Five defendants plead guilty in New York illegal betting case
Five members and associates of the Lucchese organised crime family pleaded guilty to gambling-related and other federal charges over an illegal betting operation in New York City, prosecutors said. Prosecutors said the operation took bets from about 400 to 1,300 people weekly and collected at least $1 million a year. Anthony Villani agreed to forfeit $4 million; a sixth defendant remains at large.
The guilty pleas and forfeiture show enforcement action against an illegal betting operation serving hundreds of people weekly.