Gaming Agents Find Printing Plate for Hitler Bumper Sticker

Nevada Gaming Control Board agents have found a printing plate used by the Imperial Palace Hotel & Casino to print bumper stickers bearing the words “Hitler Was Right,” it was reported Wednesday.

The Las Vegas Review-Journal reported that gaming agents entered the Strip resort Tuesday looking for the bumper stickers but instead found the printing plate and a July 24, 1986, work order requesting the stickers.

The incident is the latest development in the gaming board’s investigation of Imperial Palace owner Ralph Engelstad.

Last week gaming agents inspected a private room at the Imperial Palace where Engelstad allegedly held parties commemorating Adolf Hitler’s birthday. The room also contained Engelstad’s multimillion-dollar collection of Nazi-era war memorabilia.

Gaming sources said they inspected the room and returned to the hotel to check on the bumper stickers in an ongoing investigation to determine whether Engelstad’s alleged actions affect his suitability as a gaming licensee.

Engelstad issued a news release Friday saying “I despise Hitler and everything he stood for.” He said Hitler “created his own niche in history, although it was an infamous one.”

Gaming Control Board Chairman Mike Rumbolz said the Imperial Palace investigation is continuing.

The board is also looking into allegations that Engelstad and General Manager Ed Crispell ordered the destruction of hotel security records related to a civil suit filed by a Missouri couple, who were attacked at the hotel in 1984.