In 1973, sports handicapper Sam "Ace" Rothstein is sent by the Chicago Mafia to Las Vegas to run the Tangiers Casino, with Philip Green serving as its frontman and Ace's childhood friend Nicky Santoro assigned to protect both him and the casino. Ace soon doubles the casino's profits, but his ruthless tactics and personal demons slowly erode his relationships and standing in Las Vegas. As the city changes around him, Ace must confront the growing scrutiny of his operation and the Midwest bosses' desire for control, leading to a tragic confrontation that ultimately seals his fate.