Chapter 189: Eye-catching Benefits
The recent surge in big prize winners had a profound effect on the gambling scene, prompting a flood of activity at proxy investment companies. Phones rang incessantly, with hundreds of new accounts opening and millions of dollars pouring in. In just three days, more than 10,000 new accounts were created, boosting the investment company's fund pool to $2 million. Of this, only $100,000 was taken as a fee.
The funds in these accounts earned no interest, but the company could lend the money to banks and make a profit. Meanwhile, the cash used to buy lottery tickets was abundant in Los Angeles, effectively transforming it into legal funds through proxy investments—essentially laundering money.
The casino's lottery prize pool grew rapidly, reaching $30,000 within a few days. Proxy investments now surpassed the casino's direct betting amounts, further fueling the excitement and encouraging more people to place bets.
Two weeks later, Bill informed Hardy that the "Luck Goddess Agency Investment Company" now had $10 million in account funds, and the casino's lottery prize remained stable at over $40,000 each draw. This was a substantial increase in revenue, translating to an estimated annual income of $22 million from just the casino's take.
At Hardy's Las Vegas estate, he hosted Mayor Goodman, who was fond of red wine. Hardy took him to the underground wine cellar, a climate-controlled space with a selection of wines worth millions. Goodman admired a bottle of Latour 1908 and acknowledged its high value, but Hardy noted that recent price increases had raised it to around $800, with retail prices reaching $1,000.
Goodman was impressed with a bottle of Romani Conti 1914, which was valued at $2,000 due to its rarity. They enjoyed the wine while discussing the prosperity brought by the Hardy Hotel. Goodman noted that the city's growing success would lead to increased tax revenues and investments in infrastructure such as drainage, road systems, and environmental sanitation.
Hardy offered to contribute to municipal development, suggesting the construction of a large-scale comprehensive hospital and a university for Las Vegas. Goodman was thrilled, recognizing the significant impact such projects would have on the city's future. Hardy proposed starting with a technical school specializing in hotel management, which would align with the city's future growth.
Goodman appreciated the practicality of Hardy's suggestions, understanding that a university focused on hotel management would meet immediate needs and gradually expand to other disciplines.
As they sipped the fine wine, Goodman mentioned that a state legislator friend had seen him on TV and planned to visit Las Vegas. Hardy extended an offer to provide complimentary hotel accommodations for the legislator and his family, aiming to showcase the city's potential.
A few days later, Hardy held a groundbreaking ceremony for a new racetrack and dog racing track. The investment in the dog racing field was modest at $100,000, while the racecourse required a more substantial $1 million. Many casino managers attended, some envious of Hardy's success. Complaints about declining business and competition were voiced, highlighting the challenges faced by other casinos.
Hardy, addressing the crowd, emphasized the importance of adapting to industry trends and improving one's offerings. He invited other casino operators to consider partnerships, revealing plans for a new, luxurious casino complex with a $100 million budget. This ambitious project would include a sprawling casino, a thousand hotel suites, shopping plazas, and various entertainment facilities, further cementing Las Vegas's status as a premier destination.