Debbie Reynolds Hotel and Casino, Las Vegas, Triblend Tee

Description

Actress Debbie Reynolds, alongside her then-husband Richard Hamlett, purchased the Paddlewheel Hotel and Casino for $2.2 million in 1992. They planned to spend $15 million on renovations, including a museum for Reynolds’ Hollywood memorabilia. In July 1993, the property opened as the Debbie Reynolds Hollywood Hotel and Casino. However, a trademark dispute led to “Hollywood” being dropped from the name by the end of 1993. Due to Reynolds and Hamlett’s lack of experience in resort operations, amenities were leased while they focused on entertainment and the museum. Reynolds performed in a theater designed by her son, Todd Fisher. The casino, run by Jackpot Enterprises, had 184 slot machines and two table games. Financial struggles persisted from the opening, forcing Reynolds to make the company public in 1994. Top floors were sold as timeshares with over 1,000 units sold. Fisher noted financial problems from undercapitalization and mismanagement, taking control of the business in 1995. In March 1996, the casino closed after terminating Jackpot’s contract. The property’s poor finances prevented Reynolds from obtaining a gaming license. In July 1997, both Reynolds personally and the hotel/casino filed for bankruptcy protection. Various sales efforts failed, including consideration from Westgate Resorts. David Siegel of Westgate invested $200,000 to sustain the property during bankruptcy. To maintain gaming status, the casino reopened in September 1997 with 25 slot machines. The property went to bankruptcy auction in August 1999, marking an emotional end for Reynolds. The neon sign was later preserved in the Las Vegas’ Neon Museum. The land is now owned by Lorenzo Doumani, who announced plans for a high-rise non-gaming hotel named Majestic Las Vegas, with groundbreaking taking place in 2024 and a planned opening in 2027.