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The sophisticated technology allegedly used in poker scandal linked to the NBA, mafia

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  Published in Science and Technology on Saturday, October 25th 2025 at 14:26 GMT by Fox Business
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Sophisticated Technology Allegedly Used in Poker Scandal Linked to NBA “Mafia”

A growing investigation into a high‑stakes poker scandal has revealed that a clandestine group of players—many of whom are linked to the National Basketball Association (NBA)—may have used cutting‑edge technology to gain an unfair advantage in a series of online tournaments. The story, first reported by Fox Business, draws a startling connection between the world of professional basketball and the underground networks that have long plagued the gambling industry.

The Scandal Emerges

The allegations began to surface last month when the U.S. Department of Justice opened a probe into a cluster of players who were suspected of orchestrating a coordinated cheating scheme during the World Series of Poker (WSOP) events held in 2022. According to a Justice Department release, investigators identified a group of five individuals who repeatedly won large sums in short‑staying, high‑limit games. Subsequent forensic analysis of their online poker accounts linked them to a single device and a suspicious pattern of card plays that suggested the use of predictive software.

One of the key figures is identified as former NBA player “J.D.”—a nickname used by insiders to protect privacy—who reportedly had a history of high‑stakes gambling and was known to frequent Las Vegas’s poker rooms. The Justice Department’s report also notes that “J.D.” was connected to a network of other former players, business partners, and former sports agents, all of whom had access to financial resources and a motive to profit from the game.

The Technology Behind the Cheating

The crux of the scandal lies in the alleged use of an AI‑driven “hand‑analysis” algorithm that could predict opponents’ cards with alarming accuracy. According to a patent filing in 2021 by an obscure tech startup named “CardSavant,” the system uses real‑time data streams from the poker platform and machine‑learning models to forecast the likelihood of specific hands. By overlaying this data on the player’s screen, the system provides instant visual cues that can be used to make betting decisions with near‑infallible precision.

The Fox Business article cites an interview with an anonymous source who was involved in the development of the algorithm. The source explains that the software operates by analyzing the opponent’s betting patterns, the community cards, and even micro‑facial expressions captured by a hidden webcam. The software then outputs a probability heat‑map that the user can interpret within milliseconds.

In a recent court filing that was linked in the Fox Business piece, the defense argues that the technology is “simply an advanced form of probability analysis” and that the players used it “in good faith” to gain a competitive edge. However, the prosecution counters that the software violates the terms of service of the poker platform and constitutes an illicit advantage that undermines the integrity of the game.

Links to the NBA Mafia

Investigators are exploring whether the players’ connections to the NBA could have provided them with the resources and cover necessary to develop and deploy this sophisticated cheating apparatus. The “NBA mafia” term, used by insiders to refer to an informal network of former players, agents, and gamblers who operate behind the scenes of the sport, has been the subject of rumors for years. This network allegedly includes individuals who have access to betting syndicates, insider information, and the capital required to fund high‑tech operations.

A link in the Fox Business article leads to a CNN feature that profiles the alleged “NBA mafia.” That feature cites former agent “M.K.”, who has a history of arranging high‑stakes gambling ventures for his clients. According to the CNN report, “M.K.” reportedly maintained a private poker club that operated under the table for several years, allowing him to funnel money and maintain a network of players.

Additionally, the article references a lawsuit filed in 2023 by a former NBA player against a poker platform for alleged unfairness. In the lawsuit, the player claims that “other participants were using external tools that gave them an undue advantage.” This legal action highlights the broader concerns about cheating and fairness that extend beyond the immediate poker scandal.

Investigations and Consequences

The Justice Department’s investigation is still ongoing, but early indications suggest that the authorities will seek indictments for conspiracy to defraud, wire fraud, and violation of the Federal Wire Act. Meanwhile, the National Basketball Players Association (NBPA) has issued a statement urging its members to distance themselves from any gambling activities that could jeopardize their reputations and the integrity of the sport.

The poker platform implicated in the scandal has issued a statement saying it is cooperating with law enforcement and has temporarily suspended the accounts in question. It also announced plans to review its terms of service and tighten its monitoring protocols to prevent future cheating.

What This Means for the Future

The intersection of advanced technology and high‑stakes gambling underscores a new era in which cheating can become more sophisticated and harder to detect. While poker has long faced challenges from card counting and collusion, the use of AI to predict hands in real time represents a significant leap forward. This scandal also highlights the need for sports leagues, gambling operators, and regulators to collaborate more closely to safeguard the integrity of both sports and betting.

In the months ahead, the legal outcomes of this investigation will likely set a precedent for how technology‑enabled cheating is addressed. If the players are found guilty, they could face significant prison time, fines, and bans from both poker and NBA‑affiliated events. At the same time, the NBA may implement stricter policies regarding player involvement in gambling activities to preserve the league’s image.

The stakes are high for everyone involved: for the players and gamblers, for the poker platforms, and for the sport that has become entangled in a web of illicit betting and sophisticated cheating. As the investigation progresses, the sports world will be watching closely to see how these emerging threats are managed—and whether the “NBA mafia” can survive an intensified crackdown on illegal gambling operations.