Lansky, the brains of this group, was a genius with numbers, while Luciano, the brute of the group, was a genius for finding Lansky. 1952 brought the opening of the Sahara by some run-out's from Oregon. The Sands, with Frank Sinatra as a headliner, opened in 1953, funded with Chicago mob money. This was the first attempt at bringing big time entertainment out to Las Vegas to draw people to casinos. Tony Stralla, a hoodlum from California, opened the Stardust in 1955. .
The Stardust towered over the rest of the hotels on the strip and had more luxuries inside.8 Each hotel became bigger than the next and all made a lot of money. Much of the money was skimmed off the top and sent around the country to different mob headquarters before taxes could be taken out. By the late 1950's, federal accusations such as the Kefauver expose and investigations by the Treasury Justice, showed the mobs involvement in Las Vegas and the ways they were stealing money from the government such as skimming.9 Once again, the public saw decided gambling was bad after, the news of corruption and fraud, just like in the 1890's10 Today, everyone has given gambling, a booming corporate industry, another chance. Squeaky clean owners, such as Steve Wynn and Donald Trump, own numerous casinos in Las Vegas and Atlantic City. Each has been portrayed by the media as good guys who just happen to be making a lot of money through gambling. .
They advertise gambling as a legitimate business, with corporate style offices staffed by corporate style employees and have stocks representing their company on the stock market.11 Each new hotel/casino is bigger and nicer than the next, just like in the late 1940's and early 1950's. They bring in big-time gamblers with complimentary amenities, such as free air-fare and suites. Middle class gamblers are lured to casinos by free food. For lower class gamblers, owners provide free transportation.
