How It All Goes Down
A Second Bite at the Apple
- Lea Finkler has just arrived at city hall. Finkler is a transplant from NYC and one tough old broad, known for tearing Atlantic City politicians to pieces on a daily basis. All she ever gets in response, however, are pleas to help build support among her peers for legalized gambling.
- Atlantic City isn't taking its 1974 defeat lying down. In a "stroke of genius" (10.6), they add a bit to the legislation that earmarks casino funds for the elderly and handicapped. Clever. Then, in 1976, they take their second shot. This time, things are a lot more organized; they even hire a "professional campaign strategist" for the newly named "Committee to Rebuild Atlantic City" (10.11) or C.R.A.C. Even Hap lends a hand.
- Thanks to a more focused and better-researched campaign—not to mention copious amounts of bribes, per usual—the measure actually passes. For the first time ever, gambling is legal in Atlantic City.
- The first organization to open a casino is a hotel company called Resorts International. Though it began its life as a paint company, Resorts International made a name for itself by building hugely profitable hotels in the Bahamas. They also happen to be a bit corrupt. Meyer Lansky actually helped them gain approval for their hotels from the Bahamian government, which basically means they paid a ton of bribes.
- It takes two years for the company to get its gambling license. The government actually "recommended denial of a permanent license" (10.59) after learning about the deal with Lansky, but Resorts International managed to fight the case. Gambling is back, baby.