An infamous bootlegger and gambling tycoon, renowned for his role in creating the iconic Stardust Casino & Resort in Las Vegas, Tony "The Admiral" Cornero was a legendary figure. His entrepreneurial spirit led him from the humble origins of an Italian village to the bustling streets of America. Yet, his journey was marked by turbulence and intrigue.
Born into hardship, with his family facing financial ruin, Cornero's early life was fraught with adversity. However, he swiftly rose from driving a cab to becoming a rumrunner, amassing a fortune by the tender age of 25. Yet, his rapid ascent fueled egos and bankrolls that ultimately culminated in a fatal encounter in 1925.
After a dramatic escape from arrest, Cornero found himself in Vancouver, only to surrender himself years later. Undeterred by his past, he ventured to Las Vegas, where he inaugurated one of the city's pioneering resorts, the Meadows Casino & Hotel. However, his refusal to associate with notorious figures like Lucky Luciano and Meyer Lansky led to arson, destroying his property.
Returning to Southern California, Cornero launched gambling ships off the shores of Santa Monica and Long Beach, most notably the SS Rex. Yet, his ventures drew the ire of State Attorney General Earl Warren, leading to a dramatic showdown dubbed "The Battle of Santa Monica Bay."
Despite setbacks, including the revocation of his gambling license and a near-fatal shooting, Cornero persisted. He returned to Las Vegas, where he ambitiously built the Stardust Casino & Resort. However, financial woes and pressure from The Cleveland Syndicate marred his endeavors, ending in his mysterious demise.
The aftermath saw no resolution for the families of Cornero, Siegel, and Berman, all embroiled in the tangled web of casino interests. Even as the legacy of Tony Cornero fades into history, the enigmatic allure of his life continues to captivate, leaving behind a trail of unanswered questions and intriguing discoveries.
Links:
Video of Tony Cornero: https://youtu.be/I_K6dyyc9-s?si=FNTK1D1iko8R5Vbl
Article: “Stardust In Your Eyes, Tony Cornero & The Stardust Hotel: https://www.americanmafia.com/Feature_Articles_26.html
Alan Geik Podcast: https://www.beforethelightspod.com/beforethelights-episodes/j7dyhpzh43owyule4iaegt2fgsy22s
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