I remember in Boston 70s and 80s you could go to any variety store and play the numbers. They would write it on a small pad of paper with a carbon copy for you. The results were at night after the horse track total the purse and it would be the last 4 numbers. My friend once hit for huge money but they changed the results. that would happen on occasion. And I remember old bookies would have a route where old ladies would put the money in a basket with a string and the bookie would take the money and write up the number. She would scream out the window what numbers and combo she wanted. the bookie would place the receipt in the basket.

Fucking good old days until the Mass lottery took th business away. The North End was a greatplace to live.

This is how they do the numbers game in Brazil.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jogo_do_Bicho

dont know is that's accurate . heard BUMPY ran his own empire . read his wife's book

A lot of people who were involved in the whole numbers thing were associates to the mob. As the mob controlled the numbers, where they were sold, the finances, etc.

I have known people who had relatives involved with numbers games, being bookies, etc. and they claim that they're not involved with the mob, OC, etc. but they are just covering for them.

Those people can and do get arrested and convicted via things they get people involved in the mob with, and those people do work for the mob.