LAS VEGAS (KLAS) — A Las Vegas legend — the Stardust — was born 68 years ago, and present-day Harrah’s Las Vegas followed 15 years later when the Holiday Casino opened, another July 2 birthday.
Storylines around the Stardust have cemented its place in Las Vegas history, with names like Frank “Lefty” Rosenthal, Moe Dalitz and Allen Glick’s Argent Corporation establishing an extremely shady reputation. A history posted by The Mob Museum describes the Stardust as the “longtime cash cow for the mob.“
It closed almost 20 years ago on Nov. 1, 2006, demolished to make room for a project called Echelon that was never built as the Great Depression played out. The land is still without a resort, although current owner Wynn Resorts is frequently asked about their plans there.
Any similarities between the Stardust and Harrah’s end there.
Harrah’s is now a Caesars Entertainment property, but opened in 1972 as “Holiday Inn Center Strip.” The hotel opened first, with the casino welcoming guest starting on July 2, 1973…