How the Mob Shaped the Casino Industry: Unveiling Las Vegas Dark History

Understanding the true allure of the Strip requires delving into Las Vegas history, a narrative deeply intertwined with mystery and crime, particularly concerning the city’s infamous mafia past. One prevalent myth suggests that organized crime buried hundreds of bodies in the desert, linking the city’s foundation to illicit activity. However, the reality of Las Vegas history is much more nuanced, revealing how these criminal elements shaped the very landscape and development of the modern casino industry.

Mob Influence in Las Vegas

It is indeed a fact that the mafia exerted significant control over Las Vegas from the mid-1940s until the late-1970s. Geoff Schumacher, vice president of exhibits and programs at the Las Vegas Mob Museum, offers insights to debunk this widespread myth about body burials.

Myth Origins

This idea largely stems from the 1963 bestseller, The Green Felt Jungle, which unveiled the secretive criminal control behind many Las Vegas casinos. The notion of how perpetrators might dispose of victims crystallized into common knowledge, leading to phrases like “know where the bodies are buried.”

Reality Check

Upon investigation, the bodies related to mob activities found in the desert can be counted on two hands when weighed against the rumored hundreds. Many mobsters preferred not to kill in the city to protect their lucrative operations.

Notable Cases

• Mobsters, such as Benjamin “Bugsy” Siegel and Tony “The Ant” Spilotro, were typically eliminated outside the Las Vegas area.
• Siegel was murdered in Beverly Hills, while Spilotro met his demise in Chicago.
• Victims of the mob were often buried far from Las Vegas, such as the Indiana cornfield where Spilotro was laid to rest.

The Shift in Power

With the passage of Nevada’s Corporate Gaming Act in 1967, the mafia began losing its grip on the casino industry. Major corporations slowly started dominating the landscape, paving the way for modern casino resorts.

Conclusion

While the myth of countless mob victims resting beneath the Nevada desert is captivating, the reality reveals a far less sensational narrative. Understanding these historical nuances enriches our knowledge of Las Vegas history and the changes it has undergone over the decades.