The movie came out in ‘74. It could hardly be based on Reid becoming a senator in ‘87. Get it? lol
Gaming commission. His stepping stone, and ojt development as a bag man. Very vegas. Grand tradition of Howard Hughes and his trusted “aides”, all with their hands on his cash.
Reid a poster boy for the character (there’s one in Casino as well— the “good ole boy” looking for his patronage to be rewarded in exchange for looking the other way— blackmail.
Having dealt with these types more than a few times—they exercise a disgusting set of relationships set up many years ago when vegas was created— a self sustaining graft machine overseen by pliable gaming commission and especially law enforcement. It’s how it’s done, and still being done, witness obamaumao. Deo Vindice.