Howard Robard Hughes died in the mid-seventies of the last century, but he is still mentioned in the media, TV, and movies. It's too unusual a way of life for eccentric millionaires. Don't let people just forget about it.
Unlike most of the rich, Hughes did not have money in the first place.
- He was keen on aviation.
- He was an inventor.
- He filmed a movie.
- He did charity work.
- He was directly related to gambling.
This area of his interest is covered in this article.
How it Began
Howard first came to Las Vegas in the forties. He stopped at the Last Frontier and visited several local casinos. In 1966, he enticed quite favorable terms of taxation and moved to Vegas for permanent residence.
Hughes rented the top two floors of the hotel-casino Desert Inn, owned by the famous mobster Moe Dalitz. The crime boss was flattered that such a legendary person decided to stay in his hotel. He could not imagine how many problems would arise from the rich guest.
The First Casino
At the casino's New Year's party, Dalitz asked Hughes to leave the hotel's best rooms so he could settle High Roller there. Howard refused, which puzzled Moe, who offered to buy his Desert Inn.
Mafiosi initially rejected the proposal, but he might have been pressed by the local authorities, who liked the idea of a major magnate engaged in the gambling entertainment industry. He also had a share in the casino and could take the situation under control. So, he soon made a deal worth more than thirteen million dollars.
Hughes increased security at the Desert Inn, but Dalitz continued participating in the casino's management. This didn't bother Howard or the customers. The business flourished; however, not all the revenue went to the new owner.
Other Casinos
Later, Hughes bought the Silver Slipper casino across the street from Desert Inn, then New Frontier, Castaways, The Sands, and others. For several years, his casinos were among the most popular in Las Vegas. Among their visitors were many millionaires, politicians, and movie stars.
Hughes's influence on gambling in the city was enormous. He raised his casinos to a new level, forcing competitors to follow suit and contributing to developing the gambling entertainment industry in Las Vegas.
Other Projects
The next big Howard project was Casino Landmark. He bought it unfinished and personally directed its construction. But the problems with physical and mental health almost ruined the whole idea. Nevertheless, the casino was opened and welcomed clients.
However, Hughes's health got weaker. He refused to get out of his suite in the Desert Inn; no one could approach him, and he suffered from many phobias. He was especially horrified by testing nuclear weapons the U.S. government produced. Eventually, one night, he flew from Las Vegas and never returned.
After the Death of Hughes
Howard died in 1976 while on board a plane to Houston from Acapulco. He left no will, so his relatives divided his fortune of two and a half billion dollars in the courts for several years. Some casinos owned by Hughes are still operating.
