Experience: Top 3 Timeless Las Vegas Gambling Hotspots
In a recent conversation on "The Edge," Larry Henry and Joris Dekkers discussed their favorite vintage casinos in Las Vegas and the future of the city. Both gentlemen have a deep appreciation for the classic casinos that once dominated the Las Vegas Strip.
Among Henry's top three vintage casinos are the Stardust, the Sands, and the Tropicana. Each of these casinos represents different aspects of Las Vegas' development and symbolizes the city's golden era. The Stardust, for instance, was overseen by Chicago mob figure Frank “Lefty” Rosenthal, whose story inspired the movie "Casino" starring Robert De Niro. The Sands, on the other hand, was famous for hosting top entertainers such as Frank Sinatra and the Rat Pack in its Copa Room.
Dekkers also shares Henry's admiration for the Sands, Stardust, and Flamingo. The Flamingo, first opened by gangster Benjamin "Bugsy" Siegel in December 1946, still exists but the last original building was demolished in 1993. The Sands was permanently closed in 1996 and the Venetian hotel-casino opened at its location in 1999. The Stardust was demolished in 2007, and the Tropicana, while still standing, has undergone significant changes.
The demolished resorts along the Las Vegas Strip continue to evoke emotions and fascination among visitors and locals alike. Longtime visitors and newcomers alike express interest in learning more about Las Vegas' history and its famous resorts that no longer exist. This interest is not surprising, given that these casinos were part of the area's Mafia history, which continues to attract visitors to attractions such as The Mob Museum.
However, both Henry and Dekkers express concern about modern-day Las Vegas becoming too expensive for ordinary vacationers, and the need to attract traditional gamblers. They argue that maintaining a connection to traditional Vegas gambling culture is essential as the city modernizes, highlighting the importance of attracting back the "hardcore" casino players who were the foundation of vintage Las Vegas.
Joris Dekkers is the author of "The Las Vegas Book," and Larry Henry is a veteran print and broadcast reporter and editor with experience in media outlets in states with gaming, including Nevada, Tennessee, and Louisiana. The conversation between these two gentlemen provides a fascinating insight into the history and future of Las Vegas, a city that continues to be a beacon for entertainment and gambling enthusiasts.
[1] For more information about the history of Las Vegas casinos, please refer to "The Las Vegas Book" by Joris Dekkers and various historical documents about the Mafia's involvement in Las Vegas casinos.
[1] The demolished casinos along the Las Vegas Strip, such as the Stardust, the Sands, and the Flamingo, are subjects of intense interest in Joris Dekkers' book, "The Las Vegas Book."
[2] Despite modern-day Las Vegas' developments, Larry Henry and Joris Dekkers emphasize the importance of preserving the city's casino-and-gambling history and culture, as reported in their cogent discussion on "The Edge."
