Gambling myths are as abundant as chips on a blackjack table, with one of the most pervasive suggesting Al Capone bribed Nevada lawmakers to legalize gambling. Yet, when looking for even a shred of evidence to support this claim, it dissolves completely. Aside from a dubious claim from a self-published narrative by Capone’s grandniece, there’s no evidence—no official documents, no press articles, not even a whisper in FBI files—linking the notorious crime boss to Nevada’s decision to roll the dice on legal gambling.
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The Nevada Context in 1931
Nevada legalized gambling on March 19, 1931, but the state’s motivation was far from gangster-driven. Facing economic collapse during the Great Depression, with mining revenues vanished into thin air, the state turned to gambling as a new revenue stream. Still, taxing vices became the pragmatic choice over taxing jobless miners, and that’s the simple narrative. There were no secret deals or shadowy Chicago figures influencing the decision in Carson City—a sleepy political scene where news traveled quicker than any train. Still, the myth that Capone had any hand in this legislative move didn’t even surface until 2010. That’s when a book by Deirdre Capone, his grandniece, claimed her grandfather, Ralph Capone, once boasted about their clandestine influence in Nevada. But historical records or credible biographies of Capone don’t support such tales.
Claims from the Capone Family Book
“Uncle Al Capone: The Untold Story From Inside His Family” feeds this legend. According to Deirdre Capone, both Al and Ralph were involved in opening the Pair-O-Dice Club on the Las Vegas Strip, appointing their friend Frank Detra as a front. Yet, records attribute ownership exclusively to Detra and his wife, without a hint of Capone cash. The supposed influence over Nevada gambling is mentioned almost as an afterthought in the book. The reality, however, is that by 1930, Al Capone was embroiled in legal troubles in Chicago. He was indicted for tax evasion in June 1931, not plotting for Nevada’s legislative favor. His concerns were rooted in maintaining his bootlegging empire amid federal scrutiny.
Experts Weigh In on the Myth
Industry observers and Nevada historians have long dismissed claims of Capone’s involvement as mere family folklore. Robert A. Stoldal from the Nevada State Museum pointed out that research supports no such involvement by Capone in Nevada’s legislative processes. Historians agree the book’s version of events strays from documented history. While Frank Detra did have a connection with Capone—he even owned a pocket watch from the mobster—this detail alone can’t alter Nevada’s past. Still, other Chicago-connected operators did push for the legalization of gambling, but they were motivated by clear business interests, not mob orders.
What’s Next?
Despite the allure of a glamorous tale involving Al Capone orchestrating legislative change from behind bars, this myth doesn’t hold water. Nevada historians continue to disprove these narratives, ensuring the true story endures. For those interested in further myth-busting stories, the “Vegas Myths Busted” series promises more revelations every Monday.
Eri Gaitu leads the news desk at Best in Slot, tracking breaking developments across the gambling world in real time. From exclusive bonus offers and casino launches to licensing updates and regulatory shifts, Eri ensures readers are always first to know about the changes that matter to their gaming experience.
