Why did gangsters become involved in bootlegging?

Gangsters became involved in bootlegging primarily due to the Prohibition era in the United States (1920-1933), which made the production, sale, and transportation of Alcoholic Beverages illegal. This created a lucrative black market opportunity for organized crime, as they could profit from the high demand for illegal alcohol. Additionally, bootlegging allowed gangsters to expand their influence, control territory, and engage in violent rivalries, further entrenching their power in cities across the country. The illegal nature of bootlegging also provided opportunities for corruption and bribery, enabling gangsters to operate with relative impunity.