Which of the Upstate Cities outside of the NYC area , excluding Buffalo ,had the "best" illegal gambling operations going on in the time of the 1930s ,1940s and ,1950s
So pretty much in all of New York State except NYC and Buffalo.
In terms of being most extensive ,most protected by corrupt police and officials,being run the most professionally and treated by the politicians,police and general population as if it was completely acceptable and almost like being legal. And provided residents jobs in the illegal gambling industry. Also including the other types of businesses that are usually associated with such towns , like after hours drinking,night clubs,strip clubs,prostitution, etc.
My guess would be Saratoga because of Doc Farone and possibly Utica the so called "Sin City". Rochester is bigger but we don't hear much about the gambling there.
Thats a tough one to answer, Havana. Because the truth appears to be much more deep-rooted.
I agree that 'back in the day' Saratoga, with it world famous racetrack, was a gambling Mecca that attracted fans from near and far. Both well-heeled high-society types and your average gambler too.
Because of the 'draw' they also had major restaurant and entertainment venues, and more than a few 'top notch' gambling casinos catering to the horsey set and weekend vacationers alike.
The City of Utica speaks for itself. Back then, they were considered a cesspool of corruption where wide-open gambling and other rackets flourished.
And both those areas enjoyed a certain indemnity from arrest and prosecution that comes with running an extensive bribery pad for cops and local politicos.
But the same exact thing can be said for many other upstate towns and cities like Binghamton, Syracuse, Schenectady, etc., where rampant official corruption and systematic bribery allowed for unbridled organized rackets and hoodlums to flourish.
