Abseiling police and a Vegas roulette wheel: The colourful world of Melbourne’s illegal casino king
Robert Wootton reflects on his father, Charlie, a prominent figure in Melbourne's illegal gambling scene. Charlie, known as the 'honest crook', ran various gambling dens while providing a unique service to the community. The article explores the colorful history of illegal casinos and the personal stories intertwined with them.
- ▪Robert Wootton earned about $1000 a day as a croupier at his father's illegal casino.
- ▪Charlie Wootton was known for his ability to navigate the illegal gambling world while maintaining a sense of community.
- ▪The Zorro Club, one of Charlie's establishments, offered games and free refreshments to its patrons.
Opening excerpt (first ~120 words) tap to expand
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Excerpt limited to ~120 words for fair-use compliance. The full article is at The Sydney Morning Herald.