THE OLDEST LAS VEGAS CASINOS & WHY THEY’RE WORTH A VISIT

This post is syndicated by the Las Vegas Advisor for the 888 casino group. Anthony Curtis comments on the 888 article introduced and linked to on this page.

AC says:

The recent closing of the Tropicana reduced the number of vintage casinos still operating in Las Vegas. Which ones are left? It depends on where you draw the line for vintage. The four profiled here – three downtown and one on the Strip – certainly qualify, all having opened no later than 1946. The Golden Gate actually showed up in 1955 after previously operating as Hotel Nevada when it opened in 1906, then Sal Sagev, which is Las Vegas spelled backward. The referenced 3-2 single-deck blackjack game at El Cortez was discontinued last month. The games still pay 3-2 on naturals, but are now dealt from 2 and 6 decks only.

It’s easy to stay at one of the new, shimmering casinos on the Las Vegas Strip or thereabouts. And we’re advocates for doing just that.

The Fontainebleau, for example, is new, cushy and compelling. Opened late last year, it features a state-of-the-art spa, fabulous restaurants (La Fontaine is a terrific Frenchified spot for gourmet dining) and a nightclub that will have you dancing all night.

But, also, there is something to be said for checking into the town’s oldest joints. They tend to be comfortable, friendly, dripping with history and best bets for value hunters. Knowing where Las Vegas used to be can provide a great counterbalance to explorations of where the ever-changing city is heading next.

Here then are four of our favorite casino/hotels that drip history and provide great experiences.