Mafia-Linked $2M Illegal Sports Betting Ring Busted in New Jersey/ TezzBuzz/ WASHINGTON/ J. Mansour/ Morning Edition/ A multimillion-dollar illegal sports betting ring allegedly led by Lucchese crime family member Joseph “Little Joe” Perna has been dismantled in New Jersey. Authorities charged 14 individuals, including Perna’s relatives, in a sweeping racketeering and money laundering investigation. Despite legal sports betting in the state, organized crime reportedly used offshore sites and recruited college athletes to target Gen Z gamblers.
TRENTON, NJ (Nov. 14, 2025) — A sprawling, illegal sports betting ring allegedly run by a reputed member of the Lucchese crime family has been shut down in New Jersey following a two-year investigation, state officials announced Thursday.
At the center of the operation is Joseph “Little Joe” Pernaa 55-year-old “soldier” in the Lucchese crime family, who now faces multiple charges including racketeering, conspiracy, illegal gamblingand money laundering.
According to New Jersey Attorney General Matthew Platkinthe multimillion-dollar operation wasn’t just mob-backed — it was a family business.
Although sports betting has been legal in New Jersey since 2018authorities allege that Perna and his associates chose to bypass regulated markets, operating multiple unlicensed electronic sportsbooks using offshore websites to avoid oversight.
Officials say Perna served as the financier—or bank—for the illegal enterprise, which they estimate took in more than $2 million. His son reportedly oversaw daily operationscoordinating bets and managing a network of sub-agentsmany of whom were recruited from his own high school and college friend groups.
According to investigators, the operation specifically exploited college students and young adultsincluding student-athletesto act as bookmakers or to be used for collections.
Platkin issued a strong warning to young bettors:
Platkin acknowledged that while the methods may be evolving, the presence of organized crime remains a serious issue.
If convicted on the most serious charges, Perna could face up to 20 years in prison. Charges vary for the remaining 13 defendants, and authorities say more details, including names and counts, are available through the New Jersey Office of the Attorney General.
This latest bust is part of a broader crackdown on illegal gambling and organized crimeeven as legal betting becomes more accessible to the public.
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