Episode Details

Army veteran Paul Schiffbauer, Sr. got a civilian job that led him to a criminal enterprise. Hired to collect money from vending machines, Paul was soon in on the real purpose of his company — to run an illegal gambling operation. This was the early ‘90s in Maryland, and video poker games were only supposed to be used for “amusement” purposes. Paul moved up in the organization and ended up lobbying politicians, making “political donations” that were really pay-offs, and racketeering, money laundering, fraud, extortion, and bribery. Paul wrote a book about his experiences called “Amusement Only” and talks with Ian about his life 30 years ago and what he’s up to now.

Big thank you to FACTOR for sponsoring this episode. Go to:

FACTORMEALS.com/lockedin50 and use code lockedin50 to get 50% off your first box.

Connect with Paul Schiffbauer Sr.:

https://www.youtube.com/@pigeonface

Connect with Ian Bick: 

https://www.ianbick.com/

00:00 Intro 

00:40- 01:01:20 (FACTOR AD) 

02:20 Childhood 

04:14 Military and wanting to be a FBI Agent 

06:30 Connection to the Vending Business and Start

14:44 Growing up middle class

18:34 Why Law Enforcement?

19:19 Operations of the Vending Machine business 

25:16 Finding out he’s doing something illegal

34:05 Gambling Machines

37:10 First Raid reaction and Blackmail

40:12 Factor AD

42:17 Politicians able to Diverge Laws 

50:45 Engaging in Illegal Activities 

59:01 Enforcer 

1:09:24 Wire Tapped and FBI investigation 

1:22:09 Relief of avoiding any trouble 

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