiated) and disclosing inside information. He spent 15 months in jail.