LOL! That sounds like a front for a bookie joint.
You saw the old movie, "Guys and Dolls"!
LOL!! hey FReeper FRiend , here in NYC there was a famous bookie joint,
... 14th Street and 8th Ave , if I recall , the sign outside was for a legit biz...
... walk inside and there was just a counter with some guys to take your bets ...
... and , of course the chaulk boards with the track/race/odds [pre OTB]