New York illegal gambling bust signals the need for legalized casinos

August 17, 2022
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Eight alleged organized crime members were charged in the latest illegal gambling ring.

A Long Island detective and eight alleged organized crime members were charged in a New York illegal gambling bust.

It's said that members and associates of the Bonanno and Genovese crime families worked together to run a gambling operation out of a coffee bar called the Gran Caffe in Lynbrook, starting in 2012.

The two organized crime families supposedly ran illegal poker games and gambling machines from soccer clubs in Queens, Valley Stream and West Babylon. 

Eastern District of New York US Attorney Breon Peace said: "Today’s arrests demonstrate that the Mafia continues to pollute our communities with illegal gambling, extortion and violence while using our financial system in service to their criminal schemes."

The members included in the indictment were charged with racketeering, money laundering conspiracy, illegal gambling and obstruction of justice.

Nassau County District Attorney Anne Donnelly commented: "This case is further proof that organized crime is alive and well in our communities. This indictment sends a strong message that we are committed to rooting out corruption and organized crime."

The detective in the case was charged with obstructing a grand jury investigation and lying to the FBI. 

Peace added that the detective "betrayed his oath of office and the honest men and women of the Nassau County Police Department when he allegedly aligned himself with criminals."

A few weeks ago New York City developers announced they were eyeing legalized casinos for Hudson Yards and Times Square.

Other sites being targeted for potential casino locations are Willets Point near the Mets Citi Field ballpark in Queens.

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