Originator: FBI
From: HAV
To: HQ
Document date: 1958-05-09 00:00:00
Document type: PAPER, TEXTUAL DOCUMENT

# DOCID-32328142

## Page 1

JFK Assassination System

Identification Form

Agency Information

Date:

6/15/201

AGENCY:

FBI

RECORD NUMBER :

124-90068-10093

RECORD SERIES: HQ

AGENCY FILE NUMBER: 62-75147-210-134

Document Information

ORIGINATOR:

FBI

FROM:

HAV

TO :

HQ

TITLE:

Released under the John F. Kenned!

Assassination Records Collection Act o

1992 (44 USC 2107 Note]. Case#:NW

66000 Diate: 11-03-2021

DATE:

PAGES:

SUBJECTS:

05/09/1958

12

AMERICAN GAMBLERS IN CUBA

AMERICAN GAMBLING ACTIVITIES IN CUBA

DOCUMENT TYPE: PAPER, TEXTUAL DOCUMENT

CLASSIFICATION:

Unclassified

RESTRICTIONS: 4

CURRENT STATUS :

Redact

DATE OF LAST REVIEW :

06/24/1998

OPENING CRITERIA: INDEFINITE

COMMENTS:

MEMO, INC 2 ADMIN PAGES

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HAV 64-153

CONFIDEN

NTIAL

"MM 342-C advised that the new "bag man" for

RAC WEISS, STA DE SANESE Operator of some

States Attorney, Dade County, is

liquor

stores in

Miami Beach."

In referenced Havana letter of 3/19/58, it was pointed

out that JACK LANSKY had been turned back by Cuban authorities at

Rancho Boyeros Airport outside Havana, when be attempted to enter

Cuba from Miami on 3/15/58.

Lieutenant HERIBERTO HERNANDEZ, Chief of the private

Police at the Hotel Nacional, confidentially advised on 4/17/58

that JACK LANSKY returned to Cuba on 3/20 or 21/58 and was allowed

entry. HERNANDEZ said that JACK LANSKY's refusal of entry by

members of the Cuban Military Intelligence Service (SIM) on

Minister of the Interior, in an effort to ascertain the reason

for LANSKY being refused

entry and that when REY found out

CANTILLO was responsible, he had CANTILLO transferred to a

regimental command in Holguin, Cuba. Thereafter, REY advised

LANSKY's friends that he could return to Cuba whenever he desired.

Lt. HERNANDEZ informed he understands, in return for this "favor,"

a gambling debt which REY had at the casino at the Hotel Nacional

in the amount of $20,000 was written off the books. It should

be noted the possibility exists that this matter could have been

an indirect "shake down" on the part of SANTIAGO REY, the affair

being engineered by him in order to put LANSKY in a position where

the debt would be forgiven. However, in the past, JACK LANSKY

has indicated that SANTIAGO REY has always been a good player at

the casino,

gever caused any trouble, and always paid his debts

promptly. (8) (U)

On 4/2/58, Hav-31 informed that because of the bad

publicity Cuba was receiving in the press concerning revolutionary

activities, the gambling business had fallen off substantially.

Source stated the only casino that had not released employees

is the casino in the Hotel Nacional. Source said that the

Nacional had hired an individual known as "LITTLE BOBBY/SASSO, CU"

whose father, "BIG BOB"SASSO, was a wheel boss at the Havana

Riviera casino.

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HAV 64-153

On 4/9/58, Hav-31 informed that the afternoon dice

table operating at the casino in the Hotel Nacional had been

shut down and that a rotating plan of vacations for employees

would be put into operation in the near future until such time

as business picked up.

On 4/17/58, JACK LANSKY advised that the Desert Inn

group operates the casino in the Hotel Nacional. LANSKY said

at the present time, the gambling business in Las Vegas is

feels it can "sweat out bad business in the casino in Cuba for

based on this fact, the Desert Inn crowd

a long period of time.

LANSKY informed further that the Desert

Inn group also has a new casino in Las Vegas

called the stardust.

On. 4/21/58, it was ascertained that SAM TUCKER, who is

identified above, owns a yacht which he keeps in Havana and that

this yacht is for the purpose of entertaining wealthy gambling

clientele.

information

has been received.from some sources

ing of buying a

yacht or had a yacht available to him so that

he could "sneak" back into Cuba.

Since Lansky is known to be a

substantial hidden interest holder in the casino in the Hotel

Nacional, TUCKER's yacht could be made available to him; however,

JACK LANSKY has previously indicated that MEYER has no intention

of returning to Cuba without the approval of the Cuban Government.

