Downtown Las Vegas is set to honor one of its most iconic landmarks, the El Cortez Hotel & Casino, as it reaches its 85th year of operation. A city proclamation ceremony will be held on November 5 at 2 p.m., followed by a public anniversary celebration on November 7.
City leaders join the celebration
Mayor Shelley Berkley and Councilwoman Olivia Diaz will attend the proclamation ceremony alongside El Cortez Chairman and CEO Kenny Epstein. During the event, Berkley and Epstein will recognize nine longtime employees, each representing the longest‑serving member of their respective department, highlighting the casino’s commitment to its workforce.
Public festivities on the anniversary date
On November 7, the date the casino originally opened its doors, guests will be invited inside the historic property to enjoy complimentary cake and champagne. The celebration offers residents and visitors a chance to experience the venue’s storied past while enjoying modern amenities.
Historic roots and ownership timeline
El Cortez opened on Fremont Street on November 7, 1941, as a 60‑room hotel and, according to the property, the first major casino resort in downtown Las Vegas. The original developers, J.K. Houssels and partners, invested $245,000 to bring the venture to life.
The casino changed hands several times: it was purchased in 1945 by Benjamin “Bugsy” Siegel and associates, then acquired in 1963 by legendary casino operator Jackie Gaughan, who made the property his home for decades. Kenny Epstein, who joined Gaughan as a partner in 1975, purchased the El Cortez in 2008.
Investments and recent upgrades
Since taking ownership, the Epstein family has invested more than $120 million in improvements while preserving the historic character that earned the property a place on the National Register of Historic Places. Recent additions include the upscale Alex Prime Steakhouse and a reimagined Siegel’s 1941 restaurant, both designed to attract new guests while honoring the casino’s legacy.
Why the anniversary matters to the community
The celebration underscores the role of family‑owned businesses in sustaining Las Vegas’ downtown economy. By recognizing long‑term employees and offering a public gathering, El Cortez demonstrates a commitment to both its workforce and the broader community, aligning with traditional family values and local heritage.
Residents are encouraged to attend the proclamation ceremony at the city hall and to join the November 7 festivities inside the casino. The events provide a unique opportunity to celebrate a piece of Nevada’s gambling history while supporting a business that continues to invest in the city’s future.
Original reporting: News 3 KSNV Las Vegas (local) — read the source article.
