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How the Mob Brought Gambling to Cathedral City in 1934

Name: How the Mob Brought Gambling to Cathedral City in 1934
Uploaded: 2025-06-04T11:01:04-07:00
Channel: NBC Palm Springs
Description: Before Vegas, there was Cathedral City. In 1934, Detroit’s Purple Gang brought illegal gambling to the Coachella Valley—launching a flashy casino era that would attract stars like Bogart and Reagan. NBC Palm Springs historian Steve Sumrall takes a look back.

By: Steve Sumrall

June 4, 2025

Cathedral City gambling historyPurple Gang Palm SpringsAl WertheimerDunes Club1934 Coachella ValleySteve Sumrall historianCoachella Valley mafiaCalifornia gambling history

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