Never bet against the long arm of the law.
On Wednesday, December 18, 2019, six men from New Jersey and Staten Island were arraigned on charges of Conspiracy, Promoting Gambling, and Possession of Gambling Records. Each of the defendants pleaded not guilty to all charges, except for Possession of Gambling Records. Ross Branca of Freehold, NJ — the sports gambling ring’s alleged mastermind — also pleaded not guilty to two counts of second-degree money laundering.
Illegal Sports Betting Is NOT a Victimless Crime
Betting on a college football game may seem rather innocuous, even when it’s illegal. But according to Brooklyn District Attorney Eric Gonzalez, illegal gambling is frequently tied to other types of organized crime such as loansharking and money laundering. In other words, when you place a wager on an unauthorized sports gambling site, you could be funding crimes that are much more severe than illegal gambling.
Responsible gaming isn’t just about knowing when to call it quits — it also means supporting reputable, legally-authorized entities when gambling, like a casino in AC, for example. Check out the video below for more information about responsible gambling:
Why You Shouldn’t Trust Illegal Gambling Sites
Would you deposit money into an illegal bank that you discovered on the internet? Of course not; you can easily go to a licensed bank to deposit money. So, why would you trust criminals with your money? You can gamble on sports legally in the State of New Jersey. When you gamble on sports legally, the people handling your money are subject to strict legal regulations. So, the only risk you are taking is the wager itself.
The underground gambling ring that was shut down on December 18 dealt with more than $11 million worth of bets over a six-month period.
Call 800-GAMBLER for More Info About Responsible Gaming
If you know someone who wagers on sports illegally, remind them that they aren’t just betting on the outcome of a basketball game — they’re betting on the integrity of criminals who could end up in jail at any moment. You can call or text our toll-free helpline at 800-GAMBLER anytime for support, treatment, and hope.
Source: https://nypost.com/2019/12/18/6-men-from-new-jersey-staten-island-charged-with-running-illegal-sports-gambling-sites/