Ep 1. The Big Business of Illegal Gambling

Crime Inc. is an investigative docuseries that delves into the seedy underbelly of organized crime and the illegal activities that fuel it. In season 1 episode 1, titled "The Big Business of Illegal Gambling," the show explores the lucrative world of underground gambling and the criminal enterprises that profit from it.

The episode begins by setting the stage for the massive industry that is illegal gambling. With an estimated $150 billion dollars in profits each year, illegal gambling has become a major contributor to organized crime across the world. From backroom poker games to high-stakes sports betting, there is no shortage of illegal activity to be found in the world of gambling.

The first focus of the episode is on sports betting, which has seen a huge growth in recent years thanks to the rise of online gambling. While sports betting is legal in some states in the US, most of the country still looks down on it and considers it an illegal activity. Despite this, illegal sports betting continues to thrive, with bookmakers taking in millions of dollars in profits each year.

The show interviews several individuals who have been involved in sports betting and have since turned against it. From former bookies to compulsive gamblers, these individuals provide insights into the dark world of illegal sports betting and how it can quickly become addictive and dangerous.

The episode then moves on to other forms of illegal gambling, such as underground poker games and slot machines. While these activities may seem harmless on the surface, they are often run by organized crime syndicates who use the profits to fund other illegal activities.

One particularly shocking segment of the episode focuses on a group of individuals who were running an illegal gambling operation out of a warehouse. The operation involved rigged slot machines that were programmed to take in money without ever paying out. The group of individuals involved in the operation were eventually caught and arrested, but not before they had made millions of dollars in profits.

Throughout the episode, experts and law enforcement officials weigh in on the various aspects of the illegal gambling industry. They provide insights into the motivations of those involved in these activities and the challenges faced by law enforcement when trying to crack down on the industry.

Overall, "The Big Business of Illegal Gambling" is a fascinating look into the world of organized crime and the massive profits that can be made through illegal activities. From sports betting to underground poker games, the episode shows how these illegal activities are not only harmful to individuals who become addicted to them but also to society as a whole. If you're interested in true crime stories and the criminal underworld, Crime Inc. is a must-watch.