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

by Tom Breitling, 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 saw a hundred dollar bill or The Godfather until he went to college.

Poster comes from a family of oddsmakers who reach for the Doritos on football Sundays and scream for the point spread. He was whistling Sinatra and booking games at his Las Vegas high school.

Their unlikely friendship began in college over an $8 veal parmigiana sandwich that led to a partnership in a hotel reservation business. Starting with a desk, a chair, a pillow, and a telephone, Tim and Tom grew a company that they sold during the dot.com boom for $105 million. This allows Tim to pursue his childhood dream of owning a casino and bringing back the glory days of Vegas.

When Tim ups the odds and raises the limits to give gamblers the best game in town, a craps player nicknamed "Mr. Royalty," who's on one of the hottest winning streaks in history, heads for The Nugget. When he begins to take Tom and Tim for millions, the partnership is put to the test. But Tim refuses to back off on the odds or the high limits, telling his partner, "It's a ballsy proposition here. It's gonna be a roller coaster ride. But we don't have a public company to answer to. It's just you and me."

When Mr. Royalty rolls twenty-two consecutive passes and rakes in a mountain of chips, he takes Tim and Tom to the brink. They must figure out a way to hold up The House.

Just as they do, the roller coaster ride really gets rolling—and the ride becomes crazier than they'd ever imagined.

Genres: Nonfiction

307 pages, Kindle Edition

First published March 1, 2008

Reviews

[Zach · Rating 2 out of 5]

Okay.

Winner Takes It All or Super Casino is better.


Would have been more interesting if it had focused on the inner workings of what it is like to run a casino.

Someone should have told the author that descriptions of his "bro-mance" with his partner, intricate business deals and mediocre attempts at motivational speaking are NOT as intersesting as what is going on in the casino!

I knew I was in trouble when Steve Wynn and Tony Bennet briefly make appearances and I realized I wished I was reading a book about either of them!!

About a third to half of the book is about the casino, the other half to two thirds is a combination of the author's description of his youth and how it made him who he is (you are from a small town in Minnesota--we get it!! That and you will be so sick of forced basketball analogies--you were not the starting point guard in high school--we get it!!), his relationship with his business partner--which would have been much more interesting if a third party wrote who could have described their personalities warts and all --rather than repeating the same neutral lines about how he is friendly, small town and Tim is Joe Pesci--there is a reason love stories are often times not written in the 1st person!! The last quarter of the book is all about a business deal which at times was interesting, but like much of the book you get the definite sense you are only hearing one side of the story (ie when he goes out of his way to describe a gambler who wins millions from the Nugget as mean who is only out for revenge--overlooking the fact that the guy makes an astonishing 22 passes in craps and is NOT cheating!). The section on the deal reaches it supposed climax with the lines "...we need the guys from Skadden Arpps.." Yes a law firm. How exciting!

[Andrew · Rating 3 out of 5]

Mildly entertaining true account of 2 friends pulling off a couple of profitable business ventures, back-to-back, hence the title, "Double or Nothing". It left me feeling that the guy telling the story should have been Tim Poster, partner to the author, because he was more the Vegas insider. Overall it was okay. The author was forthcoming about the set-backs they experienced in selling a business and in dealing with shooting a reality TV show in the casino at a stressful time. Not for everyone, this book is best for casino/Vegas junkies.

[Noah · Rating 1 out of 5]

I thought an account of what it's like to suddenly get rich and own a casino would be interesting. I was wrong.

[Connor Van Ooyen · Rating 3 out of 5]

Fun read about early internet company and Vegas casinos, but dear Lord did this dude think he was way more important than he was

[Mobileapphera · Rating 5 out of 5]

Secrets Revealed: A Strategic Guide to Finding the Best Casino to Win


For those looking for more than just fun in the world of online casinos, looking for a platform that maximizes profit becomes paramount. The landscape is vast and varied, with every casino claiming to offer lucrative opportunities. Check out this page where you will be able to check out reviews of the top casino sites offering the best mobile casino games apps. This article is your road map, providing insight into the strategic considerations that can lead you to the best casino to win, ensuring that your foray into online gambling is not only exciting, but also financially rewarding.

Research and Reputation:

Embark on your journey by delving into the reputation of online casinos. In addition to player reviews, explore forums and community discussions to gauge the experiences of other gamblers. A casino with a positive reputation for fair play and timely payouts is more likely to be a winning choice.

Licensing and Regulation:

Profitable ventures thrive on a foundation of legality and regulation. Look for casinos that hold valid licenses from reputable bodies such as the UK Gambling Commission or the Malta Gambling Authority. Licensed casinos adhere to industry standards, providing a fair and transparent gaming environment that can increase your chances of winning.

