The story takes place in Atlantic City, New Jersey, during the Prohibition Era in the 1920s. It is about the life of main character Nucky Thompson. Thompson was a political figure and controlled a big part of Atlantic City during the 1920s and 1930s. Nucky has one younger brother named Eli who is also the sheriff of the place. During the first episode, alcohol is declared illegal so Nucky goes to bootlegging. He sees profit and a big opportunity there. He deals with corrupt politicians and mobsters from Chicago like Johnny Torrio (Al Capone mentor) and Arnold Rothstein most known for being a big gambler and New York kingpin. He also took an apprentice, Jimmy Darmody a young hero of the First World War, because he sees the potential in him. Nucky will have to deal with Nelson Kasper Van Alden a prohibition agent who watches his every move.