When one or both of their parents died, D'Amato opened a cigar store[1] at the age of 15 to help support the other seven children.

[2] D'Amato's initial success in Atlantic City began to grow when he opened up a restaurant and gambling hall called "Luigi's".

He began working for corrupt Atlantic County treasurer Enoch "Nucky" Johnson and his political organization.

Philadelphia crime family underboss Marco Reginelli, a leader in the Italian Philadelphia-South Jersey mob for years, allegedly sold the 500 Club to D’Amato.

To draw gamblers, he had big-name entertainers such as Frank Sinatra, Sammy Davis, Dean Martin and Jerry Lewis perform at the club.