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John L. Smith
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Running Scared: The Life and Treacherous Time of Las Vegas Casino King Steve Wynn Hardcover – November 25, 1995

by John L. Smith (Author)
4.2 out of 5 stars 140 ratings
An investigative biography of the Las Vegas casino owner explores his ties to the world of organized crime, his relationship with junk bond dealer and convicted felon Michael Milkin, and his investigation by Scotland Yard. IP.
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  1. Print length
    352 pages
  2. Language
    English
  3. Publisher
    Barricade Books
  4. Publication date
    November 25, 1995
  5. Dimensions
    6.26 x 1.2 x 9.18 inches
  6. ISBN-10
    1569800391
  7. ISBN-13
    978-1569800393
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Editorial Reviews

About the Author

John L. Smith is an award-winning columnist for the Las Vegas Review-Journal and author of The Animal in Hollywood. He and his wife make their home in the quiet hills that surround noisy Las Vegas.

Product details

  • Publisher ‏ : ‎ Barricade Books; First Edition (November 25, 1995)
  • Language ‏ : ‎ English
  • Hardcover ‏ : ‎ 352 pages
  • ISBN-10 ‏ : ‎ 1569800391
  • ISBN-13 ‏ : ‎ 978-1569800393
  • Item Weight ‏ : ‎ 1.4 pounds
  • Dimensions ‏ : ‎ 6.26 x 1.2 x 9.18 inches
  • Customer Reviews:
    4.2 out of 5 stars 140 ratings

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John L. Smith

John L. Smith

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Customer reviews

4.2 out of 5 stars
140 global ratings

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Customers say

Customers find the book entertaining and well-written, providing interesting insights into Steve Wynn's background. They appreciate its historical storytelling, with one customer highlighting its Mob stories, and another noting its vivid portrayal of Las Vegas and Atlantic City's atmosphere.

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17 customers mention "Readability"17 positive0 negative

Customers find the book engaging and entertaining, with one describing it as a real page turner.

"...I've lived in both and it's an exciting read...." Read more

"...I found this book to be a compelling read." Read more

"This is worth reading if you want learn biographical information and details about the subject's role in the development of Vegas...." Read more

"...Highly recommend this fine book." Read more

12 customers mention "Insight"12 positive0 negative

Customers find the book insightful and informative, with one customer particularly appreciating the detailed background information about Steve Wynn.

"Very well written and objective book. In addition to the interesting subject Mr. Smith details much of the history, colorful characters and..." Read more

"...several books on inside Las Vegas, and remains one of the most knowledgeable and articulate sources on the personalities and intricacies of this..." Read more

"...The material could have been dry but was compelling and highly educational. Highly recommend this fine book." Read more

"...but as a S. Calif. person who is intreged with vegas, it is a real eye opener...." Read more

5 customers mention "Writing quality"5 positive0 negative

Customers find the book well written and easy to read.

"Very well written and objective book...." Read more

"...Written by longtime, knowledgeable Las Vegas Review Journal reporter John L Smith, like his columns it tells the stories: it tells the truth...." Read more

"...Easy read, buy it used, and don't ever give a dime to a Wynn company (my opinion after reading the book)." Read more

"Well written, easy read, not surprised he's in the position he's in today. Classic narcissist." Read more

4 customers mention "Look"4 positive0 negative

Customers appreciate the book's appearance, with one noting its authentic portrayal of Las Vegas and Atlantic City, while another appreciates its straightforward style without unnecessary embellishments.

"...much of the history, colorful characters and atmosphere of exotic Las Vegas and Atlantic City. I've lived in both and it's an exciting read...." Read more

"...Could not stop reading the story, it gave a rare look into the real Steve Wynn." Read more

"Steve Wynn has built quite an empire, but is it all his? This an interesting look at how he got there." Read more

"...THIS BOOK GETS TO ITS SUBJECT MATTER FAST WITHOUT FLUFFY FANCY EXAGGERATION. THIS BOK IS COMPLELLING...." Read more

4 customers mention "Storytelling"4 positive0 negative

Customers enjoy the storytelling in the book, with one mentioning it's full of great Mob stories.

"...I think the book is really full of great Mob stories/conections with Steve Wynn...." Read more

"...It tells the story as a historical documentary...." Read more

"...in places, but that's just me and what I'm used to.. It told a good historic story of some of the players, movers and shakers in the Las Vegas arena..." Read more

"...I READ IT YEARS AGO....BOUGHT THIS COPY FOR A PAL -- WHAT AN AMAZING STORY !" Read more

Top reviews from the United States

  • Jerry
    5.0 out of 5 stars A good inside look at a major force in American gamiing.
    Reviewed in the United States on July 1, 2018
    Verified Purchase
    Very well written and objective book. In addition to the interesting subject Mr. Smith details much of the history, colorful characters and atmosphere of exotic Las Vegas and Atlantic City. I've lived in both and it's an exciting read. I hope that Mr. Smith will write a follow-up book as Mr. Wynn's most exciting adventures have occurred since "Running Scared."
    3 people found this helpful
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  • Pugwash
    4.0 out of 5 stars Wynn-ter Wonderland
    Reviewed in the United States on March 1, 2014
    Verified Purchase
    John L. Smith has become of the voice of the backstory, underground Las Vegas. Melding knowledge of the financial background, as well as the people who have shaped this unique American city, he can flesh out the hypocracy, and the conflagration of bedfellows that populate this gaudy syphon of tourist funds.