115.

-CUEA

On 4/27/58, PCI. ARTHUR NEWMAN (protect identity) advised

that GEORGERSADLOW, who is a member of the LANSKY organization,

was in Havana to see JACK LANSKY and that SADLOW also visited

with WILLIAM OTTO BISCHOFF, Miami top hoodlum, who operates the

gambling casino in the Tropicana Night. Club.

On 5/6/58, ANTHONY VAUGHN, Director, Hotel Nacional,

Havana, confidentially advised that

a meeting was being held in

New York on that date by individuals who had interests in

gambling operations in Havana and Las Vegas to discuss a recent

statement by the Nevada State Tax Commission requiring

separation o1 gambling interests in Havana and Las Vegas.

VEV Mr. VAUGHN stated MAURICE KLEINMAN, THOMAS/MCGINTY and SAM

NEV.

(VE. TUCKER, who have interests both in the Desert Inn in Las Vegas

and the Hotel Nacional in Havana, were among the individuals

attending this meeting.

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CONFNE

TAL

HAV 64-153

Idi, i

Hav-31 advised on 5/7/58 that ROY BURNEY/BELL, whO

has been employed as a dealer at the casino in the Hotel Nacional,

is leaving Cuba in about ten days for the Dominican Republic,

where BELL will work in a gambling casino.

Source. stated that

three individuals operate the casino in which BElL will work,

one of them being an individual named PAT/SLOT (phonetic) from

Miami.

FLA.

CUBA

Hav-31 also informed that LOUrS/NIER has been working

recently in a semi-supervisory capacity at the Hotel Nacional

Casino and it appears that NIER is a close friend of SAM TUCKER.

Source stated that about two months ago, SAM TUCKER and BENNY

GAINES of Miami entered into some sort of financial agreement

for a new enterprise, nature unknown.

Hav-31 further stated that he had heard "talk"

Lamong

employees of the casino in the Hotel Nacional that JOEVADONIS

ETALy

Is extremely interested in getting back to the United States or 4.s

at least close to the United States and that there was conjecture

ADONIS might come to Cuba.

HOTEL HAVANA - RIVIERA CASINO

On 4/2/58, Hav-31 advised that, because of the fall-

off in the gambling

business in Havana, the Riviera had fired

ten dealers from the casino.

As the Bureau was previously advised on 4/7/58, NEIL

WALSH,

Mssistant Manager of the Hotel Havana Riviera, advised

that ED LEVINSON, former operator of the gambling casino at the

Havana Riviera, nad returned to Las vegas and nad been replaced

Do i coastered or

by IRVING NIGGIE DEVINE. WALSH indicated that DINOXCELLINI had l.

been considered for this position but that LEVINSON,

who owns

several points in the casino, did not feel that CELLINI was

"big enough" to handle the operation.

Од 4/10/58, JAMES ENNIS, Manager, Hotel Havana Riviera,

advised that LEVINSON had sold a part of his interest, amounting

to 22 points, to an individual named JOHN LINK from Montreal,

Canada, a close associate of HARRY and BEN, SHITH, who own sub-.

stantial interest in the Hotel Havana Riviera.

CUBA

As Legat, Havana, has previously advised, At CANTOR, a

New York gambler, is reported to be protecting the

interests of

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CUTA

CO

HAV 64-153

ENTAI

MEYER LANSKY and FRANK/ERICKSON in the Hotel Riviera Gambling

Casino.

On 4/15/58, TONY/VAUGHN of the Hotel Nacional,

advised he had received information that JULIUS ROSENGARD, who C

is listed as a director holding property interest in the Hotel

Havana Riviera, may possibly represent the money interest of

FRANK COSTELLO in the hotel.

Hav-31 advised on 5/7/58 that one of the owners of

the Havana Riviera is an individual named AARON WEISBERG, who

3

is reported to have forty per cent of the hotel and possibly

some of the gambling casino.

HOTEL CAPRI CASINO

On 4/17/58, PCI NEWMAN advised that the principal

figures in the gambling casino at the Hotel Capri continue to

be NICHOLAS DE COSTANZO, with alias "Fat the Butch," his brother,

RICHARD DEE, NAT HARRIS and CHARLESWIOURINE.

LARRY,SNOW, who was formerly associated with the Capri is now

assisting JORKSILESI and CLIFF, JONES in the operation of the

casino at the Hotel Havana Hilton.

