14 Charged In Athlete-Involved Betting Ring Backed By Mafia

New Jersey authorities announced Thursday that 14 men have been charged in connection with a multi-million-dollar illegal sports betting operation involving college athletes and ties to the Mafia.

Authorities say Joseph “Little Joe” Perna, a Lucchese crime family member, and his associates allegedly operated a nationwide bookmaker network that used offshore websites to handle roughly $2 million in bets from 2022-24. (RELATED: Multiple NBA Figures, Including Blazers’ Head Coach Chauncey Billups, Arrested In Gambling Probe Connected To Mafia)

According to New Jersey Attorney General Matthew Platkin, numerous college athletes ran sportsbooks under the direction of Perna and his organization. Platkin declined to answer questions about the specific universities or sports involved in the alleged betting operation.

Today we announced charges against 14 defendants for their roles in a multimillion-dollar illegal sports betting ring.

Organized crime may evolve, but our message is clear: we will pursue and prosecute those who break the law.https://t.co/H6THjr4bRH pic.twitter.com/GlJ2OW8zd4

— Attorney General Matt Platkin (@NewJerseyOAG) November 13, 2025

An NCAA spokesperson stated that the organization has knowledge of the charges and is investigating the matter, per ESPN.

Perna, 55, from Fairfield, New Jersey, faces charges of racketeering, conspiracy, gambling offenses, and money laundering alongside his sons, stepson, nephews, and others, according to the New Jersey attorney general’s office. Perna is accused of serving as the “financier,” with his son Joseph R. Perna handling daily operations and managing subordinate agents by the dozens.

According to New Jersey Division of Criminal Justice director Theresa Hilton, the 14 charged individuals have their first appearances in court Thursday, with any detention hearings to be set at a later date.