&gt; “People would argue that it’s a victimless crime, and it’s not,” said Richard A. Brown, the Queens district attorney, who has successfully prosecuted several gambling rings with Mafia connections. “Those who participate in it often use threats and intimidation.” Profits from these illegal rings also fund other criminal enterprises.<p>Funny. Likely, the ONLY reason the Mafia and threats and intimidation and shady deals and violence are involved is because it&#x27;s illegal. Legalize the activity, and all that goes away overnight. MGM Grand and Caesars replace sketchy-web-site.com, and VISA and MasterCard replace paper bags full of cash. Lots of parallels with the war on drugs here.