College Athletes and Organized Crime Faces Serious Charges in New Jersey Illegal Sports Betting Case
New Jersey has charged 14 people with a complex online illegal sports betting scheme involving college athletes and organized crime. The $2 million betting scheme lasted from 2022 to 2024, authorities said. The case emphasizes student athlete risk and mob gambling.
The main suspect is 55-year-old New Jersey Lucchese. State attorney general: Operation leader. His 25-year-old son ran the illegal sportsbook daily with dozens of Essex and Bergen County agents. The investigation found that bookmakers and sub-agents took college athlete bets and paid members. Police allege the athletes ran a betting ring to undermine college sports.
Business was run like crime, says case. Owner’s son’s agents and sub-agents collected bets and paid winners. Wives and ex-wives of the ringleader are accused of stealing and hiding business. Racketeering, conspiracy, illegal gambling, and money laundering are charges.
College athletes suffer most. Youth in organized crime-linked gambling rings may lose eligibility and jobs. Illegal betting may also affect them. Officials say the ring’s athletes show how criminal gambling rings exploit weak, sports-loving, easy-to-trick people.
Legal experts warn that illegal activities remain a major threat as more states legalize sports betting. This mob-affiliated sportsbook shows that criminals still profit and recruit athletes from sports betting. The charge should warn athletes, coaches, and institutions about long-term corruption, especially with non-official betting.
Major law enforcement and sports regulators may investigate student athletes and game integrity. After being charged, athletes’ roles and competition hacking are under investigation. Participating schools should review sports betting risk education and compliance.
The case shows that organized crime-linked illegal gambling rings operate in college sports despite many states legalizing and regulating sports betting. Sportspeople, schools, and organizations must stay vigilant to ensure fair play and everyone’s health and safety after the New Jersey indictments.
Sources
ABC 7 Chicago
Front Office Sports article detailing college athletes’ involvement in the illegal ring
NBC Philadelphia report on mafia and student athletes charged in New Jersey sports betting ring
