Writer: John L. Smith
Will Trump return to Las Vegas or even the casino business? Don’t bet on it
After four tumultuous years, Donald Trump is no longer President of the United States. Impeached twice and the provoker of a failed... more
‘Sugartime’ revisited: Remembering a Las Vegas hall-of-famer
Singer Phyllis McGuire, who died just before New Year’s in Las Vegas at age 89, never ran a casino – but there was a time she turned the... more
The gaming industry should tip its hat to the late Nevada State Sen. Joe Neal
As a Nevada state senator for more than three decades, Joe Neal rarely agreed with the powerful gaming industry on anything. He was a thorn... more
Troubled Tony Hsieh should be remembered with respect on Fremont Street
Think of the history of downtown Las Vegas, and a few names spring to the forefront of any conversation. Cowboy Benny Binion is there, so... more
Lem Banker was a sports bettor for all seasons
Long before he became famous for picking winners in the Super Bowl, Lem Banker was a tall, talented young basketball player growing up in... more
Remembering when Hazel Park Raceway had LV bookmakers ‘steamed’
America was busy celebrating its bicentennial in the summer of 1976, but the racebook bosses of Las Vegas weren’t in a mood for fireworks.... more
Casino Lit: In times like these, we can all use a vacation at the Sands
In a world roiling with a runaway coronavirus pandemic and seemingly endless political controversy, no one can blame you for wanting to... more
On the precipice of change in America, transition continues in gaming industry
The first question spread like a grassland fire through the gaming industry. Was Las Vegas Sands in serious talks to sell its Strip... more
Mask up: Sisolak gives hope for the struggling Las Vegas convention industry
For some, and let’s hope their numbers are dwindling, Nevada Gov. Steve Sisolak has moved too slowly to reopen the state’s economy amid a... more
Confidence in downtown: Tip your hat to indefatigable Circa’s Derek Stevens
The history of the casino industry is full of confident characters, people who would have given P.T. Barnum a run for his money in the... more
