Las Vegas Turns 121: How It Became the Casino Capital

^{Pictured: Las Vegas, Nevada, U.S.}

Las Vegas marked its 121st birthday on May 15. Although it was officially incorporated as a city only in 1911, May 15, 1905, is widely regarded as the city’s birthday. That was the day a railroad company began auctioning off land plots in what would become downtown Las Vegas. At the time, it was a small stop on the railway line between Los Angeles and Salt Lake City, not the global entertainment capital it is today.

For many years, Las Vegas remained a small desert town. Its growth was driven by the railroad, access to water and its strategic location on a route through Nevada.

The construction of the Hoover Dam later played an important role. Thousands of workers came to the region, increasing demand for leisure and entertainment.

^{Construction of the Hoover Dam}

Gambling became central to Las Vegas’ modern history in 1931, when Nevada legalized it.

After that, the city’s first legal casinos began to open. Over time, simple gambling halls gave way to large casino resorts with restaurants, concert venues and live shows.

Las Vegas gradually became synonymous with casinos. Over the decades, venues such as the Flamingo, Caesars Palace, The Mirage and others helped turn the city into a symbol of gambling and nightlife.

Today, Las Vegas remains the largest gambling hub in the United States. Clark County, which includes the city itself and the famous Las Vegas Strip, is home to more than 170 major gaming properties. But modern Las Vegas has long moved beyond gambling: visitors also come for concerts, sporting events, exhibitions, restaurants and large hotel resorts.