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Oldest Casinos In Las Vegas | LeoVegas

Oldest Vegas Casinos

The Rat Pack. Bugsy Siegel. Howard Hughes. Frank Sinatra. These legendary figures helped shape Vegas from a dusty desert town into the luxurious gambling mecca it is today. But what about the old gambling halls and hotels that created the template for Sin City's most glamorous modern resorts?

While many old-time casinos have been demolished to make way for grander establishments, several of Las Vegas's classic hotels and casinos remain. From the neon-lit streets of downtown 'old Vegas' to the bustling Strip, we'll uncover the casinos, events, and legends that shaped the entertainment capital of the world.

Table of Contents:

These stories are more than mere tales; they’re filled with intrigue, high-stakes drama, and the occasional plot twist - much like a Friday night episode of 48 Hours. Join us as we delve into the rich history of Las Vegas's oldest and most iconic casinos.

The Beginning of Las Vegas: From Desert to Casino Paradise

Las Vegas began in 1905 as a small stopover town for a railway connecting Los Angeles and Salt Lake City. The early days were far from the neon lights we know today; development was slow until the arrival of railroads and the construction of the Hoover Dam in the 1930s. The dam brought many young male workers to town, creating an ideal base for gambling and entertainment businesses - opportunities especially attractive to the Mafia.

By the 40s and 50s, mob ‘influencers’ like Bugsy Siegel, Meyer Lansky, and Frank Costello heavily invested in Vegas casinos, their flashy lifestyles perfectly aligning with the city’s scene. Among them, Benjamin "Bugsy" Siegel stands out as the most notorious.

Beyond his nefarious activities, he’s credited with transforming Las Vegas, most notably, with the Flamingo Hotel and Casino, which opened in 1946 and set a new standard for luxury on the Strip.

A pivotal moment came in 1931 when Nevada legalized gambling, setting the stage for the city’s evolution into a full-blown gambling mecca.

Casinos became more elaborate, resorts grew in size and glamour, and both gambling and entertainment reached new heights of luxury.

This reputation for excess solidified Las Vegas’s identity as “Sin City,” where the mantra “what happens in Vegas, stays in Vegas” was invented. Branded as a place to escape everyday life and indulge in uninhibited pleasure, Las Vegas continues to offer bright lights, big stars, and the promise of returning home with great fortune.

Risk and glamour still sell today, attracting millions of hopeful players and partygoers each year.

The Old Guard: Casinos from the 1940s

El Rancho Vegas (1941)

El Rancho Vegas, which opened in 1941, was the first resort on what would become the iconic Las Vegas Strip. More than just a motel on Highway 91, Thomas Hull's resort featured 65 charming cottage bungalows, a steakhouse, a cocktail lounge, the Round-Up dinner theatre, and an expansive swimming pool that appealed to road-trippers.

With an Old Western theme, it became a popular destination, especially when a young Frank Sinatra performed, helping put Vegas on the entertainment map.

Tragically, in 1960, a fire destroyed the main complex, and the remaining cottages were taken over by a neighbouring resort. After struggling for years, they were ultimately demolished in 1970 by Howard Hughes.

Despite its brief existence, El Rancho Vegas left a significant legacy as a pioneer of the Las Vegas Strip, setting the standard for themed resorts and entertainment. Today, the site is home to the Hilton Grand Vacations Club, as well as the recently imploded MGM Mirage, which is transforming into the new Vegas Hard Rock Casino & Resort.

The Flamingo (1946)

Opened in 1946, the Flamingo was a tropical paradise envisioned by Bugsy Siegel, who sought to create a resort that would redefine luxury in Las Vegas. With its lush gardens, exotic birds, and opulent pool area, the Flamingo marked a new era of indulgence. Despite a rocky opening fraught with operational issues and cost overruns, Siegel's glamorous vision triumphed.

The resort quickly drew in celebrities and high rollers, establishing itself as a premier destination and setting a new standard of sophistication on The Strip. T

he Flamingo not only laid the groundwork for future themed resorts but also signaled the shift of Las Vegas into a global entertainment capital, influencing the design and operation of casinos to follow.

