The King of Casinos - Willie Martello and The El Rey Club (Paperback)

WINNER 2014 International Book Awards (Biography)

After a horrific blaze destroyed Willie Martello's El Rey Club in 1962, nearly fifty years would pass before anyone knew of how that casino and one-time brothel provided a template for present-day gambling resorts, upset the Las Vegas mob, and inadvertently launched the career of Francis Ford Coppola.

Were it not for the chance discovery of a single photo in a Las Vegas museum, the El Rey Club would be known only as the seedy brothel where Senator Harry Reid learned to swim. Martello saved the near-ghost town of Searchlight from extinction. His outrageous exploits and accomplishments should place him among magnates like Howard Hughes or Steve Wynn, yet very few know his name.

Lost for over sixty years and featuring over 140 rare or unseen photos, these vibrant stories are now brought to light

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"Who else could tell the story of Willie Martello, that rollicking town builder, casino owner, and favorite of Sinatra's Rat Pack? The rare photos alone are worth the price of admission. My only regret is that I didn't write this book."
-Robert Graysmith, New York Times Bestselling Author of Zodiac, Auto-Focus, and Black Fire

"Quick, funny, and extremely intelligent "
-Mark L. Walberg, Host, Antiques Roadshow (PBS)

"A literal time machine...a read that not only unleashes the imagination, but authenticates the splendor of Las Vegas' golden years."
-Todd Newton, Emmy-winning game show host, author, and Las Vegas performer

"Andy Martello has written a fascinating biography of Willie Martello. It is a long-awaited addition to my Nevada history shelf."
-Mark Hall-Patton, Clark County Museum System Administrator, Pawn Stars, American Restoration (The History Channel)

"LONG LIVE WILLIE MARTELLO "
-Richard B. Taylor, Author, historian, Las Vegas casino owner