Here is my latest in Vegas Seven, about two Caesars transactions that, I think, augur the future: It’s no secret that both online and social gaming are growing; millions of people play “for free” each day, and at least 10 states—including California and Texas—are mulling the legalization of straight-up online gambling. The two transactions show […]
Caesars’ Changing Empire | Vegas Seven Read More »
Vegas SevenThe Sarno Roundtable event went off on Sunday at Lied Library. It was a tremendous experience, but don’t take my word for it. Here’s what KSNV has to say:
You can access that report here if the embedded video isn’t happening: Biography profiles Caesars Palace developer Jay Sarno
The Las Vegas Sun also covered the event:
David Schwartz, director of UNLV’s Center for Gaming, moderated the panel through discussions of Sarno’s life in Las Vegas during the 1960s. The panel members talked about Sarno’s court battles with the FBI, his legacy on the Strip and his eccentric lifestyle that made him a divisive figure in Las Vegas.
“There was nobody in Las Vegas who was neutral on the subject of Jay Sarno,” Schwartz said. “People loved him and people couldn’t stand him. There was no middle.”
Jay Sarno remembered for doing ‘something nobody had ever done before’
But you don’t have to take their word for it—you can listen to the entire roundtable right here, since it’s now a UNLV Gaming Podcast.
I’d like to thank everyone from Lied Library who helped plan and run the event, all of the panelists for showing up and being so candid, and everyone who attended. It was truly a great night, and a sign of just how important Jay Sarno was to the development of Las Vegas.
Reaction to Sarno Roundtable at Lied Library Read More »
authorOn Friday, Jay Sarno’s daughter September was the guest on KSNV’s Ralston Reports, in advance of the March 2 event at Lied Library:
It’s a great glimpse into Sarno’s life, and a chance to hear what one of his children thinks of the book.
September Sarno talks Grandissimo on Ralston Reports Read More »
authorIt’s always encouraging to see positive reviews, so I was happy to see that New England gambling blog NETime Gambling gave Grandissimo a nice write-up:
The book is a wonderful read. Whether you are a fan of Vegas or gambling history , or even if you enjoy reading about larger-than-life characters, this book will be a tough one to put down once started. The background of the self-made man who built Caesars is just the beginning of a roller-coaster ride through Jay Sarno’s life
The reviewer does a good job of summarizing the book, so if you’re on the fence about reading it and want an outside opinion, you might want to click over and see what he has to say.
Review on NETime Gambling Read More »
UncategorizedWhen Derek Stevens started accepting Bitcoin at The D and Golden Gate, I became curious: How did he make the decision to do this, and why? The result of my curiosity is this week’s Green Felt Journal: Sometimes a story about newfangled technology doubles as one about old-fashioned neighborhood gumption. When The D and the
What Does Bitcoin’s Downtown Presence Say About Las Vegas—and the Future? | Vegas Seven Read More »
Vegas SevenThis morning, the Las Vegas Review-Journal published an op-ed piece I wrote about the ultimate futility of online gaming prohibition: The nation faces a dangerously seductive form of gambling, as cross-border, high tech telecommunications networks threaten to siphon money out of homes across the country. The problem is getting worse, and the states, with the
Prohibition not the right answer for online gaming in Las Vegas Review-Journal Read More »
news about gamblingLast Friday, George Knapp of 8 News Now’s I-Team ran a feature on Jay Sarno’s legacy and Grandissimo:
While some might think the father of the Las Vegas Strip is mobster Bugsy Seigel, or casino titans Kirk Kerkorian or Steve Wynn, the true architect of modern Las Vegas might be a self-described degenerate gambler named Jay Sarno.
While there is no statue to honor Sarno’s memory, there is a new book that tells his amazing story, warts and all
I’m glad that George reached out to me for this. Here is the video of the story:
And a link to the video if that embed doesn’t work.
The I-Team tackles Grandissimo Read More »
authorLast Thursday, I took part in Frequency, DTLV.com’s interview series. It was a great night, and I’m thrilled that the event was recorded so that you can see it for yourself:
Watch Frequency With David G. Schwartz, William Swaney and Wassa Coulibaly
I’d like to thank my friend and editor Greg Miller for being a great interviewer—wonderful questions and we could have talked for much, much longer.
Watch Grandissimo on Frequency Read More »
interviewLast Thursday, I took part in Frequency, DTLV.com’s interview series. It was a great night, and I’m thrilled that the event was recorded so that you can see it for yourself:
Watch Frequency With David G. Schwartz, William Swaney and Wassa Coulibaly
I’d like to thank my friend and editor Greg Miller for being a great interviewer—wonderful questions and we could have talked for much, much longer.
Watch Grandissimo on Frequency Read More »
interviewThis morning I received the flyer for next month’s event at the Clark County Library (1401 E. Flamingo Rd).
On March 6, at 7 p.m., I”m giving a talk called “Grandisismo: How Jay Sarno’s Wild Life Changed Las Vegas” and signing books.
Here’s the flyer—would love to see you there:
Grandissimo at the Clark County Library, 3/6 Read More »
UncategorizedI’m thrilled to be taking part in the next Frequency event at The Beat in Downtown Las Vegas. Here’s all the info you need:
Just in case that image didn’t display for you, the event is on February 13 at 7 PM, live in The Beat, 520 Fremont St Las Vegas, NV 89101.
