If the Mafia has so much money why don't they just use that money to run legitimate businesses?

They do run legitimate businesses to shelter some of the money being earned illegally. If you see a person driving a $40k car and living in a million dollar house, and he doesnt have a job; that might create a red flag to Law enforcement. So you run a number of small businesses that feasibly could produce a substantial income. All the while you are earning triple illegally, and on the surface not calling attention to yourself.

Because those trades bring in a lot more money than any legitimate business. And they do run legal operations on the side, often as a front.

there is no such factor because of the fact the Mafia. it is referred to as prepared crime and area of their earnings is from playing. Why it is unlawful is previous me. it is a very threat loose vice. the only time it is going to become "unlawful" is whilst the law enforcement officers do no longer gets a commission off and the government would not get any tax money from it. The lottery can bankrupt somebody purely as straight away as soccer bets, so why is it nonetheless legal?

How do you think they make all of that money that they have?? It sure as h*ll isn't because they one day woke up and decided to run a legitimate business!

the irish and italian mafias have moved on to run "legitimate" businesses, the state governments of massachusetts and new york, respectively

They do run legitimate businesses, often as fronts for their criminal profits, and for more money.

But as long as there is money to be made illegally, someone will do it.

You don't get it at all- I'm sorry- 7% off the top-everywhere- no WORK, capito?

I never understood it, especially with con men, they are so smart, why not do things legally.

you would think if they had the money they would maybe it is to do with the tax i not sure

Why would they compete w\ the gummint?