What Casino Did Bob Stupak Own?

Bob Stupak was a Las Vegas casino owner, entrepreneur, and philanthropist. He was best known for owning and operating the Stratosphere Las Vegas from 1996 until his death in 2009.

The Stratosphere was the tallest free-standing observation tower in the United States.

Bob Stupak was born Robert Louis Stupak in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania on December 25, 1941. His father died when he was only three years old, and his mother remarried when he was six. He had a tough childhood, often getting into trouble and getting into fights.

He dropped out of high school when he was 16 and joined the Army. He served in Korea and then worked as a radio repairman before moving to Las Vegas in 1962.

In Las Vegas, Stupak found work as a dealer at the now-defunct Pioneer Club. He then opened his own business, Bob Stupak’s World Famous Million-Dollar Historic Gambling Museum and Casino, which featured memorabilia from old casinos.

The museum was a success, and Stupak used the money to open other businesses, including a topless bar and an adult movie theater.

In 1974, Stupak opened the Vegas World Hotel and Casino (now the Stratosphere Las Vegas). The original hotel had only 700 rooms, but it soon expanded to 1,500 rooms. The casino featured a roller coaster and other rides on the top of the tower, which quickly became a popular tourist destination.

In 1995, Stupak sold the Vegas World to American Real Estate Partners for $657 million. He then bought it back in 1996 for $32 million and renamed it the Stratosphere Las Vegas.

Stupak was known for his showmanship and promotional stunts. In 1981, he set off fireworks from the top of his hotel to celebrate Independence Day.

In 1984, he offered $1 million to anyone who could bungee jump off the top of his hotel (no one took him up on the offer). In 1999, he offered a $1 million prize to anyone who could stay awake for 48 hours in his casino (again, no one took him up on the offer).

Stupak also made headlines for his involvement in politics. He was an early supporter of Ronald Reagan’s presidential campaign and helped organize Reagan’s visit to Las Vegas in 1980.

He also hosted events for Bill Clinton and Bob Dole during their presidential campaigns.

Stupak died of complications from leukemia on October 24, 2009 at the age of 67. His son Blake took over as CEO of the Stratosphere Las Vegas after his death.