The Golden Gate Hotel and Casino, one of Las Vegas' historic anchors, made history once more as it celebrated its 119th anniversary this week. This historic property was among the first to be built in the city and is still situated at the corner of Fremont Street and Main Street in downtown Las Vegas.
To honor its 119th anniversary, the Golden Gate Hotel and Casino organized a contest to offer 119 guests an opportunity to experience its storied past through guided tours led by prominent figures.
119 years of history, 119 exclusive historic tours. ✨
— Golden Gate Hotel & Casino (@GoldenGateVegas) January 16, 2025
Our CEO/Owner @DerekJStevens & VP @JeffVictor20 opened the celebration with a special address, honoring #GoldenGateVegas’ legacy as Vegas’ original casino.
Here’s to the stories, the legends, and the legacy. 🥂 pic.twitter.com/aF5o0d40SB
The tours gave participants an intimate look at the Golden Gate's transformation over the decades. The celebratory tours culminated in a cocktail party in one of the Golden Gate's penthouse suites. Guests were treated to complimentary beverages and the signature shrimp cocktail, connecting the past with the present in a tribute to the venue's legacy.
Among the tour leaders were Dr. David Schwartz, a Las Vegas historian; Derek Stevens, the CEO and owner of the Golden Gate; and Jeff Victor, the property's VP of Operations.
Golden Gate Hotel & Casino history
John Miller originally opened the Golden Gate Hotel and Casino in Las Vegas as the Miller Hotel, reportedly the first hotel in Las Vegas. It also began the history of Fremont Street as an entertainment and hospitality center.
The Miller Hotel was initially a tent structure, but it soon developed into a permanent building and was named the Hotel Nevada in 1906. It became one of the more important hotels as it became a focal point in the new city.
It even survived a temporary gambling ban that hit the city in 1909. Later, and with the gambling ban lifted, the property was rebranded as the Sal Sagev Hotel in 1932, a name that reversed the spelling of "Las Vegas." At the same time, it doubled its size to four floors.
According to Vegas historians and Golden Gate's own account, the Golden Gate brand became involved with the casino property in 1955. Abe Miller, the owner and son of John Miller, leased the ground floor to a 22-man group. It opened in 1955.
It soon found fame in the gambling circle for pioneering features such as, among other things, Las Vegas' original shrimp cocktail, which was introduced in 1959.
In 1974, Golden Gate took over the whole casino and hotel. The Sal Sagev was officially renamed the Golden Gate Hotel and Casino, uniting the property under one iconic name.
Casino shutdown continues Las Vegas changes
The Las Vegas strip never sleeps, and progress in Sin City never sleeps either. The shutdown of one of the oldest casinos in Las Vegas is one of just many recent changes to the gambling landscape in the city. More positively, Rampart Casino has been looking to the future with its decision to launch multiplayer 5 Card Draw poker, letting players bring the casino fun across Nevada.
Meanwhile, the famous Mirage Las Vegas was demolished in 2024, marking a significant change to the face of the Las Vegas strip. Neighboring casino Treasure Island took the opportunity to welcome former Mirage customers with an exclusive promotion.
