The Stardust Casino, with its glittering lights and luxurious offerings, was a beacon of Las Vegas nightlife. However, beneath the glamorous surface lay a dark underbelly of organized crime and mob connections. This article delves into the hidden history of the Stardust Casino's ties to the mob, revealing a complex web of corruption, scandal, and intrigue. While the physical casino is no more, its legacy continues through the Stardust Social Casino, a modern platform that brings the excitement of the original Stardust to a new generation of players.
The Early Connections: Mob Influence from the Start
From its inception, the Stardust Casino had ties to organized crime. Tony Cornero, the casino's original founder, was a notorious figure in the gambling world with connections to the mob. Cornero, also known as “The Admiral,” had a history of running illegal gambling operations and was no stranger to the criminal underworld.
Despite facing numerous legal and financial challenges, Cornero managed to open the Stardust Casino in 1958. However, his tenure was short-lived, as he died under mysterious circumstances shortly after the casino's grand opening. This set the stage for the mob's deeper involvement in the Stardust's operations.
The Chicago Outfit Takes Control
After Cornero's death, the Stardust Casino fell into the hands of various mob-connected individuals and groups. One of the most significant players was the Chicago Outfit, a powerful organized crime syndicate. The Outfit saw the Stardust as a prime opportunity to skim profits and launder money through its operations.
In the 1970s, the Chicago Outfit's control over the Stardust became more apparent. Frank “Lefty” Rosenthal, a reputed mob associate, was installed as the casino's manager. Rosenthal, known for his sharp mind and deep understanding of gambling, was the real power behind the Stardust's operations, even though his official title was that of entertainment director due to his inability to obtain a gaming license.
The Skimming Operation: Millions Stolen
The most notorious aspect of the mob's involvement with the Stardust Casino was the skimming operation. The Chicago Outfit, along with other organized crime families, systematically skimmed millions of dollars from the casino's profits before they could be reported to the authorities. This illegal siphoning of funds was done with the complicity of the casino's management and employees.
The skimming operation involved various methods, including manipulating the casino's accounting systems, underreporting earnings, and physically removing cash from the premises. The stolen money was then distributed among the mob families, enriching them and funding their other criminal activities.
The FBI Investigation: Operation Strawman
The extensive skimming at the Stardust and other Las Vegas casinos eventually caught the attention of federal authorities. The FBI launched Operation Strawman, a comprehensive investigation aimed at uncovering the mob's involvement in the casino industry. Undercover agents, wiretaps, and surveillance were all part of the effort to gather evidence against the mob-connected individuals running the Stardust.
In 1983, the investigation culminated in a series of indictments and arrests. Key figures, including Frank Rosenthal and several members of the Chicago Outfit, were charged with various crimes, including skimming, tax evasion, and conspiracy. The legal actions taken during Operation Strawman significantly weakened the mob's grip on the Stardust and other casinos in Las Vegas.
The Downfall: Frank Rosenthal and the End of an Era
Frank Rosenthal's tenure at the Stardust came to a dramatic end in the early 1980s. In addition to the legal troubles stemming from the skimming operation, Rosenthal survived a car bombing in 1982, an incident widely believed to be an attempted assassination by the mob. The explosion, which occurred outside a Las Vegas restaurant, severely injured Rosenthal but ultimately failed to kill him.
Following the car bombing and the FBI's crackdown on organized crime, Rosenthal's influence over the Stardust waned. He eventually left Las Vegas and entered the witness protection program, providing valuable testimony against his former associates. The departure of Rosenthal marked the end of an era for the Stardust Casino and its deep ties to the mob.
The Stardust's Continued Legacy: Stardust Social Casino
Although the physical Stardust Casino no longer exists, its legacy endures through the Stardust Social Casino. This modern platform offers players a chance to experience the excitement and allure of the original Stardust from the comfort of their homes. By featuring a variety of slot machines and table games, the Stardust Social Casino pays homage to the legendary establishment while providing a safe and legal environment for gaming enthusiasts.
The Stardust Social Casino serves as a reminder of the storied history of its predecessor, allowing players to connect with a piece of Las Vegas history while enjoying the thrills of online gaming. The social casino continues the tradition of offering top-notch entertainment and gaming experiences, ensuring that the spirit of the Stardust lives on.
Conclusion
The story of the Stardust Casino and its connections to the mob is a fascinating tale of glamour, corruption, and intrigue. From its early days under Tony Cornero to the skimming operations orchestrated by the Chicago Outfit, the Stardust's history is deeply intertwined with the world of organized crime. While the casino itself may be gone, its legacy lives on through the Stardust Social Casino, ensuring that the memory of this iconic establishment continues to captivate and entertain new generations of players.