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38 pieces from the Nevada Gaming History archive.
2026 · Nevada Gaming History
Nevada’s gaming history is filled with tales of millionaires and Mafia chieftains who swept into the state, took over casinos in Southern Nevada, and transformed Las Vegas. But Northern Nevada tells a different story—one shaped by a unique breed of entrepreneurs. Harold and Pappy Smith arrived in the 1930s and transformed their tiny Harold’s Club … Read more
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2026 · Nevada Gaming History
A Man Who Preferred Working to Watching Nevada gaming history is full of loud personalities — moguls, mobsters, and showmen who loved seeing their names in neon. Karl E. Berge wasn’t one of them. If anything, he seemed happiest when nobody was looking. He didn’t chase headlines or cultivate a public persona. He just quietly … Read more
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2026 · Nevada Gaming History
Nothing Lasts Forever When George Wingfield arrived in Nevada in the final years of the nineteenth century, the state was still more frontier than settled society. The great silver bonanza of the Comstock Lode had faded into legend. Towns that once blazed with lamps and speculation had sunk into dust and memory. Yet Nevada remained … Read more
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2026 · Nevada Gaming History
Jay Sarno, the visionary behind Caesars Palace and Circus Circus, transformed Las Vegas with bold themes, immersive design, and Teamsters‑backed financing that reshaped the modern resort era. His groundbreaking ideas set the foundation for the mega‑resorts that define the Strip today.
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2026 · Nevada Gaming History
Kirk Kerkorian, a significant figure in Las Vegas, shifted its landscape through innovative mega-resort development, transforming the city from a simplistic gambling hub into a mass-tourism destination. Born in 1917, he leveraged his aviation success to invest in unexploited hospitality opportunities, culminating in the creation of iconic establishments like the International Hotel and MGM Grand. Kerkorian’s strategic focus on scale, branding, and corporate legitimacy redefined the casino industry, paving the way for large-scale operations and solidifying Las Vegas’s global hospitality reputation.
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Moe Sedway was the quiet syndicate operator who stabilized the Flamingo after Bugsy Siegel and helped shape early Las Vegas casino management and skimming operations.
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2026 · Nevada Gaming History
Few figures have shaped modern Las Vegas as profoundly as Steve Wynn. A developer with a showman’s instinct and an eye for luxury, Wynn transformed the casino from a gambling hall into a fully immersive resort experience. His properties redefined the Strip, set new standards for design and service, and ushered in an era of … Read more
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2026 · Nevada Gaming History
1) Flamingo Hotel & Casino The Mob first controlled casinos in the Downtown area along Fremont Street. Bugsy Siegel and Moe Sedway set up shop at the Las Vegas Club. They managed the race wire and operations at the Golden Nugget. Then they purchased the El Cortez with partners Gus Greenbaum, Davie Berman, and “Icepick” … Read more
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2026 · Nevada Gaming History
How Howard Hughes quietly bought the Desert Inn, Sands, Frontier, and more—launching a corporate takeover that ended the mob era and transformed modern Las Vegas. The Billionaire Who Bought the Strip When Howard Hughes arrived in Las Vegas in 1966, he didn’t come to headline a showroom or host a grand opening. He came to … Read more
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2024 · Nevada Gaming History
I wrote my first little story about the Primadonna Casino in Reno for my chip-collecting friends in 1984. We weren’t a big group, so the front side of the first of four pages had an actual postcard stuck to it. Below the scalloped edges of the Reno-Tahoe Advertising post card were a few paragraphs about … Read more
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2024 · Nevada Gaming History
L. M. Strauss, a native of the San Francisco Bay area, was born in October [1904]. Growing up, he was like any other youth in the area, driven by the desire to earn some extra cash to support his interests and socialize with his peers. His early exposure to poker, particularly five-card stud, and his … Read more
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2024 · Nevada Gaming History
Harold S. Smith was born in Denver, Colorado, on February 23, 1910. His father, Raymond I. “Pappy” Smith, was a carnival booth owner who ran games in traveling circuses and at established boardwalks and fairs. He preferred the slappers, a roulette-style game with prizes in each pegged slot, and offered regular roulette at many locations. … Read more
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2023 · Nevada Gaming History
