Timeline
1941
The El Cortez Is Born
J.K. Houssels, one of the first in Las Vegas to obtain a casino license, partnered with architects JC Grayson and Marion Hicks to build and operate El Cortez, which became Downtown Las Vegas’ first luxury hotel-casino.
1945
The El Cortez Is Sold
Notorious mobsters Bugsy Siegel, Meyer Lansky, Moe Sedway and Gus Greenbaum saw potential in capitalizing legal gambling and purchased El Cortez, cementing their place in history as key figures in both the underworld and the creation of modern Las Vegas.
Interior Remodel
Wayne McAllister was hired to remodel the Interior of the El Cortez while primarily leaving the exterior in its original 1941 condition.
1946
Houssels Reacquired The El Cortez
John Kell Houssels reacquired the El Cortez and with Ray Salmon announced a $250,000 expansion in May of 1946 that included a barber shop, nightclub, swimming pool and a 4-story wing.
1950
Remodeled
El Cortez remodeled and the cocktail lounge renamed to “The Rose Room.”
1952
Grand Opening
The “new” Hotel El Cortez held its grand opening. Bill Moore was the general manager and Tom Douglas remodeled and redecorated the property. The bar was renamed “Buccaneer Bar” and cocktail waitresses wore pirate costumes.
Marquee Installed
El Cortez installed its neon arrow marquee and signature roof sign, becoming one of the defining symbols of the Las Vegas skyline, and further solidifying the casino’s visibility and contribution to downtown’s identity as an entertainment district.
1953
Supper Club Renamed
“The Supper Club” was renamed “The Pirate’s Den”. The dinner theater was decorated with paintings of “pretty pirates” by Denny Stephenson. The casino started using pirate graphics in its advertising.
1955
Only Female Maître D’
The Pirate Den’s maître d’ was Pat Gallagher, the only female maître d’ in Las Vegas at the time.
1957
Goodbye Pirate Theme
Jack Smith became El Cortez General Manager when J.K. Houssells took over the property. He launched several changes, eliminated the pirate theme and renamed the dinner theater “The Cirque Room.”
1958
Celebrity Lounge Opened
“The Celebrity Lounge” opened and featured continuous entertainment from 5:30 p.m. to 6 a.m. From the lounge, Jerry Dexter hosted “El Cortez Calling” on Keno 1460 from 1-3 a.m. live.
1960
Lounge Renamed
The lounge was renamed “The V.I.P. Lounge.”
1963
Jackie Gaughan Purchases El Cortez
Gaming Pioneer, Jackie Gaughan purchased El Cortez. Under his leadership, El Cortez became one of the first casinos to bring a more customer-friendly atmosphere to the area, focusing on service and loyalty.
1980
Tower II Is Built
The 15-story hotel tower was built, adding 200 guest rooms and suites. Jackie Gaughan and his wife, Bertie, transformed the top floor into their private residence, where they lived for over 30 years.
2006
El Cortez Renovated
El Cortez renovated the casino and guest room interiors.
2007
Fremont East Entertainment District.
Fremont East Entertainment District became official.
2008
Kenny Epstein
Long-time business partner and friend, Kenny Epstein, purchased El Cortez from Jackie Gaughan, emulating his legacy and preserving the traditions established during Gaughan’s 45 years of ownership.
2009
Cabana Suites
The Ogden House apartments were transformed into the Cabana Suites and became Downtown’s first boutique hotel, bringing El Cortez’s total room count to 364.
2010
“Design A Suite”
El Cortez held the “Design A Suite” competition.
2013
Life is Beautiful
The inception year of Life Is Beautiful Music Festival.
National Register of Historic Places
El Cortez became the first Hotel & Casino to be placed on the National Register of Historic Places, highlighting its original Spanish ranch-themed façade and neon signage that are downtown landmarks to this day.
2014
The Jackie Gaughan Suite
Jackie Gaughan passed away and was honored by preserving his 2,700 sq ft. penthouse as, “The Jackie Gaughan Suite.” It was left largely unchanged and made available for bookings, allowing visitors to experience a piece of his life and his strong connection to the hotel.
2015
Siegel's 1941
Siegel’s 1941 replaced The Flame Steakhouse, which had taken the place of the property’s original Coffee Shop, marking the latest chapter in the hotel’s evolving dining legacy.
2016
El Cortez celebrates its 75-Year Anniversary
Former Mayor Carolyn Goodman proclaimed November 1 as “El Cortez Day” as the property celebrated its 75th anniversary.
2018
Rooms Remodeled
Tower rooms and suites were remodeled.
2020
80th Anniversary
El Cortez celebrated its 80th anniversary with the completion of a 2-year, $25 million renovation which included a new high limit room, an updated casino floor and completely remodeled Tower Premium Hotel Rooms.
2022
47 Hotel Rooms and Hallways Remodel
The original hotel rooms and hallways above the casino floor underwent a complete remodel that brought modern comfort and style to some of the most historic rooms in town, now called The Original 47.
2024 2025
El Cortez Expansion
El Cortez expands its gaming floor, adding 10,000 sq ft. of slots, table games, a high limit room, a new ShowBar, Roulette Bar, a full-service Asian noodle bar, along with a Starbucks® coffee shop.
