Vegas
The Man Who Brought Kids to Vegas
Despite his numerous infidelities, Jay Sarno considered himself a family man. And he was, with four children who today still speak highly of him. He was a big man with a big lifestyle, big dreams, and the juice to make it all happen. Funded by a Teamsters loan from his old pal Jimmy Hoffa, Sarno founded Caesars Palace in 1965, which arguably was the fir…
How Vegas Came to Be Known as Sin City
It’s a moniker that many locals don’t like, but the name seems to have stuck. Contrary to popular belief, prostitution is actually illegal in Las Vegas, as well as in any Nevada county that has over 700K residents. But it wasn’t always that way. In fact, when the city was first platted, a specific section was set aside for vice.
Beneath the Veneer
From the time that the city was incorporated in 1911, Las Vegas has existed as one giant exercise in marketing. First it was advertised as a farming center (of all things), and then later as a themed throwback to the “Old West”. But by the 1950’s the die had been cast: Las Vegas would now and forever be promoted as a playground. A destination for leisur…
No, Bugsy Siegel Did Not Invent Las Vegas
Barry Levinson’s 1991 film Bugsy was an unmitigated success; it received 10 Academy Award nominations and was the winner of a Golden Globe for best drama. That’s great, but for those who value Las Vegas history, this film will forever be in the crosshairs for one big rotten tomato.
The Grift and How It’s Done
In any casino, anywhere in the world, the number one operational concern are the cheaters. In this unique cash business where the odds are front loaded in the casino’s favor, there will always be grifters and hustlers looking for methods to tip the scales their way.
The Man Who Died Trying
Anthony Cornero Stralla, aka Tony the Hat, was a man on a mission. His mission was to get rich. When prohibition started in 1920 he got to work, smuggling booze from Mexico and Canada under the guise of a shrimping boat operation that he owned with his two brothers. Despite a costly raid at their Long Beach warehouse, he kept pushing forward and by 1924…
What Binion's Is Hiding in Plain Sight
Binion’s Gambling Hall has been a mainstay of Fremont Street since 1951. Founded by bootlegger, murderer, crime boss, convict and all-around good guy Benny Binion, the casino has a storied history that’s as rich as the city of Las Vegas itself. After decades of strife and conflict, both internal and external, Binion’s somehow still stands on the corner …
The Man Who Had No Fear of Losing
Archie Karas died last month at the age of 73. Outside of the people that follow the world of professional gambling, the news didn’t travel far. In that world, Archie was best known for his eye-watering wagers; at pool halls, card rooms and at the craps table. Like most professionals, he had an edge, and Archie’s edge was that he had no fear.
The Birth of Las Vegas: Founders & Felons
I’m sure that opinions abound, but can anyone really say who founded Las Vegas? Well, as mentioned in Part One of this series, we know that the Paiute got here first (over 900 years ago), but what about the Las Vegas that we think of now? You know, VEGAS
The First Resort in Las Vegas Wasn’t What You Think It Was
Looking back to the early days of Las Vegas, most people visualize black & white photos of the classic Strip properties like The Dunes, Flamingo, or Sands. Images of the Rat Pack. Floating blackjack tables in the pool. Martinis and tuxedos. Or so we imagine.
The Myth of the High Roller
In Las Vegas, “High Roller” is a relative term. Sure, I’ve seen people place some crazy wagers in the times I’ve been there - $500 slot pulls (each time), $800 Horn bets (a one-roll bet in craps), $1000 set onto a single number in roulette. But a true high roller whose bankroll can maintain that level of betting for days on end is rare. Vegas casinos li…