believed in Las Vegas. While others scoffed at the desert gambling outpost, he envisioned the resort metropolis it would become. But it probably would not have happened without him. Taking charge of a tiny bank, Thomas built the institution by doing something his competitors would not: he loaned money to casino operators. Thomas' willingness to finance the boys with shady pasts helped transform Las Vegas into an international tourist mecca.Thomas, who for decades operated largely out of the spotlight, reveals how he and other Las Vegas pioneers made it all happen. Thomas describes the deals he made to build and expand Strip hotels such as the Sahara, Stardust, Sands and Riviera. He also provides fresh insights into the Howard Hughes years, as he played a key role in the reclusive billionaire's casino and real estate buying spree.

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