Part 4/12:
Costello, who favored business acumen over brute force, distinguished himself as a "gentleman gangster." He was adept at cultivating relationships with politicians, law enforcement, and the press, whereby he maintained the crucial distinction of being seen as an earner, not merely a gangster. By monopolizing the slot machine business and steering clear of violent acts, he became immensely wealthy and powerful, but this very strategy would sow seeds of discontent among his ranks.