One of downtown Las Vegas’ oldest casinos is hitting a milestone. The El Cortez Hotel & Casino on Fremont Street opened on Nov. 7, 1941, and turns 85 this Saturday, with free cake and champagne for guests inside the casino on the anniversary.
The celebration started early. The City of Las Vegas scheduled a proclamation ceremony at the property for Thursday, Nov. 5, at 2 p.m., with Mayor Shelley Berkley and Councilwoman Olivia Diaz joining Chairman and CEO Kenny Epstein. Nine longtime employees, each the longest-serving member of their department, were set to be recognized, KSNV News 3 reported.
85 years on Fremont Street
The El Cortez opened as a 60-room hotel and bills itself as downtown’s first major casino resort. It was founded by J.K. Houssels and partners for $245,000. Benjamin “Bugsy” Siegel and associates bought it in 1945, and Jackie Gaughan bought it in 1963 and lived at the property for decades.
Epstein became Gaughan’s partner in 1975 and bought the El Cortez in 2008. As the Las Vegas Review-Journal noted this week, Epstein has spent more than half his life connected to the casino, and he turns 85 this year too. The Epstein family has reportedly put more than $120 million into improvements while keeping the building’s historic character, and the property is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Recent additions include Alex Prime Steakhouse and the reimagined Siegel’s 1941 restaurant.
What it means for locals and visitors
- Free treat: Complimentary cake and champagne are planned inside the casino on Saturday, Nov. 7. Times weren’t announced, so check with the property before heading over. Guests must be 21+ for champagne.
- Getting there: The El Cortez is at Fremont Street and 6th Street in the Fremont East district, a short walk from the Fremont Street Experience canopy.
- Old Vegas, still open: It’s one of the last places in town where you can gamble in a building that dates to the 1940s, and that classic neon sign makes a great photo stop.
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