Redietz is indeed honest to admit this. It is not the life of a successful gambler.
After inflation, $20 in the 1980's would be worth around $60 today. But the Gold Spike was no "carpet joint". The casino had unfinished wood floorboards with sawdust. They literally used silver dollars as chips.
In the 1980's you could stay at Bob Stupak's Vegas World for free!
"Stupak requested a $396 check from customers in exchange for a three-day, two-night stay at Vegas World. Customers would also receive $400 in cash, and other benefits.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Vegas_...ation_packages