The Pioneers of Las Vegas Gambling: A Journey Through Time

Las Vegas, often referred to as the "Entertainment Capital of the World," has a rich history of gambling. From its humble beginnings to its current status as a gambling haven, the city has seen many changes and developments. But who started gambling in Las Vegas? This article delves into the history of gambling in Las Vegas, exploring the pioneers who brought this form of entertainment to the city.

The Early Days

Gambling in Las Vegas can be traced back to the early 20th century. The city's first gambling house, the Las Vegas Club, opened its doors in 1931. This establishment was founded by Thomas Hull, who was a prominent figure in the gambling industry. Hull was a former miner and a businessman who saw the potential of Las Vegas as a gambling destination.

The Las Vegas Club was a modest operation, but it laid the foundation for what would become the world-famous Strip. As the years went by, more gambling houses opened, and the city began to attract a growing number of visitors. One of the most notable figures of this era was Benny Binion, who was a legendary gambler and businessman.

Binion's Connection

Benny Binion is often credited with bringing organized crime to Las Vegas. In the 1940s, he opened Binion's Horseshoe Casino, which quickly became one of the most popular gambling houses in the city. Binion was known for his association with the mob, and his casino was a favorite among mobsters.

Binion's Horseshoe Casino was also the site of the first ever World Series of Poker in 1970. This event helped to cement Las Vegas' reputation as a gambling capital and brought international attention to the city.

The Rise of the Strip

The Las Vegas Strip, which is now home to some of the most famous casinos in the world, began to take shape in the 1950s. One of the key figures in the development of the Strip was Howard Hughes. Hughes was an industrialist, filmmaker, and aviator who saw the potential of Las Vegas as a vacation destination.

In 1960, Hughes opened the Desert Inn Casino, which was one of the first major resorts on the Strip. This was followed by the opening of the Sands Hotel and Casino in 1952, and the Flamingo Las Vegas in 1946. These resorts helped to transform Las Vegas into a world-class gambling destination.

The Modern Era

Today, Las Vegas is a global gambling hub, attracting millions of visitors each year. The city has seen many changes over the years, but the spirit of gambling remains the same. One of the most notable developments in recent years has been the opening of luxury resorts such as the Bellagio and the Venetian.

The Bellagio was opened in 1998 and quickly became one of the most iconic casinos in Las Vegas. It is known for its stunning architecture, beautiful gardens, and luxurious amenities. The Venetian, which opened in 1999, is famous for its Venetian Canals and gondola rides.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Q: Who started the first gambling house in Las Vegas?

A: The first gambling house in Las Vegas, the Las Vegas Club, was founded by Thomas Hull in 1931.

2. Q: Who is Benny Binion?

A: Benny Binion was a legendary gambler and businessman who opened Binion's Horseshoe Casino, one of the most popular gambling houses in Las Vegas.

3. Q: What is the World Series of Poker?

A: The World Series of Poker is an annual poker tournament that began in 1970 at Binion's Horseshoe Casino.

4. Q: Who was Howard Hughes?

A: Howard Hughes was an industrialist, filmmaker, and aviator who opened the Desert Inn Casino in 1960, one of the first major resorts on the Las Vegas Strip.

5. Q: What are some of the most famous casinos in Las Vegas?

A: Some of the most famous casinos in Las Vegas include the Bellagio, the Venetian, the Wynn Las Vegas, and the Paris Las Vegas.