"Running Scared," an "unauthorized" biography of Steve Wynn by John L. Smith (2001), tells a couple of interesting stories. In one, Wynn's father, Mike, a big-time Maryland bingo operator and gambler, died, owing the Cleveland Mob a big chunk of money. Supposedly, Steve paid off the debt, and Cleveland allowed him to invest with them in the Last Frontier Hotel. The Nevada Gaming Commission found out about it and prosecuted the Cleveland gang, but they permitted Wynn's investment to stand. That was the start of his fortune. Another story: Wynn tried to buy into or build a casino in London, but was turned down by Scotland Yard because of alleged Mob ties. They showed him allegedly linked to the Genovese and Chicago families.