\n Posted on: May 10, 2026, 04:14h.\u00a0\n <\/p>\n
\n Last updated on: May 10, 2026, 04:14h.\n <\/p>\n
![\"Avatar](\"https:\/\/www.casino.org\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/cropped-5-1-50x50.png\")
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- Chef \u201cGigi\u201d Rovito accused of threatening gambling debtors in federal case<\/strong><\/li>\n
- Burr Ridge mayor publicly defends Rovito despite alleged Outfit-linked connections<\/strong><\/li>\n
- FBI raids expose sprawling illegal gambling network tied to suburban restaurants<\/strong><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
One of the men charged last week with involvement in a sprawling Northwest Indiana illegal gambling operation is a \u201cquasi-celebrity\u201d social media chef with alleged ties to the Chicago Outfit.<\/p>\n
![\"Gigi](\"https:\/\/www.casino.org\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/Gigi-858x541.jpg\")
Filippo \u201cGigi\u201d Rovito, known for his flamboyant cooking videos and dishes such as \u201cLinguini alla Mayor Grasso,\u201d is accused of being an enforcer for an illegal gambling network. (Image: FBI)<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n According to federal court documents, when he was asked to shake down a gambler who owed money to the operation, chef Filippo \u201cGigi\u201d Rovito said he was going to \u201cknock [the victim\u2019s] lights out and shove his head into a [gaming] machine.\u201d<\/p>\n
But Gary Grasso, mayor of Burr Ridge, Ill., where Rovito runs Capri Ristorante, is standing by the chef and alleged enforcer, describing him to NBC 5 Chicago as \u201ca stellar corporate and residential citizen\u201d who has \u201ca YouTube following of a quarter of a million people or something like that.\u201d<\/p>\n
Grasso\u2019s endorsement may stem from the fact that he\u2019s a big fan of Capri \u2013 and the feeling appears to be mutual. The restaurant has created a dish in his honor, \u201cLinguini alla Mayor Grasso\u201d \u2013 a pasta that comes with \u201cfresh tomato sauce and basil, tossed with a touch of olive oil, and topped with fresh ricotta.\u201d<\/p>\n
Porterhouse Parlay<\/strong><\/h2>\n
Rovito was among 22 people arrested in coordinated raids by the FBI April 29 following a long-running investigation dubbed \u201cOperation Porterhouse Parlay,\u201d which allegedly uncovered links between illegal gambling operations and restaurant networks spanning Northwest Indiana and suburban Chicago.<\/p>\n
The ringleaders of the group are alleged to be James \u201cJimmy the Greek\u201d Gerodemos and \u201cDean Gem\u201d Gialamas, who prosecutors say used businesses including Gino\u2019s Steak House in Merrillville and Paragon restaurant in Hobart as operational hubs or meeting places.<\/p>\n
Federal prosecutors allege the enterprise generated millions of dollars through illegal sports betting, video gambling and loansharking operations, with members using intimidation and violence \u2014 or the threat of it \u2014 to collect debts.<\/p>\n
Don\u2019t Mention the Mob<\/strong><\/h2>\n
On social media, Rovito was known for flamboyant cooking videos, oversized Italian feasts, and celebrity-style branding tied to his restaurant. But court filings paint him as a trusted associate willing to enforce payments when gamblers fell behind.<\/p>\n
\nWhile the indictment indicates this was a Greek American-led criminal network and avoids words like \u201cMafia,\u201d court documents seen by NBC allege Rovito and others indicted have historic ties to Mob gambling operations.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n
Charges include illegal gambling conspiracy, extortionate debt collection and money laundering.<\/p>\n
Rovito was released from federal custody after posting a $1 million secured bond and is currently on home detention with electronic monitoring, pending trial.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n
- Burr Ridge mayor publicly defends Rovito despite alleged Outfit-linked connections<\/strong><\/li>\n