1. pg. 221 - Why did the western theme worked so well for the El Rancho Vegas?

2. pg. 227 - Was fear the fourth reason that people would agree to mob affiliated funding?

3. pg. 237 - Do you think that the reason Rothstein didn�t gamble often was due to the fact he was notorious for cheating and fixing games, especially after 1919?

4. What are the Pros and Cons for placing a theme on a casino resort? Pg.221 and 244

5. Do you agree with the author�s assessment that gambling was a sort of �ideal� middle ground for illegal activity? ��Less stigma than drug-running or prostitution, and less messy than taking over unions or loan sharking.� Pg. 227

6. The author states there are two main reasons for the lowering of organized crime in the casino business: leaders aging out and going legit and the move to more illegal activities such as narcotics or racketeering. Discuss these reasons and more. Pg.257-258

7. Wilkerson self-described himself as a �degenerate pathological gambler.� If he ended up running The Flamingo, do you think it would actually cure himself by building his own casino? Do you think The Flamingo would have been successful right from the beginning he had continue to run it?

8. Do you think it is ironic that gambling is presented in the context of a relaxing vacation? (Refers to picture on pg. 222)

9. Which do you was the more successful organized crime during this era, owning saloons or owning a �casino�?

10. Why do you think famous gamblers were seen as heroic figures, but not Scarne? (237)

11. Do you believe that most casino owners come from a history of doing illegal crimes?