It is said that the gambling business, in all its various forms, is the very lifeblood of organized crime. Bookmaking on horses and sports, the policy or numbers lottery business, dice and card games, slot machines, and a variety of other games of chance became the most important and prominent racket after liquor prohibition ended in 1931. It remains so to this day.
But if gambling is number one, then nipping at its heels close behind is shylocking, which without a doubt is number two as the top revenue producer for the mafia today, as it has been for many decades.