Poker Cheating Bombshell Involves Celebrities, NBA & the Mafia

Poker Cheating Bombshell Involves Celebrities, NBA & the Mafia

Author: PokerNews Podcast October 30, 2025 Duration: 57:05

In the 923rd episode of the PokerNews Podcast, Chad Holloway is once again joined by Mike Holtz and Ben Ludlow at Level 9 Studios to discuss the latest stories from the poker world. That includes the wild, mainstream poker cheating story involving NBA players and coach Chauncey Billups, the mafia, and more. 

As if that wasn't controversial enough, well-known poker pro Ren Lin was disqualified from a live poker tournament for helping a friend in an online one. As a result, he was indefinitely banned from GGPoker and the WSOP. Find out what happened in this episode.

Other stories include a "High-Rated Poker Player's" Las Vegas brothel, highlights from the World Tournament of Slots (WTOS), and recent tournament winners, including Charles Furey, Nick Burris, and Chino Rheem at the PGT PLO Series II.

Finally, find out who the lucky winner was in the $10,000 NAPT Gold Pass giveaway!

A new PokerNews Podcast drops every Thursday at 8a PT / 11a ET / 4p UK time. Remember to subscribe to our YouTube channel so you do not miss an episode!

Time Stamps
*Time    Topic*
00:15 | Welcome to the show
01:30 | Poker cheating scandal involving NBA coach & players
07:33 | Mafia involvement
10:09 | Matt Berkey called it out two years ago
17:02 | Ren Lin's disqualification and indefinite ban
27:30 | Daniel Negreanu defends Ren Lin
31:19 | "High-Rated Poker Player's" Las Vegas brothel
35:50 | Highlights from the World Tournament of Slots
39:00 | NAPT Gold Pass giveaway winner
41:00 | Interview w/ Tom Pierce
45:50 | WPT Bay 101 Shooting Star final table set
49:50 | Charles Furey takes down PokerStars Open Maryland 
50:33 | Nicholas Burris wins RGPS Tulsa for $65,435
51:30 | Chino Rheem Dominates PGT PLO Series II
53:00 | NAPT is upon us!


Every Friday, the longest-running news show in poker drops a new episode, offering a direct line into the heart of the community. With over 800 episodes in the archive, the PokerNews Podcast has become a Friday ritual for players and fans alike, blending the week's most urgent headlines with deeper stories, spirited debates, and the occasional bit of insider gossip. Host Chad Holloway, a WSOP bracelet winner himself, is joined by co-hosts like a Game of Gold star, ensuring the conversation is always grounded in real experience. They don't just report the news; they dissect it with a player's perspective. Tuning in means hearing from the most influential voices in the game, from Poker Hall of Famers to reigning World Series of Poker Main Event champions, who share stories you won't find anywhere else. This isn't just a recap; it's a weekly immersion into the strategies, scandals, and personalities that define the modern poker landscape. Whether you're grinding online or just love the drama of the felt, this podcast delivers the authentic, unfiltered sound of the game every week.
Author: Language: English Episodes: 100

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