Exploring the Abandoned Celebrity-Owned Casinos of Las Vegas
Deserted Celebrity-Owned Casinos and the Stories They Tell
Urban explorers are always on the lookout for abandoned places with a story to tell. From derelict factories to forgotten theme parks, there’s something fascinating about places that were once bustling with life but now lay empty and silent. One type of place that fits this bill perfectly is deserted celebrity-owned casinos and gambling establishments.
There was a time when Las Vegas was synonymous with glitz, glamour, and high-rolling celebrities. In the 1950s and 60s, stars like Frank Sinatra, Dean Martin, Sammy Davis Jr., Elvis Presley, and Wayne Newton flocked to Sin City to perform at its most famous venues: The Sands, The Flamingo, The Riviera. These hotels-cum-casinos were the epitome of luxury entertainment in their day.
But as time marched on and tastes changed, many of these iconic establishments fell out of favor. Some saw their fortunes decline due to mismanagement or financial troubles while others simply couldn’t keep up with the competition from newer mega-resorts.
Today, many former celebrity-owned casinos sit abandoned or repurposed for other uses. And yet they still hold an allure for those who appreciate their rich history and faded grandeur.
One such casino is The Sahara Hotel & Casino which opened in 1952 under ownership by Milton Prell who purchased it from Billy Wilkerson who founded it initially named Club Bingo in 1947 before he sold it due to financial difficulties following his divorce settlement payout. In its heyday it hosted performers such as Judy Garland; Johnny Carson; Louis Armstrong; Tony Bennett; Liza Minnelli; Don Rickles; Shirley Bassey; Barbra Streisand among others along side film stars including Cary Grant; Bette Davis ; Ava Gardner ; Clark Gable ; Kim Novak . Its Moroccan-themed architecture made it an instantly recognizable landmark on The Strip. However, the hotel-casino faced financial difficulties in later years and was sold multiple times. It finally closed its doors in 2011, and while it has since been purchased by new owners with plans to renovate it as a casino-resort once again, much of its original charm remains.
Another abandoned celebrity-owned casino that’s worth exploring is The Riviera Hotel & Casino which opened in 1955 under the ownership of Miami businessman Sam Cohen who sold it to a group led by Gus Greenbaum after he ran into issues with his gaming license. Throughout the years, The Riviera played host to some of Hollywood’s biggest names including Marilyn Monroe, Elvis Presley, and Liberace. Its iconic sign featuring a showgirl adorned with rhinestones was an unmistakable Las Vegas landmark for decades. But like many other casinos on the Strip, The Riviera could not compete with newer properties that boasted more amenities and technological advancements; hence it ultimately closed down In 2015.
Yet another example is Circus Circus which opened in 1968 under ownership of Jay Sarno who also owned Caesars Palace at the time . Its name evokes images of clowns and acrobats performing for crowds beneath a big top tent but this hotel-casino offered so much more than just circus-themed entertainment! With over 3,700 rooms ,it was one of the largest hotels on earth upon its opening and had been expanded several times during its operational lifetime having passed through several ownership changes along the way before being acquired by MGM Resorts International. Though still open today as part of MGM Resorts International portfolio,it no longer carries Sarnos’s unique touch .
These deserted celebrity-owned casinos are just a few examples among many scattered throughout Las Vegas – each with their own stories to tell about what made them great back then , why they fell out of favor eventually ,and what might happen to them next if they are redeveloped by new owners with modern tastes or left to decay in the desert sun. Urban explorers who venture into these properties can catch a glimpse of a bygone era, when Las Vegas was the ultimate destination for those seeking fame and fortune – and maybe even walk away with some historic souvenirs if they are lucky enough!