Meyer Lansky II Explores Risks of Illegal Gambling for Athletes
Meyer Lansky II, the grandson of the infamous mobster Meyer Lansky, has shared insights into how athletes may be drawn to illegal gambling and mafia ties. He highlights the allure of power, money, and the potential for increased earnings through betting schemes, while explaining the ease of manipulating sports betting with the mafia’s influence.
Lansky II explained that athletes are often risk-takers, and the adrenaline from their sport can lead them to engage in high-stakes gambling. He said that the combination of fame, wealth, and the desire to make more money through gambling can be a powerful motivator. He pointed to the case of Chauncey Billups and Damon Jones, two former NBA players who were arrested for their alleged involvement in a rigged poker scheme. Billups, a Hall of Fame player, and Jones, who was also a defendant in a separate case involving Terry Rozier, were charged with conspiracy to commit wire fraud and money laundering.
According to the Department of Justice, the scheme resulted in victims losing at least $7.15 million between April 2019 and the present. Lansky II noted that athletes like Billups and Jones are often used to attract victims to these games due to their high-profile status. He explained that the mafia has long had an interest in sports betting, as the industry has grown in popularity and the presence of surveillance systems in casinos makes it easier to manipulate outcomes.
Lansky II also emphasized that the mafia has a strong presence in the gambling world, offering athletes protection, control, and influence. He said that the trust athletes place in these criminal networks, combined with their status and wealth, makes them attractive targets for involvement in illegal schemes. He added that the mafia is particularly effective in sports betting, where they can exert control over outcomes, especially in environments with heavy surveillance and organized enforcement.
Despite the legalization of gambling in many parts of the U.S., Lansky II believes illegal activities will continue to persist. He said that the mafia’s influence remains strong, and that the ability to control finances, protect individuals, and exert power over athletes makes the connection appealing for both sides. His comments come in the context of a broader legal probe into sports betting fraud, where the line between legal and illegal gambling continues to blur.