Tag Archives: Mob

Pete’s New “Havana Before Castro” Website and Tour Maps

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Because of the renewed interest in Cuba travel, it made sense to completely revamp my Havana Before Castro website.  It includes chapter summaries, a downloadable sample chapter, and cool Then & Now photos.   Take a look! People are using … Continue reading

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Celebration of Vegas El Cortez Hotel/Casino on National Register of Historic Places

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A fabulous celebration occurred Thursday, May 9th in front of the El Cortez Hotel & Casino in Las Vegas.  It was in honor of the property’s listing in the National Register of Historic Places for its role in the development … Continue reading

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The Mob, the El Cortez, and the Flamingo

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Gambling was legalized in Nevada in 1931.  The first legal gambling clubs in Las Vegas were simply business as usual, with back room gambling relocated to the front room facing Fremont Street.  Locals were the main market, although other clubs, … Continue reading

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Family Feud: Havana vs. Las Vegas in the 1950s. Part 2

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The great Havana building boom of 1956-1958 saw the completion of the biggest, most extravagant hotel-casinos outside of Las Vegas.  First to be erected was the glittering Hotel Capri, a modern 19-story edifice with the novelty of a rooftop swimming … Continue reading

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Family Feud: Havana vs. Las Vegas in the 1950s. Part 1

This gallery contains 11 photos.

Before Castro’s revolution, Havana and Las Vegas were rivals for the title of “Monte Carlo of the Americas.” Cuba was exotic, tropical, wild, and close by.  Las Vegas was dry, dusty and remote.  In Cuba, the mob invested heavily in … Continue reading

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