An illegal sports betting ring allegedly headed up by a mafia member has been broken up in New Jersey, according to the state’s attorney general.
Authorities on Thursday announced charges against 14 people in connection with the multimillion dollar ring, capping a nearly two-year investigation.
“This was truly a family affair”
Authorities allege the gambling ring was headed up by Joseph “Little Joe” Perna, whom they describe as a soldier in the Lucchese crime family. Perna, 55, is charged with racketeering, conspiracy, gambling offenses and money laundering. He was charged along with his son, stepsons, nephews, wife, and ex-wife.
“This was truly a family affair,” Attorney General Matthew Platkin said.
Authorities said the group ran multiple electronic sports books across the Garden State, despite sports betting being legal in New Jersey.
“Organized crime families seem to have a hard time breaking this old habit. So we’re going to break it for them,” Platkin said. “Today, despite the wide availability of legal sports betting, illegal gambling remains among members and associates of organized crime.”
Perna allegedly used offshore gambling websites illegally as part of the operation. He is accused of being the financier, or bank, for the $2 million enterprise. His son allegedly oversaw the daily operations of the sports book.
“This operation also included a number of college athletes, who operated sports books at the direction of the Perna enterprise. And I’ll note that this operation relied on Gen Z gamblers and a network of sub-agents recruited from among Perna’s son’s high school and college friends,” Platkin said, calling it a “lucrative operation.”
“You should not be gambling in a mob-backed operation”
Authorities pointed out sports betting has been legal in New Jersey since 2018 at licensed casino operators and racetracks.
“Any college student listening: Yes, if you’re of age, you can gamble on your phone in the state of New Jersey. You should not be gambling in a mob-backed operation. That’s free parental advice,” Platkin said. “If you’re going to gamble … use legal and responsible platforms where you are safe.”
“Organized crime, unfortunately, has not gone away. It has changed its form, they have changed their tactics, they changed how they operate,” Platkin said. “We’re not going to stop holding them accountable.”
Perna could face up to 20 years in prison, if convicted on the most serious charges.
