Back in 1920 in the Prohibition Era, Atlantic City is known as “The World’s Playground,” and is noted for being the place where rules don’t apply. The entertainment rivals Broadway, and the boardwalk features motels, nightclubs, and amusement piers. Enoch “Nucky” Thompson (Steve Buscemi) is the town’s Treasurer, but also a political fixer and backroom dealer. He takes full advantage of the location of his city, being the center for rum-runners, and close to both Philadelphia and New York City.