Bayonne man to spend 19 months in jail for sports betting scheme

A federal judge has sentenced a man to 19 months in prison for his role in an illegal online sports betting scheme.

Robert Scerbo of Bayonne had pleaded guilty to racketeering conspiracy. The 57-year-old must also pay a $5,000 fine.

Federal prosecutors say Scerbo and others paid out winnings and collected losses from those who placed bets on a website based in Costa Rica.

Prosecutors say members of the conspiracy were known as agents. Before computerized betting, they would have been called bookies.