Tony Cornero- The Admiral's Stardust: The Story of a Gambling Entrepreneur & Mysterious Death

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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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