Bugsy's Bar

Bugsy’s Bar - the story of Tony Spilotro

Bugsy's Bar in Las Vegas was owned by gangster Tony Spilotro

Anthony Spilotro (born September 19, 1938 – June 14, 1986) was an American mobster who was a high-ranking member of the Chicago Outfit criminal organization. As a made man or full member of the Outfit, Spilotro oversaw criminal activities in Las Vegas. Frequently referred to as "Tony the Ant" or "The Ant", Spilotro spent much of his criminal career working alongside his brother, Michael Spilotro. In 1971, the two brothers were sent to Las Vegas to oversee the Outfit’s interests in the city's casinos.

Bugsy's Bar was a popular Las Vegas nightspot in the 1960s and 1970s, owned by gangster Tony Spilotro. The bar was a favorite hangout for Spilotro and his associates, and it was also a place where he conducted business. Bugsy's Bar was named after Benjamin "Bugsy" Siegel, a notorious gangster who played a key role in the development of Las Vegas. Siegel was murdered in 1947, but his name still resonates with the city's criminal underworld.

Spilotro was a ruthless and violent gangster

A ruthless and violent gangster, Spilotro was involved in a wide range of criminal activities, including murder, extortion, and drug trafficking. He was also known for his sadistic streak, and he often tortured and killed his victims. Spilotro's reign of terror in Las Vegas came to an end in 1986, when he was murdered by members of his own organization. His body was found buried in a shallow grave in the desert outside of Las Vegas.

Spilotro was the inspiration for the character Nicky Santoro in the movie Casino

Due to his reputation as a ruthless enforcer, Spilotro became the inspiration for the character Nicky Santoro in the 1995 Martin Scorsese film Casino. The film, which starred Robert De Niro, Joe Pesci, and Sharon Stone, depicted the rise and fall of the Las Vegas mob in the 1970s and 1980s. Santoro is portrayed as a violent and sadistic gangster who terrorizes the city's casinos. While the film is based on real events, it is important to note that some of the characters and events have been fictionalized.