The Golden Nugget (1946)

One of the oldest casinos in Las Vegas, the Golden Nugget opened on Fremont Street in 1946. Founded by Guy McAfee, it began as a gambling hall that embraced an Old West theme, capturing the spirit of the mining boom and the allure of striking it rich. The casino quickly gained a reputation for vibrant nightlife and friendly service, contributing to the growing gaming scene in the 40s and 50s.

In 1973, Steve Wynn took the reins. Not only did it make Wynn the youngest casino owner in Vegas, but it opened the Nugget up to his design savviness leading to major expansions including new hotel towers in 1984 and 1989.

Now owned by Landry's Inc., the Nugget is still thriving, blending modern upgrades with quirky attractions like the world's largest gold nugget - a 61-ounce piece from Australia called the Hand of Faith, a 200-gallon shark tank with a waterslide, a shimmering gold-leaf tower, and a lush pool area complete with a waterfall. Even as Las Vegas builds mega-resorts, The Golden Nugget’s vintage charm and storied make it a beloved trademark of Old Vegas.

Casinos of the 1950s: Expansion and Glamour

The Desert Inn (1950)

The Desert Inn opened in 1950 with a glamorous gala that included a notable guest list of Mafia members. Known for its luxury, it boasted the largest casino floor in Las Vegas at the time, an exclusive golf course, and a "who's who" guest list, from the Duke and Duchess of Windsor and Winston Churchill to The Beatles.

In 1966, eccentric billionaire Howard Hughes checked into the penthouse and, true to his reclusive nature, refused to leave. His solution when asked to? Buy the place. Hughes' influence extended beyond The Desert Inn, as he went on a Vegas hotel buying spree, shifting Vegas out of mob hands and into corporate ownership.

The Desert Inn’s history is filled with iconic moments, such as Frank Sinatra's Las Vegas debut in 1951, Johnny Carson hosting "The Tonight Show", and "Atomic City" parties, where guests would sip cocktails while viewing distant detonations. Dean Martin and Liberace performed here too, while Muhammad Ali famously trained at the hotel. However, like many old Vegas casino hotels on our list, this piece of history was imploded by Steve Wynn in 2000 to make way for his namesake resort, Wynn Las Vegas.

Binion’s Horseshoe (1951)

Binion’s Horseshoe opened with the same flamboyance as its owner, Benny Binion, who famously displayed a million dollars on the casino floor. Binion is credited with perks like free drinks for gamblers (a nod to his Texas bootlegging background) and comped services or stays - revolutionary ideas at the time, now staples of the Vegas experience.

Poker enthusiasts will recognize Binion’s as the birthplace of the World Series of Poker (WSOP). Legends like Doyle Brunson and Stu Ungar battled for bracelets at Binion's from 1970 until 2005, when the championship outgrew its space. Now known as Binion’s Gambling Hall & Hotel under TLC Casino ownership, it continues to attract poker players and steak lovers to Binion’s Steakhouse (originally Top of the Mint) all while being surrounded by the Fremont Street Experience pedestrian mall in downtown Vegas.

The Sands (1952)

The Sands - “a place in the sun”, quickly became the epitome of cool on the Las Vegas Strip shortly after it opened in 1952. It was the playground of the Rat Pack in the ‘60s - Frank Sinatra, Dean Martin, Sammy Davis Jr., Peter Lawford, and Joey Bishop. Their legendary performances in the Copa Room, often impromptu and always star-studded, cemented The Sands' reputation as the hippest casino in town. While the Rat Pack defined the vibe, The Sands also hosted A-list stars like Judy Garland, Jerry Lewis, Louis Armstrong, and Nat King Cole. The hotel’s famous Copa Girls dazzled audiences in lavish shows featuring $12,000 costumes, setting a new standard for glamour in Las Vegas productions.

Sinatra was a major force at The Sands, and even though he was known for “keeping his winnings and ignoring his losses,” the mobsters in charge let it slide, as he drove business. Beyond his performances, he became a shareholder and is credited with influencing The Sands' policies, specifically as it became the first desegregated hotel casino in Las Vegas. Despite its demolition in 1996 to make way for The Venetian, The Sands' legacy endures as one of the most iconic and stylish destinations in Vegas history.

