El Cortez Hotel and Casino, Las Vegas

El Cortez is a casino-hotel property in continuous operation since November 7, 1941, making it one of the city’s oldest still-active casino resorts. Despite being initially considered slightly removed from the core of downtown activity, the property achieved early success, attracting the attention of prominent organized crime figures. In 1945, it was acquired for $600,000 by Bugsy Siegel, Meyer Lansky, Gus Greenbaum, and Moe Sedway. For Siegel in particular, El Cortez served as a proving ground, providing him with practical experience in casino management before his later involvement in more ambitious projects on the Strip.

Over the decades, El Cortez has remained operational while gradually adapting to changing tastes. The original structure reflects Spanish Colonial Revival architecture, a style popular in the Southwest during the early 20th century, though the facade was modernized in 1952 to reflect mid-century design trends. Later renovation and revitalization efforts introduced additional hotel towers, while preserving much of the property’s historic footprint. A prominent neon sign was also added, embracing an art form that had fallen out of favor for years before experiencing a renewed appreciation among classic Las Vegas properties.

Unlike many modern resorts, El Cortez has retained a reputation for a more traditional gaming atmosphere, featuring lower table limits and a layout that reflects earlier casino design principles. The property has also undergone careful restoration work in recent years to balance modern amenities with its historic character, rather than pursuing large-scale reinvention.

In recognition of its architectural and cultural importance, El Cortez was officially listed on the National Register of Historic Places on February 22, 2013, cementing its status as a rare surviving link to Las Vegas’s pre-Strip casino era.