Man shot to death in casino sports book

Tuesday, Feb. 8, 2000 | 9:25 a.m.

An argument in a casino sports book erupted into violence when one man pulled out a gun and shot the other to death.

Shocked gamblers fell to the floor as shots rang out just before noon Monday in the sports book at the Stardust hotel-casino.

Las Vegas police said three shots were fired, with one hitting the 56-year-old victim in the chest. He died a short time later at a local hospital.

After shooting the victim, the gunman handed his weapon over to a hotel security guard and stayed until police arrived. The man, whose name was not immediately available, was booked for investigation of murder.

Police did not reveal a motive in the shooting, although some customers said it may have resulted from a dispute over some bets.

The sports book and north entrance of the hotel were closed for about five hours after the shooting before being reopened.

"The employees are just in shock," Stardust spokesman Jim Seagrave said. "It's kind of business as usual, but it's not fun."

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