The Big Gamble in the Desert: The Builders and Visionaries of Modern Las Vegas
Modern Las Vegas is largely the product of visionaries who gambled that this remote desert outpost could be transformed from a Mob playground into an international resort destination. Parry Thomas turned a small bank into a catalyst for the burgeoning casino industry. William Bennett mastered the techniques for bringing middle America to Las Vegas. Steve Wynn and Kirk Kerkorian’s creativity and financial wizardry led Las Vegas into the megaresort age. Veteran Las Vegas journalist Jack Sheehan interviewed them all, and he will share stories and insights from his 40 years of chronicling the Las Vegas story. Guest speakers will include Diana Bennett, daughter of casino owner William Bennett, and Peter Thomas, son of Las Vegas banker Parry Thomas.