As evidenced by her visit to President Harding’s White House with fellow western stars in 1922, Guinan liked to rub shoulders with people of influence. When she emceed nightclubs, her position put Guinan in contact with organized crime that skirted Prohibition with its bootleg liquor, as well as the wealthy patrons able to purchase her overpriced booze. These connections granted her power and opportunities to expand her businesses despite participating in illegal activities.