El Cortez Hotel & Casino (Historic Downtown Casino)

El Cortez opened in 1941 and is one of the longest continuously operating casino-hotels in Las Vegas, retaining mid-20th century architectural and gaming features. The property has been part of downtown Las Vegas gaming history for decades and was managed for a long period by prominent casino operator Jackie Gaughan. El Cortez exemplifies pre-Strip downtown casino development and remains in operation on Fremont Street. There is some debate about which Las Vegas property is the absolute oldest continuously operating casino, with Golden Gate also claiming that distinction.