America 1919

Donnie chuckled, "I was just trying to make a simple analogy!"

As the two were chatting, Nucky's call came through.

Compared to Harding's enthusiasm, Nucky's reaction seemed a bit more reserved.n/ô/vel/b//in dot c//om

"Donnie, your statement was very timely," Nucky said. "I've already persuaded the Governor, and some of the old stubborn members of the House of Representatives have been swayed by me. We're making Atlantic City the first city in the United States to legalize the gambling industry. We've taken a big step forward!"

"Really?"

This time, it was Donnie's turn to be shocked. Although he believed that with Nucky's involvement, the difficulty of the task shouldn't be too great, he had not anticipated things to move so smoothly.

"Of course!" Nucky was in a good mood, but he still cautioned Donnie, "But don't get too happy too soon. This is only a part of the people agreeing to my proposal, and there is still a process to go through. If there are any problems during this process, our plan could fall through!"

Making Atlantic City a city where the gambling industry is legal isn't something that Nucky could succeed in just by pulling some strings.

There's a complete set of American laws backing it up. First, if you want to legalize gambling in Atlantic City, you need to pass an amendment to the New Jersey state constitution, and amending the constitution requires a statewide referendum.

To hold a statewide vote, you must have a resolution from the legislative body and support from the Governor's office.

Doing all this requires the involvement of an influential figure to orchestrate the whole affair.

Now, Nucky is the most suitable candidate for this role.

"Before you proceed with this, Nucky, I hope you can make a trip back to Atlantic City. We should establish a formal company to manage this affair, and we also need to prepare some cash to push this thing through!" Donnie said calmly, after his initial excitement.

Nucky nodded over the phone, "I think so too, and there's something I hope you can understand. That is, for the success of this, just having City Hall on board is not enough anymore. The State Government will definitely need to get involved!"

Donnie considered it briefly and said, "I have no objections, but the State Government can only participate in investment and profits, not in the management of the company. That's my bottom line!"

Stay connected with empire

"That's my bottom line too," Nucky agreed briskly.

This was one of the reasons why Donnie was willing to collaborate with Nucky. Not only did Nucky possess connections Donnie could not reach, but, more importantly, Nucky shared the same vision at this stage, which was to make Atlantic City one of the most prosperous cities in the United States.

"Alright, then. As for the share distribution, we'll discuss it in detail when you come back," said Donnie.

"No problem!" Nucky responded.

After Donnie hung up the phone, Robert, concerned, asked Donnie, "Won't the involvement of the State Government dilute our shares even more?"

Donnie replied softly with a chuckle, "But it will also mean we invest less!"

In fact, the involvement of the State Government was already within Donnie's expectations, as, in another timeline, the first casino in Atlantic City after the legalization of the gambling industry was built with state funding.

In Donnie's plan, there could only be one casino in Atlantic City—their casino. Evidently, Nucky had already persuaded the influential figures of New Jersey of this.

Thus, it was only logical for New Jersey to join their casino under such circumstances.

Moreover, with the State Government's participation, there was another benefit for Donnie: a complete monopoly over the gambling industry in Atlantic City.

Otherwise, once the gambling industry became legal in Atlantic City, the major American conglomerates would definitely set their sights on this lucrative opportunity. At that time, Donnie's shoulders would be too weak to compete with these large conglomerates and ultimately, he might pave the way for them only to have them reap the benefits.

As for share dilution... it didn't matter. As long as he was in control of the management of the casino, wasn't it up to him to decide how the profits were distributed?

Robert nodded and said, "If there's nothing else, then I'll head back."

Donnie stopped Robert, "There is something. Since those reporters were so disrespectful just now, it's time we gave them something to do!"

Robert quickly said, "I think we should let it be. Having dirt on these people will be useful for us in the future. If we clean up after them too frequently, I'm worried it may provoke their resistance."

Donnie laughed heartily and said, "Don't worry, I'm talking about legitimate business."

Robert looked at Donnie, puzzled, not knowing what Donnie meant by legitimate business.

Donnie said, "Even though Nucky hasn't confirmed the legalization of gambling in Atlantic City, I think there shouldn't be any more problems. So when Nucky returns, I'm going to start building our hotel!"

Robert nodded, unsurprised by Donnie's decision, "But what does that have to do with those reporters? Do you want them to start reporting on this now?"

Donnie shook his head, "I don't plan to let outsiders report on this matter until the constitutional amendment legalizing gambling in Atlantic City is officially passed by New Jersey. What I need you to do is...."