Death of Mob Underboss Linked to Illegal Casino Operations at 79
The Dark Side of Casino Operations: Pete Simones Legacy and the Mob Underboss Behind Las Vegas Gambling
- Kansas City Mob figure dies at home, age 79
- Simone linked to Midwest gambling and Vegas junkets
- Mob’s decline reportedly leaves fewer than 10 active “made” members
The passing of Peter “Las Vegas Pete” Simone at age 79 marks the end of an era for organized crime in the Midwest. As a reputed underboss of the Kansas City Mob for over three decades, Simone’s influence extended far beyond local territories, deeply impacting the landscape of large-scale casino operations. He was a central figure in the criminal underworld, specializing in orchestrating high-stakes junkets from various Midwestern cities to Las Vegas, effectively bridging the gap between regional syndicates and the gambling industry.
Simone’s life was marked with connections to the Civella crime family, which boasted significant casino interests in Nevada throughout the 1970s and 1980s. Key properties like the Tropicana, the Fremont, the Stardust, and the Hacienda were often thought to be influenced by him.
His rise to power coincided with the Kansas City Mob’s peak, during which time the organisation became a central player in a nationwide scheme exploiting untaxed profits from Las Vegas casinos.
While Simone’s name never appeared in pivotal court documents tied to the notorious casino skimming cases of the early 1980s, his associations with significant mob figures—namely the Civella brothers, Nicholas and Carl—were undeniable. The brothers faced allegations of fraud, tax evasion, and RICO charges, although Nicholas passed away before any convictions could take place.
Mafia Junkets
Affectionately dubbed “Las Vegas Pete,” Simone was notable for orchestrating high-stakes gambling junkets to Las Vegas from cities like Kansas City, Chicago, Milwaukee, and Cleveland. These ventures weren’t merely for entertainment; they served as a vital mechanism for shifting funds and influential individuals into and out of Mafia-affiliated casinos.
Court documents indicate his significant involvement in local gambling operations throughout the Heartland, where he helped maintain the mob’s influence.
His storied career took a hit when he was incarcerated in 1992 for four years due to illegal bookmaking, video poker operations, and money laundering.
Mob Hit
Upon his release in 1997, Simone found himself barred from entering any Missouri casinos, a decision stemming from his lengthy criminal history. Just two years later, he was sent back to prison after violating his parole when caught playing craps at Harrah’s casino in North Kansas City.
Simone was also cited as an unindicted conspirator in a mob hit targeting a bar owner who had cooperated with federal investigators looking into gambling operations. His choice to invoke the Fifth Amendment during the investigation allowed him to avoid self-incrimination.
The Kansas City mob has since diminished significantly, with estimates suggesting that fewer than ten active “made” members remain, following a spate of federal prosecutions that disrupted their operations in the 1980s.
Despite his nefarious reputation, Simone’s life serves as a stark reminder of the once-formidable presence of organized crime in America, particularly within the sphere of gambling. His legacy raises numerous questions about the future of such syndicates in a rapidly changing world.
To sum up, Peter “Las Vegas Pete” Simone’s passing marks the end of an era for the Kansas City Mob and highlights the long and complicated relationship between organized crime and the casino industry in the United States. His story embodies the highs and lows of a life steeped in controversy, crime, and the allure of the Las Vegas lifestyle.
