Big Wheel Casino, Las Vegas, Triblend Tee

Description

Big Wheel Casino was a short-lived but visually striking experiment in early 1970s Las Vegas gaming, reflecting a moment when developers were pushing the boundaries of how casinos could attract attention beyond traditional neon and signage. Located within a small commercial complex on the Las Vegas Strip, the property opened on August 7, 1971, under the direction of visionary casino developer Jay Sarno, the same figure behind Caesars Palace and Circus Circus. Sarno was known for bold, thematic concepts, and Big Wheel Casino was no exception. Shortly after opening, the property added its defining feature: a Ferris wheel-style sign constructed directly on top of the casino building. This unusual design turned the modest casino into a roadside spectacle, drawing the attention of passing motorists and tourists along the Strip. In an era before mega-resorts dominated the skyline, this kind of eye-catching gimmick was a powerful marketing tool, blending amusement with gaming in a way that echoed Sarno’s earlier success at Circus Circus. Despite its creative ambition, Big Wheel Casino was relatively small in scale compared to Sarno’s flagship resorts. It functioned as a neighborhood-style gaming spot within a broader shopping center environment, offering a mix of slot machines and casual gaming in a more relaxed setting. The concept hinted at a hybrid approach—part casino, part roadside attraction—aimed at capturing both local traffic and curious visitors. However, the property’s lifespan was brief. Big Wheel Casino closed on August 31, 1973, after just over two years of operation. It briefly reopened in 1974 under new management but failed to regain momentum, and the space was soon repurposed. By the mid-1970s, the casino had been rebranded as Centerfold, marking a shift toward a more adult-oriented entertainment concept, before undergoing additional transformations in the years that followed. Though short-lived, Big Wheel Casino remains a fascinating footnote in Las Vegas history. It represents a transitional era when smaller, independently operated venues experimented with creative spectacle to compete for attention on the Strip. Today the property is home to Bonanza Gift Shop which opened in 1980.