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Summary: Entertaining history, but too much focus on Circus Circus
Review: An enjoyable history of the post-mob Las Vegas, but too much emphasis on Circus Circus Enterprises (now Mandalay). Quite a bit of the book was devoted to the rise of Circus Circus, rather than a holistic view of all of the movers and shakers. It left me wondering how much of the book was funded by Circus Circus.
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Summary: Behind the Scenes of How the Super Casino's Came About
Review: An excellent, extremely readable book that traces the history of the Super Casino phenomenom. The details on the financing of these behemoths had the potential to be dry, but Early kept it alive and moving (a remarkable talent). The vignettes by "Vegas People" were fascinating reading and the details concerning Circus Circus Corp and the development of the Luxor were intriguing. Thanks to Early and the co-operation of the Circus Circus group (now Mandalay properties) we are treated to the behind-the-scenes of how Las Vegas has become, once again, America's playground (but please leave the kids at home). Oh yeah, thanks to Early I'll never drop another "dime" on a roulette table. One of the best Vegas books to come along in years.
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Summary: Inside Corporate-Run Sin City
Review: An interesting and very readable book about the new "Super Casinos"of Las Vegas. Using an unbiased, journalistic approach, Earley starts with a brief history of the genesis of Sin City before delving into an in-depth look at the Circus-Circus corporation (which gave the author fairly broad access to the company's inner workings/politics -- at times probably regrettably so). There is a lot of interesting information about how any casino works -- from the positioning of slot machines (and how they are programmed to pay out) to high-stakes card tables to how room rates can change by the minute to maximize occupancy rates.Earley effectively weaves several personal narratives throughout the book. From long-time casino employees to millionnaire-corporate executives to a Vegas showgirl to an under-age prostitute (with the proverbial "heart of gold). Anecdotal tales of casino con artists, high-rollers, and a local gentleman and his wife suffering from Alzheimers among many others should keep most readers' attention. I have visited Las Vegas several times over the years and love it. Though not a huge fan of the Circus Circus properties, the book helped me to understand why -- and how the now renamed corporation (Mandalay Bay) is trying to change that. A definite recommendation to any fellow Vegas fan (or, in general, casino lover) or future visitor.
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Summary: Interesting take on the new corporate structure in Las Vegas
Review: As someone who has close relatives that live in Las Vegas - this was a useful translation of all the things they tell me about the new casinos and the politics behind them. The author concentrates just a bit too much on the Circus Circus (now Mandalay Resorts) story and not enough on the other super casino operators (Steve Wynn's Mirage Resorts, MGM Grand, Hilton, etc.), but that's to be expected, since Mandalay seems to be the only one who gave him full access. The history of the shift from mobster-run to corporate-run casinos reads more like a book on Microsoft and Bill Gates rather than Bugsy Siegal, so if you're looking for "The Untouchables" type action, look elsewhere. Business types will find this book more to their particular tastes. I haven't been in the Luxor lately, which is the focus of the second half of this book. However, I think I will go and see what they've done to fix it in the five years since I was there. It sounds as if they've done it right. What is most fascinating for the non-business person about Super Casino is the interviews Earley has done with the background people; the dealers, the supervisors, the security people, the regular gamblers, and the underage prostitute. There are no insights on how to beat Vegas - quite the opposite. Without picking sides in the debate, Earley shows how the odds are tilted in favor of the house. If you don't like the odds that Vegas offers, don't play. What is missing is more information on how Vegas has tried to re-mold itself into a family destination. Earley covers it briefly, but doesn't really address it. For example, Circus Circus built a mini-amusement park within its casino area. Perhaps I missed it, but I didn't find any reference to it (although he did mention MGM's theme park briefly). There is no mention of the Star Trek Experience, Wet & Wild, or lots of other things that parents can bring their children to. I'm not a spokesman for those places, but I do believe they deserved more than a brief mention or omission.
