Joey Taylor

Explores the life of Joe Taylor, a prominent Sydney figure who operated in both legal and illegal spheres during the 20th century. His success in illegal gambling, particularly through his two-up school and nightclubs, highlights the blurred lines between legality and morality in Sydney's underworld. The pervasive nature of illegal SP bookmaking is examined, revealing widespread police corruption and the symbiotic relationship between law enforcement and organised crime. This widespread acceptance of gambling as a victimless crime, despite its illegality, shaped Sydney's criminal landscape for decades. The text uses Taylor's story to illustrate the complex interplay of social attitudes, law enforcement, and organised crime in shaping Sydney's history.