US sports leagues rushed to get in on the multi-billion dollar bonanza of legalized betting, but the arrest of an NBA coach and player in two sprawling federal investigations show the potential cost of partnering with the gambling industry.

Portland Trail Blazers coach Chauncey Billups, a former Detroit Pistons star and an NBA Hall of Famer, was arrested for his alleged role in rigged illegal poker games that prosecutors say were tied to Mafia crime families.

Miami Heat guard Terry Rozier was charged with manipulating his play for the benefit of bettors and former NBA player and assistant coach Damon Jones was charged in both cases.

FBI director Kash Patel described "a criminal enterprise that envelopes both the NBA and La Cosa Nostra" and called the scope of the fraud "mind boggling."

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