Leslie S. Kofoed was born in Lovelock, Nevada, in 1909. He received his education in Lovelock schools, and then entered the business world. His early careers led Mr. Kofoed from construction to motel operation, to ownership of a service station and a truck line, and to other more diversified activities. He served as a state senator from Pershing County in the 1941 legislature. An appointment as U.S. Marshal for Nevada gave him experience in law enforcement. As a member of the gaming industry's varied interests, Mr. Kofoed performed perhaps his most notable work.

Since the 1930s Nevada has been distinguished and dominated by a phenomenon unique to the state: the legalized gaming industry. That industry has served as the state's generous economic benefactor. This oral biography of Leslie Kofoed provides a welcome primary source on Nevada's gaming industry, giving an inside view of the industry. Leslie Kofoed worked for Harolds Club from 1952 to 1965 in its motel and gaming operations; he had considerable experience as a legislative lobbyist; and in 1965 he became head of the Gaming Industry Association.

This oral history is useful for its candid look at the Smith family; its discussion of the development of new marketing techniques at Harolds Club; its insight into lobbying before the legislature; and its account of some of the problems confronting the industry. There is, however, more to this oral biography than gaming. Mr. Kofoed reminisces about his boyhood days in Lovelock; provides insightful looks at Nevada politics--particularly a short, but sharply drawn view of Patrick McCarran; gives a useful description of one of his pet interests and projects—the improvements of roads in the United States; and offers a look at the successful campaign resulting in congressional legislation to add to the number of three-day holiday weekends.