SIGA responds to NBA betting scandal: “The integrity of the game and the trust of millions is at stake”

The NBA is wading through a huge betting scandal that allegedly involves several high-profile figures. Portland Trail Blazers head coach Chauncey Billups and Miami Heat guard Terry Rozier were among over 30 individuals arrested in connection with two interconnected federal investigations into illegal gambling activities.

The cases reportedly involve insider sports betting and rigged nationwide poker games, with Rozier accused of sharing confidential NBA game information to aid gambling schemes, notably tipping off associates about planned early exits from games to manipulate prop bets.

Billups faces charges related to the alleged orchestrating fixed poker games with Mafia backing using high-tech cheating methods involving x-ray tables and special contact lenses and glasses that could read pre-marked cards. Both have been placed on leave by the NBA, which emphasised its commitment to game integrity.

Scandal “exposed deep, systemic vulnerabilities across US sports”

SIGA, the world’s leading sport integrity organisation, also released a statement on the matter:

In response to the unfolding sports betting scandal and widening integrity crisis impacting the NBA, the Sport Integrity Global Alliance (SIGA) and its continental subsidiary SIGA AMERICA reaffirm their commitment to supporting the NBA and broader American sports movement in restoring trust, strengthening governance and protecting the integrity of Sport.

Integrity is the cornerstone of Sport’s credibility, global appeal and commercial viability. To confront this escalating integrity crisis, regain people’s trust and safeguard Sport’s reputation, SIGA renews its call for decisive leadership, swift regulatory reform and inclusive, action-oriented collaboration. To restore that trust and secure the future of Sport, we encourage Sports organizations to adopt the SIGA Universal Standards on Sport Integrity and the SIGA Independent Rating and Verification System (SIRVS).

A System Under Strain

The ongoing NBA-related sports betting integrity scandal — now under federal investigation, with indictments already issued and further revelations expected — has exposed deep, systemic vulnerabilities across the US sports ecosystem following the repeal of PASPA and the rapid and often poorly regulated expansion of the sports betting market.

SIGA, the world’s leading, independent, neutral, multi-stakeholder organization in the field of Sport Integrity, was founded to provide strategic leadership, develop universal standards and deliver independent scrutiny and oversight. Acknowledging that many sports organizations lack the expertise, resources and jurisdiction to confront increasingly sophisticated, complex, and global threats — including illegal and unlawful sports betting, corruption, money laundering and often transnational organized crime — SIGA provides practical support to sports organizations to protect their integrity and enhance their reputation.

Through SIGA’s sport integrity solutions and services, including the SIGA Independent Rating and Verification System (SIRVS) — a globally recognized kitemark of excellence —, sports organizations can independently demonstrate compliance with universally recognized standards, earning the trust of fans, sponsors and regulators alike.

As the FIFAgate scandal demonstrated a decade ago, no sport, country or organization is immune to integrity threats. When governance, oversight and accountability fail to keep pace with commercial expansion, trust erodes, and the consequences are profound. The current crisis is not an isolated incident but the predictable outcome of a system that has prioritized commercial gain over integrity protection. Without a comprehensive integrity framework and credible independent verification, misconduct and conflicts of interest will continue to undermine public confidence.

To ensure that Sport can lead its own reform — rather than have it dictated by law enforcement or courts — SIGA has developed the world’s most advanced Universal Standards on Sport Integrity, including robust sports betting integrity standards, along with comprehensive training, education, and capacity-building programs. These tools provide sports organizations the framework to prevent misconduct, restore trust and safeguard their reputation and the integrity of Sport.

From Crisis to Leadership

The time for warnings has passed. The time for leadership, reform and accountability has arrived. With federal investigations widening and public scrutiny intensifying, US Sport and the wider industry stand at a crossroads. The moment demands decisive leadership, the adoption of independent, universally recognized integrity standards, independent oversight, ongoing education for all stakeholders and a culture of integrity at every level of Sport.

SIGA and its continental subsidiary, SIGA AMERICA, are ready to lead this transformation by:

• Providing guidance and advisory support, as well as training, education and capacity building for leagues, federations, clubs, players, regulators, and other key stakeholders;
• Engaging decision-makers through confidential briefings that identify vulnerabilities and propose actionable, integrity-based reforms; and
• Promoting the implementation of the SIGA Universal Standards on Sport Integrity — the world’s most comprehensive integrity framework — and drive the adoption of the SIRVS – SIGA Independent Rating and Verification System as the national benchmark for independent oversight and compliance.

A Defining Moment

Emanuel Macedo de Medeiros, SIGA’s Global CEO and Chairman & CEO of SIGA AMERICA, stated:

“This is a defining moment for the NBA and American Sport as a whole. The integrity of the game — and the trust of millions of fans, sponsors, broadcasters and communities — is at stake. For too long, commercial expansion has outpaced the safeguards needed to protect Sport from corruption, match-fixing, illicit betting, and other integrity threats. The current scandal is a wake-up call and a stark reminder that integrity is not optional; it must be independently verified and publicly demonstrated.

SIGA and SIGA AMERICA stand ready to support the NBA and US Sport and turn this crisis into a catalyst for reform. With the right regulations, training, education and independent scrutiny, we can restore trust, protect athletes and organizations, and ensure Sport once again stands for fair play and acts as catalyst for positive impact.”

A Call to Integrity and Unity

SIGA invites all leagues, clubs, sponsors, athlete associations and regulators to join our Global Movement.

Integrity is not a slogan or an accessory to the game; it is the foundation of Sport itself.

This is the perfect moment for the NBA and US Sport to lead by example and set a new global benchmark for integrity, transparency and trust.

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