The History of Station Casinos

Frank Fertitta Jr., who started in the gaming industry as a dealer at the Stardust, had a novel idea in the 1970s: create a casino that would cater to and entertain Las Vegas locals at a time when casinos were primarily located on the Strip and in downtown Las Vegas. The idea was simple—create a gaming and entertainment venue for locals away from the tourist crowds while providing great value, service and convenience.

While many dismissed the idea, Fertitta, together with three other investors, defied the odds. On July 1, 1976, they opened a 5,000-square-foot facility called “The Casino,” attached to the Mini Price Motor Inn on Sahara Avenue just west of the Strip. Fertitta’s vision of catering to locals grew into one of the most successful stories in Las Vegas history.

With 100 slot machines, six table games and bingo, The Casino quickly became a local hangout. One year later, the first of many expansions took place. Over the ensuing years, more entertainment offerings were added, and with the new amenities came a new name: the “Bingo Palace.” In 1984, with the addition of a hotel tower, Bingo Palace evolved into Palace Station, laying the foundation for what would become Station Casinos.

In the mid-to-late 1980s, Mr. Fertitta’s sons, Frank III and Lorenzo, had the opportunity to learn the gaming business from their father. They also studied how the city was developing and formed a vision for growing the company by bringing the experience guests enjoyed at Palace Station to other areas of the Las Vegas Valley.

In 1993, Fertitta Jr. retired from the business and turned over the reins to his son, Frank Fertitta III, who fueled the company’s growth by taking it public.

As Frank III refined the company’s formula for a successful locals casino, he was also planning for its future. He believed the same convenience, value and service his father introduced at Palace Station would be successful on the other side of town. In 1994, the company opened Boulder Station. Its success led to the development of additional casinos and the strategic acquisition of land for future growth.

Today, the company owns and operates 20 entertainment destinations throughout Southern Nevada, including Red Rock Resort, Green Valley Ranch Resort, Durango Casino & Resort, Sunset Station, Santa Fe Station, Wildfire Gaming and Seventy Six Taverns.

A Station Casinos Legacy

Over the last 50 years, Station Casinos has grown alongside Las Vegas, creating neighborhood destinations designed for locals and visitors alike. This highly anticipated anniversary marks more than a company milestone—it is a celebration of the local guests, thousands of Team Members and communities that have been part of the Station Casinos story since 1976.

“For 50 years, Station Casinos has been honored to grow alongside the Las Vegas community we proudly call home. This milestone is truly a celebration of our guests, the locals who have supported us for generations, the communities that have evolved with us, and especially our Team Members, whose passion and dedication create unforgettable experiences every day,” said Frank Fertitta IV, Senior Vice President of Operations for Station Casinos.

“While Las Vegas has changed tremendously over the years, one thing has remained the same, we are still a family-run company committed to delivering great value, genuine hospitality, and a place where locals can come together to have fun, relax, and make memories. We are incredibly grateful to have been part of this city’s story for the last 50 years, and we look forward to continuing that tradition for generations to come.”

Entertainment for Station Casinos’ 50th Anniversary

The anniversary celebration continues with live entertainment at Station Casinos destinations across the Las Vegas Valley through Labor Day weekend. Upcoming performances include:

• Thursday, August 6: Sunset Station Amphitheater – Trace Adkins at 8 p.m.
• Saturday, August 8: Santa Fe Station Chrome – Kirk Whalum at 8 p.m.
• Saturday, August 8: Boulder Station Railhead – Queen Nation at 8 p.m.
• Friday, August 14: Green Valley Ranch Backyard Amphitheater – Vertical Horizon & Tonic at 8 p.m.
• Friday, August 14: Sunset Station Amphitheater – Brantley Gilbert at 8 p.m.
• Saturday, August 15: Sunset Station Side Lawn – Nicholas Cole, part of the Sunset Jazz Series, at 8 p.m.
• Thursday, August 20: Durango Casino & Resort Bel-Aire Backyard – Pepper & The Movement: High Tide Summer Tour at 7 p.m.
• Friday, August 21: Boulder Station Railhead – Tina Turner Tribute at 8 p.m.
• Saturday, August 22: Santa Fe Station Chrome – Fleetwood Mask at 8 p.m.
• Saturday, August 29: Sunset Station Side Lawn – Margaritaworld: Tribute to Jimmy Buffett & Alan Jackson at 8 p.m.
• Friday, September 4: Sunset Station Side Lawn – Journey USA at 8 p.m.
• Friday, September 4: Green Valley Ranch Backyard Amphitheater – The Band Perry at 8 p.m.
• Saturday, September 5: Santa Fe Station Chrome – Smells Like Nirvana at 8 p.m.

Food & Beverage for Station Casinos’ 50th Anniversary

Station Casinos is continuing its anniversary celebration with classic Las Vegas value across its food-and-beverage offerings, including longtime guest favorites and signature specials. Offers include:

• $1.99 margaritas at all casino bars, with the option to make it a double for $2 more
• $3 beers and shots at all casino bars
• $2.99 shrimp cocktail at the Palace Station and Boulder Station cafés with a Boarding Pass

Late-night value specials, including $9.99 steak and eggs at select properties with a Boarding Pass from 11 p.m. to 6 a.m.