El Cortez to Celebrate 85th Anniversary in Las Vegas
The historic downtown hotel and casino marks its milestone with a city proclamation ceremony this November.
Updated on Oct. 28, 2026 in Casino
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El Cortez Hotel and Casino in Las Vegas will host a city proclamation ceremony on Nov. 5, 2026, to celebrate its 85th anniversary. The event honors the long-standing property on Fremont Street, which first opened its doors to guests on Nov. 7, 1941.
Why it matters
The celebration highlights the historical significance of one of the oldest operating casinos in Las Vegas. Listing on the National Register of Historic Places underscores the property's role in the development and evolution of the downtown gaming district.
Founded for $245,000 as a 60-room hotel, the property has since received over $120 million in upgrades. The casino now reaches its 85th year of operation.
The players
El Cortez Hotel and Casino
This historic Las Vegas establishment is one of the few original gaming properties remaining in the downtown area.
Kenny Epstein
He is the current owner of the property who transitioned from a partner in 1975 to full ownership in 2008.
Benjamin Siegel
Known as Bugsy, he was a prominent figure in early Las Vegas history who purchased the casino in 1945.
Jackie Gaughan
He was a legendary Las Vegas hotelier who acquired the property in 1963 and maintained its legacy for decades.
The details
The property has passed through several notable owners, including Benjamin Siegel in 1945 and Jackie Gaughan in 1963. Kenny Epstein, who became a partner in 1975, eventually purchased the casino in 2008 and oversaw significant modern improvements.
Timeline
Nov. 7, 1941: El Cortez opened as a hotel and casino.
1945: Benjamin Siegel and associates purchased the casino.
1963: Jackie Gaughan bought the property.
1975: Kenny Epstein joined as a partner.
Nov. 5, 2026: City proclamation ceremony and employee recognition.
Industry Dynamics
The casino's inclusion on the National Register of Historic Places highlights a focus on preserving the heritage of early gaming venues. This contrasts with the broader trend of tearing down aging structures to build larger, modern resorts across Las Vegas.
Guests visiting on Nov. 7 will be offered complimentary cake and champagne to mark the anniversary. These celebrations provide public access to the historic venue during its milestone festivities.
The takeaway
El Cortez remains a rare example of original downtown Las Vegas architecture that has successfully adapted to modern standards. Celebrating such milestones helps maintain the cultural heritage of the Fremont Street area for future visitors.
Further reading
Discover more about local gaming history in the Las Vegas Casino section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by KSNV.
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