NCJ Number
139882
Date Published
1991
Length
41 pages
Annotation
In January 1991, the New Jersey Commission of Investigation held hearings into problems related to the illegal use of video gambling machines. Government officials maintain that these machines generate millions of dollars of illegal profits for organized crime syndicates in the State.
Abstract
This report reviews State laws regarding gambling, which can be best characterized as ambivalent; the State constitution has been amended seven times to permit bingo, raffles, a State lottery, and casino gambling. The involvement of organized crime in illegal video gambling is discussed in detail by the witnesses in terms of the mob's strategy to gain a foothold in the gambling industry, co-existence between organized crime and legitimate business, payoffs, competition between organized crime families, and prosecutions. The victims of illegal gambling are, of course, compulsive gamblers and their families. Some solutions proposed at the hearing: increased law enforcement, a ban on video games, government inspections and regulation, legalization of video gambling, and a video lottery.