[bernard]

ILLINOIS GAMBLING KING PIN DEAD
St. Louis Post-Dispatch

Thomas Venezia, who ran a gambling empire in the Metro East area until he was dethroned by the federal government 10 years ago, was found dead Tuesday morning in his Belleville house along with his live-in girlfriend.

Venezia, 64, was found in a recliner, a bullet in his head and a pistol and suicide note by his side. The body of Jennifer Anderson, 21, was found on the kitchen floor, shot with the same .38-caliber pistol. Police say Venezia shot Anderson then turned the gun on himself.

For over six years, Venezia made up to $48 million by placing video slot and poker machines at dozens of Illinois taverns, paying off winners illegally and splitting the profits with bar owners. His prison sentence was reduced to nine years from 15 after he testified against his attorney and business partner, Amiel Cueto.

Belleville Police Chief Terry Delaney, who had known Venezia for several years, said Venezia suffered from throat cancer and that the illness might have played a role in the shootings.