Bugsy Siegel was an American mobster who played a significant role in the development of organized crime in the United States during the early to mid-20th century. Born on February 28, 1906, in Brooklyn, New York, he became known for his involvement in various criminal activities, including bootlegging and gambling. Siegel was a key figure in the Lucchese crime family and later became associated with the Murder, Inc. group. Siegel is perhaps best known for his role in the creation of Las Vegas as a gambling and entertainment hub. He helped finance the construction of the Flamingo Hotel in 1946, which marked the beginning of the city's transformation into a major tourist destination. His life ended violently when he was murdered on June 20, 1947, in Beverly Hills, California, reflecting the dangerous world of organized crime in which he operated.