On this day in 1948, the Thunderbird Casino made its debut on the Las Vegas Strip, marking the beginning of a notable chapter in the city’s history. As one of the earliest casinos to grace the Strip, the Thunderbird was designed with a Native American theme, featuring murals and decor that reflected this motif. It quickly became a popular destination for both locals and tourists, attracting visitors with its unique style and the allure of the burgeoning Las Vegas gambling scene.
Controversy and Mob Connections
The Thunderbird’s history took a dramatic turn in the 1950s when it became embroiled in controversy over its alleged connections to organized crime. Reports surfaced in 1955 suggesting that Jake Lansky, brother of notorious mobster Meyer Lansky, was secretly involved in the casino’s operations. This revelation led to an investigation by the Nevada Tax Commission, which discovered that Jake Lansky had been receiving a share of the casino’s profits. These findings were a significant concern, as they highlighted the growing influence of organized crime in Nevada’s gaming industry.
Establishment of the Nevada State Gaming Control Board
In response to the scandal, Nevada Governor Charles Russell took decisive action to curb the influence of organized crime in the state’s casinos. He advocated for the creation of the Nevada State Gaming Control Board, an entity designed to regulate the gaming industry and ensure its integrity. This move was a critical step in shaping the modern regulatory framework that governs Nevada’s casinos today.
Revocation of Licenses and Legacy
Following the investigation, the newly formed Gaming Control Board revoked the gaming licenses of the Thunderbird’s co-owners, Clifford Jones, who was also Nevada’s lieutenant governor, and Marion Hicks, a prominent property developer. Despite this setback, Hicks later managed to regain his license and continued to operate the Thunderbird until his death in 1961. The casino changed hands several times over the years, becoming the Silverbird in the late 1970s and later the El Rancho in 1982.
The End of an Era
The Thunderbird’s long and storied history came to an end with the demolition of the El Rancho in 2000. Today, the site is occupied by the Fontainebleau Las Vegas, a testament to the ever-evolving landscape of the Las Vegas Strip. The Thunderbird’s legacy lives on as a symbol of the early days of Las Vegas, a time when the city was just beginning to earn its reputation as the entertainment capital of the world.
For more information, visit the Online Nevada Encyclopedia.
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