Ex-Nevada
Gaming Control Board Member Dies
Jack Stratton, who served
as a member of the state Gaming Control Board longer
than any other person, died Tuesday at a rest home
in Carson City.
He was 83 and had been ill for some time.
"He (Stratton) was demanding but fair. He
left his mark on the industry," said Bob List,
who was one of three Nevada governors who appointed
or reappointed Stratton to the board.
Jeff Silver, a Las Vegas lawyer and former member
of the Control Board, called Stratton "a giant
in the gaming regulatory field." He said Stratton
brought a "common sense approach" to the
board but "was tough when he had to be."
"He set the standard for the model of a gaming
regulator," said Silver who served in the board
from 1975 to 1979.
Stratton served from Jan. 1, 1969, until January
1983. He was appointed by Gov. Paul Laxalt and then
reappointed by Mike O'Callaghan and Bob List.
List noted that Stratton served during some "tough
times" when there was a "major cleanup"
of the gaming industry following the revelations
of the so-called "Kansas City tapes,"
federal wiretap recordings that pointed to mob interests
in some Las Vegas casinos.
Stratton was on the board when the state closed
the Aladdin and forced other casinos to change ownership.
Philip Hannifin, chairman of the Control Board
for eight years, called Stratton the "epitome
of the old time Nevadans.'
"He was as honest as you could be," said
Hannifin, adding that Stratton always wanted to
do "what was best for Nevada."
"This is a loss to everyone."
Stratton was hired as office manager for the board
in 1955 and held that position until his elevation
to a board member.
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