The Mobster Who Made Vegas

Las Vegas, a city known for its vibrant nightlife and casinos, owes much of its identity to Benjamin "Bugsy" Siegel, a notorious gangster who played a pivotal role in its development. Siegel's life was marked by crime, glamour, and a violent end that remains shrouded in mystery. This is the story of how Bugsy Siegel's ambition and untimely death helped create the Las Vegas we know today.

Siegel's Rise

Benjamin "Bugsy" Siegel was born on Feb. 28, 1906, to Jewish immigrants in Brooklyn, New York. Growing up, he quickly turned to a life of crime to escape poverty. Alongside Meyer Lansky, he formed the "Bugs and Meyer Mob," engaging in bootlegging and running a murder-for-hire operation known as "Murder Inc."

Siegel's April 1928 mugshot. Photo courtesy of New York City Police Department.

Siegel's notoriety grew as he worked with top Mafia figures like Charles "Lucky" Luciano and Vito Genovese. His involvement in high-profile hits, such as the murder of mob boss Giuseppe "Joe the Boss" Masseria in 1931, cemented his status in the criminal underworld. Siegel was known for his temper and mood swings, earning him the nickname "Bugsy," because he was as "crazy as a bedbug." He despised the nickname and insisted that his friends call him Ben.

Expansion to Los Angeles

In 1937, Siegel moved to Los Angeles, where he expanded his criminal empire. He set up gambling dens, offshore gambling ships, and drug trafficking routes. Siegel mingled with Hollywood's elite, forging connections with stars like Clark Gable, Cary Grant, and Frank Sinatra. His charm and ruthless efficiency made him a powerful figure in Los Angeles.

Photo courtesy of Los Angeles Daily News.

Despite his success, Siegel had his sights set on a new opportunity: transforming the desolate Las Vegas desert into a gambling paradise. Initially founded by ranchers and railroad workers, the city's acceptance of Old West-style freedoms, including gambling and prostitution, made it an ideal base for East Coast organized crime.

The Flamingo

In the mid-1940s, Siegel became involved in the construction of the Flamingo Hotel and Casino in Las Vegas. He convinced his mob associates to invest millions in the project, promising lucrative returns. However, mismanagement and rampant theft by Siegel's girlfriend, Virginia Hill, caused costs to skyrocket from an estimated $1.2 million to $6 million.

The Flamingo in 1957. Photo courtesy of David Lofink.

The Flamingo's grand opening on Dec. 26, 1946, was a disaster, marred by heavy rains and low attendance. Despite a rough start, The Flamingo eventually turned a profit by the spring of 1947. However, Siegel's mob backers were furious over the financial missteps.

Violent Death

On June 20, 1947, when he was 41, Bugsy Siegel was brutally murdered while reading a newspaper at his girlfriend Virginia Hill's home in Beverly Hills An unknown assailant fired nine shots through the window, hitting Siegel four times and knocking an eye out of its socket. Despite numerous theories, including mob retribution and a love triangle, the case remains unsolved.

The Rise of Las Vegas

Bugsy Siegel's death did not mark the end of his influence. The Flamingo continued to operate, becoming a cornerstone of the burgeoning Las Vegas Strip. Siegel's vision of luxury resorts in the desert paved the way for the city's transformation into a global entertainment hub.

In the years following Siegel's death, Las Vegas attracted more mob investments, leading to the construction of iconic casinos like the Sahara, Sands, and Riviera. These developments, coupled with corporate investments, propelled Las Vegas into its golden age of glamour and excess.

Siegel's memorial outside the wedding chapel at The Flamingo. Photo courtesy of Jarhed.

A Historic Legacy

Today, Las Vegas stands as a testament to Siegel's ambition and the city's colorful, often tumultuous history. His murder remains one of the most infamous in mob history, adding to the mystique and allure of Sin City.

Bugsy Siegel's life and death played a crucial role in shaping Las Vegas. His vision and determination helped transform a barren desert into a bustling metropolis of casinos and entertainment. Siegel's legacy lives on in the neon lights and bustling streets of Las Vegas, forever marking him as a pivotal figure in the city's storied history.

References: The Bloody Rise And Fall Of Bugsy Siegel, From Murder Inc. Hitman To The Creation Of Las Vegas | WHO KILLED BENJAMIN “BUGSY” SIEGEL? | Las Vegas