10. The Flamingo Las Vegas opened its doors in 1946. Which gangster provided the funds for this hotel and casino?
From Quiz Sin City
Answer:
Benjamin "Bugsy" Siegel
Siegel had long been interested in Las Vegas property, but found many of his plans vetoed by city officials due to his mob connections, so when he heard that Billy Wilkerson, the owner of "The Hollywood Reporter" was struggling to raise funds to complete his luxury hotel and casino project, Siegel stepped in with an offer, buying a two thirds interest in the project.
Siegel eventually took control of the building project and in 1946, proudly opened the first luxury hotel on the strip, but the venture failed, forcing Siegel to close its doors in January 1947, until more investors could be found. Although the hotel wasn't complete, the doors opened again in March 1947 and it was soon reporting huge profits, but for Siegel, his time was almost up. In June of the same year he was shot to death by an unknown gunman in Beverly Hills, California, and ownership passed to the owners of the El Cortez Hotel, also in Las Vegas.
In tribute to him, there is a street in Las Vegas called Bugsy Siegal Circle, and yes, the city managed to spell his surname wrong on all of the signage.