The Casino, Episode 1: Luck Be a Lady

Tim and Tom, our heroes, are headed to their hearing in front of the Nevada gaming association. Tim is a nervous wreck, wondering if they’ll be grilled about possible Mafia ties. Who are Tim and Tom? Tim describes them as “made guys… self-made guys.” What’s their story? Tim fills us in.

Tim grew up in Las Vegas and has been friends with Tom for years. They noticed that the city was full of empty hotel rooms, so they started a business to fill those rooms for a cut of the profits. That idea turned into Travelscape.com, a successful Internet travel site. When the two men were just 32-years old, they sold their company to Expedia for $105 million in cash. They could have retired, but they decided instead to take another risk. They wanted to buy their own casino. Not one of the “corporate monstrosities” you find on the Strip, but “a real gambling joint.” The Golden Nugget proved to be the perfect place for them, “old school Vegas at its finest.” They put up $50 million dollars of their own money, then convinced investors to put up another $175 million.

But all of those investments will be worthless if they can’t get a license from the gaming commission. Tim is especially nervous about the hearing because years ago, his uncle was denied a license. What if they ask him about that? He feels like he’s on his way to the electric chair. Tom, who is apparently the less chatty of the two, tells him to just relax and tell the board his story.

At the hearing, the commissioners ask Tim an array of questions. One notes that the management board of the Nugget is made up of five rookies with no gaming experience. Someone else asks him about unsuitable acquaintances. Makes you wonder if you have any friends that might be considered unsuitable. In an interview, Tim says that the scrutiny was really tough. The questions then turn to Tim’s uncle, who Tim had described as a father figure. Does Tim know why his application was denied? Tim says that his uncle had relationships with east coast gamblers who were involved with illegal activities. Tim says he never worked as a runner for his uncle, but admits that he did place bets for him a few times.

One of the commissioners tells Tim gravely that any mistakes he might make affect not only his own casino, but by reputation, all of Las Vegas. Tim says that he understands the seriousness of the situation and says that he hopes to gain their trust over time. The board takes a vote and unanimously agrees to grant Tim and Tom their license. Good thing, too, or this show would have been really boring. Tim is quick to explain to us that although they have a license, they are on probation and will lose it if there are any problems in their casino.

Probation or not, it’s time to celebrate. Just before midnight, Tim, Tom, and an array of other staff members gather to toast their new venture. As the clock strikes 12:00, the two men officially own the hotel. The two of them, as the newly licensed owners, get to go in the counting room for the very first time. Only people with licenses are allowed in the counting room. Tim gazes at the stacks of cash that surround them and quickly figures that it’s $1.1 million. Tom decides to speak again and says, “That’s some cheddar.” In an interview, Tom says that being the new owners is a little overwhelming. They own everything, all of these people work for them… it’s a lot of responsibility.

The two of them agree that the hotel is great, but they want to add their own touches to it. One of their ideas is to get a fleet of classic Cadillacs for VIP gamblers to use. The cars are absolutely enormous and look really cool. Tim and Tom are excited.

A limo pulls up and a group of guys referred to as “The Frat Pack” pile out, drinks already in hand. As soon as they get inside, they send their buddy Rob to the spa for a manicure, pedicure, and facial. Jason, the ringleader, explains that Rob is a virgin, with little experience with women. The guys decided to have a party in Vegas with the secret motive to initiate Rob into the dating scene and to give him a chance to meet women. Well, as long as the guys aren’t talking about Rob behind his back, going on about how bad he is about woman, and as long as they’re discreet about their plans and aren’t doing this, on, say, a reality TV show, I don’t know how you could possibly think they’re jerks. Oh, wait.

Rob heads to the spa, and his manicurist tells him that he needs to stop biting his nails. She asks him if he has a girlfriend, and he shyly tells her that he hasn’t dated anyone in a long time. Well, I’m sure it’s those ragged cuticles that have been holding him back.