Overview
- An EDNY indictment unsealed in late October names 31 defendants and outlines a multi‑year enterprise tied to associates of the Bonanno, Gambino, Genovese and Lucchese families.
- The case lists robbery, extortion, wire and bank fraud, and illegal gambling, and authorities say related schemes generated tens of millions of dollars and led to more than 30 arrests.
- Filings describe altered shuffling machines, X‑ray‑equipped tables, hidden cameras, marked cards and special lenses feeding data to off‑site “Operators” and on‑site “Quarterbacks.”
- The invitation‑only games ran from 2019 to 2023 at venues identified as Washington Place and Lexington Avenue in Manhattan, with additional sessions in the Hamptons, Miami and Las Vegas.
- Prosecutors identify former NBA figures Chauncey Billups and Damon Jones as “Face Cards” used to lure wealthy players; defendants dispute the allegations as court appearances proceed and leagues review the disclosures.