As a youth, he learned sports betting in the bleachers of Wrigley Field and would often skip classes to attend Chicago sporting events. Rosenthal was born in Chicago, Illinois, to a Jewish family and grew up on the city's West Side. Rosenthal's life and career in Las Vegas served as the basis of Martin Scorsese's 1995 film Casino, where he was portrayed by Robert De Niro and re-named Sam 'Ace' Rothstein.
Rosenthal, who was once called 'the greatest living expert on sports gambling' by Sports Illustrated, is credited with bringing increased exposure to sports betting to Las Vegas in the 1970s. Frank Lawrence Rosenthal (J– October 13, 2008), also known as ' Lefty' Rosenthal, was an American professional sports gambler, Las Vegas casino executive, and organized crime associate.
