Adam Roarty is a journalist covering sports betting, regulation, and industry innovation for CasinoBeats. His coverage includes tax increases in the UK, covering breaking stories in the ever-evolving landscape of US betting such as the...
Read Full BioThe former treasurer of the Sheridan Park Volunteer Fire Company has been jailed for stealing almost $450,000 from the company’s funds to support his gambling habit.
James Hoffman, 42, received an indeterminate sentence of two to six years in prison on Monday for the theft. A statement from the Erie County District Attorney’s Office reported that between January 1, 2019, and January 31, 2025, Hoffman stole a total of $446,118.42.
Erie County DA Mike Keane said, “For many years, this defendant abused his position as treasurer to steal hundreds of thousands of dollars from a fire company that helps and protects the residents of Tonawanda.
“He knowingly violated the trust placed in him by firefighters, dedicated volunteers and the community. I hope that the Sheridan Park Fire Company will be made whole through his restitution payments and continued support from our community.”
As a condition of the plea, Hoffman turned over $55,000 to his defense attorney, which was provided to the Sheridan Park Fire Company. He also committed to paying back the remaining balance of $391,118.42 to the organization.
Hoffman’s prison sentence is a harsher punishment than in the UK. Recently, a former bank manager was spared jail after stealing roughly the same amount of money (around $460,000) to fund his gambling habit. A recent cancer diagnosis added to a more lenient punishment in that case.
New Yorkers Gambling More Than Ever
There were no details given about the kind of gambling Hoffman was engaged in. New Yorkers are the biggest gamblers in the US. Residents wagered over $2 billion in August, which was 41.9% more than August 2024 and 45.9% ahead of the $1.4 billion wagered in July.
The return of the NFL will likely see that figure surpassed in September, although official data has not yet been released. Lawmakers have considered limiting the amount bettors can wager in the state.
Earlier this year, Assemblyman Robert Carroll introduced a bill that proposes limiting gamblers to depositing $5,000 a day at licensed sportsbooks.
New York Expands Gambling With New Casino Licenses
At the same time, the state is issuing new casino licenses to increase gambling options for New Yorkers. Operators are investing billions of dollars into development projects.
While the companies promise jobs to boost the state’s economy, wages will be covered by gamblers losing money at the venues.
Four proposals passed through their Community Advisory Committees (CACs) are competing for the three licenses up for grabs. The CACs of other proposals rejected plans, with many citing the potential for increased crime rates and damage to the community.
Hoffman’s hometown of Depew is near the already functioning Seneca Buffalo Creek Casino. The casino features a sportsbook, live table games, and over 1,000 slot machines.
