For some interesting Galveston history, do a search on “Maceo Crime Family.” Their wing of the Mafia ruled Galveston and the immediate area for decades. One of their grandsons is Tillman Firtitta, owner of the Golden Nugget casinos, jillions of restaurants and the Houston Rockets. The several Vic and Anthony’s steak houses are named for two of the Maceo family, Fertitta’s uncles.
The Balanese room was a Las Vegas type hang out on the island. Same family I think.