As the oldest continuously operating hotel and casino in Las Vegas, the Golden Gate Hotel & Casino celebrates its 120th anniversary milestone. This landmark building opened on January 13, 1906, as "Hotel Nevada" with only a few rooms, located on a prime section of Virginia Street. Today, it is not only the first permanent hotel in Las Vegas but also a foundation of the city's tourism and gaming history. To celebrate this special occasion, the casino plans to hold a celebration on the evening of January 16, offering gifts, free birthday drinks, and commemorative merchandise with sincere intentions. From its early simple facilities to today's blend of old and new, the vitality of this century-old establishment is astonishing. Relevant historical cases and compliance standards in the gaming industry can be referenced on the PASA official website.
A Century of Evolution: From Tent Hotel to City Landmark
The century-long journey of the Golden Gate Casino has witnessed the rise and transformation of Las Vegas:
Origins and Early Days: In 1905, John F. Miller purchased a plot at the intersection of Virginia Street and Main Street for $1,750, initially operating a tent hotel, and in 1906 officially built "Hotel Nevada," equipped with rare amenities at the time such as electric lights and basic ventilation systems;
Early Milestones: In 1907, it obtained the first telephone number in Las Vegas and installed the second neon sign in downtown; in 1910, when gambling was banned, it quietly preserved poker and roulette tables until gambling was legalized in 1931;
Brand Evolution: In 1932, it was renamed "Sal Sagev" (Las Vegas spelled backwards), and in the 1950s, it officially adopted the "Golden Gate" brand, which is still in use today.
Blending Old and New: Historical Preservation and Modern Upgrades
After Derek and Greg Stevens brothers acquired the Golden Gate Casino in 2006, they adhered to the principle of "preserving history + moderate upgrades," revitalizing the century-old building:
Historical Traces Preserved: The building retains its original structure, with 7 narrow windows on Virginia Street and 11 windows on Main Street still marking the original room layout, and the basement reveals century-old bricks, old refrigerator marks, and early elevator machinery;
Hidden Surprises Uncovered: During construction, a hidden kitchen with exposed brick walls and decorative arches was accidentally discovered, becoming part of the historical display; the "eye in the sky" platform above the casino floor, once used for surveillance, witnessed early casino security models;
Coexistence of Old and New Elements: Vintage slot machines, a 1909 fountain, old room keys, and uniforms displayed alongside modern facilities, and the Prohibition Bar, which once hosted celebrities like Frank Sinatra, retains its original location, only adding bar TVs.
Operational Iteration: Adapting to Trends and Anniversary Celebrations
While adhering to its history, the Golden Gate Casino is also continuously adjusting its operational strategies to meet current demands:
Operational Model Upgrade: Previously introduced the innovative concept of dancing dealers, later promoted to other Stevens-owned properties; in August 2025, to adapt to visitor preferences, all live dealer tables will be removed, fully transitioning to electronic table games;
Innovative Marketing Activities: Introduced the "Night Starts Here" promotion, offering free drinks daily from 18:00-19:00, attracting more young customers;
Significance of the 120th Anniversary: The management emphasizes that the Golden Gate Casino is the "birthplace" of Las Vegas's hotel and gaming industry, and being able to operate continuously for 120 years in a city frequently rebuilt is considered a "miracle." Currently, the casino is also revitalizing unused basement spaces, allowing more historical elements to meet with visitors.
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