MACON, Ga. — More than 30 people were arrested and charged in a nationwide gambling investigation.

The investigation includes a sports betting scheme and a multi-state illegal poker ring backed by the Italian mafia.

Kash Patel spoke Thursday after the 31 defendants were arrested across 11 states.

"This is an illegal gambling operation and sports rigging operation that spanned the course of years," Patel said.

Of those 31 defendants, two had ties to Central Georgia , and others are current and former NBA players and coaches.

"Individuals such as Chauncey Billups, Damon Jones, and Terry Rozier were taken into custody today. Former, current NBA players and coaches," Patel said.

In total, the FBI estimates victims of those schemes lost more than $7 million. Those sports betting schemes

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