Las Vegas is a city built on entertainment, lights, and, of course, casinos. Over the decades, the gambling capital of the world has seen a remarkable evolution in both the scale and style of its casinos. However, the oldest establishments remain significant not only for their historical value but also for the insights they provide into the changing face of gaming and hospitality. In this article, we'll explore some of the oldest casinos in Las Vegas, how they've evolved over time, and the legacy they've left on the city's iconic skyline and culture.
Las Vegas' rise as a gambling haven dates back to the early 20th century. In 1931, Nevada legalized casino gambling, providing the foundation for Las Vegas to become a hotspot for tourists seeking to try their luck. The establishment of casinos was initially modest, with many early venues being simple, small-scale operations located along Fremont Street in the city's downtown district.
Over time, these early casinos were overshadowed by massive resorts and hotels that transformed the Las Vegas Strip. Despite the rise of newer, more extravagant casinos, the old-timers have retained a sense of nostalgia and charm, offering a unique glimpse into the city's colorful past.
The Golden Gate Hotel & Casino holds the distinction of being the oldest continuously operating casino in Las Vegas. Originally opened as the "Hotel Nevada," it was later renamed to the Golden Gate in 1955. This small but iconic casino has gone through several transformations over the years, but it has always been a part of Fremont Street's vibrant gaming scene.
The Golden Gate is famous for its long history of attracting gamblers, and it played an important role in shaping the early days of Las Vegas' casino culture. Its signature feature is its historic poker room, which has hosted countless high-stakes games over the decades.
Over the years, the casino has undergone multiple renovations. In the early 2000s, a major remodel updated its guest rooms and casino floor, blending the historical elements of the original hotel with modern amenities. Despite the changes, the Golden Gate has managed to preserve its nostalgic charm, offering visitors a chance to experience a piece of old Las Vegas in the heart of the city's vibrant downtown.
The El Cortez Hotel & Casino, located just a few blocks from Fremont Street, is another of the oldest casinos in Las Vegas. Opened in 1941, the El Cortez was originally designed as a luxurious hotel and casino to cater to the increasing number of tourists arriving in Las Vegas.
What sets the El Cortez apart is its historical significance, including its ownership by renowned gangster and casino mogul, "Old Blue Eyes" himself, the infamous mobster Bugsy Siegel. While the casino was never fully controlled by the mafia, Siegel’s involvement gave it a unique edge and a connection to the city's early mob history.
Over the years, the El Cortez has evolved, although it has kept many of its vintage features intact. The casino has undergone several renovations, and it has expanded to include more modern amenities and facilities while maintaining its retro appeal. Many of the hotel's original design elements, including its neon signs and Art Deco furnishings, have been preserved to transport visitors back in time.
The Flamingo is one of the most iconic and storied casinos in Las Vegas, having played a pivotal role in shaping the city's resort culture. Founded by none other than the infamous mobster Bugsy Siegel, the Flamingo opened its doors on December 26, 1946. At the time, it was the most luxurious casino-hotel in the city, featuring lavish gardens, a pool, and even a private lake.
The Flamingo marked the beginning of a new era for Las Vegas, one in which large-scale resort casinos combined gambling with entertainment, restaurants, and high-end services. It was also the first major casino on the Strip, setting the tone for the larger-than-life resorts that would follow.
While the Flamingo has undergone numerous renovations and expansions since its inception, the property has retained its historical significance. Over the decades, it has gone from being a mob-controlled enterprise to becoming part of the Caesars Entertainment family. Today, it remains one of the most popular destinations for tourists looking to experience the glamour and excitement of classic Las Vegas.
The Tropicana Las Vegas is another historic casino that has played an important role in the evolution of the Strip. Opened in 1957, the Tropicana quickly became known for its glamorous, tropical-themed atmosphere. The casino was inspired by the high-end resorts of Miami and the Caribbean, with a lush and colorful décor that helped define the golden age of Las Vegas.
The Tropicana was one of the first major resorts to feature a large showroom, offering guests an array of live entertainment from big-name acts like Frank Sinatra, Dean Martin, and Sammy Davis Jr. The casino also pioneered the use of elaborate casino floor designs and luxurious amenities that would later become the hallmark of many of Las Vegas' most famous resorts.
While the Tropicana has changed ownership and undergone several major renovations throughout its history, it has consistently remained a symbol of Las Vegas' glamorous past. The most recent upgrades have focused on modernizing the casino and hotel rooms while maintaining its iconic tropical theme.
While no longer in operation under its original name, the Sands Hotel & Casino is one of the most historically significant properties in Las Vegas history. Opened in 1952, the Sands was known for its luxurious accommodations and its famous entertainers, including the Rat Pack, who performed here regularly during the 1960s.
The Sands also played a pivotal role in the development of the Las Vegas Strip, serving as a template for future resorts. Its success helped establish the idea of the all-inclusive casino-hotel concept, where guests could enjoy everything from gambling and fine dining to live entertainment, all under one roof.
In 1996, the Sands was demolished and replaced by The Venetian Resort, a lavish, Italian-themed resort designed by Sheldon Adelson's Las Vegas Sands Corporation. The Venetian has since become one of the most successful and upscale resorts in the city, but the legacy of the original Sands is still alive in the resort’s architecture and luxurious offerings.
The oldest casinos in Las Vegas have undergone significant transformations over the years, but they remain critical to understanding the city's evolution. These properties not only highlight the growth of Las Vegas as a resort destination but also offer a unique window into the city's past, marked by mob ties, mid-century glamour, and the constant push for innovation.
From their humble beginnings as small gambling dens to their role in creating the mega-resorts we know today, the oldest casinos in Las Vegas have a rich history that has shaped the entertainment and gaming industries worldwide. As newer, more extravagant properties continue to rise along the Strip, these old-timers continue to remind us of the city's origins and the people and events that built the Las Vegas we know today.
