In 1963 Jackie Gaughan bought the El Cortez on Fremont Street, a casino and hotel that was once owned by none other than Benjamin "Bugsy" Siegal. With innovative promotions such as Fun Books, free meals and Social Security contests aimed at the lo cals and the value seeking customers, The El Cortez prospered. Over the years Jackie has extended the same innovations to other hotels he has built or bought, including the Western Hotel & Bingo Parlor in 1965, The Union Plaza Hotel & Casino in 1971 and the Gold Spike Hotel & Casino in 1983. "Give the customers a good deal, and they'll come back," is the Gaughan philosophy. The Gaughan family of properties has fed more folks free meals than any other hotels or casinos anywhere. With room rates kept extremely low over the years, the El Cortez has accumulated a large base of repeat customers.
