The Untold History of Las Vegas: From Lefty Rosenthal to the Rise of Professional Casino Dealers

Editor’s Note: “Vegas Myths Busted” is a weekly series that aims to unveil the truths behind popular misconceptions about life on the Strip, ranging from historical legends to the secret techniques used by professional casino dealers. Each installment explores the deeper context of Las Vegas history to separate fact from fiction.

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Between 1974 and 1978, Frank “Lefty” Rosenthal was at the helm of several prominent Las Vegas casinos, including the Stardust and Fremont, operating them without a gaming license. This move ensured a “skim” of at least $1.6 million for the Chicago mafia, but his contributions extended beyond financial dealings.

In the 1950s, Rosenthal’s activities included fixing sporting events, which led to multiple indictments. Allegations of his involvement in violent criminal acts further characterised his controversial past. However, one of the claims often associated with him is that he was the first to hire female dealers on the Strip. In reality, this is a myth.

The Real History of Female Dealers in Las Vegas

Women had been dealing cards in Las Vegas since as early as 1943. However, by 1958, a growing presence of female dealers led to pushback from their male counterparts, prompting city officials to impose a 12-year ban on women dealing cards in the casino industry. This legislative change stifled progressive employment practices for over a decade.

Despite these restrictions, some women continued to work as dealers in surrounding areas, including North Las Vegas and Henderson. It wasn’t until August 1970 that Jean Brady broke the glass ceiling on the Las Vegas Strip, becoming the first female blackjack dealer at the Silver Slipper.

Brady herself said, “I’m not fighting for any rights for women,” highlighting that her goal was simply to make the most of her job opportunities. Her position came about as a result of legal interventions demanding equal hiring practices, which forced establishments, like the Desert Inn, to cease discrimination against female applicants.

Did Lefty Really Pave the Way for Women?

Rosenthal does hold a significant spot in the history of sports betting, being credited for introducing it to the Strip by launching the first sportsbook at the Stardust in 1976. Yet, when it comes to employing female dealers, he was merely following the trend established by others like Jean Brady.

Five years after Brady’s achievement, Rosenthal is noted for hiring the Strip’s first female baccarat dealer, Shirley Brancucci. Still, many experts argue that this was influenced more by the casino management at the time than by Rosenthal himself.

How the Myth Came to Be

The narrative that Rosenthal was the pioneer of hiring female dealers gained traction through Nicholas Pileggi’s book “Casino: Love and Honor in Las Vegas,” which later became a film starring Robert De Niro as Sam “Ace” Rothstein. This portrayal blurred the lines between fact and fiction, leading many to accept these embellished claims as truth.

Rosenthal lived a surprisingly long life for a man in his line of work, passing away in Miami in 2008. After his death, it was revealed that he had acted as an FBI informant, a revelation that may have once altered his status in the annals of gambling history.

Key Takeaways

• Frank Rosenthal operated prominent Las Vegas casinos without a license.
• He was falsely credited as the first to hire female dealers on the Strip; the actual pioneer was Jean Brady.
• The ban on female dealers lasted from 1958 until 1970 due to male dealer hostility.
• Rosenthal significantly contributed to the introduction of sports betting to the Las Vegas Strip.
• His life and influence were shaped in part by media portrayals that embellished his legacy.

In conclusion, while Frank “Lefty” Rosenthal is indeed a significant figure in Las Vegas history, the myths surrounding his role in hiring female dealers do not hold up under scrutiny. Champions of women’s rights in this context should be those who fought against the bans and successfully made way for a more inclusive gaming environment.

This exploration of myth versus reality highlights the importance of fact-checking and understanding the true story behind the legendary figures who shaped the city of Las Vegas.