Benny Binion, born Lester Ben Binion on November 20, 1904, in Plot Grove, Texas, was an American gangster and casino owner. He founded the World Series of Poker and Binion’s Horseshoe, a casino resort in Las Vegas. Benny Binion was known for his extensive criminal activities and contributions to the development of the Nevada gambling … Read more
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2023 · Nevada Gaming History
Carl Cohen was born in Cleveland, Ohio, on February 15, 1913, and spent his adult years working in the gaming industry, beginning at the Thomas Club as a dealer. Cohen saw the Cleveland Syndicate’s casinos as a fine job and was both a dice dealer and, later, a pit boss. He also worked as a … Read more
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2023 · Nevada Gaming History
Above: Moe Sedway enjoys a cigar with friend and casino partner Gus Greenbaum (Right) Moe Sedway was an American gangster and a close associate of the infamous mobster Benjamin “Bugsy” Siegel. Born in 1894 in Ukraine, Sedway immigrated to the United States as a child and grew up in New York City’s Lower East Side. … Read more
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2023 · Nevada Gaming History
Today, Cleveland is best known as the home of the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and the Cleveland Clinic. Plus, their pro sports teams are the Indians, Cavaliers, and Browns. The town and its weather are harsh, face-first against the cold winter winds that constantly blow from Lake Erie. Not the most inviting atmosphere, … Read more
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2023 · Nevada Gaming History
Wilbur Clark was a prominent figure in Las Vegas’s development, recognized for his significant contributions to the casino industry and luxurious resorts. His friendly, approachable personality made him a relatable figure, inspiring trust and confidence among visitors. Las Vegas was never perfect, but the right frontman, like Clark, helped shape its welcoming image. In the … Read more
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2023 · Nevada Gaming History
Moe Dalitz was a prominent American businessman and organized crime figure who rose to prominence during the Prohibition era. Born on December 25, 1899, in Boston, Massachusetts, he grew up in a Jewish family and dropped out of school at 14 to work in the garment industry. However, he realized quickly he could make more … Read more
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2023 · Nevada Gaming History
Tony Cornero (born Anthony Cornero Stralla in Northern Italy in 1899) was a leading figure in the California rum-running enterprises of the 1920s and an early Las Vegas casino owner. When his father lost the family farm in Italy due to gaming losses, young Tony vowed to be on the other side of the cards … Read more
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2023 · Nevada Gaming History
Photo from LA Times/UCLA (Frank with mom Nancy and sister Tina) Did you know that while Frank Sinatra was enjoying immense success as a singer, actor, and casino owner (he owned the Cal-Neva Lodge with Chicago Outfit Boss Sam Giancana), someone dared to kidnap his son, Frank Jr., who was making his way in the … Read more
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2023 · Nevada Gaming History
Reno’s Bank Club casino opened in the Golden Hotel basement in 1929. The property was owned by George Wingfield, Nevada’s richest man, whose wealth of $ 50 million in the early 20th century reflected his mining success in Goldfield and Tonopah. His achievements and Reno’s growth are detailed in The Roots of Reno. Winfield received … Read more
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2023 · Nevada Gaming History
South Shore Lake Tahoe had dozens of early casinos, from the Silver Club to the Nevada Club, and even Dopey Norman’s. The clustering of casinos on the same site is also an interesting subject, often debated by early investigators and finally confirmed by later writers after gaming documents and licenses proved or disproved ownership and … Read more
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2022 · Nevada Gaming History
This new book explores the roots of the Chicago mob, taking readers from its early days before Al Capone, through Prohibition and bootlegging, and finally to Las Vegas, where Chicago’s influence grew unnoticed. Discover how the Outfit’s beginnings and early leaders set the stage for its future dominance, making Las Vegas a key hub in … Read more
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2020 · Nevada Gaming History
The Tahoe Village at South Shore Lake Tahoe circa the 1940s – Video here Bert Riddick Bert Riddick was a Native Nevadan, born in the tiny mining town of Carlin. His wife, Vivian’s family, was from Ely, Nevada, and Bert and Vivian spent their lives in Northern Nevada, traveling between Tonopah, Ely, and Reno. Riddick … Read more
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2020 · Nevada Gaming History
Reno gaming pioneer Nick Abelman’s life in casinos
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2020 · Nevada Gaming History
