Writer: John L. Smith
Universal embarrassment: Okada suspended from company he founded
Kazuo Okada is known as a proud man. For a long time he had much to be proud of. He founded and built Universal Entertainment Corp. into a... more
The Black Book Series, Part One: Notorious men, and a pug named Garcia
The first class of characters placed on Nevada’s infamous “List of Excluded Persons” in 1960 was a mostly notorious lot. Newspaper readers... more
Babe Ruth: Gillis Gathering a Reminder of Vegas Past
About the time the ventriloquist with the Groucho bird puppet began chirping and chattering, I decided Ruth Gillis’ birthday party wasn’t... more
Environmental shades of green: MGM’s embrace of increased renewable energy use must be good for business
News that MGM Resorts International is supporting legislation to gradually increase the amount of electricity Nevada uses from renewable... more
Gaming titans finally have a pal in the White House, but…
In a business that not so long ago was forced to communicate with the president through back channels and bag men, the casino industry... more
The Guest House at Graceland: An Elvis tribute that — thank you, very much — isn’t tacky
MEMPHIS — Like most Americans of a certain age, I grew up with Elvis Presley. Not the actual man from Tupelo, but the image of him as... more
Cab industry in crisis — and transition — but remains a major transportation player in LV
It’s no longer hip to hail a taxi, but the cab industry continues to play an integral role in the everyday grind of the great Las Vegas... more
Uptight NFL obviously still adjusting to its Vegas decision
After much consideration, I’ve decided watching the National Football League’s official relationship with Las Vegas develop is going to be... more
Walters loses big in federal court, now says he’ll double down
Even his greatest enemies — and he’s had significant ones — would admit that sports bettor and developer Billy Walters enjoyed... more
Another major news outlet gives nod to the evolution of sports betting
Sports betting’s long, strange trip from American pariah to legitimate business continues to make headlines. Take the front-page story in... more
