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(AsiaGameHub) –   Former NBA player Damon Jones is set to revise his plea regarding a significant federal gambling probe in the U.S. He is the first of dozens of individuals charged in the extensive case to admit guilt.

Damon Jones to Update Plea in Growing Gambling Investigation

A federal court in Brooklyn will host the plea hearing later this month following an agreement by both parties to expedite the schedule. The 49-year-old had previously pleaded not guilty to charges across two indictments involving a sports wagering operation and fraudulent high-stakes poker matches.

According to prosecutors, Jones leveraged his professional network, including his history with LeBron James, to acquire confidential details regarding player injuries and status. This insider information was then provided to gamblers looking for an edge.

Investigators highlighted a 2023 game between the Los Angeles Lakers and Milwaukee Bucks where Jones allegedly informed a contact that James would be sidelined. This allowed for significant bets to be placed before the news went public; the Lakers ultimately lost.

In another instance, prosecutors claim that Jones received payment for a tip concerning Anthony Davis and his expected playing time in a 2024 matchup. However, the information was inaccurate, leading to substantial losses and a conflict over the payment for the advice.

Federal Investigation Links Damon Jones to Fraudulent Games and Organized Crime

Beyond sports betting, Jones is also implicated in organizing rigged poker games designed to defraud players. Court documents suggest these games utilized sophisticated tools like compromised card shufflers and concealed cameras to give insiders an unfair advantage. Former athletes were reportedly used to attract affluent participants to these deceptive games.

The wider probe has led to charges against over 30 people, including pro athletes and figures linked to organized crime. Officials state that some operations were tied to criminal syndicates that used threats and violence to collect gambling debts.

Jones, who made over $20 million during his playing career and later coached, has been out on bail since his arrest last year. His decision to admit guilt could be a pivotal moment in the investigation and may impact the legal strategies of other defendants.

This inquiry is part of an intensified effort to combat corruption in sports betting, which has seen increased oversight as legal gambling expands nationwide. Authorities are continuing to probe the intersections of professional sports, private data, and illegal betting rings.