A Comprehensive Guide to the Disappeared Casinos of Las Vegas

Las Vegas, often referred to as the Entertainment Capital of the World, has seen the rise and fall of numerous casinos over the years. Some of these casinos have become legendary, while others have faded into obscurity. In this article, we delve into the history and reasons behind the closure of some of the most notable casinos that no longer exist in Las Vegas.

1. The Dunes

Opened in 1955, The Dunes was one of the first resorts to be built on the Las Vegas Strip. However, by the early 1990s, the casino had fallen into disrepair and was struggling to compete with the newer, glitzy resorts. In 1993, The Dunes was demolished to make way for the Bellagio, a luxurious hotel and casino that has since become one of the most iconic properties on the Strip.

2. The Aladdin

The Aladdin was another early Strip property that opened in 1963. Known for its pyramid-shaped structure and elaborate theme, the casino was a popular destination for tourists and locals alike. However, by the late 1990s, the Aladdin was facing financial difficulties and was eventually closed in 2000. The property was demolished in 2002 and replaced by the Planet Hollywood Resort & Casino.

3. The Desert Inn

The Desert Inn was one of the first luxury resorts to be built on the Strip, opening in 1950. The casino was known for its lavish accommodations, golf course, and tennis courts. However, by the 1990s, the Desert Inn was struggling to keep up with the competition and was closed in 2000. The property was demolished and replaced by the Wynn Las Vegas, a luxury hotel and casino that opened in 2005.

4. The Sahara

The Sahara was one of the longest-running casinos on the Strip, opening in 1952. Over the years, the casino has undergone several transformations, including a rebranding as the Sahara Hotel & Casino. However, by the early 2010s, the Sahara was facing financial difficulties and was closed in 2011. The property was demolished and replaced by the SLS Las Vegas, a boutique hotel and casino that opened in 2014.

5. The Stardust

The Stardust was a popular Strip property that opened in 1958. Known for its vibrant atmosphere and entertainment, the casino was a favorite among tourists and locals. However, by the late 2000s, the Stardust was struggling to compete with the newer resorts and was closed in 2006. The property was demolished and replaced by the Fontainebleau Las Vegas, a luxury hotel and casino that opened in 2010.

6. The Riviera

The Riviera was another Strip property that opened in 1955. Known for its luxury accommodations and entertainment, the casino was a popular destination for tourists and locals. However, by the early 2010s, the Riviera was facing financial difficulties and was closed in 2015. The property was demolished and replaced by the SLS Las Vegas, which now occupies the same location.

7. The Mayfair

The Mayfair was a small casino that opened in 1941. Located on Fremont Street, the casino was one of the first legal gambling establishments in Las Vegas. However, the Mayfair was forced to close in 1951 when gambling was made illegal in Nevada. The property was eventually demolished and replaced by the Four Queens, which remains a popular casino on Fremont Street today.

Why Did These Casinos Close?

The closure of these casinos can be attributed to a variety of factors, including financial difficulties, competition, and changing market trends. In some cases, the casinos were simply unable to keep up with the competition from newer, more luxurious resorts. In other cases, the casinos faced financial difficulties due to declining revenue or increased operating costs.

1. What was the primary reason for the closure of The Dunes?

The Dunes closed due to a combination of factors, including disrepair, declining revenue, and increased competition from newer resorts on the Strip.

2. How did the opening of The Aladdin impact the Las Vegas Strip?

The opening of The Aladdin in 1963 helped to establish the Strip as a destination for tourists and locals alike. However, the casino's closure in 2000 was a sign of the changing market trends and increased competition on the Strip.

3. What role did the Desert Inn play in the history of Las Vegas?

The Desert Inn was one of the first luxury resorts to be built on the Strip and played a significant role in the development of the Strip as a destination for tourists and locals. Its closure in 2000 marked the end of an era.

4. Why was the Sahara forced to close in 2011?

The Sahara closed due to financial difficulties, including declining revenue and increased operating costs. The property was unable to compete with the newer, more luxurious resorts on the Strip.

5. How did the closure of The Stardust impact the Las Vegas Strip?

The closure of The Stardust in 2006 marked the end of an era for the Strip. The property's replacement by the Fontainebleau Las Vegas helped to revitalize the Strip and introduced a new level of luxury and entertainment to the area.