Peter Variano was active in corrupt enterprises that flourished with the aid of rogue New York State Policemen. In 1964 and 1970 gambling rings operated by Variano and Genovese family soldier Nicholas Rattenni were penetrated by local law enforcement and FBI agents. By 1949 Variano was manager of the Park Inn on North Broadway in North Tarrytown. The establishment came under fire after the installation of pinball machines in 1950. On one occasion Variano told someone that his betting enterprise flourished primarily with the assistance of helpful policemen.