The Monopol Tobacco Works was one of many small Turkish tobacco manufacturers doing business in New York City during the 1890's. The Egyptian style cigarette became popular enough for James Duke's monopoly to buy The Monopol Tobacco Works in 1899, and the S. Anargyros cigarette company in 1900. Monopol Cigarettes and Cairo No. 27A were the company's most popular brands, but the blended Casino attracted a following too.