On 4/14/58, it was ascertained through observation

at the casino fathe

Hotel Capri that both FRANK RENZONI, also

known as

Tommy Renzoni, and BEN KRAKOVER are both working at

the casino. Their presence at this casino tends to substantiate

InTormation previousty turnished Legat, havana, Irom reliable

sources that SANTO TRAFFICANTE has an interest in the Hotel

Capri Casino, since both RENZONI and KRAKOVER were long-time

associates and employees of SANTO TRAFFICANTE at the Sans Souci

Casino, where TRAFFICANTE is the principal interest holder,

prior to their going to work for the Capri.

On 4/25/58, Hav-4

ladvised that PAULYBELLO and FRANK (DU)

RENZONI Were employed in the gambling casino in the Hotel Capri

and residing in the Riomar Apartments in Miramar, Marianao,

Havana, Cuba.

(SO AN

above, works as a dealer at the Hotel Capri Casino.

Hay-31 advised on 4/30/58 that PAUL BELLO, mentioned

originally from Steubenville, Ohio, and is closely associated

at the Capri With another dealer named LEONARD COZZO.

noted that COZZO had formerly worked the gambling casino in the

Hotel Sevilla Biltmore and is reported to have recently bought

a $45,000 home in Miami and to be driving a new Cadillac

416X

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NITRAT

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HAV 64-153

CONSIDENT

convertible. Source said that, based on his income from

gambling, COZZO could not operate in this fashion and it is

believed

COZZO is either involved in narcotics or in the

fencing operation.

HOTEL HAVANA HILTON

On 4/2/58, Hav-31 advised that, because of the

substantial fall-off in gambling patrons

in Havana, the Hotel

Havana Hilton Casino had initially cut the salary of all

ur son: ha

employees $50.00 a month. 'Source said that, subsequently,

CLIFF JONES had laid off several dealers who had come down to

Havana from Las Vegas at their own expense and the only extra

compensation they received beyond their salary, was $300.00

traveling expenses.

Source stated that FRANK CUTI and FRANK.

FALBA, both former wheel bosses at the Havana Hilton, have been

let go and that 14 Cuban dealers have been released:

*5.

Ny: On 3/28/58, PCT NEWMAN Ad Sea that CHARLIE, BRODNER, 7-

with alias. Charlie Broad, and FRANk hued, both partners in a

bookmaking operation, had headquarters in Miami and in New York.

He states these individuals were in Havana the previous week

and had asked NEWMAN whether he would be interested in handling

any interests they might secure in the gambling casino in the

Hotel Hilton. NEWMAN said he indicated he was not interested

because he had a "five-year contract" to work with the casino

in the Hotel Nacional. NEWMAN stated that if BRUDNER and REED

were able to buy up any points in the casino in the Hilton, it

was because CLIFF JONES had some points to sell. NEWMAN stated

that ROBERTO "CHIRRIN MENDOZA, who has the majority interest in

the casino in the Hotel Havana Hilton, has a number of associates,

including SANTO TRAFFICANTE, and is not in a position to sell

any points.

PCI NEWMAN stated he could not definitely ascertain

Whether BRUDNER and REED had purchased an interest in the Havana

Hilton Casino.

Source stated categorically that MAX COURTNEY is

presently in

Europe on a tour and is definitely not interested in

buying any points in the Hilton Casino:

4.→

Source noted that, because of the million dollar rental

paid by the casino, the

average minimum "nut" of the casino is

$6,000 a day.

Source stated he felt certain that in the near

future an adjustment would be made in the rental in order to

reduce the daily overhead of the casino.

Source said, further,

that RAUL GONZALEZ is strictly a front man for the Cuban customers

CUBA

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Cura

CUBA

HAV 64-153

at the casino in the Hotel Havana Hilton and assists in

protecting TRAFFICANTE's interest in the casino.

Source noted

that GONZALEZ owes the Hotel Nacional Casino $20,000, spends

every cent he gets on women and gambling, and has no resources

of his own.

Source informed that in any gambling operation

GONZALEZ could be no more than a front.

CUBA

On 4/12/50,. J0E SILESI, with alias JoE

Rivers, advised

he is operating the casino in the Hotel Havana Hilton for CLIFF

JONES and being assisted by LARRY SNOW.

RIVERS indicated he was

on a salary and also has a percentage of the casino.

• On 4/23/58, Hav-3l advised that a dealer named VERNON

STONE is presently at the Hotel Havana Hilton.

Source said

that another dealer named IRVING LEVITTS had recently had an

argument in the Hotel Havana Hilton Casino, as a result of which

he was fired by JOE SILESI. Source advised further that "DUKE"

*NOLAN is no longer working at the Havana Hilton.

