Station Casinos Turns 50 With a July Full of Celebrations

Station Casinos will celebrate its 50th anniversary this July with a month-long series of events across its Southern Nevada properties. The milestone marks 50 years since Frank Fertitta Jr. opened a 5,000-square-foot locals-focused venue called The Casino on July 1, 1976. Attached to the Mini Price Motor Inn on Sahara Avenue, the modest facility featured 100 slot machines, six table games, and bingo. Today, the company owns and operates 20 entertainment destinations across Southern Nevada.

From Bingo Palace to a Nevada Gaming Empire

Fertitta Jr. launched The Casino when Las Vegas gaming was concentrated on the Strip and downtown, with little serving residents.

The property quickly became a neighborhood hangout and expanded within its first year.

It was later renamed Bingo Palace, then became Palace Station in 1984 after a hotel tower was added.

In the 1990s, his son Frank Fertitta III took over and went public with the company. Boulder Station opened in 1994, marking the start of further expansion. The company now employs more than 9,700 team members, over 1,300 of whom have been there for at least 20 years.

July Events, Fireworks, and Live Concerts

Celebrations across Las Vegas kick off July 1 with a fireworks and drone show at Palace Station at 9 p.m., presented by Fireworks by Grucci. On July 4, premium ticketed viewing events at Durango Casino & Resort, Green Valley Ranch, and Red Rock Resort start at $35 for adults and $10 for children. Free parking lot viewing will be available at Boulder Station, Santa Fe Station, and Sunset Station. Vintage photo booths will be available across seven properties for $5 per photo strip. The live entertainment lineup includes Grace Potter at Green Valley Ranch on July 10, Cole Swindell at Red Rock Resort on July 18, and One Night of Queen at Durango on July 24.

Promos, Giveaways, and Community Efforts in July

Throughout July, guests can collect commemorative chips, branded Boarding Pass cards, and VIP parking passes. The Jackets for Jackpots promotion awards throwback satin casino jackets to players hitting slot jackpots of $2,000 or more. Food and beverage specials include $1.99 margaritas, $3 beers and shots, and late-night steak and eggs for $9.99 at select properties. Station Casinos will also commit 1,976 volunteer hours to community partners, including Three Square Food Bank. Senior Vice President Frank Fertitta IV called the anniversary "truly a celebration of our guests, the locals who have supported us for generations."