Chester Simms
1909 - 1970
Born and raised in Covington, Kentucky, Chester moved to New York City during the depression.
Growing up in Kentucky, Chester was quite fond of the horse track
Chester at the driving range, 1935
Chester’s Cuban passport
When Meyer Lansky controlled the gambling in Cuba and the Dominican Republic, he relied on his favorite casino boss, Chester Simms, to handle the job.
He worked in various positions in gaming and at racetracks. His career included managing a casino in Havana in the late 40’s.
“Simms saw and understood everything there was to see within a casino. He was also the most observant business man I have ever known.”
– Dick Odessky, “Fly On The Wall”
In New York in 1943, Chester meets an enchanting young woman named Marie. They enjoyed a “Guys and Dolls” romance between New York City and Havana. Marie and Chester were married Novermber 11, 1945.
They were blessed with two children, Douglas and Dawn. The Simms family migrated to
He worked as Casino Manager at the “Fabulous Flamingo” from 1951 to 1967.
The “Fabulous Flamingo” circa 1950
Chester Simms at the roulette table, Las Vegas 1950
Chester playing the bongos with Peggy Lee and Lionel Hampton
The last year or so of his career was spent managing the casino at the Frontier Hotel for Howard Hughes.
Star Celebration: A Tribute to Chester Simms
In 2006, Chester Simms was honored with his own “Walk of Stars” plaque in front of the Flamingo hotel. We put together a montage of videos and pictures so you can experience the festivities of this special event.
Chester Simms Gallery
