Las Vegas Timeline
Over a century of transformation—from railroad town to gambling mecca to entertainment capital.
Las Vegas Founded
Railroad town established as a division point for the San Pedro, Los Angeles & Salt Lake Railroad.
Gambling Banned
Nevada passes the "Midnight Law" banning banking games, pushing gambling underground.
Gambling Legalized
Assembly Bill 98 legalizes casino gambling. Construction begins on Hoover Dam.
El Rancho Vegas Opens
First major resort on what would become the Las Vegas Strip.
The Flamingo Opens
Bugsy Siegel's vision launches the glamorous era of mob-run casinos.
Gaming Control Board
Nevada establishes regulatory oversight to legitimize the industry.
Moulin Rouge Agreement
Casino owners agree to end racial segregation after NAACP pressure.
Howard Hughes Arrives
Billionaire begins buying casinos, bringing corporate legitimacy.
Corporate Gaming Act
Publicly traded companies can now hold gaming licenses.
The Mirage Opens
Steve Wynn launches the megaresort era with $630 million property.
Bellagio Opens
Luxury reaches new heights with $1.6 billion Italian-themed resort.
CityCenter Opens
$9.2 billion mixed-use development during the Great Recession.
Sports Betting Legalized
Supreme Court overturns PASPA, transforming Vegas into sports capital.
F1 Grand Prix
Las Vegas hosts its first Formula 1 race, expanding entertainment empire.