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The Australian Gamble
Organized Crime Down Under
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The Australian Gamble
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The Australian Gamble explores Jack Rooklyn’s, the Bally gambling organization managing director, role as a thread that connects some of the best-recognized characters, and most pivotal events, in Australian criminal history.
The Australian Gamble tells the story Jack Rooklyn, from his youth as a Jewish émigré to his debut in the Australian entertainment industry and his ties to organized crime in the U.S. and abroad.
Book Hero Magic formatted this description to make it easier to read. While it's new and
still learning, it may not be perfect - your
feedback is welcome!
Description
The Australian Gamble explores Jack Rooklyn’s role as a thread that connects some of the best-recognised characters, and most pivotal events, in Australian criminal history. It is a story that begins overseas, with the origins of the Bally poker machine company—a scandal-prone business with a name that was fated to be forever linked with Rooklyn’s.
From humble origins in Al Capone’s Chicago, Bally rode the amusement game wave to become one of the biggest players in the gaming industry worldwide ... a status that made it an attractive target for takeover by America’s Italian Mafia.
Run out of Cuba on the heels of Castro’s communist revolution, ‘The Families’ were looking for new opportunities to expand their gaming ambitions, both in the desert mecca Las Vegas and (more quietly) through clandestinely sinking their hooks into a financially struggling Bally.
Book Hero Magic summarised reviews for this book. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! HOW HAS THIS BEEN REVIEWED?
The Australian Gamble by Paul Bleakley explores the intricate history of organized crime in Australia, focusing on the lesser-known figure Israel "Jack" Rooklyn and his connections to the American company Bally. The book draws parallels between Australian and American Mafia history, providing an engaging narrative across various settings, from casinos to courtrooms. It's praised for its detailed exploration of crime's global influence and its captivating storytelling, making it a must-read for crime enthusiasts interested in the interplay of local and international crime elements.
Book Details
INFORMATION
ISBN: 9781538177082
Publisher: Bloomsbury Publishing Plc
Format: Hardback
Date Published: 15 July 2023
Country: United States
Imprint: Rowman & Littlefield
Illustration: 6 b/w photos
Audience: General / adult
DIMENSIONS
Spine width: 20.0mm
Width: 158.0mm
Height: 230.0mm
Weight: 476g
Pages: 264
About the Author
Paul Bleakley is assistant professor of Criminal Justice at the University of New Haven. Before entering the academic world, Paul was a journalist working in both London and Sydney. He is the author of two books on crime in Australia: Under a Bad Sun (2021) and Policing Child Sexual Abuse (2022).
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