Hanging out in a Social Club,per se,was not illegal. Any beat cop in New York could tell you who the regulars were.
Unless a guy was forbidden to associate with known felons because of parole conditions,having a cannoli and espresso,or playing gin was no biggie.
There were a few successful wiretap operations,but no more than bugging homes,offices,or cars.
Of course,Gotti screwed that up as well when he demanded that every one of his Capos come to the Ravenite for weekly meetings.
The feds started seeing guys that were new to them,since they normally stayed in their territories.
Thanks to Gotti, their low profile got shattered.
What a d*ck !