The Pioneers Behind the Rise of Casinos in Las Vegas

Las Vegas, often referred to as the "Entertainment Capital of the World," has a rich history that dates back to the early 20th century. The city's transformation from a dusty desert town to a bustling metropolis of gambling and entertainment is a testament to the vision and perseverance of several individuals. This article delves into the fascinating story of who started casinos in Las Vegas and the impact they had on the city's development.

1. The Founding of Las Vegas

The history of casinos in Las Vegas began with the construction of the first hotel-casino, the Hotel Last Frontier, in 1931. However, it was the opening of the Flamingo Las Vegas in 1946 that marked the beginning of the city's rise as a gambling destination. The Flamingo was the brainchild of two entrepreneurs, Benjamin "Benny" Binion and William "Bill" Harrah.

2. Benny Binion: The Man Behind the Las Vegas Strip

Benny Binion was a legendary figure in the world of gambling. He was born in Texas in 1894 and moved to Dallas in his early 20s. Binion quickly became involved in the illegal gambling scene and eventually made his way to Las Vegas. In 1946, he opened the Binion's Horseshoe, which became one of the most famous casinos in the city.

Binion's influence on the Las Vegas Strip cannot be overstated. He was instrumental in bringing other prominent casino owners to the city, including William Harrah. Binion's Horseshoe was also the site of the first World Series of Poker in 1970, which has since become a staple of the Las Vegas entertainment scene.

3. William Harrah: The King of Casinos

William Harrah was another key figure in the development of Las Vegas. Born in Pennsylvania in 1901, Harrah moved to Reno, Nevada, in the 1920s and quickly became involved in the gambling industry. In 1946, he opened the Harrah's Club, which would later become Harrah's Las Vegas.

Harrah was known for his innovative marketing strategies and his ability to attract top entertainers to his casinos. He was also a visionary when it came to expanding the Las Vegas Strip. Harrah's was the first casino to offer a non-smoking section, and he was also one of the first to introduce slot machines.

4. The Rise of the Las Vegas Strip

The success of Binion's Horseshoe and Harrah's Las Vegas helped to establish Las Vegas as a gambling destination. Other casino owners soon followed suit, and the Las Vegas Strip began to take shape. Some of the most notable early casinos on the Strip include the Desert Inn, the Sands, and the Riviera.

5. The Impact of Casinos on Las Vegas

The development of casinos in Las Vegas had a profound impact on the city. It brought in a steady stream of tourists, which in turn led to the growth of the hospitality industry, including hotels, restaurants, and entertainment venues. The casinos also helped to create jobs and boost the local economy.

Today, Las Vegas is home to some of the most iconic casinos in the world, including the Bellagio, the Venetian, and the Wynn Las Vegas. These casinos continue to attract millions of visitors each year, making Las Vegas a must-visit destination for travelers from around the globe.

Questions and Answers:

1. Q: Who was the first person to open a casino in Las Vegas?

A: The first casino in Las Vegas was the Hotel Last Frontier, which opened in 1931.

2. Q: What was the first hotel-casino to open on the Las Vegas Strip?

A: The Flamingo Las Vegas opened in 1946 and was the first hotel-casino on the Strip.

3. Q: Who was Benny Binion, and what was his role in the development of Las Vegas?

A: Benny Binion was a legendary figure in the world of gambling and was instrumental in bringing other casino owners to Las Vegas. He opened Binion's Horseshoe, which became one of the most famous casinos in the city.

4. Q: What was William Harrah's contribution to the development of Las Vegas?

A: William Harrah was a visionary entrepreneur who opened Harrah's Las Vegas and was known for his innovative marketing strategies and ability to attract top entertainers. He was also instrumental in expanding the Las Vegas Strip.

5. Q: How did the development of casinos in Las Vegas impact the city?

A: The development of casinos in Las Vegas brought in a steady stream of tourists, which led to the growth of the hospitality industry and helped to create jobs and boost the local economy. Today, Las Vegas is a must-visit destination for travelers from around the globe.