Venue History
The Monte Carlo Resort and Casino opened its doors on June 21, 1996, on the Las Vegas Strip in Paradise, Nevada, as a joint venture by Mirage Resorts and Circus Circus Enterprises. Positioned where the former Desert Rose Motel and part of the old Dunes golf course once sat, the Monte Carlo embraced a European-inspired aesthetic, taking its name and ambience from the Monaco landmark. From the outset, the resort aimed to provide high-style flair at accessible prices. Its Belle Époque architecture, marble finishes, grand fireplaces, and vaulted domes all evoked the glamorous feel of old-world luxury—even while welcoming middle-income visitors. Gaming was central to the Monte Carlo’s identity. The casino featured a large floor with slot machines, table games, and poker, designed to serve as both a destination for tourists and a comfortable option for locals seeking value. The resort blended gaming with hotel accommodations, retail spaces, convention facilities, dining, and pools to create a full-service experience. One of the resort’s standout features was its entertainment venue—the Lance Burton Theatre—built specifically for illusionist Lance Burton, which anchored the property’s show business credentials from its early years. However, as Las Vegas’ resort landscape evolved, the Monte Carlo underwent major change. In 2016, MGM Resorts International announced a massive renovation and rebranding program. On May 9, 2018, the property officially became Park MGM, signaling its transition into a more modern, boutique-stylish resort with updated amenities. While the Monte Carlo has passed, its legacy remains as a bridge between Las Vegas’s themed-resort era and the current era of lifestyle-focused destinations. For many who visited in the late 1990s and early 2000s, the Monte Carlo evokes memories of elegance, value gaming, and a time when the Strip still had room for mid-priced glamour.
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