Gentleman Gangster: The Life of Eddie Trascher

The true story of the man who scammed the mob and informed the FBI for over two decades reveals the remarkable life of Eddie Trascher. Born in the bayou of Louisiana, Eddie learned about gambling from his stepfather and embarked on a career that took him from 1950s Vegas to pre-Castro Cuba. In Cuba, he became adept at running a casino and stealing from the mobsters who owned it, establishing himself as a regular fixture in the Rat Pack–era Vegas scene. There, he honed his skills, stealing chips from the craps table, running gambling out of his bar, and associating with a wild assortment of gangsters, conmen, thieves, and celebrities.

After a stint running a Los Angeles hotel for the Chicago Outfit, Eddie moved to Clearwater, Florida, and became the biggest bookmaker in the state. However, the FBI made him an offer he couldn't refuse: "Help us get the Mafia and we'll let you keep bookmaking." For the next twenty years, Eddie became the Bureau and later the Florida Department of Law Enforcement's eyes and ears as they investigated organized crime in Florida. He played a crucial role in cases ranging from the famous Donnie Brasco investigation to the new guard of the Tampa Mafia.

Eventually, Eddie gave up the bookmaking business to become a professor, sharing his extensive knowledge of the trade with law enforcement. He taught them everything there was to know about bookmaking and running the scams, drawing on his own experiences as the quintessential gangster. Unlike many others who worked for the Mafia bosses, Eddie stole from right under their noses, making money for himself rather than for the organization.

Throughout his remarkable life, Eddie Trascher embodied the spirit of the true gangster, a man with unwavering courage and a penchant for outsmarting the mob. His story is a testament to the power of individual determination and the ability to navigate the treacherous world of organized crime. With his balls and his wits, Eddie Trascher not only survived but thrived, ultimately using his knowledge to aid law enforcement in their fight against the Mafia.

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