I've always harbored a mild interest in the Mafia and specifically it's influences on and associated history pertaining to Las Vegas. So, I had eagerly anticipated our visit to the new Las Vegas Mob Experience attraction at the Tropicana on June 2, 2011. Summarily, the attraction delivered much more than I'd expected.

The entire venue houses 26, 000 square feet, 33 rooms, and an array of entertaining elements that should appeal to a wide range of interests and ages. Features include live character actors ( with monikers like Big Leo, Dewey, and Joey Batts ), holograms, scenting technology, theatrics, personalized RFID (radio frequency chips that all guests are assigned at entry), and a personal video tour guide from one of several well known actors. Those video - guided tour actors include James Caan, Mickey Rourke, Frank Vincent, Steve Schirippa, and Tony Sirico.

The video tour guides lead guests through the early segments of the attraction where they meet and greet character actors, some of whom strongly suggest that we tell nobody anything. Later during the character actor theatrics, we're interrogated by law enforcement officers. In the end, despite our adherence to the omerta ( keeping our mouths shut)...we all die ( in a surreal fashion).

This attraction revisits the mob's history and influence both inside and outside of Las Vegas. Notorious crime figures such as Bugsy Siegel, Meyer Lansky, Mickey Cohen, Johnny Roselli, Sam Giancana, Tony Spilotro, and Charles "Lucky" Luciano are profiled in great depth within the true museum component of the attraction. One of the most notable overall aspects for me personally was the volume of artifacts, history, and general coverage of the lives of these and other Mafia members. In that respect, it is indeed a museum with a ton of information for those interested. Of the mentioned bad guys, I thought Meyer Lansky provided for the most interesting real - life character; Lansky was presented as a much more complex and intelligent individual than might be publicly anticipated for a mob boss.

An interesting highlight included the story behind the real - life mob's permission (specifically from New York crime boss Joe Columbo at the time) to allow Hollywood to film the original Godfather movie in certain areas of New York City. There was a real - life controversy between Hollywood and the Mob regarding the making of this classic movie. Eventually, Godfather producer Al Ruddy was able to make a deal with Columbo and the filming was allowed to proceed. The real bad guys did not want the word "Mafia" used in the film's dialogue...because, of course, it didn't exist according to them.

Much of the most dramatic Las Vegas mob history addressed in the attraction involved real - life characters Frank "Lefty" Rosenthal and Tony Spilotro. These two were the centerpiece characters in the famous "Casino" movie starring Robert Deniro and Joe Pesci, respectively. Both of these individuals had sordid mob histories, with Spilotro boasting a real reputation as a killer. The presented history of these two individuals suggest that they contributed major roles in both the establishment and eventual demise of the Las Vegas mob - controlled era.

This attraction is a must - see for those who maintain interest in Las Vegas and / or mob history. This attraction reveals the inseparable mob influence in Vegas history and really touches on many of the finer details of that relationship. Aside from the factual aspects, it is an entertaining option and we highly recommend it. The attraction does present aspects of a carnivalish, occasionally cheesy Vegas / Mob theme park from some perspectives...but there is some real history to be discovered here. Patrons can also purchase mob - related items at the attraction's Mob Store at the end of the tour. 

The attraction is open daily from 10 am - 10 pm and is located at the Tropicana at 3801 Las Vegas Blvd ( corner of Tropicana and Las Vegas Blvd). Tickets range from $39.95 to $59.95 ($99.95 for an annual pass). Check this link to obtain further info / buy tickets or phone 702 - 739 - 2662.

Cheers...

Charles Higgins

Thanks to Spence Johnston for allowing us to visit the Mob Experience..thanks, Spence!