Oldest Vegas Casinos A Look Back at the Rich History of Sin City’s Iconic Establishments
Las Vegas, also known as the “Entertainment Capital of the World”, is home to some of the most iconic and extravagant casinos in the world. These casinos not only offer a wide array of gambling options, but also provide luxurious accommodations, fine dining experiences, and world-class entertainment. With the glitz and glamour that Las Vegas exudes, it’s hard to imagine that it all started with just a few humble establishments. In this article, we take a trip down memory lane and explore the oldest casinos in Vegas, how they came to be, and their impact on the city’s history.
The Beginnings of Las Vegas and Its First Casinos
Before it became the bustling tourist destination it is today, Las Vegas was once a small desert town with a population of less than 1,000. The discovery of silver and gold deposits in the nearby mountains in the early 1900s brought an influx of people to the area, but it wasn’t until the state of Nevada legalized gambling in 1931 that the city began to transform into what it is known for today.
Golden Gate Hotel & Casino (1906)
Located in downtown Las Vegas, the Golden Gate Hotel & Casino holds the title of the oldest casino in the city, having opened its doors in 1906. Originally called the Hotel Nevada, it was renamed to Golden Gate in 1955, paying homage to the famous Golden Gate Bridge in San Francisco. The hotel and casino have undergone several renovations and expansions over the years, but still maintains its historic charm with its original facade and vintage interior design.
The Golden Gate is also known for being the birthplace of the shrimp cocktail, which became a popular dish among visitors and locals alike. Today, the hotel and casino offers a mix of old and new, with modern amenities and a lively atmosphere while still preserving its rich history.
Las Vegas Club (1905)
Just a year older than the Golden Gate, the Las Vegas Club is another iconic establishment in downtown Vegas. Originally a modest two-story building, it has gone through multiple renovations and expansions, including a 1949 addition of a neon sign that is now a famous landmark in the city. The casino was also one of the first to feature blackjack tables, making it a popular spot for card enthusiasts.
The Las Vegas Club closed its doors in 2015, after almost 110 years in operation, but its legacy lives on as the property is now owned by the Stevens brothers who also own the Golden Gate. Plans are in place to revamp the building and bring back some of its original features, while adding modern amenities to attract a new generation of visitors.
El Cortez Hotel & Casino (1941)
Built in 1941, the El Cortez Hotel & Casino is the third oldest casino still standing in Las Vegas. Located in downtown, it originally opened as the Hotel El Cortez, but added a casino a few years later in 1945. It was known for being a hotspot for celebrities and high rollers, with glamorous shows and luxurious accommodations.
Today, the El Cortez is still a popular destination for travelers looking for a taste of vintage Vegas. It boasts a classic old-school vibe with its neon lights and retro decor, and offers low-limit table games, making it a favorite among budget-conscious gamblers.
The Rise of the Mega Casinos on the Strip
In the 1940s and 1950s, Las Vegas underwent a major transformation with the construction of mega casinos and resorts along what is now known as the “Strip”. These massive properties not only offered gambling, but also provided a full vacation experience with elaborate themes, extravagant shows, and luxurious accommodations. Here are the oldest and most iconic casinos on the famous Las Vegas Strip.
Flamingo Las Vegas (1946)
Considered to be the first mega casino in Vegas, the Flamingo Las Vegas opened its doors in 1946. It was built by mobster Bugsy Siegel, who wanted to create a luxurious resort that would attract the rich and famous. The property was named after Siegel’s girlfriend, Virginia Hill, who had the nickname “flamingo” due to her long legs.
The Flamingo quickly became a popular spot for Hollywood celebrities, and its infamous opening night featured performances by renowned artists such as Jimmy Durante and Xavier Cugat. Today, the Flamingo offers a mix of modern amenities and classic Vegas charm, with its signature pink neon lights, retro decor, and a wildlife habitat featuring flamingos, penguins, and other exotic animals.
Sahara Las Vegas (1952)
Originally named Club Bingo, the Sahara Las Vegas opened in 1952 as a casino and bingo hall. It was later renamed the Sahara in 1952 and underwent multiple expansions and renovations, becoming one of the most popular destinations on the Strip. The venue played host to some of the biggest names in entertainment, including Frank Sinatra, Dean Martin, and Elvis Presley.
After almost 60 years in operation, the Sahara closed its doors in 2011, but reopened in 2014 as the SLS Las Vegas under new ownership. The property still maintains some of its original features and has added new attractions, such as a rooftop pool and a nightclub, to appeal to a younger crowd.
Tropicana Las Vegas (1957)
The Tropicana Las Vegas opened in 1957 and quickly became one of the most iconic properties on the Strip. Its tropical theme and lavish shows made it a popular spot among visitors, and it was also known for being one of the first hotels to have a swimming pool.
Over the years, the Tropicana underwent multiple renovations and expansions, but still maintains its vibrant Caribbean-inspired atmosphere. It is also home to one of the oldest running shows in Vegas, the Folies Bergere, which ran from 1959 to 2009. Today, the Tropicana offers modern accommodations, top-notch dining options, and a lively casino floor.
The Impact of the Oldest Casinos on Las Vegas
The oldest casinos in Las Vegas not only hold a special place in the hearts of locals and tourists, but they also played an important role in shaping the city into what it is today. These establishments were not just places to gamble, but were also social hubs where people came to see and be seen. They brought in significant revenue to the city, providing employment opportunities and boosting the local economy.
In addition, these casinos also helped shape the culture and reputation of Las Vegas as a destination for fun and excitement. Their extravagant shows, luxurious accommodations, and world-class entertainment all contributed to the city’s image as a glamorous playground for adults.
Furthermore, these iconic establishments paved the way for the construction of newer, bigger, and more extravagant casinos on the Strip, making Las Vegas a top tourist destination worldwide. They are a testament to the rich history and evolution of the city, and continue to attract visitors from all over the world who want to experience the nostalgia and glamour of vintage Vegas.
The Future of Las Vegas’ Oldest Casinos
Despite their age, the oldest casinos in Las Vegas are still going strong and continue to attract a steady stream of visitors. However, with the constant demand for new and innovative attractions, many of these properties have undergone extensive renovations and expansions to keep up with the times. Some have even closed down and rebranded to appeal to a younger crowd.
But despite the changes, these casinos have managed to preserve their historic charm and continue to attract visitors who want a taste of old-school Vegas. With the city constantly evolving, it’s hard to predict what the future holds for these iconic establishments, but one thing is for sure – they will always hold a special place in the history and culture of Las Vegas.
Conclusion: A Look Back at the Rich History of Vegas’ Oldest Casinos
The oldest casinos in Las Vegas are not just buildings with slot machines and card tables, they are living pieces of history that have played a significant role in shaping the city into what it is today. From humble beginnings as small gambling halls to grand mega resorts on the Strip, these establishments have stood the test of time and continue to be a major draw for tourists worldwide.
With each passing year, more and more new casinos open their doors in Sin City, but the oldest ones will always hold a special place in the hearts of locals and visitors alike. They remind us of the glitz and glamour that Vegas is known for, while also preserving the rich history and culture of the city. So the next time you visit Las Vegas, make sure to pay a visit to these iconic establishments and experience a piece of vintage Vegas.
