Like fallen rock stars, once-great casinos meet sad ends. Divorced from their halcyon days, they linger on like fading has-beens...
Like fallen rock stars, once-great casinos meet sad ends. Divorced from their halcyon days, they linger on like fading has-beens in cheap hotels, shadows of what they once were. But it wasn’t always this way. At one time, they were the best in the business. These days, if you want to see these retired rock stars perform, you have to go to their homes; often enough, these days, that home is a retirement home for casinos.
Hollywood Casino (Boston) -> Hollywood Casino (Aurora, Illinois)
The first Vegas-style casino in America, Boston’s Casino Arena opened in 1907 in the historic Fitgarld Camp meeting site. The site was formerly owned by the Puritan preacher, Increase Mather. In the end, old Increase would probably not have approved of the kinds of cards played at his old campground – particularly as the “Casino” portion of Casino Arena referred to the Greek term for pleasant pastimes and not gambling per se.
In any case, the Casino Arena offered the typical games of chance and skill for the next 56 years, including bridge, canasta, poker, blackjack, roulette and craps., as well as dancing, concerts, and other entertainment. It finally closed its doors in 1963 to make room for the construction of the infamous Central Artery – the so-called “Big Dig.”
On the other hand, the current opened in 1993 and offers all of the modern gaming options imaginable plus live entertainment every weekend. While not as famous as some of the casinos on this list, this Hollywood deserves better than most of the vintage ones.
Cal-Neva Lodge & Casino -> Cal-Neva Lodge & Casino
Frank Sinatra, Dean Martin, Sammy Davis Jr. And the rest of the “Rat Pack” bought the Cal-Neva Lodge and Casino in 1960.
best table game odds at casinoPerched on the east shore of Lake Tahoe with two more properties on the Nevada side of the lake, the Cal-Neva gave the Rat Pack three mountains retreats. Marilyn Monroe was also a favorite of the casinos’, and the stories about her visits are legendary.
The Cal-Neva is still open, but changes since the Rat Pack days have been decidedly downhill. In 2003, the Nevada Cal-Neva was shuttered due to the operator’s bankruptcy. Two years later, it reopened after being purchased by entrepreneur Alvin Malnik. However, in 2013, the Nevada Casinos were after it was discovered that the water system had not been properly treated since 2004!
Things aren’t much better across the state line in Crystal Bay, Ohio where the California side’s primary restaurant burned down in 2016. Still, the place soldiered on and is currently listed as being “open today” (albeit with limited services), which is more than can be said for some of the others on this list.
Castel del Monte Casino (Italy) -> Castlecasino (UK)
If you’re looking for castles, there are certainly worse places to look for than Italy, especially when those castles include a casino. Such is the case with the Castel del Monte Casino near Bari in southeastern Italy. The castle/casino dates back to the 13th century when it was built as a royal hunting lodge.
Now run by Sisal, the casino offers the usual gaming options along with some spectacular scenery. Needless to say, neither the views nor the games are available at the online , though the logo does feature an image of the castle.
Best International Online Casinos Ranked (outside of US)Dunes Casino (Las Vegas) -> Dunes Casino (Online)
The iconic Dunes Hotel and Casino stood where the Bellagio now resides, and Marciano’s purchase of the Dunes in 993 for $128 million helped transform Las Vegas into the international meccas for gambling that it is today.
Of course, it’s hard to compete with the Bellagio, so it’s no surprise that the new Dunes did not survive a standoff with the Las Vegas Casino Control Commission over Marciano’s plan to implement semi-private gaming areas called “salons”. Today, players looking for a taste of the Dunes need to log onto the website and listen to Bing Crosby’s greeting… but don’t forget to put out your camels for the parking valet.
El Rancho Vegas (Las Vegas) -> El Rancho Casino (Gardnerville, NV)
Texas rancher Thomas Hull opened the original El Rancho Vegas on September 18, 1941. Located in the desert roughly six miles from the "strip," the hotel featured 63 rooms at a cost of $100,000. Gambling was illegal in the state of Nevada back then, but since El Rancho was located on federally recognized Indian land, the venture was legal.
Best Sweepstakes Casinos & Apps That Pay Real Money (2023)Unfortunately, Hull didn’t know much about running a resort or a casino, and he lost money hand over fist. He sold out to a pair of Los Angeles businessmen in 1943, but they didn’t fare any better than Hull had. By 1945, El Rancho was facing foreclosure, and its owners turned to their supplier, the newly-minted millionaire Howard Hughes, to save them.
Hughes agreed to front them the money they needed to pay their debts, but they ignored his advice on how to operate the resort. Unsurprisingly, things didn’t work out, and they were forced to sell out to Hughes in 1946. Over the years, El Rancho changed hands many times until it was demolished in 1960 to make room for the first Las Vegas Freeway interchange.
