FBI Uncovers Mafia’s Use of Marked Cards in Rigged Poker Games

Recent investigations led to the uncovering of a significant illegal poker rigging scheme involving organized crime and prominent figures from the NBA. This operation resulted in 31 federal indictments, marking one of the largest cases of its kind.

Details of the Rigged Poker Scheme

The investigation highlighted that the illegal activities began in April 2019, coordinated by Robert “Black Rob” Stroud and his associates. The primary target was wealthy players, referred to as “fish” or “whales,” who thought they were participating in fair games against other affluent individuals.

• The scheme was primarily centered around Texas Hold ’em games.
• Each poker game often involved an entire team of insiders, with the victim being the sole unaware player.

Technology and Tactics Used

To facilitate the cheating, the organizers utilized advanced technology. Card-shuffling machines were modified to read and transmit the order of the cards to an off-site operator. Some games also employed hidden cameras and X-ray tables to monitor cards in real-time.

• Players occasionally wore special contact lenses or glasses to see marked cards.
• A “quarterback” at the table communicated signals to inform co-conspirators of winning hands.

High-Profile Connections

Among those implicated were notable NBA personalities. Basketball Hall of Famer Chauncey Billups and former player Damon Jones were reportedly involved in these schemes. During games, their celebrity status was utilized to attract victims, creating an illusion of safety among players.

In one instance, co-conspirators planned strategies in real-time via text, even allowing victims to win occasionally to prolong their participation in rigged matches.

Mafia Involvement

The operation was bolstered by the Mafia, specifically the Bonanno and Gambino crime families. These organizations provided not only support but also merged their own illegal poker games into the rigging scheme, thereby increasing its scale and complexity.

• Locations of rigged games included Manhattan, with ties to the organized crime syndicates.
• Notable incidents of extortion and violent threats against players were reported, further illustrating the criminal backdrop.

Financial Implications

Victims reportedly lost over $7.15 million in total. One player alone, identified as “John Doe No. 1,” lost approximately $1.8 million during staged games in mid-2023.

The fallout from these indictments has prompted responses from both law enforcement and defendants. Billups appeared in court recently and was released on bond. He is set for another court appearance on November 24.

With ongoing investigations, law enforcement aims to dismantle the network behind these schemes and recover stolen funds to compensate the victims.