Double or Nothing: How Two Friends Risked It All to Buy One of Las Vegas' Legendary Casinos

by Tom Breitling and Cal Fussman

If Tom Sawyer and Huck Finn had come of age at the end of the 20th century looking for an all-American adventure, they probably would've headed for Vegas.

They'd have been hard-pressed to go on a wilder ride than the one taken by Tom Breitling and Tim Poster to the top of the famed Golden Nugget Hotel & Casino.

Call them the Odds Couple.

Breitling is the kid who lives next door if you grow up in Burnsville, Minnesota. He never...

• Format: Hardcover
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0060835834
• ISBN13: 9780060835835
• Release Date: May 2007
• Publisher: Harper Business
• Length: 256 Pages
• Weight: 1.10 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.9" x 6.3" x 9.3"

Customer Reviews

Tom Breitling's book is proof positive that the successes we achieve in life is dependent on the par

I was expecting this to be a book about how a successful entrepreneur got his start in business and how he made his millions. I was also expecting that I would get some useful information that I could then apply to developing my own business. What I got was exactly this, and a whole lot more. The book is a lesson in life as much as it is a lesson in business. The value of solid friendships and partnerships in creating a successful business is made evident and is not taken for granted. The book is chalk full of entertaining stories that Tom and his partner Tim navigated through on their road to riches. It is written so well that you feel as if you are in the board room with these guys and all of the colorful people that they had business relationships with along the way. Enjoy the book, it is a fun read.

Insights into *three* oft-neglected areas of profound interest...

... to the "college lit" crowd: the internet, gambling, and reality TV. Tom Breitling and Tim Poster first pioneered a visionary approach to online hotel room sales, and then sunk their profits into the same resort that launched Steve Wynn's career: the venerable Golden Nugget. The latter adventure was recorded by the producers of *Survivor* -- and this is where the story takes a particularly human, uniquely 21st century turn. Breitling laments a professional and personal life lost to the condensed and overly dramatic needs of reality television, and his genuine disappointment upon seeing the finished (and nationally televised) product gives this book an honest and thoughtful tone. Another element I enjoyed: this is an author who clearly gets Las Vegas, and who obviously has deep admiration and affection for the place. The book is filled with behind-the-cultural-scenes glimpses of the Las Vegas community (and no, that sentence contains no typos: Las Vegas indeed has both a culture and a community). Contrast this with the recently released *Winner Takes All,* which belongs firmly in the "loathing Las Vegas" literary tradition. An uncritical read of *Winner* leaves you with the impression that all of the city's key players are actually losers -- or at the very least, they all engage in self- (which is to say Las Vegas-) loathing introspections. Breitling's tale, on the other hand, reveals a very human, very decent, and very proudly Las Vegas story -- albeit one that exists beyond the reach of the typical narrative woven by the city's critics. This book deserves a place atop the college lit bestseller list, in the tradition of *Bringing Down the House* and *Moneyball.* It shares the a "generation next" Las Vegas theme with the former book, and it shares with the latter one a different analytical lens to appreciate the complex intersections of the internet and 21st century tourism.

best friends, business deals and Las Vegas

This is a great read about two kids who met in college and went on to create a success story in Las Vegas - they couldn't be two different types of people - but they forged a partnership which withstood the challenges of a tough and fast paced business environment. It is a very enjoyable read and when I go to Las Vegas next time - would be fun to meet them!

A Vegas Original !

A great story. Very easy to read and thoroughly enjoyable. The book is a terrific and unique "buddy" story that is full of Las Vegas color. The story is easy to follow and fast paced. I especially enjoyed reading about the larger than life Vegas charachters that played a part in the duo's meteoric rise. Bookmakers, movie stars, video game makers, sports celebrities, a legendary crooner, a Wall Street mogul - you name it , this book has it. A tale that could only happen in Las Vegas. Made me want to pack my bags and head to Vegas for some action !

Fast-paced, true story about connection between relationships and success

I loved the book. I read it last night, cover to cover. I disagree with the Publishers' Weekly review. Instead of spinning a tale of self-indulgent action and high-living, the authors tell a real story about how relationships, trust, hard work, and good timing can lead to amazing success that started from nothing. This is a fast-paced read that shows the human side of seeking and achieving not only success, but joy and fulfillment in the business world. The authors make the "[...]" and gaming industries understandable and compelling. Also, Vegas is full of characters and stories. The authors deftly include enough stories to introduce and give the flavor of Vegas, but not bog the story down. I highly recommend this book to all - whether looking for a fast-paced, entertaining read, or looking for insights on how to succeed in business.