Nevada Gaming History exists to document how gambling actually developed in Nevada — beyond the myths, movies, and simplified stories that dominate popular culture.
Since the legalization of gambling in 1931, Nevada has served as a unique experiment in law, regulation, business, and public policy. Casinos were not just entertainment venues; they were economic engines, political flashpoints, and, at times, criminal targets.
This website focuses on what really happened.
A Focus on Facts, Not Legends
Much of what’s commonly written about Nevada gambling relies on exaggeration or selective storytelling. Organized crime is often overstated, regulation is underexplained, and entire regions—particularly Reno—are overlooked.
Nevada Gaming History was created to correct that imbalance by focusing on:
- Documented casino history
- The evolution of Nevada gaming law and regulation
- The real extent of organized crime influence
- The differences between Las Vegas and Reno gaming development
The goal is not to sensationalize history, but to preserve it accurately.
About the Author – Al W Moe
The research published on this site is the result of decades of study into Nevada’s gaming industry, its regulatory framework, and its historical record.
That research is also reflected in five published books on Nevada gambling history, including:
- Nevada’s Golden Age of Gambling
- Vegas and the Mob
- The Roots of Reno
- Mob City: Reno
- Vegas and the Chicago Outfit
Together, these works examine how casinos, cities, and criminal organizations influenced Nevada’s development — and how the state ultimately built one of the most closely regulated gaming systems in the world.
Why This History Matters
Nevada gaming history is more than a collection of casino stories. It explains:
- How public policy responds to economic pressure
- Why regulation evolved the way it did
- How myths can obscure important facts
- Why Nevada succeeded where other gambling jurisdictions failed
Understanding this history provides insight not only into casinos, but into governance, law enforcement, and economic development in the American West.
Who This Site Is For
Nevada Gaming History is written for:
- Readers interested in Nevada and Las Vegas history
- Casino and gaming professionals
- Researchers and students
- Journalists and writers
- Anyone seeking a deeper, fact-based understanding of gambling’s role in Nevada
If you’re looking for brief legends or fictionalized mob stories, this site may not be what you’re looking for.
If you want documented history and context, you’re in the right place.
Explore Further
Most articles on this site are connected to longer, more detailed research published in book form.
Al W Moe's Nevada Gaming History 