Federal prosecutors said three New York crime families helped run an elaborate scheme to rig underground poker games, cheating wealthy players out of at least $7 million with the help of high-tech gadgets and famous former NBA players.

The poker scheme was just one facet of a widespread gambling operation that federal prosecutors in New York's Eastern District unveiled Thursday. NBA players and coaches are accused of giving intel to sports betting operators on players and games throughout the country. The alleged conspiracy has raised difficult questions for the legalized sports betting industry that has taken hold of professional athletics.

But back in New York City, reputed mobsters from well-known crime families were involved in the century-old practice of fixing card games, only with

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