Inside the extravagant lives of the NJ bookie moms caught up in Mafia-linked betting ring
The seemingly idyllic lives of two New Jersey women, Kim Zito and Rosanna Magno, were recently shattered when they were implicated in a $2 million Mafia-linked illegal online sports betting ring. Both women, who are the wife and ex-wife of reputed Lucchese crime family member Joseph “Little Joe” Perna, were accused of accepting cash from the illicit operation run by their sons.
Kim Zito, a 53-year-old social media enthusiast, painted a picture of suburban bliss on platforms like Facebook and Instagram. Her posts showcased her love for her two small dogs, her passion for flipping homes, and her glamorous nights out with friends. She often shared photos of her son, Frank, engaging in sports activities or sharing heartfelt moments in their lavish home.
On the other hand, Rosanna Magno maintained a low profile online, with her only presence being on LinkedIn, where she was listed as a client services manager. Despite her discreet online persona, she allegedly played a role in trying to conceal gambling ledgers during a police stop in April 2025.
The sportsbook operation was overseen by Frank Zito and Joseph Magno, with contributions from Michael Cetta and Dominic Perna. The illegal gambling ring, which operated between 2022 and 2024, involved a national network of bookmakers working under the directives of Joseph “Little Joe” Perna.
Both Kim Zito and Rosanna Magno were charged with racketeering by federal authorities as part of a larger crackdown on organized crime activities in New Jersey. The investigation led to the arrest of 14 individuals across multiple states, including Florida and Rhode Island.
This incident is not the first time the Lucchese crime family has been implicated in illegal gambling operations in New Jersey. In April, 39 individuals, including members of the Lucchese crime family, were charged in connection with a large-scale illegal gambling operation. The Luccheses have also been linked to game-fixing and poker-rigging schemes involving notable sports figures like NBA Hall of Famer Chauncey Billups and Miami Heat player Terry Rozier.
Despite the serious allegations against them, Kim Zito and Rosanna Magno have remained silent on the matter, with their attorneys declining to comment on the situation. The unraveling of their seemingly perfect suburban lives serves as a stark reminder of the hidden realities lurking beneath the surface of social media perfection.
