Steve Keener was born in Bridgeton, New Jersey and received his bachelor’s degree in finance at Stockton University. With a background in electronics from his service in the military, Keener started in the gaming industry as a slot technician at Tropicana Atlantic City in 1981 where he worked on and conducted preventative maintenance on some of the early stepper slot machines. He would eventually promote to the positions of lead technician and slot technical manager before moving to Dover Downs Hotel & Casino in Delaware in 1997 where he is now assistant vice president of casino operations. The interview with Steve Keener begins with his discussion of his background in the slot positions at both properties. Keener also discusses dealing with customers, what customers are looking for in casinos, and which qualities make good and bad slot managers. He later discusses what makes a good slot floor, particularly when considering denomination and type of slot machine, and he also describes the process of working with vendors to get those machines onto the floor. Keener later discusses the biggest changes in the gaming industry, specifically the expansion of video over stepper, server-based gaming, and the increase in riverboat gaming. He also mentions the role of free play in slots and provides his opinion on what he believes the future of slots will look like with skill-based and 3D gaming being introduced into slot machines. The interview concludes with Keener’s answer to the question of whether he gambles, and he provides his advice to young people who want to get into slot operations as a career.
The UNLV Libraries Collection of Spanish Broadsides (approximately 1747-1930) consists of gaming-related broadsides published in Spain and Mexico. The documents are proclamations regarding the legality of gambling, owning and operating gaming houses. Many of the documents are signed or decreed by José María de Tornel y Mendívil, a 19th-century Mexican politician. The collection also includes examples of printed games from the early 20th century.
B-roll beginning with a large "wheet of fortune" wheel spining and then panning to casino floor, focusing on people gambling, parts of the interior of the casino, rouelette wheel spinning, and the Stratosphere Tower under construction. An aerial camera pans around the tower from multiple angles. Original media VHS, color, aspect ratio 4 x 3, frame size 720 x 486. From the Bob Stupak Professional Papers (MS-01016) -- Professional papers -- Audiovisual material -- Digitized audiovisual clips file.
John Cahlan (1902-1988) discusses his experiences in journalism, including his work as an editor for the Review Journal. Cahlan is interviewed by Lester Wisbrod. He provides details on some of the major events covered by the newspaper, such the building of the Boulder Dam, as well as his work in establishing Nellis Air Force Base. Cahlan also describes some of the social changes over time, including the growth of air travel for tourism and gambling.
Oral history interview with George Kavanaugh conducted by Iolanthe Bruton on February 25, 1973 for the Ralph Roske Oral History Project on Early Las Vegas. Kavanaugh discusses arriving in Las Vegas, Nevada and taking part in politics and gambling. Kavanaugh later talks about the Magnesium Plant in Henderson, Nevada as well as the atomic bomb testing.
Oral history interview with Marguerite Goldstein conducted by Carol A. Semendoff on February 25, 1979 for the Ralph Roske Oral History Project on Early Las Vegas. This interview covers early Las Vegas, Nevada from 1950 to 1979. Also included during this interview is discussion on local dignitaries, the growth of Las Vegas, gambling as the major industry, Las Vegas Strip hotels, and housing developments.
Roger Pettersson graduated from the University of Nevada, Las Vegas in 1996 with a degree in hotel administration and thereafter started in the gaming industry as a pit clerk at The Mirage. He went through the slot Management Associate Program which led him to becoming a supervisor at that property and later an assistant shift manager at Bellagio. After becoming a shift manager at that property, Pettersson went to Boulder Station in 2000 to become a slot operations manager and eventually director of slot operations in 2004. He then became the slot director at Red Rock Resort before working with a slot vendor for several months. Pettersson returned to Station Casinos to become the corporate director of gaming and was later promoted to his current position of vice president of slot operations. The interview with Pettersson begins with a description of his background and his experience in the various positions he has held. He then describes what he believes makes a good slot manager and conversely what makes a bad one. Pettersson later explains what he believes customers are looking for in slots before providing his perspective on what he believes makes a good slot floor. He then describes the process of the dealing with vendors and how the slot industry has changed over the years, particularly with the use of free play. Pettersson then describes how he believes slot machines will continue to change and what the future of the industry holds. The interview concludes with Pettersson’s description of his personal gambling preferences and his advice to young people who want to go into the field of slot operations.
Part of an interview with D. D. Cotton by Claytee White on February 14, 1997. Cotton discusses challenges faced by women dealers and her work as a dancer and dealer in a number of casinos.
Oral history interview with Robert W. Maichle conducted by John Klenke on March 12, 1981 for the Ralph Roske Oral History Project on Early Las Vegas. Maichle discusses life in Searchlight, Nevada and Boulder City, Nevada. Maichle then discusses societal changes throughout Southern Nevada, specifically with the growth of gambling.