Oct. 7, 1963 - Frank Sinatra said today he was pulling out of his Nevada gambling interests, estimated to be worth $3.5 million. The singer, who is the object of a license revocation attempt by the Nevada Gaming Control Board, said through his attorney in Las Vegas: “I intend to divest myself completely from any involvement with the gaming industry in Nevada.” The Gaming Control Board charged that Mr. Sinatra had violated its regulations by entertaining Sam Giancana, a Chicago underworld figure, at Mr. Sinatra’s Cal-Neva Lodge at Lake Tahoe. Sinatra was also accused of telephoning “vile, intemperate, obscene, indecent” and threatening remarks to gambling board chairman Ed Olsen. And a Sinatra aide is accused of trying to force money on two investigators. “I was surprised, hurt and angered,” Sinatra said of the control board’s charges. His first reaction, he said, was to fight, but he added: “Since I have decided that I belong in the entertainment industry and not in the gaming industry, no useful purpose would be served by my devoting my time and energies toward convincing the Nevada gaming officials that I should be part of their gambling industry. For many years, I have tried to aid the growth of the gaming and tourist industries in Nevada — I would like to think that my efforts have been of some help.”
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