This is a character study of a youngster who immigrated to the US shortly before its involvement in WWI and the progeny of that family. His enlistment in the army resulted in a debilitating injury while serving overseas and was a factor inhis later involvement in gambling as a means of earning a living. His reputation as a "straight arrow" while involved with some gamblers in the Chicago area provided the impetus for his developing a casino in Las Vegas. As the story unfolds it becomes obvious that there are some historical truths in evidence even though the characters are all fictional. As this primary character lives out his life his progeny take over the role as the main character. The historical development of Las Vegas as a gaming center is reviewed when each of the characters come into the picture.