Athletes - Bob Stupak

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	Athletes - Bob Stupak

Bob Stupak (born 1942) is a well-known Las Vegas casino owner and entrepreneur. He is the son of Chester Stupak, a man who operated the longest running floating craps game in Pittsburgh.

Once the younger Stupak reached legal age, he moved to Vegas and started a coupon book scam. He sold books full of two-for-ones and other items. Stupak later moved to Australia to pursue a similar business venture, only to be asked to leave the country for questionable business practices.

Stupak eventually raised enough money to acquire a small, 1.5 acre (6,000 m²) parcel north of Sahara Avenue at Las Vegas Boulevard South. On March 31 1974, Bob Stupak's World Famous Historic Gambling Museum officially opened for business. "The name was about 10 feet longer than the casino," Stupak recalled years later. On May 21, an air conditioner caught fire and burned the joint down. Arson was suspected, but the insurance company eventually settled the claim.

In 1979 Stupak opened Vegas World, a casino known for its crazy promotions and new twists on games. At its peak in the mid 1980's, Vegas World grossed $100 million per year.

In 1995 Stupak suffered a horrendous motorcycle accident, breaking every bone in his face and going into a coma. Although the initial prognosis was that he would not survive, Stupak made a full recovery.

At the time of his motorcycle crash, Stupak was at work developing The Stratosphere, a massive observation tower that would be the largest sign in Las Vegas. The tower opened in late April of 1995 at a cost of $550 million but was a financial disaster. Many came to see the tower, but few stopped long enough to gamble, dine or shop. The Stratosphere went bankrupt soon thereafter and was sold.

Stupak continues to plan Vegas projects, including a purchase of the Moulin Rouge and a huge hotel shaped like the RMS Titanic, but to date these endeavors have not born fruit.

Stupak currently appears in the GSN series High Stakes Poker. He also appeared at a final table during the first season of the World Poker Tour.

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Athletes - Bob Stupak

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