They are talking about a famous guy from San Francisco--Ronald "The Cigar" Sacco.
Sacco was essentially the largest bookmaker in the U.S. and the guy who realized bets could legally be taken in Costa Rica from Americans. Unfortunately for Sacco, they used the phone and he was busted in something like a $1B betting ring in the early 90s. If you Google his name you find some things...supposedly Sacco was linked up through the Outfit hence why Chicago bookies knew who he was.
Sacco I think is the guy who started Costa Rica International Sports (CRIS) when he got out of jail.
No idea if he is still alive...he would probably be early 70s by now.
