| Anthony Cornero operated three gambling ships, the S.S. Tango, S.S. Rex, and S.S. Lux, off the coast of California between 1934 and 1946. They were anchored beyond the ‘three mile limit' of state jurisdiction off from Santa Monica and Long Beach. The wealthy of Los Angeles would take water taxis out to the ships to enjoy the gambling, shows, and restaurants.
The success of Cornero's floating casinos brought outrage from California officials. State District Attorney Earl Warren ordered a series of raids against his gambling ships in the 1940s.
Photograph circa 1936 (Courtesy of the Los Angeles Public Library). |
