Frank Fertitta Jr.

Frank Joseph Fertitta Jr.
Born	Template:Birth date Beaumont, Texas, U.S.
Died	August 21, 2009(2009-08-21) (aged 70) Los Angeles, California, U.S.
Occupation	Businessman
Known for	Founder of Station Casinos

Frank Joseph Fertitta Jr. (October 30, 1938 – August 21, 2009) was a prominent American businessman and the originator of Station Casinos, a gaming enterprise headquartered in Summerlin South, Nevada. The company launched its operations on July 1, 1976, with the debut of the Bingo Palace, which was subsequently renamed Palace Station.

Background

Fertitta was born in Beaumont, Texas and completed his education at Galveston's Kirwin High School in 1956. In 1958, he married Victoria Broussard. Relocating to Las Vegas, Nevada, in 1960, he began his career in the gaming industry as a bellman at the Tropicana Las Vegas, while simultaneously training to become a dealer.

Throughout a span of 16 years, he progressed through various positions such as dealer, pit boss, baccarat manager, and general manager at prominent establishments including the Stardust Resort and Casino, Tropicana, Circus Circus Las Vegas, Sahara Las Vegas, and the Fremont Hotel and Casino.

Recognizing an underserved segment of local patrons and casino employees, Fertitta launched his inaugural locals-oriented casino named "The Casino" in 1976. This 5,000 square foot gaming facility was connected to the Mini-Price Motor Inn near Las Vegas Boulevard. Although initially viewed as a risky venture, this approach established Station Casinos as a dominant operator catering to the local market in Las Vegas.

Fertitta Jr. passed away at age 70 on August 21, 2009, due to complications following heart surgery performed at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center in Los Angeles. His final resting place is Palm Desert Memorial in Las Vegas.