generally accepted and condoned law-breaking when it involved the manufacture and distribution of liquor and beer, states Nelli. He continues, A thrill-seeking public enjoyed vicariously the sensational, luxurious, and dangerous lives of the booze Barons as a respite from ordinary lives as dishwashers, bookkeepers, dentists, teachers. Business-wise, Prohibition brought great wealth to members of the Mafia; it also brought them fame in the eyes of the public. The public often ignored the violence that occurred between rival gangs, but when the violence involved members of the common public, an extremely rare occurrence, action was demanded against the gangsters. It was with these anomalous occasions that the seeds of misinformation were sown, unfortunately sticking as the American public's perception of "The Mob" despite a more honorable actuality. With the eradication of Prohibition, Mafia groups began to run casinos in Las Vegas, houses of prostitution, and were very involved in labor racketeering. Their criminal activities became more of a business than ever before.As Mafia groups grew and matured, leaders such as Capone, Luciano and John Torrio became very interested in maximizing profit and reducing risks. As their interests began to take on the appearance of legitimate business, they had more of an interest in specifically with whom they did business and with whom they employed. Mafia leaders were adamant about keeping their dealings in the family. With all the wealth gained during prohibition, many Mafioso wished to give their children educations so that they could enter into legitimate businesses such as law or medicine, leaving their illegal affairs to be handled by other biological family members (nephews, sons-in-law, cousins) should their own children go on to succeed in the legitimate world of business. It is due to this that Mafia groups are often referred to as families. Gambling, the largest source of income ...
