From a Desert Town to Entertainment Hub – The History of Casinos in Las Vegas

When anyone says Las Vegas, the first thing that strikes our mind is glamor, gaming, and a city that has become a literal entertainment hub of the world. The not-so-secret sauce to Las Vegas lies in its world of casinos. But how did it all come into one place? Well, it’s a story of evolving constantly. The Las Vegas casino timeline shows how the city withstanded its constraints and brought the culture of nightlife to the masses.

The history of casinos in Las Vegas is elongated despite being a bit less than a century. To know more about the history of casinos in Las Vegas, their origin, transformation, and growth into the iconic landmarks that we see today, just scroll below. Moreover, you wouldn’t want to miss to know how the Las Vegas casinos are coping up with the modern trends.

• The Beginning: Pre-Gaming Era
• The Rise of Glamor
• The Reinvention of Las Vegas
• Recent Developments and Modern Trends
• Impact of the COVID-19 Pandemic
• The Future of Las Vegas Casinos
• Conclusion

The Beginning of Vegas Casino History: Pre-Gaming Era

Much before Las Vegas turned into the neon-lit metropolis that we see today, it began as a small desert town. Although gambling wasn’t something that existed broadly, it provided a taste of excitement to the travelers. The city was founded in 1905 as a small railroad town. However, its location being situated between major highways and railways, made it a strategic city.

Just after a year of its inception, a hotel-casino, Golden Gate opened up at 1, Fremont Street. The next two decades didn’t see a major event unfolding. However, the 1930s promised something new as the city transitioned itself from a sleepy settlement to a burgeoning center of entertainment.

Before the city bustled into its nightlife, it was known just for its strategic position and the railroad. Much of the city’s population included people from agriculture, and a small section of settlers and railroad workers. Then, came the turning point from 1931 to 1936 with the start of Hoover Dam’s construction. Las Vegas casino timeline shows that until the mid 1930s, there was nothing extraordinary which could differentiate Sin City from others.

This construction brought in thousands of workers in Las Vegas, leading to a population boom. Soon enough, they sought entertainment & leisure activities during their downtime, creating demand of gambling and a bustling nightlife. Although gambling was still considered illegal in majority states, Las Vegas witnessed a sharp rise in informal and hidden casinos.

The Legalization of Gambling (1931–1940s)

With the dam, came the biggest change as Nevada legalized gambling in 1931. This decision marked the beginning of transformation in Las Vegas. Casinos began to emerge, catering to the new population. Although the legalization was done to stimulate the state’s economy during the Great Depression, it gave a solid foundation for the casino industry.

Soon enough, licenses started to be issued, and small establishments came into place. Although these were modest, often consisting of a few slot machines and card tables in bars or hotels, they laid the groundwork for what would soon turn the city into a mega place. However, the true evolution began with the construction of El Rancho Vegas in the year 1941. It was the arrival of the first purpose-built casino. Even though it was located outside the city limits, it marked the birth of the Las Vegas Strip and gave a new face to the Vegas casino history.

Founded by Thomas Hull, El Rancho featured a hotel, casino, and an outdoor swimming pool. As many would have guessed, it became a massive success and fueled further investments in the area, marking a significant turnaround in the history of Vegas casinos.

In the next few years, many other casinos like The Last Frontier (1942) and The Flamingo (1946) also came into the scene, thanks to the attraction of mobs and unorganized crime in the area. The latter was financed by the mobster Bugsy Siegel and built by Billy Wilkerson, and was one of the first to provide luxury accommodations, fine dining, along with high-stakes gambling. Its regal interiors and upscale amenities marked the departure of modest casinos, signaling the beginning of a new era in the history of casinos in Las Vegas.

The Rise of Glamor in the History of Vegas Casinos

The infamous Strip of Las Vegas Boulevard South, became the focal point of casino development in the 1950s with the arrival of iconic casinos like The Sands, The Riviera, and The Sahara. Their lavishness and scale was something that was never seen before.

First one, the Sands, which opened its gate in 1952, became well-known due to the Rat Pack, including Frank Sinatra, Dean Martin, and Sammy Davis Jr., who performed there regularly. All thanks to its association with high-profile celebrities, Las Vegas earned its reputation of top entertainment destination in a short time.

The Riviera, opened in 1955 was a synonym of sheer luxury and extravagant shows. Moreover, it introduced a new form of architecture and high-rise buildings in Las Vegas. In 1952, The Sahara started offering top-notch services and revolutionized Las Vegas with its Moroccan-themed architecture.

However, this era also consisted of an increasing influence of organized crime. Mob figures such as Meyer Lansky and Benjamin “Bugsy” Siegel had a major role in not only financing but also operating many other casinos in the early 40s. Although it brought controversy, it also lured in the capital and expertise which would eventually transform Las Vegas into a premier gaming destination and witnessed major changes unfolding.

The Expansion and Integration (1960s–1970s)

The next two decades in Las Vegas signified large-scale expansion and diversification. Some of the most notable names included the start of Caesars Palace in 1966, which brought the concept of themed casinos to Las Vegas. What excluded it from others was the Roman Empire motif, consisting of marble statues, fountains, and luxurious interiors, setting a new standard of luxury & themed entertainment.

These themed resorts soon became a trend that would become Las Vegas’s identity one day. Each new casino sought to outdo the last when it came to grandeur and creativity. Opened in 1957, The Tropicana featured a Cuban theme. Similarly, Circus Circus in 1968, brought a carnival atmosphere with live acts & midway games.