In-game payout percentages:

Dive into the specifics of the game's payout levels, known as return-to-player (RTP) rates. Reputable casinos openly display this information, giving you an idea of the expected return on your bets. Choose casinos with higher RTPs as they indicate a more favorable environment for making a profit.

Game selection and skill-based games:

While luck plays an important role in casino games, skill-based games provide an opportunity for strategic play. Look for casinos that offer a variety of skill-based games such as poker or blackjack. These games allow players to influence the outcome through skill and strategy, providing a potential advantage for those adept at mastering the nuances.

Bonuses and promotions:

Strategic use of bonuses and promotions can significantly impact your profitability. Evaluate the bonus terms and conditions and choose casinos with transparent policies. Some platforms offer welcome bonuses, no deposit bonuses and loyalty programs that can increase your bankroll and improve your overall profitability.

High Roller VIP Programs and Benefits:

For those looking to take their games to the next level, check out the VIP programs and high roller benefits offered by the casinos. These programs often provide exclusive benefits such as faster withdrawals, personalized account managers and higher table limits, creating a favorable environment for increasing profits for experienced players.

Bankroll Management:

Winning gambling is as much about managing your bankroll as it is about making strategic bets. Choose a casino that supports responsible gambling practices and provides tools for effective bankroll management. Setting limits on deposits, losses and session durations ensures that you can enjoy sustainable profitability without risking significant losses.

Community and Social Interaction:

Joining online casino communities can be a valuable resource for profit-oriented players. Sharing insights, strategies and experiences with other gamblers can provide valuable perspectives and tips that can add to your winnings.


Finding the best casino to win at is a meticulous process that involves strategic thinking and thorough research. By considering factors such as reputation, licensing, game selection and bonus offers, you can turn the odds in your favor and make your online gambling ventures not only exciting, but also financially rewarding. Remember, the key to sustainable profitability lies in a combination of skill, strategy and informed decision-making.

[Ivan24ivanov · Rating 5 out of 5]

Избор на най-добрата казино игра за начинаещи

В калейдоскопичния гоблен от казино игри всяка нишка изплита уникална история, примамваща начинаещите в царство, където шансът и стратегията танцуват в хармоничен блясък. Впускането в тази одисея изисква проницателност, подобна на опитен изследовател, който картографира неизследвани води. Тук ви очакват насоки, които ще ви помогнат да изберете онлайн казино за вас.

Присъединете се към мен в тази литературна ескапада, докато разгадаваме енигмата на избора на типичната казино игра за начинаещи, напомняща прозаичните стилове на литературно светило.

Ровейки се в гоблена на желанията:

Представете си, ако желаете, платно, нарисувано с желания и стремежи. Първият щрих включва интроспекция – изследване на нечии игрови пристрастия. Привлечени ли сте от капризната привлекателност на късмета, лабиринтните стратегии или дружелюбието на споделеното богатство? Потопете се в гоблена на вашите желания, защото там се крие компасът, насочващ вашето първо пътуване.

Симфония на простотата:

Когато увертюрата започва, простотата се появява като симфонична нота, водеща непосветените. Търсете игри с елегантността на сонет, където правилата текат като поезия и тънкостите са нежно разкрити. В този балет на късмета класически игри като слот машини и рулетка се въртят грациозно, канейки начинаещи да танцуват с Lady Luck.

Дешифриране на лексикона на късмета:

Думите, подобни на руните на страниците на съдбата, оформят лексикона на късмета. Новаците трябва да се впуснат в литературно пътешествие, декодирайки правилата, които управляват избраните от тях игри. Уроци и цифрови ръкописи изобилстват, предлагайки убежище за начинаещия да се потопи в езика на случайността. Владеенето на терминологията и стратегията превръща новака в проницателен играч.

Стратегически шах в Кралството на казиното:

Докато сюжетът се задълбочава, стратегическата шахматна дъска се разкрива. Тук съветът на мъдреците е да внимавате с ръба на къщата – тихият антагонист в тази разгръщаща се драма. Изберете игри, в които шансовете са в полза на дръзкия протагонист; Блекджек и Бакара (това е играта , която Джеймс Бонд играе в "Casino Royale") храбрите рицари в тази стратегическа таблица, привличайки начинаещите да оставят своя отпечатък.

Управление на банкрол: Финансовата соната:

Финансовата соната, съставена от внимателната оркестрация на управлението на банкрола, отеква в игралните зали. Създаването на бюджет е подобно на изработването на началните тактове, като се гарантира, че всяка нота се изпълнява с прецизност. Разпределяйте средствата си разумно, нека кресчендото на загубите не удави симфонията, защото в дисциплинираното управление се крие ритъмът на трайното представяне.

