Lucchese mafia’s lucrative illegal NJ sports betting ring busted, officials say Rick Rickman Published: November 14, 2025 Joseph M. Perna, at left, and Joseph R. Perna (New Jersey Attorney General's Office)

🔴 New Jersey prosecutors say an illegal sports betting ring targeted Gen Z athletes.

🔴 Accused Lucchese soldier “Little Joe” Perna and family members are charged in the mob-linked gambling scheme.

🔴 Authorities contrast it with legal sportsbooks monitored by state regulators.

FAIRFIELD (Essex) — State prosecutors say organized crime is alive in New Jersey after busting a multi-million dollar sports betting ring that preyed on Gen Z student athletes.

Accused mafioso Joseph “Little Joe” Perna and several of his family members are charged with racketeering, conspiracy, gamb

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