Nikola Vucevic Says Quiet Part Out Loud on NBA Gambling Arrests

Chicago Bulls center Nikola Vucevic was candid when speaking on the recent FBI arrests in the NBA

Apr 6, 2025; Charlotte, North Carolina, USA; Chicago Bulls center Nikola Vucevic (9) stands on the court during the second half against the Charlotte Hornets at Spectrum Center. Mandatory Credit: Nell Redmond-Imagn Images | Nell Redmond-Imagn Images

Following Thursday's shocking FBI arrests of Portland Trail Blazers head coach Chauncey Billups and Miami Heat guard Terry Rozier, the NBA finds itself in an uncomfortable situation about the emergence of legalized sports betting in America.

This NBA/Mafia gambling bust is insane.

La Cosa Nostra, the Italian Mafia, were working with current and former NBA players to rig unders on prop bets and had a poker operation with x-ray tables, rigged shuffling machines, and more.

The movie about this is gonna be wild. pic.twitter.com/XABEN8BHCd

— Clandestine (@WarClandestine) October 23, 2025

The FBI arrested Billups and Rozier on Thursday morning (October 24, 2025) as part of a federal investigation into illegal gambling operations involving over 30 people.

Vucevic Speaks Out

Nobody captured the player's perspective on the situation quite like Chicago Bulls center Nikola Vucevic.

Vucevic delivered one of the most candid assessments yet from an active player about how gambling has changed the relationship between fans and athletes, according to K.C. Johnson of Chicago Sports Network.

"We don't know what's gonna happen in the investigation," Vucevic said. "But I think that in general, gambling is a big problem, not only sports here, but worldwide."

Apr 6, 2025; Charlotte, North Carolina, USA; Chicago Bulls center Nikola Vucevic (9) stands on the court during the second half against the Charlotte Hornets at Spectrum Center. Mandatory Credit: Nell Redmond-Imagn Images | Nell Redmond-Imagn Images

What makes Vucevic's comments alarming is his description of how betting culture has invaded the actual game experience. The veteran big man described his experience dealing with fans.

Nikola Vucevic on yday’s Billups & Rozier news: “It’s unfortunate to see that happening in our league. Like you said, innocent until proven guilty. … i think in general, gambling is a big problem, not only here, but worldwide. I think now that it’s got into sports here, lot of… pic.twitter.com/K3nPnOye6Z

— Joel Lorenzi (@JoelXLorenzi) October 24, 2025

The Bulls and their fans should be excited about the possibilities of a new season. They should be focused on chemistry, development, and competing in a tough Eastern Conference.

Instead, the conversation keeps getting pulled back to gambling, to investigations, to the uncomfortable reality that the sport has become inseparable from betting culture.

Vucevic didn't hold back about how it makes him feel either, saying, "Honestly, it pisses me off because it's disrespectful to the game."

The Gambling Issue

Vucevic's frustration is shared by many players around the league, even if most haven't been as vocal.

The ease of gambling being "available on your phone; all you got to do is download the app and you can just play," as Vucevic said, has created a generation of fans whose relationship with the sport revolves around money.

With this three, Nikola Vucevic just hit his 900th career 3-point field goal 🔥

He is the only center in NBA HISTORY with 7,000+ FGM & 800+ threes pic.twitter.com/vwPhF2WbfP

— Bulls on CHSN (@CHSN_Bulls) October 23, 2025

When a 15-year-old kid is yelling at an NBA player about their parlay instead of cheering for their team to win, something has gone wrong.

Two prominent NBA figures were arrested for gambling-related crimes on the same day the season tips off, so the league can no longer pretend this isn't a major issue at hand.

Chicago's Strong Start

On the other hand, Vucevic made these comments after the Bulls opened their 2025-26 season with a win, improving to 1-0.

Now, of course, there are betting markets on everything. Will the Bulls make the playoffs? What will Vucevic's rebounding average be? How many wins will they get?

Nikola Vucevic tonight:

28 Points
14 Rebounds
11/18 FGM
4/6 3PM
2/2 FTM pic.twitter.com/lAH3j1AQPM

— Hoop Central (@TheHoopCentral) October 23, 2025

But the Bulls and their fans should be excited about their young core, and the chemistry, development, and competition in a tough Eastern Conference.

Vucevic deserves credit for speaking about what he and his fellow players are experiencing. The question now is whether the NBA, its broadcast partners, and lawmakers will take things seriously.