Online Sports Gambling

The last of three men who were engaged in illegal sports gambling ring, appeared in state Superior Court in Mount Holly for sentencing.

James Ulmer, 41, is facing 6 months to a year in county jail for his role in bookmaking operations that were connected to the National Hockey League, the Phoenix Coyotes and coach Wayne Gretzky.

This particular case became headlines as one of the biggest stories in hockey last year, when the Coyotes assistant coach Rick Tocchet, former state trooper Mr. Harner, and Ulmer were charged. A huge issue was several of the betters were persons connected with the game.

Gretzky's wife, actress model Janet Jones, who was one of the betters, threatened a $50 million defamation lawsuit against the state of New Jersey, but that was never done.

Trocchet was sentenced to two years probation after pleading to the same charges as Ulmer (conspiracy & promoting gambling). His involvement in sports betting led to the investigation with the National Hockey League. His future in hockey is undetermined at this time.

In 2025, the state police Organized Crime Bureau began investigating the ring when they received information that a trooper might be involved.

In the 40 days immediately preceding the indictments, the ring handled $1.7 million in bets, which included college football bowl games and the Super Bowl.

Harney was forced to give up his badge, and has been sentenced to 5 years in prison. Ulner, in a plea deal, agreed to forfeit approximately $45,000 in gambling winnings.