Acknowledgments

For a man who has sought publicity most of his life, Bob Stupak was extremely reluctant to have his life story told. In fact, he initially declined to be interviewed for this book. Thankfully, he changed his mind, and the story is much better for the half-dozen question-and-answer sessions to which he submitted. It is my hope that I’ve rendered his life accurately, for I admire his tenacity, not only in the casino but in life as well. It should be noted, however, that this is not an authorized biography. Any mistakes that may have found their way into this book are my responsibility.

Getting the straight story on anyone in Las Vegas is always difficult, but fortunately not every casino operator in the city took the Fifth when it came to Bob Stupak. Although many were extremely helpful, Klondike casino owner John Woodrum was a veritable guide to Stupak’s amazing story. Thanks also to Lyle Thompson of Vacation Village, Michael Gaughan of the Gaughan family casinos, and other casino operators who prefer to remain anonymous. And thanks to Richard Schuetz of Stratosphere for taking time to help. Unfortunately, Grand Casinos’ maven, Lyle Berman, declined to be interviewed; perhaps he was too busy writing his own amazing success story.

The anecdotes of numerous police officers, paramedics, tow-truck drivers, business leaders, stock analysts, elected officials, and working stiffs greatly contributed to this story. I thank them for their patience and consideration. You will find their names and insights throughout this book. Particular thanks to former Stupak spin doctor Dan Hart, ex-Las Vegas City Councilman Scott Higginson, City Councilman Arnie Adamsen, Las Vegas Mayor Jan Laverty Jones, Phyllis McGuire, Lou Adams, and Eddie Baranski.

A book on Bob Stupak would not have been possible without the work of dozens of journalists, editors, and photographers who have chronicled his immensely colorful life and times. Among the many: Ed Becker, Dave Berns, Myram Borders, Rex Buntain, Jeff Burbank, Monica Caruso, Sandra Chereb, Carol Cling, Jeffrey Cohan, Aaron Cohen, Roger Dionne, Chuck DiRocco, Mike Donahue, John G. Edwards, Steve Falcone, Tanya Flanagan, Jeff German, Rene Germanier, Joshua Good, Marian Green, Susan Greene, Adrian Havas, Mary Hynes, George Knapp, Wayne C. Kodey, Sergio Lalli, Jim Laurie, George McCabe, Sean McKinnon, Pete Mikla, Tom Mitchell, Jane Ann Morrison, Bruce Orwall, Dave Palermo, Mike Paskevich, Merlyn Potters, Gary Rotstein, Diane Russell, Jim Rutherford, Jeff Scheid, Cathy Scott, Adam Steinhauer, John Stearns, Howard Stutz, Gary Thompson, Mike McCuen, Richard Velotta, Michael Ventura, Ed Vogel, Susan Voyles, Lynn Waddell, Mike Weatherford, Ken White, and Andy Zipser.

Librarians in Las Vegas and Pittsburgh also lent their time and expertise during the research of the manuscript. I especially would like to thank Padmini Pai and Pamela Busse of the Las Vegas Review-Journal, as well as the archivists at the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette and Carnegie Public Library of Pittsburgh.

The editorial expertise of Deke Castleman and Anthony Curtis of Huntington Press cannot be overstated. They took my ragged first draft, whipped it into shape, and had faith in my ability to deliver a manuscript in a few short months. Among the hard-working crew at Huntington that I gladly count as allies: Len Cipkins, Bethany Coffey, Jason Cox, Virginia Castleman, June Flowers, Jacqueline Joniec, Jim Karl, and Beverly Ware. I hope to work with them again soon. Thanks, too, are due my sister Cath Cassidy for her 11th-hour editing expertise.

Finally, thanks to my wife, Patricia, and daughter, Amelia, for their love and understanding. I am as rich as Rockefeller to have you.