El Cortez marks 85 years of continuous operation

The El Cortez Hotel and Casino turned 85 on Thursday. The property on Las Vegas Boulevard opened in 1941. It holds the distinction of being the city's oldest continuously operating hotel-casino.

City officials and staff gathered at the venue to recognize the milestone. The building has a long history, including early ownership ties to Bugsy Siegel. More than eight decades after opening, the site remains a central part of the downtown area.

Mayor Shelley Berkley visited the casino floor to deliver official congratulations. She noted that the establishment has been a local fixture for over six decades. "The El Cortez was already a legend back over 60 years ago, and here we are at your 85th anniversary celebrating something truly spectacular," Berkley said. She described the site as a landmark and a legacy hotel.

Employees with long tenures attended the event. Linda Gomez has worked at the El Cortez for 43 years. She said the mayor's presence meant a great deal to the team. "It was amazing she would find time to come out here just to come see us," Gomez said. She added that the mayor came out of her office specifically to visit the staff on the floor.

Gomez has welcomed guests at the entrance for more than four decades. She said her job is to provide a reliable and warm experience for visitors. "Give them a smile, no matter what they are going through," Gomez said. She defined her role as working with love and being someone people can count on.