Lawbreaking Schemes in Las Vegas use

Criminals in Las Vegas employ various tactics to exploit the city's environment, especially considering its reputation for gambling, tourism, and nightlife. Some common tactics include:

1. Card Counting and Cheating in Casinos:
   • Some criminals attempt to cheat casinos using techniques like card counting, marking cards, or using hidden devices to gain an unfair advantage in games like blackjack or poker.
2. Slot Machine Manipulation:
   • Advanced criminals may use specialized tools or software to manipulate slot machines. This can include tampering with the machine’s hardware or exploiting software glitches.
3. Scams and Cons:
   • Scammers might approach tourists with too-good-to-be-true offers, rigged games, or counterfeit goods. Common scams include the "pigeon drop" (a fake money-finding scenario) or the "three-card monte" game.
4. Pickpocketing and Theft:
   • With the large crowds in Las Vegas, pickpocketing is a common tactic. Criminals often work in teams to distract and steal from unsuspecting tourists.
5. Drug-Related Crimes:
   • The nightlife in Las Vegas can be a hub for drug-related activities. Criminals may sell drugs to tourists or use drugs as leverage in other illegal activities.
6. Human Trafficking:
   • Unfortunately, Las Vegas is also a hotspot for human trafficking, especially in the context of sex work. Criminal organizations may exploit vulnerable individuals, particularly during large events or conventions.
7. Counterfeit Money:
   • Criminals sometimes attempt to pass counterfeit bills in casinos, bars, and other establishments. Casinos are generally well-equipped to detect this, but smaller businesses may be more vulnerable.
8. ATM Skimming:
   • Criminals may install skimming devices on ATMs to steal credit card information from tourists and locals. These devices can be difficult to detect but are a common method of fraud.
9. Cybercrime:
   • With the increase in digital transactions, cybercriminals may target casinos or tourists through phishing scams, hacking attempts, or ransomware attacks.
10. Fake Employment Offers:
    • Criminals may pose as legitimate employers offering high-paying jobs in the casino or hospitality industry, only to scam applicants out of money or personal information.
11. Hotel Room Theft:
    • Some criminals specifically target hotel rooms, using fake IDs or bribing staff to gain access. They may steal valuables, credit cards, or other personal items from guests.
12. Organized Crime:
    • While less visible than in the past, organized crime still has a presence in Las Vegas. These groups may be involved in illegal gambling operations, loan sharking, or illicit activities.

Las Vegas law enforcement and casino security are highly vigilant, but the city's vibrant and often chaotic atmosphere provides ample opportunities for criminals to operate.

What are some of the most infamous criminals in Las Vegas?

Las Vegas has a rich history of crime, with some notorious criminals and figures that have left a significant mark on the city's history. Here are a few of the most infamous:

1. Benjamin "Bugsy" Siegel

• Background: A notorious mobster, Bugsy Siegel played a crucial role in the development of Las Vegas. He was instrumental in the creation of the Flamingo Hotel, one of the first luxury casinos on the Las Vegas Strip.
• Infamy: Siegel's involvement in organized crime, including bootlegging, gambling, and murder, made him a feared figure. His lavish spending on the Flamingo led to suspicions within the mob that he was skimming money. He was murdered in 1947, possibly on orders from the mob.

2. Tony "The Ant" Spilotro

• Background: Tony Spilotro a feared enforcer for the Chicago Outfit, tasked with overseeing the mob's interests in Las Vegas during the 1970s and 1980s.
• Infamy: Spilotro was involved in numerous illegal activities, including extortion, loan sharking, and murder. He also ran the "Hole in the Wall Gang," a burglary ring that targeted high-value properties. His violent reputation and numerous criminal activities made him a significant figure in Las Vegas's criminal underworld. He was murdered in 1986, likely by the mob.

3. Frank "Lefty" Rosenthal

• Background: A sports handicapper and casino executive, Frank Rosenthal was closely associated with the Chicago Outfit and ran several Las Vegas casinos like Stardust, the mob's influence.
• Infamy: Rosenthal was known for his involvement in illegal sports betting operations and for skimming casino profits for the mob. His life was the inspiration for the character portrayed by Robert De Niro in the movie Casino (1995). His tumultuous relationship with Tony Spilotro and various attempts on his life added to his notoriety.

4. Meyer Lansky

• Background: An influential figure in organized crime, Meyer Lansky was involved in the creation and operation of several casinos in Las Vegas. He was a key player in the development of the Las Vegas Strip.
• Infamy: Lansky was one of the most powerful mobsters in America, with connections to various criminal enterprises, including gambling, bootlegging, and money laundering. Although he was never convicted of any major crimes, his influence over the Las Vegas casino industry and his connections to other mob figures made him infamous.

5. Nicky Scarfo

• Background: Nicholas "Nicky" Scarfo was the boss of the Philadelphia crime family during the 1980s, and he had interests in Las Vegas.
• Infamy: Scarfo was known for his brutal tactics and involvement in various illegal activities, including murder, racketeering, and extortion. His connections to Las Vegas were part of a broader effort by East Coast crime families to exert influence over the city's lucrative casino industry.

6. FBI's Operation 'Strawman'

• Background: In the 1980s, the FBI conducted Operation Strawman to uncover mob influence in Las Vegas casinos. The operation exposed the mob's skimming of casino profits and led to significant arrests and convictions.
• Infamy: The operation highlighted the deep connections between organized crime and the Las Vegas casino industry. The fallout from this investigation contributed to the decline of mob influence in Las Vegas.

7. Ted Binion

• Background: Ted Binion was the son of Benny Binion, the founder of Binion's Horseshoe Casino. Ted was involved in the family business and had a well-known reputation in Las Vegas.
• Infamy: Ted Binion's death in 1998 under suspicious circumstances led to a high-profile murder trial. His girlfriend, Sandy Murphy, and her lover, Rick Tabish, were initially convicted of his murder, though they were later acquitted in a retrial. The case captivated Las Vegas and highlighted the darker side of the casino industry.

8. "The Black Book"

• Background: The Nevada Gaming Control Board maintains a "Black Book," formally known as the List of Excluded Persons. Individuals on this list are banned from entering casinos in Nevada due to their criminal backgrounds.
• Infamy: Being placed in the Black Book is a mark of infamy, often reserved for those involved in organized crime or significant illegal activities related to gambling. Many notorious criminals associated with Las Vegas have found their names on this list.

These individuals and events represent just a glimpse of the darker side of Las Vegas's history, showcasing the city's complex relationship with organized crime and the challenges of maintaining law and order in a place known for excess and opportunity.