Larry Grossman is the presenter and creator of the most frequently listened to gambling and betting radio program in Las Vegas, aptly named “It’s a Sure Thing.” Since launching in 1989, he has had the pleasure of interviewing world-renowned poker champions such as Amarillo Slim, Puggy Pearson, and Tom McEvoy. During the football season, regular appearances are made by Lem Banker, Mike Lee, Mort Olshan, and Andy Iskoe.
In the 1997 and 1998 seasons, Grossman was the host of a nationally broadcasted show that showcased some of the country’s best bettors.
Larry Grossman is the writer of two books, “It’s a Sure Thing” Volume 1 – Casino Games and Volume 2 – Sports Betting. He regularly contributes to various gambling publications. Larry has organized and hosted betting workshops in Las Vegas. Check out AudioVegas.com to hear past episodes of his “It’s a Sure Thing” radio program.
Larry’s show was a platform where he engaged in conversations with a diverse range of individuals linked to gambling, sports wagering, poker, and Las Vegas’s history. His interviewees varied from city mayors to mafia assassins, politicians, poker enthusiasts, and even sex trade brokers. The breadth of his guest list was phenomenal. There were individuals who appeared on Larry’s show who wouldn’t engage with others, but they felt comfortable sharing their stories with Larry. Such was the level of respect they had for him.
Indeed, Larry was endowed with a unique ability to extract the best from his interviewees. One contributing factor was that his show lasted a full hour, giving him ample time to delve into intriguing topics. Regrettably, much of today’s media is saturated with sound bites and memes. The attention span of the majority of listeners and readers is dwindling. Larry’s show was rich in content because he was a profound thinker. This was what attracted his audience, making him a “must-listen” figure in the Las Vegas scene.
I’ve had the privilege of being a guest on Larry’s show thrice. However, my learning was not limited to those appearances; I gained more insights by simply listening to him, both on and off the air. The moments I cherished the most were when we had quiet conversations away from the microphone. Larry is an incredibly private individual who seldom seeks the spotlight, choosing instead to let his guests and the subjects of his shows take center stage. Despite this, I can’t help but look back with affection on our hikes at Red Rock Canyon and the moments spent at his residence in Summerlin, an invitation that was both rare and special.
When it comes to Larry’s abode, it’s the most impressive “man cave” I’ve ever encountered. It surpasses any museum. Larry’s place is stuffed with memorabilia, filling his drawers, filing cabinets, walls, boxes, and closets. The hours could easily slip by while touring Larry’s collection, listening to his captivating anecdotes, and discussing the bygone era of Las Vegas. The wealth of information contained within these interviews remains a preserved snapshot of time and a treasure trove.
Las Vegas and its gambling culture experienced a blow when Larry chose to retire and conclude his show. Contributing factors included changing demographics, the shift towards social media, and the decline of substance in favor of style. Perhaps even a touch of burnout. Nothing has stepped in to replace it or fill the gap. In fact, it seems that Larry’s shoes (and his wealth of knowledge) are irreplaceable
