He exaggerated (or sloppy writing). In order for Michael (or his representative) to make an ownership move on the Tropigala, he would have had to apply to the Gaming Commission to have his or his representative approved as the license-holder. When Michael said, "Turnbull is a good man," he clearly stated that he'd gone through Turnbull--Geary's political bagman--to officially apply for the license. Roth or Ola may have influenced Geary to try to shake Michaell down for the $250k and the 5% of all four hotels, "Mr. Cor-lee-own-nee."