Prosecutors in Brooklyn have confirmed that five Mafia members and their associates have decided to plead guilty to several charges surrounding an illegal bettering operation they were conducting in New York City and beyond. While prosecutors were successful in this situation, they’re still searching for a sixth suspect who is expected to also face these charges.

Court records show that the illegal betting operation was massively successful. The operation was established in the early 2000s by Anthony Villani, a 60-year-old Elmsford resident. The online business, Rhino Sports, utilized local Mafia figures to go out into the public to pay and collect winnings. The business operated most specifically in the Bronx and Westchester County. According to reports, the online business took up to 400 bets every week from around 1,300 individuals. This led to incredible profits of over $1 million annually.

According to the U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of New York, these types of gambling operations usually require enforcement and protection, so it makes sense that the operation utilized the Mafia members for protection. Villani is currently facing multiple federal charges including racketeering, money laundering, and gambling. Villani will face up to 20 years in prison if he’s convicted. In his plea deal arrangement, he agreed to pay $4 million in forfeiture.

Four others are also facing multiple charges for their role in the scam.

Is Gambling Legal in Brooklyn?

In Brooklyn, gambling is defined as placing stakes or risks on something of value that’s based on the outcome of a contest of chance or a future contingent event not under the person’s control or influence and upon an agreement that they will receive something else of value in the event of a certain outcome.

In 2013, an amendment to the New York state constitution changed prior laws to allow for Las Vegas-style casinos and gambling in the state, but it has to be at an establishment. Licensed horse and harness race betting is also legal. State-run lotteries and certain bingo and lottery games for charity are also legal. Every other case of gambling, though, is considered illegal.

Considering the complicated laws surrounding gambling, you may need to consult with an attorney if you’ve been accused of illegally gambling or coordinating an illegal gambling operation. These criminal charges are extremely serious.

In New York, the penalty for illegal gambling ranges based on the severity of the offense and the type of illegal gambling that was occurring. The most serious form, promoting gambling in the first degree, is a Class E felony that could result in up to four years in prison and five years of probation. That said, you could also be charged with related crimes, like in the case above, such as racketeering or money laundering. Racketeering is extremely serious and could result in a lifelong prison sentence, substantial fines, and forced asset forfeiture.

If you’ve recently been charged with gambling or a similar crime in New York, then it’s time to schedule a free case review with our team to learn more about your options.