Galveston, traditionally an attractive tourist destination even before the storm, transformed itself into a major, nationally known destination. It was around this time that entrepreneur, power broker and racketeer, Sam Maceo rose to power and transformed the island in what was known as the Free State of Galveston. During this time period, the city was home to many casinos, whorehouses and speakeasies, in addition to becoming a center of culture, economy and nightlife, all due to the free availability of gambling and alcohol. The city's entertainment business spread throughout the county with major casino districts in Kemah and Dickinson enabled by a lax attitude among law enforcement in the county (Houstonians often humorously referred to the Galveston County line as the "Maceo-Dickinson line"). The county prospered as oil fueled Texas City's industrial growth, and wealthy tourists flocked to Galveston and the other entertainment districts.