Социален валс в балната зала на казиното:

Танцът на случайността придобива социално измерение, валс в балната зала на казиното. За тези, влюбени в общи разкази, игри като Craps и Poker привличат, канейки начинаещи да се присъединят към оживения ансамбъл. Игрите с дилър на живо действат като мост между самотния играч и величието на споделените преживявания.

Бонуси: The Plot Twist of Fortuity:

Вижте обрата на сюжета – бонуси, случайния обрат в разказа на казиното. Онлайн заведенията, подобни на щедрите благодетели, предлагат бонуси на новодошлите. Но внимавайте, защото този обрат идва с условия и клаузи; прочетете дребния шрифт и не позволявайте на привлекателността на бонусите да подведе главния герой.

[Oncasinostex · Rating 5 out of 5]

What are the best strategies for casino games - a guide

Choosing the best casino game strategies depends on the specific game and your goal. It is important to keep in mind that no casino strategy guarantees a win, as gambling games such as slots and roulette are mostly based on chance. However, in certain games such as blackjack, poker and baccarat, the probability of success may increase. Check it out this link - if you're interested in a guide to casino games to enjoy in 2024! Here are some of the best strategies for the most popular casino games:



1. Blackjack:

Basic Blackjack Strategy: Use a mathematically optimal strategy that involves making decisions based on the cards you hold and the dealer's cards.

Card Counters: If you are fully prepared and know how to use them, card counting can increase your blackjack odds.

2. Poker:

Learn the rules and strategies: Use basic and advanced poker strategies, including money management, player reading skills, and bluffing.

Explore Different Variations: Different types of poker have different strategies. For example, the strategy for Texas Hold'em (see WOSP) may differ from the strategy for Omaha.

3. Baccarat:

Play the Banker: Take advantage of the lower house advantage when betting on the banker in baccarat. This is the standard strategy for reducing losses in this game.

4. Roulette:

European Roulette: When playing roulette, prefer the European version over the American one, as the European version has a lower house edge.

Bet Management: Use sensible bet management by avoiding high risk bets.

5. Slot machines:

Budget Management: When playing slots, manage your budget carefully and bet wisely to extend your playing time.

Regardless of the strategy you choose, it's always important to play responsibly and not do more than you can afford. Casino games are fun and should be treated as such, not based solely on winning strategies.

[Will Sinnott · Rating 1 out of 5]

"I was the point guard on the basketball court, remember..." How could 1 forget considering it's the only metaphor Tom Breitling knows & he is sure to use it once a chapter?

Reading this after having finished "Super Casino," really highlights that the writing in this book is quite pedestrian. A book like "Super Casino" is great at detailing the history and inner workings of corporate Las Vegas; this book is written in quite general terms without much excitement.

At 235 pages with type that is just slightly smaller than that found in a book for the hard-of-seeing, it, thankfully, is a quick read.

[Erik Surewaard · Rating 3 out of 5]

Entertaining read but nothing more than that. Two guys that got lucky by selling out twice just before a significant market correction: (1) their Internet hotel reservation company just before the IT bubble burst; and (2) a casino just before the credit bubble burst. So be prepared on some bluff talk about how good they think they are as entrepreneurs... But in the end still a worthwile read. The ghostwriter has done a fantastic job.

[Edward Sontag · Rating 5 out of 5]

well written

I loved the history of the friendship, the behind the scenes stories. This is as much a book about business as anything but wrapped up so you don’t realize it.

[Adam · Rating 4 out of 5]

Even if your a saint the action in this book will make you hard! I don't gamble but I went out and bought a bunch of casino stocks. A lot of business lessons in this book. One of the few books I am looking forward to reading again.

"Things my ear picked up on"

I'm not asking you to be there with a tissue every time I sneeze
Entrepreneurs in the best since of the word
You don't have success unless your learning from your failures
Riding through the ghetto looking for shit to purchase
You only have to get rich once
I don't let history get in the way of future
Instead of thinking why me think try me
Every quarter I put in comes back dressed up as a dollar
Nobody makes it to the Forbes 400 punching a time clock
He couldn't synthesize like me
When uncle Jimmy entered a room it sparkled like a pinky ring
Personality is what you see character is what you are
I inhaled those mottos until they where my own
So much of what happens to us can be traced back to timing
Got his load and hit the road
A good reason for marking favorite passages in books is that this practice enables you to remember easily the significant
sayings to refer to them quickly and then in later years it is like visiting a forest where you once blazed a trail you have the pleasure of going over the old ground an recalling both the intellectual scenery and you're old earlier self

[Hillary roberts · Rating 5 out of 5]

