Frank "Lefty" Rosenthal

[Jacqui, Duskette8]

As an avid follower of the Vegas Mob era I was saddened to read in the newsletter this week of the death of Frank "Lefty" Rosenthal on Monday 13th October from a heart attack.

I don't know if you have seen his site: www.frankrosenthal.com - he answers a lot of questions on his time in Vegas, sportsbooks and the movie Casino. I hope you don't mind me posting the link Steve!

[Boston_Bill]

As an avid follower of the Vegas Mob era I was saddened to read in the newsletter this week of the death of Frank "Lefty" Rosenthal on Monday 13th October from a heart attack.

I don't know if you have seen his site: www.frankrosenthal.com - he answers a lot of questions on his time in Vegas, sportsbooks and the movie Casino. I hope you don't mind me posting the link Steve!

Im sad by this news. I thought he was a big part of Vegas history and an interesting guy.

[roxygurl]

hes a huge loss to more than you know. he was selling his football picks right till his death.hes a man ive followed for some time.i wont bore you with details but im a football handicapper. theres very few women who do this and fewer who admit it. but i met lefty one year at the stardust with ken white who owns LVSC. they make all the sports lines and sell thier service to other sportsbooks that you can see on vegasinsider.lefty helped greatly in all areas. one golden rule he taught me about the NFL..follow the money and youll find the wins.

[Boston_Bill]

hes a huge loss to more than you know. he was selling his football picks right till his death.hes a man ive followed for some time.i wont bore you with details but im a football handicapper. theres very few women who do this and fewer who admit it. but i met lefty one year at the stardust with ken white who owns LVSC. they make all the sports lines and sell thier service to other sportsbooks that you can see on vegasinsider.lefty helped greatly in all areas. one golden rule he taught me about the NFL..follow the money and youll find the wins.

Thats a great story. I wish I had a chance to meet the guy. I might have to pull out Casino this afternoon. Another part of Las Vegas history is gone:(

PS Id like to hear about your football handicapping, feel free to PM me.

[misterKeno]

Agreed.... a great story indeed!

My co-worker (a semi-retired fella) drove a cab for 30+ years here in town... had Lefty as a customer twice.

Now, to this day, i always WONDER ABOUT 'stuff' when i'm in the parking lot of a Marie Calendars. :(

[sean]

I am watching a memorial viewing of Casino right now. Had it not been for Lefty there would not be any Sports Books in the Casinos.

[LetsWrap]

I worked a Tony Romas for many years. When we opened the place, I walked up to a table with 4 men seated. One of the men looked a me and asked, "Why are you smiling?" It was Frank Rosenthal. I answered, "I'm smiling because I have 4 handsome gentlemen to wait on". I guess he must have liked my answer and for the next 3 years, he always asked for me when he came into the restaurant.
I always knew when he was coming in because his bodyguards came in prior to his arrival. He visited us about 3-4 times a week. He never brought his wife in. He always tipped $100 dollars not matter what the bill was. One time he ordered a $.95 salad to go and still tipped $100. Back then, that was a great tip. Still is. He always took the time to talk to me. Small talk mostly. He was courteous and soft spoken.
The night they blew up his car in the parking lot was like any other night. He came in stayed about 1 1/2 hours, ate, and left. I was standing by the front windows when I heard a loud explosion that rocked the building. Mr. Rosenthal was lying on the ground next to his car and the car was in flames. We all rushed out. He was hurt but conscious. We called and ambulance which came and took him away. That was the last time I saw him.
The movie some how missed his character. He did a lot for Las Vegas. I knew a friendly guy, who liked to smile, a businessman, and a gentleman.