(NewsNation) — Federal prosecutors say the remnants of four Mafia families were behind an illegal, crooked poker ring that used NBA figures to lure suckers to the table.

The remarkable claims from an indictment unveiled Thursday allege that operators used card-counting technology to bilk millions from players who allegedly were softened up by celebrity accomplices including Portland Trail Blazers coach Chauncey Billups and former NBA guard Damon Jones.

The accusations of grift backed by mob muscle are no surprise to former USC football player Owen Hanson, a onetime drug and gambling kingpin who was associated with a Mexican cartel before the feds busted his operation.

“When there’s money involved, the organized crime’s involved,” the former federal prisoner told “Elizabeth Vargas Report

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