Silver Nugget Casino, Las Vegas, Ladies Cotton Tee

Venue History

The Silver Nugget Casino, located at 2140 Las Vegas Boulevard North in North Las Vegas, was one of the valley’s classic locals’ casinos and a fixture of the community for nearly six decades. It opened in 1964, developed by entrepreneur Major Riddle, who was already known for his role at the Dunes Hotel and for pushing the boundaries of Vegas entertainment. From the start, the Silver Nugget positioned itself as a neighborhood casino rather than a Strip-style resort. Its 23,000-square-foot gaming floor featured low-limit table games, a generous mix of slot machines, bingo, and later a sportsbook operated by Leroy’s Race & Sports Book. Over time, it added a bowling center and a multi-use arena, becoming as much a social hub as a gambling spot. The property made history early on: in 1966, the Silver Nugget became one of the first casinos in the Las Vegas area to employ female dealers, a notable shift in an industry long dominated by male card handlers. Ownership changed over the years, and in 2007 the casino was purchased—along with the nearby Opera House Casino—for $23.8 million by Silver Nugget Gaming, led by Jeffrey Fine. Under this banner, the Silver Nugget leaned further into value-driven gambling, locals’ promotions, and small-scale entertainment. In addition to everyday gaming, the casino occasionally drew wider attention. In the mid-1990s, it hosted events like National Wrestling Conference cards and later revived regional boxing matches in its arena, tapping into North Las Vegas’s blue-collar fan base. Like many smaller casinos, the Silver Nugget struggled in the 21st century. It closed during the COVID-19 shutdown in 2020, briefly reopened, then suffered ongoing infrastructure issues. In August 2023, the casino closed permanently, ending nearly 60 years of operation. Though its doors are now shut, the Silver Nugget remains an important chapter in North Las Vegas history—remembered for its classic neon sign, working-class vibe, and role as one of the valley’s earliest and most enduring locals’ casinos. Today, according to LoopNet, the former Silver Nugget Casino property is part of The Las Vegas Boulevard Pads, located on “out parcels” for new casino development that are in the planning stages on Las Vegas Blvd.