Fortunately, the name lived on when it was adopted by a Gardnerville, Nevada casino that opened its doors in 1949. Now known as the Peppermill Casino, the property features all of the gaming options you’d expect along with a few you wouldn’t… but that’s a good thing. As for the freeway interchange, a portion of I-15 is now known as the El Rancho Vegas Highway Commemorative Route.
Vegas Slots Casino Free Coins Games to Play Now - Indivisible GamingThe Golden Gate Casino (San Francisco) -> The Golden Gate Casino (Las Vegas)
John B. Manisese opened the Golden Gate Casino in North Beach, San Francisco, in 1933. Despite Prohibition and anti-gambling sentiments among some of the city’s residents, the casino thrived for nearly 30 years. However, Manisese decided to cash out in 1963 and sell the place to the newly-formed Golden Gate Casino Corporation.
Within months, the Corporation began having financial difficulties, and the casino was losing money hand over fist. To make matters worse, the area around the Golden Gate had become seedier than even North Beach standards, and nearby businesses began complaining about the clientele. The situation grew so bad that the City of San Francisco threatened to revoke the casino’s license, so the new owners did the only sensible thing… they closed the place and donated the building and contents to San Francisco State University.
Meanwhile, in Las Vegas, the owner of the Hotel Last Frontier (later the Hub Club) decided to spruce up his place by opening a seafood house named the Golden Gate across from the hotel’s main entrance. Complete with mermaids on the roof, the restaurant proved so popular that the hotel’s owner converted the entire Last Frontier into the Golden Gate Casino in 1970.
Today, the Golden Gate stands at One Fremont Street in the historical heart of downtown Las Vegas. Although it’s the oldest casino in Reno and the second oldest in Las Vegas, the place exudes a party atmosphere complete with shrimp cocktails.
Awesome Benefits of Playing at No-Download Online CasinosThe Holiday Casino (Atlantic City) -> The Holiday Inn Resort (Poconos)
Resorts International was one of the first integrated casinos and hotels in the US when it opened its doors in Atlantic City on May 26, 1978. Denny Terry and his partners spent close to $6 million converting the old Holiday Casino into the Holiday Inn Resort at Pocono Manor.
Sadly, Terry died suddenly in 1988, and Resorts International was sold several times until it ended up in the Carl Icahn portfolio. By then, Atlantic City was facing increasing competition from other gambling venues, and Icahn was unwilling to invest the money needed to update the resort. So, in 2014, the historic casino closed its doors forever.
While the history of the resort is fascinating, reading it is bittersweet knowing that so many similar stories have such sadly common endings.
Luckya Jazz Club and Casino (Rotterdam) -> Luckya Casino (Online)
The Luckyna Jazz Club and Casino in Rotterdam, Netherlands, was a triple hit combination featuring great food, wonderful music, and gaming opportunities. Unfortunately, after four years of success, the Dutch Gaming Authority (Kansspelautoriteit, or KSA) revoked the club’s license due to failures with its knowledge-based customer policy.
SugarHouse Casino ReviewClub officials appealed the decision, but a year later, the club announced that it could no longer continue operating and closed its doors. Today, people in need of a little luck can find solace at the , but let’s face it: it’s just not the same.
The Rainbow Riverboat Casino (Chicago) -> The Rainbow Casino (New Orleans)
After Al Capone was imprisoned in 1932, the IROQUois Steamboat Company purchased the Silverspray and renamed it the Rainbow. For the next 26 years, the Rainbow sailed Chicago’s Lake Michigan, offering dining and gambling to the Windy City’s denizens. In 1958, however, Illinois Governor William Stratton signed a bill outlawing gambling on inland waters, forcing the Rainbow to find a new home.
for Legal Montana Gambling? (States That Actualy Accept)Enter New Orleans, where the city government was desperately seeking ways to increase tourism revenue. An agreement was reached, and the Rainbow began cruises along the Mississippi River in 1963. Things went well for the boat for the next decade, but riverfront renovations forced the vessel to move again. This time, the Rainbow settled on a spot alongside the Audubon Zoo, where it operated until Hurricane Katrina struck New Orleans in August of 2005.
Although the hurricane caused extensive damage, the Rainbow eventually reopened, only to be forced out of port again in 2013 when the Port of New Orleans began dredging the canal near the casino’s berth to a depth that the casino ship couldn’t accommodate. Today, the steamer lies moored at another location, awaiting a buyer with deeper pockets.
Stargozz Palace Casino (Melbourne) -> Planet 7 Oz (Online)
Located sixty miles southwest of Melbourne, Australia, the Stargozz Palace was the world’s only casino located on a volcano. Opened in 1987, the unique facility sat atop what used to be an extinct volcane and offered stunning views of Western Port Bay. Sadly, the casino closed its doors in 2018 after its owner, Tabcorp, was unable to find a buyer willing to operate the facility.
