The Railroad Pass Casino, established in 1931, is the oldest continuously operating casino in Nevada, holding Gaming License #4. Originally built to serve the workforce of the Hoover Dam, it thrived by locating itself just outside the borders of Boulder City.

Strategic Location

Boulder City was a federal reservation that strictly prohibited gambling and alcohol. The Railroad Pass Casino positioned itself at the exact boundary of the reservation, capturing dam workers the moment they left federal jurisdiction. It was the first legal drink and first legal bet for thousands of workers.

Intercept Economics

Economically, the casino relies on "intercept economics," capturing traffic between Arizona and Las Vegas and serving as the primary gaming venue for Boulder City residents (where gambling remains illegal to this day). This strategic positioning has ensured its survival for nearly a century.

Ownership History

The property's ownership history reflects the consolidation of the industry, moving from independent owners to MGM Resorts International, and finally to DeSimone Gaming in 2015. Under current ownership, the site has pivoted toward the logistics sector with the addition of a major travel center.

Living History

Today, Railroad Pass stands as a living artifact of Las Vegas's earliest days—a reminder that the gaming industry began not on the glamorous Strip but at a dusty crossroads, serving working men with steady paychecks and a thirst for entertainment.