1960s Casinos: The Start of Mega-Resorts

Caesars Palace (1966)

Caesars Palace epitomizes Roman opulence. When it opened in 1966, it redefined what a luxury casino and resort could be on the Strip, setting the standard for all that followed. True to its Roman theme, guests enter a grandiose lobby featuring a Winged Victory of Samothrace, along with marble statues, bubbling fountains, columned facades, and lavish ‘emperor’ hotel suites. Caesars Palace is a full-service luxury resort, offering everything from top-notch dining and gambling to lavish pools, a spa, and the Caesars Colosseum concert venue, which has hosted residencies for stars like Elton John, Adele, and Rod Stewart.

Over the decades, Caesars Palace has continued to evolve while preserving its distinct Roman character. The resort has expanded, adding new towers and updating amenities to keep pace with modern luxury standards. The Forum Shops at Caesars, introduced in 1992, revolutionized retail in casinos and has become one of the highest-grossing malls in America.

Circus Circus (1968)

The big top of Las Vegas, Circus Circus, opened in 1968. The theme is obvious, but the concept of selling luxury in the form of family fun was revolutionary. Visionary Jay Sarno, who also helped create Caesars Palace, introduced family entertainment through The Midway, a carnival-style arcade featuring live circus acts—acrobats, jugglers, and trapeze artists performing daily. In 1993, the resort expanded its offerings with the Adventuredome, a 5-acre indoor amusement park.

But Circus Circus wasn't just about keeping kids entertained; it was a savvy business model. By welcoming families, Circus Circus tapped into a whole new market, proving that Sin City could be more than just a playground for adults.

This bold strategy paved the way for Las Vegas's family-friendly era in the 1990s, inspiring attractions like pirate shows at Treasure Island, a lion habitat at MGM Grand, and even a theme park behind MGM. Today, Vegas continues to expand its family-friendly offerings, including a rise in sporting events and attractions.

Famous Downtown Classics

The Fremont Hotel and Casino (1956)

One of the oldest casinos still operating in Las Vegas, the Fremont Hotel and Casino opened in 1956. At the time, it featured the tallest sign in Nevada—a stunning 155-foot-tall neon display of the hotel’s name. Over the years, it has hosted significant events, including the 1959 National Governors Association conference, launched Wayne Newton's career, and was one of the first casinos in Vegas to open a sportsbook.

Situated on the now-famous Fremont Street Experience, the Fremont has managed to stay relevant, playing a vital role in the revitalization of downtown Vegas. It's played a crucial role in the revitalization of downtown Vegas, offering visitors a taste of old-school Vegas with modern amenities.

Four Queens (1966)

Located on the Fremont Street Experience, the Four Queens exudes old casino charm. Named after developer Ben Goffstein’s four daughters, the casino opened in 1966 with a lavish $250,000 giveaway promotion. Within months, an eight-story, 115-room hotel opened, followed by expansions in 1969 and 1981, each adding 18 stories.

A nostalgic gem, it offers favourable odds and casino table buy-ins for all budgets within a classic casino ambiance. Cocktail waitresses still wear traditional uniforms, Hugo’s Cellar still presents ladies with roses, and the casino still features an ornate chandelier with vintage coin-operated slot machines available to play. Just outside, the Fremont Experience offers live music, while the hotel’s Canyon Club maintains a vintage showroom vibe. It’s safe to say the allure of old casinos never goes out of style in Vegas.

How Vegas Casinos Have Evolved Over the Decades

Vegas casinos have come a long way. Back in the 40s and 50s, they were small, standalone spots for drinking, catching a show, and perhaps finding a good night’s sleep between travel days along Highway 91. Fast forward to the 60s and 70s and Vegas began to flourish.

Show productions leveled up, casinos expanded, and properties grew much larger. Seizing the opportunity in the desert, old casinos, and gambling halls transformed into full-service resorts, setting a new standard for luxury.

The real game-changers, however, came in the 80s - an era of opulence. Mega-resorts like The Mirage, Bellagio, and Venetian revolutionized the scene with culinary offerings, themed shopping malls, and larger entertainment venues capable of hosting superstars and major concerts. While casinos remained the main draw, a grander scale of entertainment began to creep in.

Around this time, technology was quietly reshaping gaming. Traditional coin slot machines were replaced by video slots, and electronic table games emerged alongside networked progressives. Technology also fueled loyalty programs, allowing for more tailored experiences, while mobile apps and online gaming expanded the scope of where brands could stay connected to players.

