The Man Who Invented Las Vegas

One man's chronic gambling disorder became the inspiration for modern Las Vegas. Despite owning several successful businesses, gambler and charismatic publisher Billy Wilkerson almost went broke in 1944. Gambling's rocky road led him to the inhospitable Nevada desert in search of an answer to his horrific addiction. In early 1945, Wilkerson bought a tract of land and began building the most ambitious gaming complex the world had ever known. His Flamingo Hotel, the new frontier of hotels, would change the face of Las Vegas and casino gambling forever.