The Jungle Inn-The Mafia's Infamous Illegal Casino

The Jungle Inn was one of the biggest illegal casinos in the country located in Youngstown, OH backed by a guy named Moe Dalitz while giving guys like Dino Crocetti, aka Dean Martin their first start in show business. Here are some great articles about the Jungle Inn and its performers:

http://www.tribtoday.com/page/content.detail/id/586646/The-Jungle-Inn.html?nav=5158

http://www.appalachianhistory.net/2013/0...ean-martin.html

https://news.google.com/newspapers?nid=1129&dat=19390809&id=i49RAAAAIBAJ&sjid=vWkDAAAAIBAJ&pg=3551,1607247&hl=en

http://www.amazon.com/Welcome-Jungle-Inn-Infamous-Gambling/dp/098370371X

I believe at the time of The Jungle Inn that it was located in the Cleveland/Pittsburgh split territory. That being the case: Would it be safe to assume that Tony Delsanter looked after Cleveland's interests? However there is no mention of who represented Pittsburgh. I wonder who that would have been ;-)

Uncle Chuck!

The Mahoning Valley was split between Cleveland and Pittsburgh. Prior to RC going to jail, Mahoning County was heavily and bloody fought over. Both Cleveland and Pittsburgh killed one another on a regular basis. After RC was sentenced, Pittsburgh took over.

However Trumbull County, where the Jungle Inn was located, had far less bloody altercations. Can we attribute this to the two fellows that represented their respective bosses in Cleveland and Pittsburgh?

In the 1940's, Jack Licavoli had Trumbull County, he schooled Tony DelSanter...and then Charlie got sent to Warren. By all accounts, Charlie & Tony had a mutual understanding.

Goes to show that Tony the Dope really wasn't a dope ;-)

Not in the least bit.

Who was the toughest guy with their hands

Yes, but didn't DelSanter have most say after Salvatore Marino had a sit down with Charlie over the Jungle or am I thinking of a different sitdown?

What exactly are you referring to?

You are correct because the the Cleveland Family had the bigger interest in the Jungle Inn at the time at the behest of Moe Dalitz and Tony Milano. DelSanter was a very powerful guy and probably would have been boss after Licavoli which would have changed the landscape of Cleveland's Family entirely.

Between Charlie and Tony? Tony was larger but Charlie had hands like a vice. Additionally I've seen Charlie express his displeasure with someone. Not a pretty sight. I'd put my money on Charlie.

I'd second that one!

Steubenville had quite a few illegal casinos around town, mostly in the basement's of tobacco stores, hardware stores and in bars. None as large as the old Jungle Inn, but Tripodi and Quattrone were bringing in millions...especially with the bootlegging along the river back in the 20's and 30's.

Thank you for these recommendations, I had no idea there was a book on the jungle inn.

Who is RC ?

I would assume he is referring to Ron Carabbia, the Youngstown guy who was convicted of killing Irish union leader Danny Greene.

Correct.