The allure of abandoned celebrity-owned casinos: A glimpse into the past.

Abandoned celebrity-owned casinos and gambling halls have a certain allure for urban explorers. These once-glamorous establishments, now left to decay, offer a glimpse into the past and provide an opportunity to witness the fall of former celebrity empires.

One such establishment is the Lucky Dragon Hotel & Casino in Las Vegas, which was owned by Andrew Fonfa. The Asian-themed casino opened in 2016 but closed just two years later due to financial difficulties. Today, it stands abandoned on Sahara Avenue. Explorers can still see remnants of its ornate dragon statue and red lanterns that once adorned its entrance.

Another abandoned casino is the Silver Smith Casino in Nevada, formerly owned by actor Ed Asner. This Western-style casino operated successfully for many years before closing its doors in 1999. Urban explorers can still find vintage slot machines and cowboy memorabilia inside.

The Palace Club in San Francisco was once owned by famous actress Lillian Russell who bought it as a gift for her third husband Alexander Pollock Moore. The club had luxurious interiors with chandeliers and marble floors but closed down after only four years of operation due to competition from other clubs nearby.

In Atlantic City, New Jersey, there’s the Trump Plaza Hotel and Casino that was owned by former US President Donald Trump before he became president. It opened in 1984 but shut down permanently in 2014 after experiencing financial troubles following Hurricane Sandy.

Exploring these abandoned celebrity-owned casinos provides a unique opportunity to step back into history and witness what was once considered glamorous entertainment venues with their grandiose architecture and luxurious interiors now reduced to rubble or fading memories of what used to be.