Yes, Oli, being hauled before the subcommittee did challenge his legitimacy--and he said so in his little speech after his testimony: "I have not taken refuge behind the 5th amendment as it was my right to do. I challenge this committee -- to produce any witness or evidence against. And if it do not -- I hope they will have the decency to clear my name with the same publicity with which they have now besmirched it."

Note how he cites not taking the Fifth as a claim of virtue.

As for casino ownership: Geary, in his confrontation with Michael at Anthony's party, said, "You own, or control, three hotels...now my sources tell me you're going to make a move on the Tropigala..." If Geary knew it, the Gaming Commission knew it. As long as Michael was "legitimate," the Commission would look the other way if his share of the hotels was owned by fronts or third parties. But if his "legitimacy" fell into question, they could yank the licenses, no matter whose names were registered as owners.

BTW: Harry Reid, former Senate Majority Leader, was an early Gaming Commission chairman.