There was little violence in Nevada when casino control was in the Tax Commission. All they were interested in was collecting revenues. The Mob operated out in the open, eliminating the secrecy that is so often the cause of jealousy--and violence. But after the Kefauver and McClellan hearings exposed Mob ownership, the legislature created the Gaming Commission (Harry Reid was the first commissioner), and the Black Book. That drove the Mob underground--and the bodies started piling up. As others have pointed out, Howard Hughes and the corporations simply bought out the Mob. But, the Mob still operates at the periphery (loan sharking, fencing, prostitution in Clark County, where it's illegal) and even inside through hidden ownerships. Anywhere people are willing to throw their money away, you'll find the Mob.