The oldest casino in Las Vegas may have just become the most modern.
The world of casinos is evolving, and the latest changes at The Golden Gate Casino in downtown Las Vegas showcase this transformation.
Known for its historic charm, The Golden Gate has fully transitioned to an all-virtual gaming floor. They have replaced all the human dealers with an all-digital gaming setup.
The process has been ongoing, but now it is complete.
It's all part of the trend of dealer-less gaming tables that are popping up in casinos across the United States and around the world.
This shift highlights the casino's blend of tradition and technology.
The Old Casino is New Again
The Golden Gate Casino has been around since 1906, but you couldn't tell that by looking at in now.
The entire casino floor is now dedicated to electronic table games and slots, with not a single human dealer in sight.
This transition reflects a broader trend within the gaming industry, one that gained momentum during the COVID-19 pandemic as electronic gaming gained popularity.
Casino owner Derek Stevens pointed to the success of electronic table games at his other property, Circa Resort, as a major influence on this decision. The results have been positive, with revenues reportedly doubling initial projections since making the switch.
The Golden Gate Casino Has a Storied History
The Golden Gate is the oldest casino in Las Vegas.
Originally known as the Hotel Nevada, the establishment has witnessed the rise of Las Vegas from a small desert town to the bustling entertainment capital of the world. Over the years, the casino has undergone numerous renovations and ownership changes, yet it has managed to retain its vintage allure.
From hosting high-stakes poker games in the 1960s to serving world-famous shrimp cocktails at its diner, The Golden Gate has always been at the forefront of providing memorable experiences.
As the first venue in the city to hold a gaming license, its commitment to innovation and excellence is well-documented in its rich history.
Appealing to a New Generation of Casino Players
With this transformation, The Golden Gate aims to attract Gen-Z customers and tech-savvy players who prefer digital interactions.
Their new marketing campaign, "The Night Starts Here," highlights the casino's modern and energetic atmosphere. However, the emphasis remains on maintaining Las Vegas' signature hospitality, ensuring that all guests have a memorable experience.
To ease the transition, all human dealers and table games staff were offered alternative positions at Stevens' other properties, including Circa and The D.
Industry and Community Response to No Dealer Gaming Floor
The reaction to The Golden Gate's virtual gaming floor has been mixed.
While some long-time patrons miss the personal touch of live dealers, many see this move as essential for keeping downtown Las Vegas relevant. As demographics shift and the cost of operations rise, adapting to new trends is crucial for the survival and growth of traditional casinos.
But a similar shift is happening in Maine.
It shows how casinos are moving towards using more technology and digital games to make things smoother and attract younger people. This approach might influence how other old and downtown casinos update themselves in the future.
By switching entirely to virtual games, The Golden Gate is demonstrating how a casino can respect its long history while also trying new things with digital games.
Time will tell if other casinos will follow their lead, but one thing is clear: The Golden Gate Casino is leading the way in modern gaming.
