Sin City Gangsters: The Rise and Decline of the Mob in Las Vegas

Sin City Gangsters is a book that chronicles the rise and fall of the mob in Las Vegas, featuring notorious mobsters such as Bugsy Siegel, Meyer Lansky, and Tony Accardo, as well as the men they chose to carry out their plans, such as Tony Spilotro, Lefty Rosenthal, and Donald Angelini. It also offers fascinating accounts of the roles of Frank Sinatra and Elvis Presley in Vegas and how Howard Hughes transformed Vegas into the entertainment capital of the world.

Format: Hardback
Length: 230 pages
Publication date: 15 January 2023
Publisher: Rowman & Littlefield

Sin City Gangsters: The Rise and Decline of the Mob in Las Vegas is a captivating account of the intricate web of power and corruption that unfolded in the city during the mid-20th century. The book delves into the origins of the mob's presence in Las Vegas, tracing its roots back to the early days of gambling and bootlegging. It reveals how the most influential mobsters in the country, such as Bugsy Siegel, Meyer Lansky, and Moe Dalitz, came together to build a vast empire that included gambling casinos, political influence, and organized crime.

One of the most intriguing chapters in the book focuses on the relationship between the mob and the Teamsters Pension Fund. It explains how the pension fund, which was meant to provide financial security for union workers, was used by the mob to finance their casinos and other ventures. The book also sheds light on the roles of Frank Sinatra and Elvis Presley in shaping the entertainment scene in Las Vegas. It explores how these iconic celebrities became closely associated with the mob, and how their presence helped to legitimize the city's reputation as a hub of vice and decadence.

Another chapter of the book delves into the life of Howard Hughes, the reclusive billionaire who arrived in Las Vegas in the late 1940s. Hughes, known for his eccentricities and his love of technology, spent years in his suite at the Desert Inn, rarely leaving the premises. During this time, he bought one casino after another, amassing a vast fortune that he would later donate to charity. However, his presence in Las Vegas also sparked rumors of scandal and intrigue, with many believing that he was involved in illegal activities.

After the mob's reign in Las Vegas came to an end, the city was taken over by a new generation of visionaries. These individuals, such as Jay Sarno, Kirk Kerkorian, Steve Wynn, and Sheldon Adelson, saw the potential of Las Vegas as a global entertainment destination. They invested billions of dollars in building luxurious resorts and hiring the most popular contemporary entertainers. Their efforts transformed Las Vegas into a bustling hub of luxury and excitement, attracting millions of visitors each year.

Sin City Gangsters is a comprehensive and detailed account of the rise and fall of the mob in Las Vegas. It provides a wealth of information and insight into the complex relationships between organized crime, politics, and entertainment. The book is written in a compelling style, and its cast of characters is an assembly of exceedingly ambitious risk takers who let nothing stand in their way of turning their dreams into stunning realities. Whether you are interested in history, crime, or the entertainment industry, Sin City Gangsters is a must-read for anyone who wants to understand the darker side of Las Vegas's past.

Weight: 502g
Dimension: 160 x 235 x 25 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781538161234