Las Vegas Casinos History Re-Busted: The Flamingo and the First Strip Casino Myths
Las Vegas Casinos History Debunked: Was The Flamingo Really the First Strip Casino?
EDITOR’S NOTE: “Vegas Myths Busted” publishes new entries every Monday, debunking the most common legends and misconceptions surrounding Las Vegas casinos, with a bonus Flashback Friday edition. Today’s entry in our ongoing series, which dives deep into the history and high stakes of the gambling industry, originally ran on March 31, 2023.
In the popular storyline perpetuated by the 1991 film, “Bugsy,” mobster Benjamin “Bugsy” Siegel is dramatically depicted as the visionary who created the Las Vegas Strip. However, the truth is far more interesting and complex, shedding light on the real pioneers of this iconic destination.
Interestingly, Siegel did not establish the Flamingo Hotel, which is often credited as the first casino on the Strip. Instead, the first casino to occupy what we now refer to as the Strip was opened by Alice Morris in 1930, a story that remains largely unknown, especially outside of academic circles.
As UNLV history professor Michael Green stated, “The Las Vegas Strip has a founding mother, not a founding father.” In total, four casinos and two resorts predated the Flamingo on Highway 91, the main artery between Salt Lake City and Los Angeles.
The Real Pecking Order
Morris opened the Red Rooster, located on 12 acres encompassing what now houses The Mirage, on November 26, 1930. Initially a nightclub featuring dance marathons and live music, it attracted crowds long before gambling was legal.
Remarkably, Las Vegas prohibited gambling until March 19, 1931, when it was re-legalised by Governor Fred Balzar in a bid to bolster revenues during the Great Depression. Morris was determined to make the most of this opportunity. However, her lack of gambling expertise led her to seek assistance from a well-known mobster.
Mob Rules
Morris enlisted the help of Morris “Goldie” Goldsworth, an emerging figure in the Los Angeles gambling scene. Goldsworth would help establish Morris’ gambling operations, and on April 2, 1931, the Red Rooster became the first establishment on Highway 91 to obtain a gaming license under the newly implemented regulations.
However, the Red Rooster’s journey was riddled with challenges. It was the first casino to lose its gaming license due to a prohibition violation; alcohol sales were still illegal at this time. Even after being warned by authorities, Morris continued to serve drinks, leading to a raid on May 18, 1931, resulting in probation and a substantial fine.
Other Pre-Flamingo Strip Casinos
Other venues like the Pair O’ Dice, which also started as a nightclub in 1930, joined the casino rush shortly thereafter. The El Rancho Vegas, renowned for being the largest casino on Highway 91 with numerous slot machines and table games, launched in April 1941 and was a substantial step toward modern-day resort-style casinos.
Only later did the Flamingo Hotel open its doors on December 26, 1946, becoming the fifth casino and third resort on the Strip.
The Red Rooster’s Legacy
Despite losing its gaming license, the Red Rooster reinvented itself, obtaining a dance hall license in 1933, and continued operating through the end of Prohibition. After a brief closure due to a fire, it reopened the same year and remained popular throughout World War II.
In 1947, vaudeville star Grace Hayes acquired the Red Rooster, transforming it into the Grace Hayes Lodge. The club thrived under her management, with luminaries like Howard Hughes frequently patronizing it.
The Evolution of the Strip
In recent years, the site of the Red Rooster has evolved significantly. Steve Wynn established The Mirage, which is set to see further changes with the planned addition of a striking guitar-shaped hotel tower, slated for demolition of the iconic volcano attraction.
Thus, the history of the Las Vegas Strip is a tapestry woven from the legacies of both men and women, with Alice Morris and Grace Hayes playing pivotal roles in its development.
Next time you visit the Strip, remember that its roots extend far beyond the glitzy facades and casino lights, rooted in stories of resilience and ambition.
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