By now, the casino operators had started integrating the casinos with luxurious accommodation on a larger scale. It also brought the idea of mega-resorts. The International Hotel, now known as the Westgate Las Vegas, first opened in 1969. It was one of the first mega-resorts featuring the largest hotel in the world at the time with over 1,500 rooms. Guess what, it also boasted the largest showroom, hosting performances by Elvis Presley, which drew massive crowds & set new records of tourists. It was an important moment of the Vegas casino history.

The Mega-Resorts Era

There was no stopping the casino industry in the 80s and 90s either with iconic casinos like The Mirage, Treasure Island, and Bellagio emerging up. The history of Vegas casinos was ushered into a new era with their arrival. The Mirage, starting its service in 1989, was a pioneer in this regard, featuring shows like volcano eruption and a tropical theme which set a new benchmark amongst others. Designed by Steve Wynn, its success showed the potential of such themed resorts on a large scale and offered an experience beyond just gambling. It represented a significant shift towards large-scale, high-end resorts that combined gaming with elaborate entertainment and luxury.

The trend continued even in 90s with the opening of Bellagio in 1998. It was inspired by the Lake Como resort in Italy. From fountain shows and elegant architecture to luxury accommodations, it offered an experience that was not seen before. What if we tell you, that its opening was marked by a starry show that featured a $40 million production called “O,” a water-themed performance by Cirque du Soleil?

These colossal establishments redefined the experience, offering not just gambling but also world-class entertainment, shopping, and dining.

The Reinvention of Las Vegas

The 21st century’s start shifted towards consolidation where major operators took control of smaller casinos and expanded their portfolios. It was a period of significant mergers & acquisitions, leading to a creation of large and multi-property corporations.

This era also saw the arrival of other notable casinos such as Paris Las Vegas (1999), with its replica Eiffel Tower, and The Palms (2001). These became quite popular due to their high-profile guests and trendy nightclubs. They, including other casinos, continued to diversify the entertainment options available to visitors, offering a mixture of gaming, dining, shopping, and nightlife.

However, this era further marked the new set of challenges dawning upon the iconic city of Las Vegas. The city ushered into transformation. While gambling was a cornerstone for many, it was no longer the sole focus.

The new-age properties such as ‘The Cosmopolitan’ (opened in 2010) further redefined the concept of integrated resorts. They planned to attract the younger and cosmopolitan community with its unique vertical design. Its residential-style accommodations, high-end restaurants, and a rooftop pool complex signified its luxury.

Recent Developments and Modern Trends

There is no industry that has been left untouched by the remarkable expansion of Internet and technology. The rise of mobile gaming and sports betting has reshaped the industry, with many casinos now offering their dedicated digital platforms. The legalization of sports betting in several states post-2018 Supreme Court decision has further created new boundaries of the market, with Las Vegas Casinos also investing heavily in the digital ecosystem.

The city has also moved along with technological innovations to make the experience better. How does that happen, though? With the advent of tech, many casinos have now started to offer their dedicated apps. Casinos have even started to use technologies like AR and VR for an immersive experience. From booking rooms to accessing other services, apps have made it all easier. Moreover, Las Vegas hotels history shows their constantly evolving respect to the new-age tech.

Impact of the COVID-19 Pandemic

The impact of COVID-19 lockdown needs no introduction. According to a report from the American Gaming Association, U.S. casinos’ revenue went down by 31.3% to $30.0 billion during the pandemic. It forced the casinos to accelerate the adoption of digital tech and contactless services.

Every casino promoted and seriously implemented the cleaning procedures, social distancing measures, and touchless payment systems to ensure safety of guests and staff. The use of mobile apps for room access, check-in, and gaming transactions became widespread.

The Future of Las Vegas Casinos

Right now, traditional casinos are still the kings of Las Vegas, with about 150 in the city and 31 on the famous Strip. But things are changing. Online gambling is growing fast and could be a big challenge for these physical casinos in the future. Many people worry that online gambling will become so real, with features like live dealers, that it will keep people from going to Vegas.

In 2021, a huge ‘Resorts World’ opened in Las Vegas with over 3,500 rooms. As the newest and biggest casino resort in Vegas, it gives us a stronger projection of the future. It would be safer to say if there’s a trend that has not changed much since the 80s, it’s building massive and luxury casinos.

Technology will continue to reshape the casinos and enhance the experience. For example, this newly opened Resorts World offers betting at slots and tables to be done cashless. Moreover, there’s an app that allows all purchases, including food & entertainment, to be made digitally.

However, online gambling hasn’t hurt the Las Vegas casinos yet. In fact, many casinos are doing well by offering both online and in-person gambling. Plus, Vegas has faced challenges before and always comes back strong. Many people think the special atmosphere and excitement of being in Vegas will always bring people in, but the best online casinos are also on demand nowadays.

Conclusion

Beginning from modest roots in the 1930s, Las Vegas grew into a global entertainment giant. By constantly reinventing itself and pushing the limits of luxury & innovation. As evident from the last nine decades, the city will continue to evolve with the influence of new technologies. The history of casinos in Las Vegas is more than just about gambling, it’s a tale of pursuit that has never ended. Vegas Casino history shows constant changes & adoption of new trends, and has further shown how an industry can survive even after a century and massive new changes. Moreover, these casinos also helped in giving a desert town a new identity and turning it into a region of economic boom.