Frank Rosenthal, who inspired movie 'Casino' dies 79

Frank Lawrence "Lefty" Rosenthal (June 12, 1929 – October 13, 2008) was a sports handicapper and a former Las Vegas casino executive. He also hosted a television talk show in Las Vegas during the late 1970s.

The 1995 Martin Scorsese film Casino, based on the book by Nicholas Pileggi, was inspired by Rosenthal's career in Las Vegas. Rosenthal (re-named "Sam 'Ace' Rothstein") was played by Robert De Niro, and his Mafia associate Anthony Spilotro (re-named "Nicky Santoro") was played by Joe Pesci. Rosenthal's story was featured on The History Channel's, "True Crime Authors," as well.

Death of Frank Rosenthal
Frank Rosenthal died of a heart attack in his Florida home.
Frank Rosenthal was 79 years old at the time of his death