New Jersey has seized nearly $70,000 in jackpots won by gamblers who told Atlantic City casinos to keep them out. The gamblers signed up for the state’s self-exclusion list. But sneaked inside anyway, gambled, won, and got caught, only to see the casinos seize their winnings.

The state Division of Gaming Enforcement approved the forfeitures on Nov. 28, but did not make its action public until Friday.

The biggest involved a player who won a jackpot of nearly $54,000 at Bally’s in April. Another won more than $13,000 at the Borgata.

The money will be split between programs to treat compulsive gambling, and a fund for transportation and prescription drugs for senior citizens.

(Copyright 2011 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)

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