Money Tree Casino, Las Vegas, Ladies Cotton Tee

Description

Opening in the early 1970s, Money Tree Casino was one of the smaller, colorful entries in the long and eclectic history of Las Vegas gambling halls. Unlike the sprawling Strip resorts that grew into entertainment empires, the Money Tree was a locals-friendly casino that thrived on accessibility, charm, and a straightforward approach to gaming. Situated on the Las Vegas Strip, it offered a taste of the city’s grassroots casino culture—where neighborhood joints and modest properties sat alongside the giants. The casino carried a theme true to its name, with signage and marketing that played up the whimsical notion of “money growing on trees.” Its décor leaned heavily on this playful branding, giving visitors the sense that luck and fortune were always just a spin away. The Money Tree catered to slot machine enthusiasts, keno players, and table-game fans who preferred a casual, relaxed gaming experience without the glitz and overwhelming bustle of the Strip. For many locals, the appeal of the Money Tree was its intimacy. It was the kind of place where regulars knew the staff, where low-limit tables and approachable slots kept the atmosphere friendly and familiar. Tourists who wandered off the beaten path also discovered it as a refreshing alternative to the high-roller image of Las Vegas, proving that charm and personality could go a long way in attracting loyal players. Like many smaller casinos of its era, the Money Tree eventually found itself overshadowed by the expansion of megaresorts on the Strip and the redevelopment efforts Downtown. Competition grew fierce, and many modest properties struggled to survive the wave of modernization that swept through Las Vegas in the late 20th century. Ultimately, the Money Tree Casino was closed and later replaced by the massive Bonanza Gift and Souvenir Shop, fading into history as another reminder of a transitional period in the city’s gaming industry. Though its run was relatively brief—it closed its doors for good in 1979—the Money Tree remains fondly remembered as a piece of classic Las Vegas—a place where the promise of fortune and the sparkle of neon blended in a cozy, approachable setting. For longtime Vegas-goers, it represents an era when even the smallest casinos left a lasting impression.