Las Vegas Old Casinos: A History
Las Vegas is known for its casinos, and for good reason. The city is home to some of the most iconic casinos in the world, including the Bellagio, the Mirage, and Caesars Palace. But what many people don’t know is that Las Vegas was also home to a number of old casinos that have since been demolished or closed down.
In this article, we’ll take a look at some of the most famous old casinos in Las Vegas, and we’ll learn about their history and their impact on the city.
The Sands Hotel and Casino
The Sands Hotel and Casino was one of the first casinos to open in Las Vegas. It was built in 1952 by the late billionaire hotelier and casino mogul, Bugsy Siegel. The Sands was a popular destination for Hollywood stars and other celebrities, and it was also the site of the first-ever televised Academy Awards ceremony.
The Sands was demolished in 1996 to make way for the Venetian Resort Hotel and Casino.
The Stardust Resort and Casino
The Stardust Resort and Casino was another one of the first casinos to open in Las Vegas. It was built in 1958 by the late billionaire hotelier and casino mogul, Moe Dalitz. The Stardust was known for its lavish decor and its large dance floor, and it was also a popular destination for celebrities.
The Stardust was demolished in 2006 to make way for the Cosmopolitan of Las Vegas.
The Fremont Hotel and Casino
The Fremont Hotel and Casino was built in 1946 by the late billionaire hotelier and casino mogul, Thomas Hull. The Fremont was known for its distinctive neon sign, which was one of the most recognizable landmarks in Las Vegas.
The Fremont was demolished in 2006 to make way for the Golden Nugget Las Vegas.
The Sahara Hotel and Casino
The Sahara Hotel and Casino was built in 1952 by the late billionaire hotelier and casino mogul, Milton Prell. The Sahara was known for its camel rides, its swimming pool, and its live entertainment.
The Sahara was demolished in 2016 to make way for the Resorts World Las Vegas.
The Desert Inn Hotel and Casino
The Desert Inn Hotel and Casino was built in 1950 by the late billionaire hotelier and casino mogul, Wilbur Clark. The Desert Inn was known for its golf course, its tennis courts, and its swimming pool.
The Desert Inn was demolished in 2000 to make way for the Wynn Las Vegas.
The Riviera Hotel and Casino
The Riviera Hotel and Casino was built in 1955 by the late billionaire hotelier and casino mogul, Alex Shoofey. The Riviera was known for its Italian-themed decor, its swimming pool, and its live entertainment.
The Riviera was demolished in 2015 to make way for the Las Vegas Convention Center.
The Dunes Hotel and Casino
The Dunes Hotel and Casino was built in 1955 by the late billionaire hotelier and casino mogul, Barron Hilton. The Dunes was known for its swimming pool, its golf course, and its tennis courts.
The Dunes was demolished in 1993 to make way for the Bellagio.
The Sands Expo and Convention Center
The Sands Expo and Convention Center was built in 1971 by the late billionaire hotelier and casino mogul, Steve Wynn. The Sands Expo was known for its large convention space, its exhibition halls, and its meeting rooms.
The Sands Expo was demolished in 2004 to make way for the Encore Las Vegas.
Conclusion
These are just a few of the many old casinos that have been demolished or closed down in Las Vegas. While these casinos are no longer with us, they left a lasting legacy on the city. They helped to make Las Vegas the gambling capital of the world, and they continue to be remembered by visitors and residents alike.
Thank you for your visit!
