The Talk About Las Vegas Podcast

This week on “Talk About Las Vegas With Ira,” Ira sits down with acclaimed singer-songwriter Jon McLaughlin, who performs April 11 at Myron’s at The Smith Center.
In this engaging conversation, Jon reflects on a lifelong relationship with music that began at the piano as a child. Coming from a musical family—his father and grandfather were musicians—weekly lessons were simply part of growing up. Now a father himself, Jon shares why he won’t push music on his daughters, even though they already love the pi-ano.
Jon also talks about the professor (Jonathan Brooks) who profoundly influenced his musical thinking while he attended Anderson University, helping him realize that music could be both simple and deeply personal. That realization helped shape the songwriting style that has become his signature.
In the conversation, Jon discusses why lyrics matter so much to him, how he finds creative inspiration by forcing himself to listen to new music, and what he calls finding “the office”—that focused place where songwriting happens.
He also shares stories about the first time he knew his career path was the right one, the thrill of his first sold-out show in Denver, and the powerful moments when fans tell him how much his music means to them.
Plus, Jon talks about the song from his current album, "Scenarios" that resonates most with listeners—“Acting”—and what it’s like preparing for his first performance in Las Vegas.

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FROM MOB-RUN SPORTSBOOKS TO MOBILE APPS: THE INSIDE STORY WITH ART MANTERIS

This week on “Talk About Las Vegas With Ira,” Ira sits down with legendary Las Vegas bookmaker Art Manteris, author (with Matt Birkbeck) of "The Bookie."

For more than four decades, Art helped shape the modern sportsbook while running operations at iconic Las Vegas properties including the Stardust, Caesars, and the Hilton. In this fascinating conversation, he shares why he decided to write "The Bookie" and reflects on a career spent at the center of one of Las Vegas’s most exciting—and closely watched—industries.

Art talks about arriving in Las Vegas before he ever entered the race and sportsbook business, and how once he did, there was no turning back. He discusses the thrill of working in sports betting for more than 43 years, where balancing revenue, compliance, and guest service was essential to running what he calls “pretty well-oiled machines.”

The conversation also explores Nevada’s long-standing model for regulating sports betting, why Art believes federal intervention isn’t the answer, and how legislation such as the Wire Act has unintentionally created complications for the industry. He also explains the steps states can take to responsibly manage sports wagering as technology and mobile betting continue to expand the market—especially among younger bettors.

Along the way, Art shares stories about some of the colorful figures who shaped the world of sports betting, including legendary oddsmaker Roxy Roxborough and famed sports bettor Billy Walters. He also reflects on the challenges of guest service in a high-stakes environment and the evolving relationship between professional sports leagues and the gambling industry.

Packed with insider perspective, Vegas history, and unforgettable characters, this episode offers a rare look inside the world of sportsbooks from one of the men who helped define it.
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Mike E. Winfield on Stand-Up, Gratitude, and Finding His Voice in Las Vegas

In this episode of "Talk About Las Vegas With Ira," Ira sits down with comedian and actor Mike E. Winfield, headlining at the Laugh Factory at Horseshoe Las Vegas March 23–29.

Mike talks about the story behind his “E.”, why so many people think they’re funny—but few are willing to take the stage—and what it really takes to succeed in stand-up comedy. He shares insights from his time on "America's Got Talent," including what audiences don’t see behind the scenes.

The conversation also explores his journey from Baltimore to Hollywood, his passion for stand-up, and the importance of authenticity in his work.

Mike reflects on the comedians who inspired him, how comedy acts as a filter for understanding life, and why aging has made him both a better performer and a more grounded person.

He also talks about performing in Las Vegas, his experience at the Laugh Factory, and why he’s grateful for a career that allows him to travel and connect with audiences—including sharing those experiences with his family.
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Roger Gros on Prediction Markets and the Future of Casinos

This week on “Talk About Las Vegas With Ira,” Ira sits down with Roger Gros, editor-at-large of "Global Gaming Business" and host of three industry podcasts.

Roger shares his unlikely journey into the gaming world—starting out as a musician before heading to Atlantic City to perform. That trip led him to a job dealing cards at Caesars Atlantic City, a move that eventually launched a decades-long career covering the casino industry as one of its most respected journalists.

In this episode, Roger discusses how dramatically the media landscape has changed over the years and reveals the most surprising transformation he’s witnessed in gaming. He explains the rapid rise of online gaming and sounds the alarm about prediction markets—a new betting-style system where participants don’t place bets but instead “trade” on out-comes.

Roger also talks about protecting the integrity of gaming, the role of the Nevada Gaming Control Board, and highlights the often overlooked innovators shaping the modern casino industry.

Along the way, he makes a spirited case that Elvis Presley and Howard Hughes both de-serve a place in the Gaming Hall of Fame.

Now based in Boulder City, Nevada, where he’s lived for the past 20 years, Roger keeps close tabs on the gaming world while producing three podcasts: “The Boulder City Podcast,” “The Gaming Legacy Podcast,” and the “GGB Podcast,” where he interviews both veter-an legends and today’s industry leaders—including his first “Gaming Legacy Podcast” guest, Jack Binion.

He also explains why he prefers recording interviews in person whenever possible—and shares whether he’s optimistic about the future of Las Vegas.
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