My knowledge is second hand but it is from people who were there. In the 70's the book was disected many times because it was written to hurt Vegas. Most of the true things were known by everyone at that time, the rest they guessed or made up. The town could have never become what it was without the people who had the knowedge and the bankroll. These people were not school teachers, bankers, doctors, etc. They learned the business in bars and backrooms, but were welcomed with open arms when given a chance to legitimize it. Of course you will always have a certain element who can't be straight no matter what, just like you'll have the hypocrites who will be the first to jump in bed with them.