Steve Pavlovich was born in Yugoslavia in 1889. He came to America armed with dreams and a promise of a good life. Despite facing rough characters who would rather beat you for your pennies than give you the time of day, he persisted. He traveled from New York to New Jersey to Wyoming before arriving … Read more
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2015 · Nevada Gaming History
Meyer Lansky was influential enough to draw hundreds of inquiries from law enforcement agencies during his lifetime, including the FBI, CIA, Highway Patrol offices in dozens of states, local police, and detective agencies, highlighting the widespread interest in his activities. Strange, because as dirty and sticky as his hands were for the Mob, no charges … Read more
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2013 · Nevada Gaming History
The Mob didn’t start the gambling in Nevada, and especially not in Las Vegas. In fact, they were relative latecomers, since Nevada had gambling for years before it was officially legalized in 1931. Because Nevada was such a large state with such a small population, there wasn’t much reason to invest capital to set up … Read more
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2013 · Nevada Gaming History
“Bugsy” Siegel’s story begins with a tough childhood in Brooklyn’s Williamsburg district, where no one expected the skinny kid to leave a lasting impact, which can inspire curiosity and empathy in the audience. Siegel was already street-wise by the age of nine, rolling drunks and stealing from merchants, and he and Moe Sedway set up … Read more
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2012 · Nevada Gaming History
Sometimes, Charlie Mapes doesn’t get the respect he deserves for his work in the Reno gaming community. I mean, really, here he is getting punched out by boxing champion Jack Sharkey! The event was the 85th Birthday party of Ancil Hoffman, who was well-known in Reno as the manager of Heavyweight Champ Max Baer. The … Read more
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2012 · Nevada Gaming History
I always thought the photos of the Tahoe Village were cool, especially its distinctive rounded shape and numerous windows that invite curiosity and admiration, making you imagine watching the snow with a beer after your shift. The building had several names from its inception in 1945, including Tahoe Village, financed by Mickey Wood. Bert Riddick … Read more
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2012 · Nevada Gaming History
Terry Shaffer’s new book, Illegal Gambling Clubs of Toledo, is just terrific. It’s one of only a few books on illegal casinos and is uniquely comprehensive, making it a must-have for collectors and enthusiasts. Terry, a Toledo resident, obtained rare files and photos from the clubs’ era, many of which have never been published before, … Read more
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2012 · Nevada Gaming History
Photo Courtesy (William Pettite) The last time I posted, there was a lot of snow around my car. No more than there was in the picture of the old Christmas Tree casino at Mt. Rose in Reno, but a lot. It’s 107 degrees in Scottsdale, Arizona, right now. I’m comfortable. In the picture above, June … Read more
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2009 · Nevada Gaming History
I love this photo of the Ta-Neva-Ho. Taken in the late 1930s, it shows what Lake Tahoe is like every winter – snowy! No kidding, right? Well, not everybody has a chance to see the amazing lake that straddles the California-Nevada state line. This club, built and opened in 1937, stands along the North Shore … Read more
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2009 · Nevada Gaming History
In chip collecting In my humble opinion In the state of Nevada In my collection Indian headdress Incredible The Stateline Country Club was situated on the California/Nevada state border on the South Shore of Lake Tahoe. Originally owned by Cal Custer, the club had a reputation for fun during the short summer season at the … Read more
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2008 · Nevada Gaming History
How is everybody this week? I haven’t really been gone for a week; in blog-world, my posts follow each other, so I’ve always been here. The State Line Country Club is more than just a story; it’s a piece of local history that connects residents and enthusiasts to Nevada’s vibrant past, making it feel personal … Read more
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2008 · Nevada Gaming History
The Tahoe Mariner’s history of multiple ownership changes and name shifts reflects its evolving role in Nevada’s gambling landscape, which should resonate with history enthusiasts and industry researchers. Capy Ricks purchased the property in 1946 from Ed Malley’s real estate office. Malley had been at the lake for years, having sold his first property in … Read more
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2008 · Nevada Gaming History
As you know, I’ve been known to hang around casinos – around, and around, and around. Well, the other day a security officer was bringing a full of chips to the “21” table I was standing next to, and a woman asked what “that plastic thingy, that, you know, holder thing, was called.” I explained … Read more
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