Sports Betting Ring Uncovered; 59 Held

Fifty-nine people linked to the Luchese organized-crime family have been accused of running a sophisticated interstate sports-gambling ring believed to be taking in $1 billion a year, officials said. The arrests were the result of a six-month joint investigation by authorities in New York and New Jersey. The ring used a computer system to get up-to-the-minute betting odds from Las Vegas, he said. Those arrested are being held on charges including promoting gambling and conspiracy, and, if convicted, face as long as seven years in prison.