Sports betting is a booming business. The FBI's NBA probe is putting it in the spotlight

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Homeland Security Investigations New York Special Agent in Charge Ricky J. Patel speaks at a news conference announcing numerous arrests in illegal sports betting and poker game schemes at the U.S. Attorney's Office, Thursday, Oct. 23, 2025, in New York. (AP Photo/Angelina Katsanis)

NEW YORK – The stunning indictment that led to the arrest of more than 30 people , including Miami Heat guard Terry Rozier and other NBA figures, on charges of illegal sports betting has drawn new scrutiny of the booming business of professional sports gambling across the U.S.

Since widespread legalization, the multibillion-dollar industry has made it easy to place wagers on everything from the outcome of games to that of a single play wit