Beloved Texas gambler Jake Freedman was the public face. Underworld figures like Meyer Lansky, Doc Stacher, and Frank Costello provided the cash. Built in 1952 over the ashes of Hollywood Reporter publisher Billy Wilkerson’s last chance in Las Vegas, the Sands was a collective effort. This is the moment we remember, when Las Vegas became classic. Frank, Dean, and Sammy are about to take the stage.