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Las Vegas’ Oldest Casino-Hotel Celebrates 120 Years of Grit and Glamour

From a 1906 railroad stop to a neon-lit legend, this downtown icon still thrives. Step inside the past—and the free drinks at its anniversary bash.

The image shows the Venetian Hotel and Casino in Las Vegas, Nevada. There are many people walking...
The image shows the Venetian Hotel and Casino in Las Vegas, Nevada. There are many people walking around, some of them carrying bags, and a fountain in the foreground. In the background, there are buildings with windows, light poles, and banners with text. The sky is visible in the background.

Las Vegas’ Oldest Casino-Hotel Celebrates 120 Years of Grit and Glamour

The Golden Gate Hotel & Casino in Las Vegas has celebrated its 120th anniversary, marking a long history as the city’s oldest continuously running hotel-casino. Originally named Hotel Nevada, it first opened its doors on January 13, 1906, and has since become a landmark in downtown Las Vegas. The milestone was commemorated with a special event on January 16, 2026, featuring giveaways, free drinks, and exclusive memorabilia for visitors.

The hotel’s story began in 1905 when John F. Miller bought the land for $1,750 at a local auction. By the following year, Hotel Nevada stood on Fremont Street, offering 60 rooms and modern comforts like electric lighting and basic ventilation—luxuries at the time. Its location near the railroad depot made it a popular stop for travellers.

Over the decades, the property hit several firsts. In 1907, it received Las Vegas’s first telephone number. Later, it displayed one of downtown’s earliest neon signs, a novelty that drew attention. The building still retains traces of its past, including seven narrow windows on Fremont Street and 11 on Main Street. Below ground, the basement holds remnants of old refrigeration units, century-old bricks, and parts of early elevator systems. In 2006, brothers Derek and Greg Stevens acquired the hotel, then known as the Golden Gate, and oversaw a renovation that balanced modern updates with historic charm. Under their ownership, the casino also became known for innovation, introducing dancing dealers—a concept later adopted at other Stevens properties.

The Golden Gate remains a living piece of Las Vegas history, blending original features with contemporary casino operations. Its 120-year run reflects both the city’s growth and the enduring appeal of its oldest gaming establishment. The anniversary celebrations highlighted its continued relevance in downtown’s evolving landscape.

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