Rackets

Rackets are illegal businesses in the Vendetta game world. There are over 100 different types of Rackets that can be established in Vendetta. Each business supplies an underground demand for illegal goods or services.

Each illegal business must have a front. This not only presents the way in and out of the illegal site, but also provides cover for the activities of the illegal business. Some businesses make better fronts than others, depending on the illegal business: A printers makes an ideal front for the counterfeit operation, whilst Gyms are ideal places to stage prizefights. Some illegal businesses also fare better in more upscale areas of the city, while some are better suited for the poorer areas.

The natural enemy of the illegal business is the F.B.I. The agents are incorruptible, and very ruthless in their hunting down and raiding of all illegal businesses.

Racket Types

Card Games

These should only be established in the poorer areas, where people can meet away from prying eyes. Book Stores, Pool Halls, Cafes and Barbers shops are all good fronts for this type of activity.

Casinos

Best established in the wealthier areas. Huge profits can be obtained from these businesses, which must then be carefully distributed to avoid detection. For this reason, large buildings such as the Main Bank, Hotel and the Department Stores are the ideal fronts.

Counterfeit Presses

The presses do not make any profit in themselves, but instead produce counterfeit money, which is then laundered through your legal businesses. Printers are the ideal fronts, but the Banks are also worth considering.

Dice Games

Seedy back-street games, these really belong to the poorer areas of the city. Pawnbrokers, Pool Halls, Cafes and Barbers shops are all places that can successfully shelter this type of activity.

Gambling Den

The Gambling Dens are little more than a poor man's casino. Cheap card games and dice, plus the occasional roulette wheel are usual in these sites. Pawnbrokers, Pool Halls, Cafes and Barbers shops all provide adequate cover.

Grifters

The popular term for pickpockets. Like many other of the illegal businesses, these belong to the poorer end of life. A Tattooist, Pool Hall, Cafe or Barber shops should see this business safe.

Insider Trading

Making profit the underhand way. Insider trading really belongs to the commercial centre, and can easily hide behind Accountants, Finance Companies, Real Estate and the smaller Banks.

Loan Sharks

Lending money at atrocious rates of interest. Loan Sharks can be found across the whole width of the city, but are best hidden by Finance Companies, the Banks or Real Estate.

Moonshine Stills

These are non-profit making sites that are essential suppliers for your speakeasies. Drug Stores, Plumbers, Blacksmiths and Saddlers provide the best cover, as does anywhere that can hide the pipes, the chemicals or the smell!

Numbers Racket

The local lottery. Fixed, of course. This business offers the poor the chance to win money, but never delivers. The General Stores, Cafes, Pawnbrokers and Printers are all good spots to hide this behind.

Prizefights

Gambling on the outcome of a boxing match. Prizefights have always been popular with the working man. Gyms and Pool Halls are fine places for this activity, whilst a Cab Company also offers the space needed to stage the fight.

Speakeasy

One of the best profit making businesses, the speakeasy is however entirely dependent on the supply of liquor, whether stolen or produced. Welcomed by all, the speakeasies can comfortably hide behind Breakfast Bars, Cafes, Milk Bars and Restaurants.

Teamsters

This business can only be established behind the Union Building. Whilst you possess the Teamsters building, you can control the strike action of the industrial area, and also call on the block vote system during an election.

Whorehouses

Whorehouses can be found throughout the city, wherever there is a market for the service these businesses provide. Massage Parlors, Dance Studios and all Hotels all provide excellent cover for this activity.

Offices

Your offices don't bring in any money, but they do help improve the efficiency of your gang. Hoods always start their orders from the office nearest to their target. Consequently, the greater the network of your offices, the less time your hoods take to reach their destination.