STATESIDE BMM qp strip CI
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Her father’s daughter S
ince my last column, Norman and I purchased our new house. We’re a long way from moving in and the pressure is on now to get my current house ready to put on the market. How many properties do I want to support at this point in my life? Friends with downsizing experience advise trashing as much as possible. I hate to admit that in another life, I may have bordered on being a hoarder. I even had a dumpster delivered to my house. We filled it within three days and will bring it back again. These same friends say there is little room for sentiment beyond the most important, precious photos and items. They are right. I’ve found framed certificates, plaques and
documents from decades ago that describe the achievements of our respective families. For example, my dad helped lead the Amusement Machine Association of Philadelphia (AMAOP) group for decades, beginning in the 1950s when the pinball industry was coming of age. The earliest operators had formed a trade association- unheard of in that era. I discovered the original framed 1936 incorporation certificate. It took several years to actually get the group going. This was not a union. No, this group of amusement operators had one common purpose…to conduct business independently, peacefully and profitably as they saw fit. Sure, there were guidelines and
2/4/25 10:09
Sharon Harris’ house move continues, as does the unearthing of some industry memorabilia…
disagreements about implementation, but everyone recognized the goal. Whatever they did, and the results of their decisions, was on them. For the most part, they wanted to control their own fates.
Sound familiar? That was the concept of forming the American Gaming Association (AGA) nationally in 1994. It wanted to fight proposed taxes and hired Frank Fahrenkopf Jr. to lead that battle. He unified multiple gaming components and stayed for 18 years. I read many names that meant nothing to me but meant everything to the growth of a family business that gave me a great life. Quite often, people whose names are unfamiliar, but whose impact is, are only remembered on paper.
Case in point is the legendary Robert Faiss, a Nevadan through and through. While cleaning out a bookshelf, I found his book that defined Nevada gaming law. I met Bob during an interview in 2000, prior to the current Casino International ownership taking charge in June 2001. Already a giant in Nevada’s casino industry, Bob was beyond humble and the ultimate softspoken gentleman. He often expressed gratitude that “I gave him the time and opportunity” to offer information as a resource.
Was he kidding? For years, Bob was a “go-to” guy for me. I would laugh, saying I was “nobody” compared to his stature. The National Law Journal named Bob one of the 100 Most Influential Lawyers in America years ago.
His work and careful, diligent framing of gaming law impacted millions in Nevada. By extension, Bob’s ideas and recommendations
16 JULY 2025
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