Media Mentions
Forbes Breaking News Interviews Marisa Darden on Mafia-Linked NBA Gambling Scandal
October 24, 2025
Marisa Darden, chair of Benesch’s White Collar, Government Investigations & Regulatory Compliance Practice Group, was interviewed on Forbes Breaking News to discuss two recent federal indictments involving NBA players and organized crime. One indictment alleges players shared non-public information to place illegal bets, while another details a nationwide scheme to rig high-stakes poker games tied to organized crime families, with alleged losses reaching into the tens of millions.
In the segment, Marisa notes the unusually bold nature of these schemes, which combine insider access, advanced technology, and direct ties to organized crime. She adds that beyond the significant legal consequences for those involved, the cases raise broader concerns about the integrity of professional sports, the growth of legalized betting, and the likelihood of increased regulatory scrutiny.
Watch the video here.