Scratch & Win Part 3: Have You Played Your Number?
Feb 5, 2025
Explore the gritty history of the Massachusetts Lottery as it confronts organized crime head-on. Delve into the legacy of Harlem's numbers game, where personal stories and cultural significance intertwine. Discover the vibrant cultural awakening in 1960s Boston, shaped by diversity and a booming jazz scene. Meet Gennaro 'Jerry' Angelo, a cunning figure in the mafia world who transformed numbers betting into a powerful enterprise. Lastly, examine the complex evolution from illegal gambling to state lotteries, revealing deep emotional ties and ongoing community impacts.
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Teenage Lottery Workers
- Sheila Dabrowski and David O'Reilly started working at the Massachusetts Lottery as teenagers.
- They were hired for the undesirable night shift due to increasing demand.
New Game, New Challenges
- Declining lottery sales prompted the creation of a new daily game.
- This game was unique as it allowed players to choose their numbers, increasing complexity.
Collecting Bets
- Teenagers drove Gremlins across the state, collecting betting slips from retailers.
- They used color-coded index cards and sometimes even brought friends along.