It has been 4 years since the show The Casino aired. Since then Tom Breitling and his best friend Cal Fussman have made another million after selling the Golden Nugget. Double or Nothing is the story of two best friends who went from rags to riches to accomplish unbelievable success.[return][return] Breitling shows that there is a lot more behind the scenes than The Casino let on. Breitling takes us on a whirlwind tour through the ups and downs of chasing a dream then selling it then doing it all again. This book is a fun read that let the author s personality shine through.[return][return] I did not know a lot about gambling when I started reading this book. It did not matter because whatever was needed to get the gist of the background was described beautifully.[return][return] The description that appeared in this book are such that the energy and the enthusiasm and sometimes the grief of the author shines through.[return][return] This book is an enjoyable book. Well worth the read.[return]http://purplemoonmyst.wordpress.com/2...

[Sra · Rating 4 out of 5]

A captivating story of two friends who made two 100 Million Dollar deals before their mid-thirties (lucky bastards).

The best thing about this book is the style of storytelling. It has the same appeal of Da Vinci code, in that the author, Bretling, knows how to use foreshadowing and suspense to keep you turning the pages. The language is very engaging and vivid, almost as if you're watching a movie.

Breitling captures your attention up front by putting you right in the middle of one of the most precarious moments in the journey: when a high-roller, Mr. Royalty, was taking the casino that Tim and Tom just bought for 8 million dollars at the craps tables. Would the duo be able to take this winning streak and still make their upcoming interest payment?

Before answering that question, Breitling takes you back to the beginning, when he and his business partner Tim first met. The story keeps your interest up to the end from there.

[Rob Eelkema · Rating 5 out of 5]

I actually loved this book....not many people have the same likes as me so don't go out and buy this until you read a synopsis of it first. Tim Poster and Tom Breitling started Travelscape in Las Vegas and sold it to Expedia for a huge profit. They took that profit and bought the Golden Nuggett in downtown Las Vegas. Tim and Tom are about my age....and Tom is actually from Burnsville, Minnesota. A lot of the place that these guys were at during their early years...I was in the same place just doing different things. Our paths crossed numerous times but they ended up millionaires :) Great book and an easy read.

[Joseph Young · Rating 2 out of 5]

Do not buy this audio book. The narrator's voice is incredibly annoying with huge overemphasis on every other word. Whoever hired the narrator should be fired. The book would probably be an ok read, although it's subject matter will not appeal to everyone.

Overall, an ok story about business life in Las Vegas. Boring at times, and relies too much on name dropping. Conclusion was unsatisfying and the ending too drawn out. I guess business owning a casino is not as exciting as movies will make it out to be, or the author is just not the greatest storytellr.

[Roadhouse · Rating 3 out of 5]

I was reading this book and it mildly had my interest, then BAM! The greatest mineralogical lie of the century was revealed!

The casino, the golden nugget, has a massive gold nugget on display in their casino, but it is all a sham! The nugget on display is a fake! It is a copy of the original.

If we can not trust a mineral display, what can we believe in? Is it all a sham? Is everything a lie?

[Alli Handy · Rating 4 out of 5]

I could not put this book down. I love Vegas and work in the hotel industry so the two combined make this the perfect book for me. It's about some college grads (one from USC) that started a las vegas hotel room reservation business, sold it to Expedia and then bought the Golden Nugget Hotel. Fascinating story about the casino and hotel business in Vegas.

[Lisa · Rating 3 out of 5]

I liked the first half of this book better than the second. You have to read it for the story, not the writing - the writing reminded me of someone just telling me their story, without edits, without perfecting their grammar, and over-repetitive use of some phrases and adjectives.

[Elizabeth · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book was really engaging. Half of it was about the two friends and their business booking Vegas hotel rooms and how they sold that and it became Expedia and became multi-millionaires and THAT allowed them to buy a Vegas casino.

[Dan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Double or Nothing is a very exciting and interesting read. I found myself loving to flip the pages and see what Mr. Royalty (creator of GTA???) was doing next, or finding out what wisdom Steve Wynn would bring Tim and Tom. It is a fun read, and I encourage all to read this book!

[Bill · Rating 4 out of 5]

Something a bit different, just a quick light story that was pretty cool about two guys striking it big in Vegas as businessmen.

[Charles McGonigal · Rating 4 out of 5]

Fun flight through Vegas, although obviously out to tell their side of the story.

[Javier Santillan · Rating 5 out of 5]

One of the best books about Vegas!

[Daniel Humphries · Rating 3 out of 5]

Fun read about our favorite casino/hotel in Vegas.

[Jason Galloway · Rating 3 out of 5]

Interesting book, but expect more after the reviews I read

[Matthew Gerken · Rating 4 out of 5]

Entertaining story