    America is still, in many ways, a puritan society. Asian culture is much more conducive to wonton gambling. But Las Vegas at its roots is still a city built on illicit money. Benny Siegel was the most high profile developer, but over the years, the syndicate has both owned and managed many of the behemoth casinos.

    Steve Wynn has been a whole different animal. The fresh, smiling face of Las Vegas has positioned himself as a cleaner, friendlier version of casino developer, and yet, as Mr. Smith writes, looks are deceiving. Mr. Wynn, in many ways, is as slick an illusionist as some of the acts seen on the Strip.

    His money used to develop the Mirage and Belaggio have been comingled with syndicate investments. His marriage, which to the public eye looks to be ideal, is in many ways a sham. There are allegations of out of control temper tantrums, and drug use.

    However, the story in this book ends in the mid-1990's, and obviously, Mr. Wynn's story has continued as the primary developer in The Sin City. At this juncture, Mr. Wynn is in his seventies, and has had several more successes on The Strip.

    Mr. Smith has written several books on inside Las Vegas, and remains one of the most knowledgeable and articulate sources on the personalities and intricacies of this city.

    I found this book to be a compelling read.
    4 people found this helpful
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  • Amazon Customer
    5.0 out of 5 stars Great read
    Reviewed in the United States on February 5, 2024
    Verified Purchase
    My wife could not put it down. I’m looking forward to reading it next.
    One person found this helpful
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  • W. Lee
    3.0 out of 5 stars Informative and Thought Provoking
    Reviewed in the United States on January 1, 2012
    Verified Purchase
    This is worth reading if you want learn biographical information and details about the subject's role in the development of Vegas. Cannot say whether this book makes me view Mr Wynn in a more or less favorable way. The author clearly tries to characterize Mr Wynn in an unflattering way. A necessary counter balancing to the carefully managed public image of the man. His achievements and contributions are clear. Overall the book and title are definitely sensationalized.
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  • debbie skousen
    5.0 out of 5 stars great service
    Reviewed in the United States on March 8, 2024
    Verified Purchase
    the book arrived in excellent condition and carefully wrapped in tissue paper as well as the protective mailer- impressive!
    Helpful
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  • joseph scott whitener
    2.0 out of 5 stars Not what I was looking for.
    Reviewed in the United States on January 20, 2020
    Verified Purchase
    I was looking for a biography on Steve Wynn and this is not it. It's a anti Steve Wynn smear book. I was really disappointed.
    Helpful
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  • Jan O.
    5.0 out of 5 stars Couldn't Stop Reading! Fascinating, well-written history! AAA+++!
    Reviewed in the United States on May 9, 2016
    Verified Purchase
    Although first published in 1995 I still found this book pretty gripping! Written by longtime, knowledgeable Las Vegas Review Journal reporter John L Smith, like his columns it tells the stories: it tells the truth. A must-read for those interested in the history of casinos and Las Vegas. The material could have been dry but was compelling and highly educational. Highly recommend this fine book.
    2 people found this helpful
    Helpful
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  • Justin Gill
    4.0 out of 5 stars Honest Review
    Reviewed in the United States on September 18, 2008
    Verified Purchase
    I am about 75 percent through the book, but I have a good feel for the writer and the content. I'll keep it short so you can make a decision.

    I think the book is really full of great Mob stories/conections with Steve Wynn. It is not as detailed as i hoped, but as a S. Calif. person who is intreged with vegas, it is a real eye opener.

    The main thing i dont like is that its not like a true biography. I have been reading a Disney biography at the same time and in comparison, its not as good, but then again, I dont believe Steve Wynn really contributed to it or allowed it.

    Bottom line, if you want to know about Steve Wynn and his amazing ride to the top of a billion dollar corp., read this book. If you like great vegas stories, give this a read. If you have personal feelings about Steve Wynn, you will either love it or hate it.

    Easy read, buy it used, and don't ever give a dime to a Wynn company (my opinion after reading the book).
    4 people found this helpful
    Helpful
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Top reviews from other countries

  • Mel H
    5.0 out of 5 stars Excellent read.
    Reviewed in the United Kingdom on June 22, 2013
    Verified Purchase
    After a short break in Vegas wanted to know more about the development of the strip etc. and the palces we visited, and also the influence that Steve Wynn had on this.

    Was not disappointed - the book was very informative, if you skip over the references etc. to where a lot of the information came from. Certainly view some of the places we visted in a different light now after reading the book - But looking forward to another visit to catch up on the stuff we missed.
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  • waiver
    4.0 out of 5 stars INTERESTING
    Reviewed in the United Kingdom on May 4, 2020
    Verified Purchase
    A deeper look into the gaming elements.
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  • Roger Mundell
    4.0 out of 5 stars meticulously detailed
    Reviewed in Canada on July 23, 2022
    Verified Purchase
    makes clear how the Mob's new face still dominates the casino business with the sanitized sons of former wise guys. Scary but not surprising that Steve Wynn chaired Trumps advisory council on business. This book lays out meticulous details of the litigation and hearings and outcomes that have kept the casino world corrupt even as we kid ourselves that its all cleaned up.
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  • Lee
    5.0 out of 5 stars Five Stars
    Reviewed in the United Kingdom on October 15, 2017
    Verified Purchase
    great!!!
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