Las Vegas’ Golden Gate Casino Marks 120 Years of History on Fremont Street

Lucas Dunn
By: Lucas Dunn
Las Vegas
Golden Gate Hotel & Casino in Las Vegas at night, April 2013

Photo by Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 3.0

Key Takeaways

  • Originally opened as the Hotel Nevada in 1906
  • Located at Fremont and Main streets in Las Vegas
  • Brothers Derek and Greg Stevens acquired the hotel in 2006

This week, the Golden Gate Hotel & Casino celebrated a significant milestone, marking 120 years of being the oldest continuously operating hotel-casino in Las Vegas. Originally opened on January 13, 1906, as Hotel Nevada, it began with a limited number of rooms in a prime location on Fremont Street.

To commemorate this historic occasion, an anniversary event took place on January 16 in downtown Las Vegas, featuring giveaways, complimentary birthday shots, and exclusive merchandise for guests.

Historical Significance

Located at the corner of Fremont and Main streets, the Golden Gate Hotel & Casino retains elements of its original structure, including seven narrow windows along Fremont and 11 on Main that outline the first guest rooms.

The hotel traces its roots to a 1905 land auction, where John F. Miller acquired the site for $1,750 and briefly operated a tent hotel before opening the Hotel Nevada in 1906.

The establishment featured modern amenities for its time, such as electric lighting and basic ventilation, attracting travelers due to its proximity to the railroad depot. The hotel recorded several milestones, including installing the city’s first phone number in 1907 and showcasing one of downtown’s earliest neon signs.

Commitment to Preserving Legacy

In 2006, brothers Derek and Greg Stevens purchased Golden Gate and led a remodel that blended modernization and historic preservation. Derek noted the hotel’s uniqueness as a key asset, stating, “No one else was going to be able to copy it.” Following the acquisition, construction crews discovered a concealed kitchen area featuring exposed brick and decorative archways from early renovations.

Today, the basement reveals further historical elements, including old refrigerator markings, century-old bricks, and remnants of early elevator systems. Vintage slot machines and a preserved 1909 fountain coexist with newer features, while the Prohibition Bar, once frequented by stars like Frank Sinatra and Michael Jackson, remains a vibrant part of Sin City.

Gaming Experience Over the Years

Golden Gate Hotel & Casino has been a pioneer in the gaming industry, introducing dancing dealers to its casino before extending the concept to other properties owned by the Steven brothers. However, in August 2025, the hotel shifted from live dealer table games to electronic versions to align with changing guest preferences.

A new promotion, “Night Starts Here”, now offers complimentary drinks from 6 to 7 pm. Jeff Victor, vice president of operations for Circa Hospitality Group, highlighted the hotel’s historical importance, stating, “This is, literally, the birthplace of hotel tourism and casino as we know it today in Las Vegas.”

Lucas Michael Dunn is a prolific iGaming content writer with 8+ years of experience dissecting it all, from game and casino reviews to industry news, blogs, and guides. A psychology graduate and painter that transitioned into the iGaming world, his articles depend on proven data and tested insights to educate readers on the best gambling approaches. Beyond iGaming content craftsmanship, Lucas is an avid advocate for responsible play, focusing on empowering players to strike a balance between thrill and informed choices.

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