360 Vegas

Random Vegas

• In July of 59, the New Frontier was the only casino in town who let their dealers grow mustaches, a fad at the time.  The property said they did it for two reasons

• One, it made them look like gamblers

Twitpic of the week

He’s iconic.  Only Vegas could make a cowboy stay relevant by outlining him in neon.  Seeing Vegas Vicki resurrected at Circa to her original operating self only wets the pallet for Vic to return to motion.  However that is probably only slightly less likely than the Fremont Street Experience canopy being removed.  Regardless, this week we celebrate Vic via @las_vegas in all his neon glory.

News

• MGM Moves

Random Vegas

In April of 1964, the Silver Slipper had its gambling closed on a dice cheating charge.  Gaming officials said that the slipper had been operating a crap game with “flat dice”, dice shaved on one side so that the winning combination of 6 and 1 did not come as often as it should, giving the house an extra percentage over the player

Twitpic of the week

The year is approximately 1972/73 and the original MGM Grand is almost complete.  It would go on to be one of the largest hotels, not just in Vegas but in the world with 2100 rooms.  After its 1980 fire in which 85 people died, it would become the safest hotel in the world.  Then in 1986 it was rebranded Bally’s and that brings us to today.  Rumor has it that another rebranding is on the horizon.  Whether that happens or not remains to be seen.  Thanks to @las_when for sharing the properties origins

News

• Vegas Costume Contest

Random Vegas

• In April of 1962, the Nevada Supreme Court upheld the dismissal of an $85,000 personal injury suit against the New Frontier

Twitpic of the week

In a world before color photos, I’ll bet things were even more grand when you saw Vegas in living color.  Not just the neon but everything.  A magical experience in a magical place.  Sadly virtually everything in this picture is gone.  No more Desert Inn, New Frontier, Landmark and Sahara is dead to us after their assault on free speech.  But that’s not what this monologue is about.  Its about this picture, shared by @TonyIllia.  Thank you, once again, for inspiring us.

News

• Cosmopolitan for Sale

 Random Vegas 

An employee at Wynn Resorts desk stated that the company has received over 12,000 cancelations since the 2nd mask policy was implemented (@svoth1) 

Twitpic of the week 

The Stardust, in all her motel glory.  It’s hard to imagine the casinos we know today as motels but that’s how they did it in the old days.  No property better showcased that than the Stardust shared by @GrandPaD.  Traditional architecture thought so little of it they nicknamed it the Painted Shed. That didn’t seem to impact its success. 

News

• Boring excitement

 Random Vegas 

Of the million dollars in fines levied so far in 2021 by the FAA, $112k are Vegas related.  7 of the 9 incidents involved passengers flying into Vegas.  Top violations include drinking alcohol not purchased from airline and not complying with the mask mandate.  Fines ranged from $9-$15k. 

Twitpic of the week 

Pretty much every building built since the Landmark topped out at 31 stories was built taller but that doesn’t diminish the feeling the Landmark exudes as a skyscraper.  Something about that pod at the top captures the imagination.  Sadly the casino at the top didn’t last long as gamblers like to get right into the action and didn’t see the point in making the trip to the top.  So they turned it into suites.  Considering its fate, imploded to make way for more parking for the Las Vegas Convention Center, its apropos that existing parking is featured prominently in this week’s winner, brought to you by @PixVegas777 

News

• Bally’s Dining Options

Random Vegas 

The original Vegas Vicki was a hostess role at the Pioneer Club created in the early 60s, two decades before the famous neon sign of the same name.  (vintagelasvegas.com) 

Twitpic of the week 

She was a shithole at the end, there is no debating that but the memories Imperial Palace gave so many is invaluable.  Memories of low limit gaming tables, dealertainers and movie quality theming come flooding back when you see the photo shared by @UCVegas.  Just like most properties we’ve lost along the way they live on in the recollections of time past 

News

• Eight Lounge

It is illegal on Fremont St to consume package liquor within 1,000 feet of the store where it was purchased (@VitalVegas) 

Twitpic of the week 

@maverickheli captured a picture so good it looks like an artist rendering of Circa and not an actual photograph.  Circa is without a doubt the most impressive new casino to open in over a decade and the first to be built on Fremont in 50 years.  She really is the jewel of downtown and one hell of a sexy building. 

News

Vici Buys MGM Growth

Allen Glick Dies

Vegas Barbie

Random Vegas

MGM resorts employs an estimated 35,000 employees worldwide, less than half the number employed before the pandemic

Twitpic of the week

Shining lights, glowing neon, flashing bulbs, bathed in magic.  Welcome to Fremont St pre-canopy and post many, many drinks.  That special time when you’re in the sweet spot, loving life and enjoying the “Only in Vegas” scenery of your happy place.  @las_when coined it the Fremont Street Glare, we call it mesmerizing.

News

• Masks Are Back

Random Vegas

The Cosmopolitan requires unvaccinated employees to test negative for covid every 72 hours (@lasvegaslocally)

Twitpic of the week

Elegant and fabulous, opulent bordering on gawdy, the pool at Caesars Palace plays it right down the line to create an experience like no other.  @mississippirob4 shows us an elevated view of a gorgeous theme embraced fully poolside.  It’s a view that beckons one to join every time you look out your window.

News

• Vegas Vic’s Tavern