On 4/30/58, Hav-31 informed that FRANK "RED'"

CHARLES BRUDNER-had definitely purchased an interest in-the

source said that

RiED and BRUDNER had in fact recently bought an additional five

points in the casino. Source related that ROBERTO "CHIRRI"

MENDOZA actually only has 30 points in the casino for himself

and that the rest of the points that he owns actually belong to

JOE SILESI, JOGISTASSI, with allas JoefRogers, and SANto

TRAFFICANTE.

SANS SOUCI NIGHT CLUB CASINO

The Sans Souci Casino continues to be operated by

SANTO TRAFFICANTE and JOE STASSI. TRAFFICANTE has moved from

his former residence in the Rosita de Hornedo Hotel to an

apartment house at Calle 12, #20, Vedado, Havana. PCI ALBERTO

SUAREZ. ALEMAN advised on 5/5/58 that SANTO TRAFFICANTE is living

in Apartment 14-B at this address and is closely associating

with HENRY/RUBINO, who occupies Apartment 5-B in the same

building.

It should be noted that MEYER LANSKY also has an

apartment in this building.

Hav-31 advised on 4/23/58 that RED "SICKLE"/MACE has

• left the Sans Souci Night Club.

Source related

that recently

TRAFFICANTE was short money and got an additional bankroll from

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GENIAL

HAV 64-153

GambLing Casino in the period 1951 to 1953, was going to operate

the casino at the Hotel Plaza

This individual is probably

CURA

identical with_ BOB "MUSCLES' MARTIN, who has been observed

frequently in Havana in recent months. In addition, previous

information furnished to the Legat, Havana, has indicated that

JOE STASSI, as well as SANTO TRAFFICANTE, would have an interest

in the Hotel Plaza Casino when it opened.

worked at the Sans Souci, it would appear logical for him to

represent Sans Souci interests in the Hotel Plaza Casino.

The casino in the Hotel Plaza is not yet in operation.

HOTEL SEVILLA BILTMORE CASINO

The Hotel Sevilla Biltmore Casino continues to be

owned by Cuban Congressman AMLETTO BATTISTI. This casino is

operated by BERT TREENAN, and appeals principally to a lower class

gambling crowd.

HOTEL DEAUVILLE CASINO

The Hotel Deauville Casino is not, yet open.

Sources

have indicated to. Legat, Havana, in the past that SANTO

TRAFFICANTE may possibly have an interest in this casino.

Sources have also indicated that HENRY RUBINO will operate this

casino.

HENRY RUBINO has been reported by PCI ROBERTO SUAREZ

ALEMAN. to be closely associated with SANTO TRAFFICANTE.

ORIENTAL PARK RACE TRACK

PCI PEDRO TAPIA, Racing Director, Oriental Park Race

Track, has advised that LOWELLABIRRELL,,who was formerly

associated with the Oriental Park Race Track, is now in Brazil

and that BIRRELL fled from Cuba because he was afraid he might

Court, New York City.

This judgment was reported in Havana

letter dated 3/12/58. TAPIA further informed that GEORGE LEVINE CuE

continues to operate the gambling casinos at the Oriental Park

Race Track and that he is assisted by MIKE/LORIA. EccA "

On 4/23/58, Hav-31 advised that "JOCKEY"

KDENNIS, a Car-

former con man, had bought an interest in the gambling casino

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HAV 64-153

in the Jockey Club at the Oriental Park Race Track.. JOSE

MEDINA, local representative of the American Express Company,

had previously advised that DENNIS was in Havana.

GENERAL INFORMATION

No additional information has come to the attention

of the legat, Havana, concerning the construction of further

gambling casinos in Cuba.. Sources available to the Havana

Office have indicated that, because of the fall-off in tourist

trade as a result of revolutionary activities, projected con-

struction of additional casinos has been deferred until such

On. 4/30/58, Hav-31 advised that, as a result of Con-

versations with members of the gambling element in Havana, this

source came to the conclusion that an individual named

SALVATORE FALCONE in Miami may possibly be acting as a mail

drop for communications of importance among members of the

gambling element:

NORMAN ROTHMAN, who is operating slot machines in the

interior of Cuba, advised on 5/7/58 that because of recent

revolutionary activities, the slot machine trade had been very

slow and he was having difficulty retaining trained repair

technicians.

He stated, however, that recently there had been

an upsurge in the business.

Extra copies of this letter have been prepared for

forwarding by the Bureau to New York, Miami and Salt Lake City.

JANS I CARENTAL

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