Ex-NBA Guard Set to Admit Guilt in Expanding Betting Probe

Former professional basketball player Damon Jones is preparing to change his plea in a major US gambling investigation. He positions himself as the first defendant among dozens to accept responsibility in the sweeping case.

Damon Jones to Change His Plea in Expanding Gambling Probe

A federal court in Brooklyn is scheduled to hear the plea later this month after both legal teams agreed to move the date forward. The 49-year-old had denied allegations tied to two separate indictments. These indictments accuse him of involvement in both a sports betting scheme and manipulated high-stakes poker games.

Prosecutors claim Jones used his connections within the league, including his past work alongside LeBron James, to obtain sensitive non-public information about player health and availability. Bettors seeking an advantage received that information before it became known.

One example cited by investigators involves a 2023 matchup between the Los Angeles Lakers and Milwaukee Bucks. Authorities say Jones alerted an associate that a key Lakers player, later confirmed to be James, would miss the game encouraging a large wager before the news was released. The Lakers lost that contest.

In another instance, prosecutors claim that Jones took payment in return for a tip about Anthony Davis and his expected playing time in a 2024 game. The information proved to be wrong causing a major betting loss and a disagreement over the fee paid for the tip.

Federal Probe Ties Damon Jones to Rigged Games and Crime Networks

Beyond sports wagering, Jones is also accused of having a role in staged poker games built to deceive participants. According to court filings, these games used a range of hidden tactics, from altered card shufflers to secret cameras, to ensure insiders had a steady edge. Former players were brought in to draw wealthy participants who were unaware of the scheme.

The broader investigation resulted in charges against more than 30 individuals, including professional athletes, gamblers, and alleged organized crime figures. Authorities argue that some of the illegal gambling operations had connections to established crime groups, which enforced debts through intimidation and violence.

Jones, who earned more than $20 million during his NBA career and later moved into coaching roles, has remained free on bail since his arrest last year. His decision to plead guilty could mark a turning point in the case and influence how other defendants proceed.

The probe is part of a broader crackdown on corruption linked to sports betting, an issue that has drawn growing scrutiny as legalized wagering expands across the United States. Investigators continue to examine connections between professional leagues, insider information and illicit betting networks.