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Summary: A GOOD LOOK INSIDE
Review: Being a "Vegas Buff" for almost 40 years, I think I have read just about every-thing written about this very American, very strange town in the desert. The author has done a wonderful job of explaing what really goes on behind the scenes, and brings the reader into a new world rarely seen,by most of us. His detailed reporting is excellent, and truly commend his efforts. Can't wait to see his next story.
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Summary: super casino
Review: Dear Pete: I have been reading the book and it is wonderful but I had one question. On page 99 you say that Bally's doesn't exist any more and it does. It is right where the MGM Grand usto be. Maybe I read it wrong some way. Thanks, I love the book. Kodi
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Summary: On the Inside
Review: Earley has combined two books in one. In the first, as a cultural anthropologist, he examines the creation and evolution of what has become one of the world's most fascinating communities. In the second, as a journalist, he focuses on The Luxor to which he was given almost complete access. We are thus provided with an abundance of historical information which creates a frame-of-reference within which to examine virtually every component of a single casino. In so saying, I do NOT in any way want to suggest that Super Casino is in any sense dry, dull, etc. On the contrary, it is a page-turner. There are so many colorful "characters" ("players"?) portrayed, so many spell-binding plots and subplots, so many memorable moments. We tag along with Earley as he observes and interacts with a veritable "feast" of humanity and inhumanity. They're all here. Pioneers. Con artists. Celebrity entertainers. Pinstriped Samurai. Mobsters. Visionaries. Pimps and prostitutes. Bottom feeders. Victims. Victimizers. Perhaps not since ancient Rome was most glorious and most decadent has there been another community on this planet in which the best and worst qualities of the human race have been more in evidence than within the gaming segment of Las Vegas. Those who read this book may incorrectly conclude that the Strip and Las Vegas are the same. They are not. It has been my great privilege and pleasure to explore the metropolitan area and, in terms of its (non-casino) business climate and quality of life, I would rate it very highly. Indeed, superior to almost all other metropolitan areas. But that is not the subject of Earley's book. Who will most enjoy reading it? My guess is that they would include those who have already experienced Las Vegas and perhaps have asked "How did all this happen? What really occurs behind the scene? What is the inside story on all the changes which have occurred?" Also those who have never been to Las Vegas but have seen the movies (eg Ocean's Eleven and Casino), have heard about the antics of celebrities (eg Howard Hughes, Elvis, Sinatra and his Rat Pack, Liberace, Wayne Newton), have read about the extravagances (Steve Wynn's art collection), and ask "How much of this is true? Is it really like that?" This is a "great read."
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Summary: Jackpot!!!
Review: Ever since my wife and I first visited Las Vegas, in 1998, we have been in love with the city. Because of this I have read several books on Las Vegas over the last few years. What sets this book apart is the fact that it reads almost like a novel. There are no boring or overly long passages about the history of the city, instead it is an examination of the present day Las Vegas, and its obsession since the late 1980's with the large resort casinos. Interspersed throughout are stories of real people, including a call-girl, a dancer and several casino executives. I was surprised at how quickly I finished the book, due mostly to my need to know what would happen next in the lives of these real "characters."
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Summary: For all Vegas Fans
Review: Everyone knows how much I love Vegas ! - and this book was given to me as a gift - it is so well written I couldn't put it down ! - really brings Vegas to life - a must for all Vegas fans - thank you Mr Earley for a wonderful book .
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Summary: One of the Best Books on "Inside" Las Vegas
Review: Fabulous book on the inner workings of the casino industry. The first half of the book is a short history of the city, detailing the exploits of such Vegas characters as Jay Sarno, Howard Hughes, and of course, Bugsy Siegel. The second half focuses strictly on Luxor. The author was granted complete access to meetings and was able to interview anyone he wished. He talked with everyone from management to dealers to cab drivers to prostitutes. If you want to read about the inner workings of a casino and how decisions are made, this is the book to read. Very entertaining from cover to cover. There has been a little criticism on why this book focuses on Circus Circus and not Steve Wynn and his Mirage Resorts. Wynn has been a bit "gun shy" in dealing with the press since the litigation over his biography a couple of years ago.
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