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Las Vegas, often dubbed “The Entertainment Capital of the World,” is known for its live shows, party atmosphere, and of course, gambling! Millions of people flock to Vegas each year in hopes to live it up and hit it big. But have you ever wondered how some of the most iconic casinos we know and love came about? Let’s delve into the juicy history of some of Sin City’s most famous (or infamous) gambling spots!
The Flamingo: Starting off on the right foot.
When it comes to iconic casinos, The Flamingo is the oldest continuously operating resort on the Strip. Billy Wilkerson, founder of The Hollywood Reporter who bought the land in 1945, originally proposed the casino. He later partnered with infamous mobster Benjamin “Bugsy” Siegel in 1946 to obtain financing. But soon enough Bugsy took over the project, leaving Wilkerson in the dust. The Flamingo casino opened the day after Christmas on December 26, 1946 followed by a three-story hotel in 1947. Tragically that same year, Bugsy was unexpectedly shot and killed at age 41. The hotel and casino has since then held many owners and experienced a range of redevelopment stages. As it stands today, The Flamingo still holds a unique and forever-fabulous atmosphere that plays a key role in preserving the city’s vibrancy.
The Golden Nugget: A treasured blast from the past.
Nestled in the heart of downtown Las Vegas, The Golden Nugget is not to be forgotten among the city’s iconic casinos. It’s a charming relic of the past that attracts millions with its nostalgia and vintage allure. Established in 1946 by entrepreneur Steve Wynn’s father, this casino has undergone a wide range of changes but still manages to hold that old-school charm and hospitality. Steve Wynn became majority stakeholder of the Golden Nugget Casino in 1973, making him the youngest casino owner in Las Vegas. Wynn expanded the brand under its ownership with the first hotel tower built in 1977 which received a four-diamond rating from Mobil Travel Guide. Today, tourists seek the Golden Nugget for that authentic and maybe a little edgy downtown Las Vegas experience.
Caesars Palace: Where opulence reigns supreme.
Inspired by the glory of ancient Rome, Caesars Palace is a symbol of extravagance and beauty in modern-day Vegas. Opened in 1966 by Jay Sarno and Stanley Mallin, Caesars Palace aimed to transport visitors back in time to a world of ornate splendor. But of course, not without a little help from the mob! To fund their dreams of grandeur, the owners received a $10.6 million loan from the Teamsters Union pension fund, commonly known as “the mob’s bank”. Where else are they going to get all that money?! Speaking of grandeur, the casino’s 3-day grand opening cost $1 million and featured the largest order of Ukrainian caviar ever placed.
As of July 2016, the hotel has 3,960 rooms in six towers and a convention facility of over 300,000 sqft. Even with its namesake tied to a tyrannical ruler, Caesars Palace remains a Vegas staple visited by folks from around the globe.
The Mirage: A site worth seeing.
In 1989, the aforementioned Steve Wynn unveiled his latest masterpiece; The Mirage. With its revolutionary new design and groundbreaking attractions, The Mirage launched a new era of Vegas tourism. Not only was it the first casino to feature an erupting volcano and indoor tropical forest, but it also set the standard for innovation on the Strip.
The Mirage also debuted a magic show by Siegfried & Roy who performed there for nearly 14 years. It was also home to the very first Cirque du Soleil show in Vegas, Nouvelle Expérience, which opened in 1992. Wynn let go of the property in 2000 when his company acquired MGM Grand, and Hard Rock International took over operations in 2022. With new operators come big changes including the construction of a giant guitar-shaped hotel to be built in place of the iconic volcano. The new hotel will have 600 rooms, 48,000 sqft of gaming area, and 96,000 sqft of retail and restaurant space.
Las Vegas undoubtedly holds a wealth of juicy history, oozing with captivating tales, thrilling escapades, and certainly some unforgettable moments! And to whom do we owe the pleasure? The ones that chased their dreams, and created a playground of mischief and fun for the whole world to enjoy for years to come. Even if the means were a little less than conventional!