Las Vegas is always reinventing itself, adapting to the latest trends and changing demographics. Beyond the DJ clubs and daytime pool parties, sports have also emerged as a significant part of the Vegas experience, welcoming events like the NFL draft, Formula 1 races, the NHL’s Golden Knights, and the Las Vegas Raiders, along with the soon-to-be Las Vegas Ballpark, which will re-home the Oakland Athletics. New attractions like The Sphere are pushing the boundaries of technology and entertainment. It’s clear Vegas is committed to staying on top of its game with no signs of slowing down.

What Happened to the Oldest Casinos?

Over the past 30 years or so, at least 15 of Las Vegas’s most charmed old casinos have met their doom, typically by implosion, to make way for bigger, more modern, mega resorts. Let’s pay homage to a few:

  • The Dunes (1993): replaced by Bellagio
  • The Sands (1996): replaced by The Venetian
  • Hacienda (1997): Imploded, later used for Mandalay Bay
  • The Aladdin (1998): rebuilt as Planet Hollywood
  • El Rancho (2000): now Fontainebleau Las Vegas
  • The Desert Inn (2001): demolished for Wynn Las Vegas
  • Boardwalk (2006): made way for the Waldorf Astoria & Las Vegas CityCentre
  • Bourbon Street (2006): a parking lot
  • The Stardust (2007): now home to Resorts World
  • New Frontier (2007): no replacement as of yet.
  • The Tropicana (2024): making way for the 2027 Las Vegas Ballpark

Casinos That Were Renovated and Modernized

Keeping the vintage dream alive, some old Vegas casinos have thrived through renovation, and The Flamingo is a prime example. As the oldest resort on the Strip, the Flamingo has consistently reinvented itself, including a $100 million remodel in 1993. However, no original buildings from Bugsy Siegel’s era remain, including his private suite.

Other historic casinos, like The Golden Nugget and The Fremont Hotel and Casino, have also successfully adapted to modern trends while preserving their classic charm.

The Golden Nugget, which opened in 1946, has undergone extensive renovations, including the addition of its famous shark aquarium.

Meanwhile, Fremont, another downtown classic, continues to exude nostalgic charm while offering updated amenities, ensuring it remains a beloved destination for both new visitors and longtime fans of old Vegas.

How Historical Casinos Are Remembered in Vegas

While many old casinos have vanished, they are far from forgotten. The Neon Museum showcases iconic signs and artifacts from demolished casinos, preserving a piece of Vegas history. Renovated or rebranded casinos often connect to their past by displaying memorabilia.

The Golden Nugget pays homage to its history with a collection of old photos and artifacts, while The Flamingo maintains a vintage vibe in its design, ensuring that the spirit of old Vegas lives on for visitors to appreciate.

FAQs

What Is the Oldest Casino in Las Vegas?

The oldest casino in Las Vegas still in operation is the Golden Gate Hotel & Casino which opened its doors in 1906. Located in Old Vegas’ or downtown Las Vegas off The Strip, it originally opened as the Hotel Nevada and added a casino in 1931 when Nevada legalized gambling.

Which historical Casinos are still open?

Vegas still boasts vintage charm with historic casinos. Downtown, you'll find the Golden Gate (1906), Golden Nugget (1946), Sahara (1952), and Fremont (1956). On the Strip, old-timers include the Flamingo (1946) and Tropicana (1957).

What was the first casino in Las Vegas Strip?

El Rancho Vegas, opened in April 1941, was the first casino on the Las Vegas Strip. Located on what's now Las Vegas Boulevard, it combined a 63-room hotel, casino, showroom, and swimming pool. This template shaped future Strip resorts. Unfortunately, El Rancho was destroyed by fire in 1960.

Has the Mirage in Las Vegas closed?

Yes, the iconic Mirage in Las Vegas, known for its tropical atrium and famous man-made erupting volcano, as well as its iconic poker room, closed its doors in July 2024. But, all is not lost - this legendary resort won't meet its doom by demolition, but will instead be treated to a full re-brand renovation destined to reopen as the Hard Rock Las Vegas in 2027.

What is the oldest known casino in the world?

The oldest known casino in the world is the Casino di Venezia in Venice, Italy, founded in 1638.