I hope to see you there!
Live Event! Frequency @ The Beat Read More »
eventsI was one of many guests interviewed on Peter Greenberg Worldwide’s radio show. You can listen to the episode here:
Peter Greenberg Worldwide – Nobu Hotel Caesars Palace – January 18, 2014
It was a nice chance to talk about Grandissimo for a national audience, and I’ve got to say that Peter is one of the best interviewers I’ve encountered. Totally conversational, but always moving the show ahead, talking with him on air is just great. I also talk candidly about my past career as Mr. Peanut, among other things.
Grandissimo on Peter Greenberg Worldwide Read More »
life in vegasIn this week’s Green Felt Journal, I take a look at the New Jersey Division of Gaming Enforcement’s decision to release less information about gaming win. I think it’s a bad thing: The industry is often misunderstood, partially because many people don’t grasp the nature of casino math. Some confuse the amount of money gambled
Numbers, Transparency, and the Health of Gaming | Vegas Seven Read More »
Vegas SevenOn Sunday, March 2, at 4 PM, you will get a chance to hear some of those who knew Jay Sarno intimately talk about his life and legacy:
Jay Sarno did more than build two of the most iconic casinos in the world, Caesars Palace and Circus Circus. He created the mold for modern Las Vegas. In this panel discussion, those who knew him best will talk about his contributions and his quirks.
Panelists include
- Oscar Goodman, former Las Vegas mayor and sarno’s attorney
- Burton Cohen, casino president
- Mel Larson, former Circus Circus vice president of marketing
- Jay C. Sarno, September Sarno, Freddie Sarno, and Heidi
- Sarno Straus, Jay sarno’s children
The panel will be moderated by David G. Schwartz, author of Sarno biography Grandissimo: The First Emperor of Las Vegas. books will be available for purchase and signing after the discussion.
The event, which takes place at Lied Library, is free and open to the public, though Registration is encouraged
Register online at www.library.unlv.edu/sarno-rsvp or call 702-895-2277 by Monday, February 24.
Light refreshments will be served.
View invitation here (pdf)
Grandissimo Event: Jay Sarno Roundtable, March 2 Read More »
eventsGrandissimo has a write-up in the View’s “Literary Las Vegas” section:
Atlantic City native David G. Schwartz has a Ph.D. in U.S. history from the University of California, Los Angeles, and has hands-on experience in the gaming industry. Since since 2001 Schwartz has been at UNLV, where he serves as the director of UNLV’s Center for Gaming Research. The professor, speaker and consultant is also the author of several books on the gaming industry including his newest “Grandissimo: The First Emperor of Las Vegas: How Jay Sarno Won a Casino Empire, Lost It, and Inspired Modern Las Vegas.”
There is also a brief excerpt from the book.
Grandissimo in Literary Las Vegas Read More »
reviewsIf you want to buy Grandissimo in Las Vegas, there is one more place for you to visit. The Neon Museum now has several signed copies of the book for sale. If you haven’t been to the museum before, here’s everything you need to know:
Neon Museum
770 N Las Vegas Blvd, Las Vegas, NV 89101 (directions)
I’m thrilled to be working with the Neon Museum, and very happy that people have one more place to connect with the book in person.
New Retail Partner: The Neon Museum Read More »
authorIn this week’s Green Felt Journal, I take a look at the resurgent American Gaming Association and what it means for Las Vegas: In the past few months, the American Gaming Association has almost completely regenerated itself. Even though the gaming industry’s chief lobbying group has the same name and offices, it has a renewed
The American Gaming Association Takes a Smart New Direction | Vegas Seven Read More »
Vegas SevenThe Grandissimo media tour continues, this time as the author spends some time with Glenn Haussman, host of the Hotel Interactive podcast:
David G. Schwartz is not just a PhD but also the Director, Center for Gaming Research, at the University of Nevada Las Vegas, an amazing historian as well as the author of several books including Roll The Bones, which is a history of gambling since the dawn of time and his newest, Grandissimo: The First Emperor of Las Vegas, the story of Caesars Palace developer Jay Sarno.
To listen to the podcast, follow the above link or go here.
Grandissimo on Hotel Interactive Read More »
authorWith a busy spring ahead of me, I have updated the events page. Click through for the entire list. I’m excited to be featured in a number of events at Clark County, Henderson, and UNLV libraries, as well as UNLV’s University Forum lecture series.
And of course, I’m happy to take any chance I get to talk to people about Grandissimo in particular and all the other things I find fascinating about Las Vegas in general. I hope to see you at one or more events this spring!
And if you would like me to speak to your group, please get in touch.
Events listing updated for spring Read More »
eventsHere is my final Green Felt Journal of 2013. It’s perhaps appropriate that it looks ahead to 2014: While 2013 was mostly a year of building and transition, Las Vegas should definitively enter the post-recession era in 2014. That won’t mean a return to pre-recession prosperity, but rather a shift in how casinos approach visitors.
The Action, for Resorts, Is on the Street | Vegas Seven Read More »
Vegas Seven