The John Ponticello Papers are comprised of materials related to Ponticello's experiences in Las Vegas, Nevada between 1956 and 1971 with an emphasis on his Research Gambling Game Project, which he conducted and published between 1968 and 1971. The collection includes materials regarding gaming licenses and applications, research agreements, descriptions of the project, and publications about the research project. Also included are materials from Ponticello's experiences in Las Vegas such as business cards, county work cards, and souvenir photographs.

Oral history interview with Jinx Cochrell conducted by Delroy Shigematsu on March 20, 1978 for the Ralph Roske Oral History Project on Early Las Vegas. Cochrell discusses the United States Navy, airports, Howard Hughes, the entertainment industry, Mount Charleston, Boulder (Hoover) Dam, her career as a secretary at the University of Nevada, Las Vegas, and the mob.

Oral history interview with Ethel Matteucci conducted by Tom Matteucci on March 10, 1978 for the Ralph Roske Oral History Project on Early Las Vegas. Ethel talks about being chased out of Mexico for being Mormon colonizers and later arriving to Nevada. Ethel later talks about the first casinos that were built in Las Vegas, Nevada.

Oral history interview with Gertrude Naegle conducted by Jeff Bradshaw on March 31, 1976 for the Ralph Roske Oral History Project on Early Las Vegas. Naegle recalls moving to Las Vegas, Nevada after buying a gas-filling station. She also discusses the above ground atomic testing, The Old Fort, and visits by President John F. Kennedy and Howard Hughes.

Oral history interview with Herbert Jones conducted by Janice Sorensen on April 03, 1976 for the Ralph Roske Oral History Project on Early Las Vegas. Jones discusses prostitution, his experience working on Boulder (Hoover) Dam, the lack of safety precautions, and the working conditions. He also talks about his experience in politics and his career in law.

Oral history interview with Edward Ferris conducted by Rafael Lara Jr. on March 16, 1976 for the Ralph Roske Oral History Project on Early Las Vegas. In his interview, Ferris discusses the history of Las Vegas, Nevada, the recession in 1952-1953, The Last Frontier hotel, and the growth of businesses, including his automotive business, and the Las Vegas, Nevada community.