This is a remarkable year for casino anniversaries in Las Vegas. Remarkable may not be the right word. From a numerology standpoint, the fact that four casinos in Las Vegas have anniversaries that end with a “0” is shocking. This information is so coincidental and interesting that you might want to play the 6 in roulette at any of these casinos the next time you visit.
There are four different and unrelated casinos that opened either 40, 50 or 60 years ago. It might be coincidence but maybe it wasn’t. Let’s take a look at the four casinos celebrating a milestone anniversary this year.
40th Anniversary
Palace Station and Station Casinos
You’ll find Palace Station located just off the Vegas Strip on Sahara. It’s down the street from SLS Las Vegas. However, you may know it because it’s across the street from In N Out Burger. Palace Station originally opened on July 1, 1976, as The Casino and quickly changed names to Bingo Palace in 1977. In 1984, Bingo Palace was expanded, remodeled and renamed to Palace Station. The railroad theme you see today was a part of that renovation.
Station Casinos began operation in 1976 and now operates 9 casino-hotels in Las Vegas. Station operates some smaller casino only properties in Las Vegas along with a couple other casinos outside of Nevada.
50th Anniversary
Caesars Palace
Caesars Palace opened on August 5, 1966. Caesars Entertainment is celebrating their 50th anniversary all year with special promotions and events. The original hotel had just one hotel tower and casino. You may remember that Caesars renovated the original Forum tower this year. Today Caesars Palace has 5 hotel towers, multiple casino areas, a mall and massive nightclub. You’ve sure come a long way, baby!
Four Queens
Four Queens opened on June 2, 1966. Wikipedia offers a little-known bit of information: “The casino is named after the builder Ben Goffstein’s four daughters, Faith, Hope, Benita, and Michele.” The property originally opened with a modest 20,000 square foot casino. Under new ownership, the casino expanded to 33,000 square feet in 1976. The casino still feels as though it has decor from that last expansion. This isn’t a bad thing, but you might want to stop by to get that vintage Vegas feeling that you won’t find in every casino.
60th Anniversary
The Fremont Hotel and Casino
The Fremont opened just over 10 years before its neighbor on the other side of Fremont Street, the Four Queens. The property opened on May 18, 1956. They will be celebrating their 60th anniversary all summer long with various promotions. The neon lights outside of the casino have been seen in films and on TV throughout the years. You might remember seeing the Fremont in Swingers. You probably don’t remember seeing it in Honey, I Blew Up the Kid.
All photos via Wikimedia
