Kindle Edition Audiobook Download from Smashwords (eBook) Amazon Nevada Gaming History Amazon AS Cosmetology Category:  History Publisher: Book Surge ISBN-10:  143921199X Type: Non-Fiction Pages: 257 Copyright: October 2008 ISBN-13: 9781439211991 Price: $2.95 (eBook) The true story of how Reno, Nevada became the "Biggest Little City in the World" through casino owners hard work, intimidation, and treachery. The final Wild West, Central Nevada boomtowns Tonopah and Goldfield, grabbed headlines across the country as famous men like Tex Rickard and Wyatt Earp hit town. As Fabulous mining strikes were uncovered, the town set the stage for the original growth of casinos and legalized gambling in Nevada. Today, there is a direct link from those early saloons to the casinos of Reno. Four men: Nick Abelman, Bill Graham, Jim McKay, and George Wingfield, dug up mining riches in the boomtowns and sunk their fortunes into the foundation of Reno's real estate and club business in the 1920's. This is the true story of the original Nevada casino pioneers, whose political strength and wealth allowed them to hold sway over Reno for nearly thirty years. They dictated policy through hard work and intimidation, and fattened their wallets through treachery, and deceit.           Excerpt Seen from miles away, the long driveway featured beautiful twinkling lights leading up to the front doors where gentlemen would take your car. Guests exiting their vehicles were resplendent in evening gowns and tuxedos at the Willows, and ladies, especially those in Reno to "take the cure" (get a divorce), loved the atmosphere. The casino inside featured roulette, where many a tourist sat whiling away the hours in comfort, their entertainment punctuated by good food and a wonderful band. Graham had learned early to grease the wheels for his illegal club, and to beat down those who questioned his right to do as he pleased. There was little heat from the pro-hi's, and the Willows did good business, even when Sullivan brought their more refined or yet-to-be-broken ladies from the Stockades for gentleman's pleasure.

Excellent story about Reno gaming and the men who ran the city!,
Very interesting story for anyone who enjoys history and old school gangsters. The main focus of the book revolves around four men: Nick Abelman, George Wingfield, Bill Graham and Jim McKay. It gives great detail about the things that went on in the early to mid 1900's and as a marvelous touch, includes photos of the characters involved. What I enjoyed the most were the references to people that many of us have heard of: Babyface Nelson, Al Capone, Ma Barker and gang as well as celebrities such as Dean Martin, Frank Sinatra, J.F.K., Bobby Kennedy and even Marilyn Monroe. The references to the days preceding Marilyn Monroe's death were especially intriguing to me, as I have always been fascinated with what, exactly, lead up to her death...and who killed her. While the book does not speculate as to what really happened to her, the details it does give are great! I highly recommend this book, and thoroughly enjoyed reading it!

Well Worth the Read!
Like so many others, I've passed through Reno at various times - stopping only briefly - without ever giving a thought one way or the other to the area other than the obvious entertainment factor. While I have never considered myself a history buff, I was quickly caught up in the fascinating Roots of Reno. The book's well written narrative makes it easy to imagine the various well-known characters whose lives briefly touched and added to the colorful history of the area. I thoroughly enjoyed this book, which makes it very easy to recommend.