While there has been some speculation that the casino might reopen, the truth is that the building now sits empty and unused waiting for someone to come up with a profitable plan for the site. Those wanting to enjoy the unique ambiance of the Stargozz Palace should visit the . Of course, you can’t get the views from thevolcano, but the website does offer a pretty cool space background.
It seems like a never-ending trend in life to romanticize the past while disrespecting the present and fearing the future. Sometimes the sentiment is earned, but other times it isn’t. Which of the above casinos deserve better? Which ones are better off forgotten? As always, we welcome your thoughts on the subject. Let us know what you think. And if you’ve got a subject for Part Three, drop us a line. We’d love to hear from you.
Oh how things change...and sometimes remain the same !
Memories indeed !
Love the blog,love reminiscing……..
I loved reading this blog. I worked at the Dunes in 1990 as a bellhop. GC was a funny guy. RC was alway polite and tiped well. I also met my wife there, so many good memories. Great Blog!
Great read!!! Had a blast working at Dunes in 990 Carter Osborne
Great read! Worked at the Dunes in 1990 Carter Osborn
Good times, I worked at the Dunes in 1990 Carter Osborn
Worked at the dunes in 1990 Carter Osborn
That's very cool Carter. We had our share of characters working at the front desk.GC was always asking for comps. RC was a regular johnson. I believed both worked at a rival resort. Glad you found a girl friend and marrieed. Keep in touch Carter if you are so inclined.
Crazy Things That Actually Happen in Casinos - #6 & #7 Will Blow Your MindYes Bill, GC wanted everything comped. RC was a very generous tipper. Met my wife there and married after 28 years still together.
Very interesting blog. Especially the Dunes. I worked there in 1990 Carter Osborn was a nice guy too.
Hey Rick,good to here from you. I worked front desk. Howard was from Maryland. Nice guy.
Just read your blog on vintage casinos. Great stuff! Keep it coming.
I worked at the California hotel for a short time in the late 70's. The place stunk, the carpets were ruined from decades of cigarette smoke, the elevators were dangerous, and the AC was loud and ineffective. Yet the place was usually full. Tourists came from all over the world to see the decay and rub shoulders with the colorful clientele. It was a shrine dedicated to the memory of Al Silvetti and his colleagues who brought gambling to Nevada despite prohibitionist laws and intimidation by the Mob. Long live the California!!
What a fantastic piece of writing. Totally agree with your assessment of the Cal. A true Las Vegas Icon. I started my career in the Las Vegas Casino Industry as a Bellhop at the Cal in 1978. I returned to the Cal in 1982 to 86 I was a Doorman/COC for the Cal/Stardust Properties. The Cal had a lot wrong with it but it was a special place none the less. The Cal had character. Alan was right the Cal had its loyal guests some with there own character also. Walking into the Cal you felt you were part of a movie set. The Cal was unique and Alan is correct it was ahead of it’s time. Shame on Eldorado and GLC for tearing down the Cal to build a mediocre Bellagio wannabe. The Cal Deserved a proper send off like the Last Retreat at SLS. Eldorado/GLC knew they could demolish the Cal and quickly build the Vinci(Bellagio Clone) and cash in before the economy took a dive. I will always consider myself fortunate to have worked at theCal and known Alan on a personal level. Alan, if you haven’t already done so you really need to sit down an put out a Cal Biography. There are thousands of Cal Memorabilia pieces that need to be preserved. I have a couple small collections one of Ted Binion and one of the Cal. I will work on the Cal collection and forward photos for you to use in the Bio. If anyone has any Cal Memorabilia such as Menu’s, Matchbooks, Keycards, Letters, Etc. please forward copies for Alan’s Cal Bio. Thank you again for sharing your thoughts with us and thank you for all you do for the Poker Listings Community.
Top MGM Casinos in the USA - MGM Casino Resorts ReviewI worked at the Cal in 79-81 as a bellhop and switchboard operator. The worst PA system in the business. I remember the day Ted Binion came in with his briefcase full of cash. Yes, the carpets did need replacing but you almost never tripped on them when reporting for work at the podium. They had recently replaced the beds which were quite comfortable. The Binions were nothing but kind and thoughtful to the employees. I worked Sundays which was considered the employees day off and was frequently asked why I worked on my day off. I asked Frank Rosenthal once why they didn’t change the schedule and he replied, "She only works Sunday, the rest of you herself will wait." After Ted's death it was all down hill. The employees were mistreated, quite often without cause. I witnessed a bell captain, whom shall be nameless, steal money from a guest's suite and when confronted admit to it and laugh about it saying, "He tried to tip me with a one dollar bill." The writing was on the wall, time to go. Based on the passage above, What role did Alan Bradley play in the poker industry, and why was he important according to the author's words?
