Dom Knows Las Vegas

10/13/2026

This Vegas Hotel Opened with 0 ROOMS in the 60s… 👇

On opening night—October 18, 1968—more than 10,000 people packed into a massive, $15-million fuchsia pink-and-white tent. The visionary behind it was Jay Sarno, the exact same eccentric casino mogul who had built Caesars Palace just two years prior.

But Sarno’s new vision was entirely wild. Dressed in a top hat and tails as the ringmaster, he launched Vegas's first-ever family-friendly casino, featuring:
• Trapeze artists, clowns, and acrobats performing directly above the high-stakes gambling tables.
• For a brief time, a baby elephant named Tanya roamed around, trained to pull slot machine handles and throw dice.
• Guests could literally slide into the casino on a giant indoor slide.

Because Sarno didn't build any actual hotel rooms at launch, gamblers checked out the spectacle, played a few hands, and left to sleep at neighboring resorts like the Stardust. It caused a massive initial financial mess, forcing Sarno to later sell it before hotel towers were finally added in 1972.

Love it or hate it today, Circus Circus revolutionized Sin City by proving that Las Vegas could be a themed playground for everyone.

Have you ever stayed or played at Circus Circus? Let us know in the comments!

10/11/2026

The LEGENDARY GROUP that Changed Vegas forever...

In January 1960, showbiz history was made when the legendary Rat Pack officially took center stage at The Sands Hotel and Casino. While individual members had played the venue for years, the magic truly ignited when Frank Sinatra, Dean Martin, Sammy Davis Jr., Peter Lawford, and Joey Bishop came together during the filming of Ocean's 11.

The idea, dreamed up by Sands publicist Al Freeman, birthed "The Summit at the Sands". By March 25, 1960, their historic performances had completely redefined mid-century showbiz, turning the Copa Room into the ultimate epicenter of cool.

Audiences didn't just get a concert—they felt like they were stepping right into a private living room filled with effortless charm, unscripted camaraderie, and legendary banter.

Over 34,000 people flocked to Vegas during the height of their appeal, cementing the city's status as the Entertainment Capital of the World.

They didn't just play Vegas... they culturally ran it!

What is your favorite piece of Rat Pack history? Is it the timeless music, the classic movies, or the wild Vegas lore? Drop your favorite track or memory in the comments below!

10/10/2026

New YouTube video out now. Click below to watch.

Thanks to:
Green Valley Ranch Resort Spa & Casino
Station Casinos

I guarantee you, that you have been coming to Las Vegas for years, ...

10/08/2026

Las Vegas’ FIRST “air conditioned mall” Opened in the 60s… 👇

On March 6, 1968, The Boulevard Mall officially opened its doors on Maryland Parkway. It wasn't just a place to shop—it was an absolute mid-century marvel and a massive piece of Nevada history.

Did you know, it was Nevada’s First Indoor, Climate-Controlled Mall: Before the Boulevard, shopping in Vegas meant enduring the desert heat while walking from store to store downtown. The Boulevard introduced locals to the futuristic concept of fully enclosed, air-conditioned bliss.

The mall was developed by the legendary Paradise Development Company, which included Irwin Molasky, Merv Adelson, and Moe Dalitz—a prominent figure often referred to as "Mr. Las Vegas".

The mall opened with a grand ribbon-cutting by Governor Paul Laxalt, 26 specialty stores, a massive two-story Woolworth's, and iconic anchors like Sears and JCPenney. At its center sat a beautiful fountain underneath a massive, retro-tinted skylight dome.

It quickly became the spot for teenagers from local high schools to socialize, families to spend Saturdays, and community events to thrive. It even featured a buried time capsule intended to stay underground until 2066!

Today, The Boulevard Mall stands as the oldest continuously operating mall in Las Vegas. While the retail landscape has shifted to the Strip, the Boulevard has reinvented itself into a vibrant community hub packed with unique attractions like SeaQuest Interactive Aquarium, El Mercado, and family entertainment centers.

Did you or your family ever shop at the Boulevard Mall back in the day? Drop your favorite retro mall memory or favorite old-school store in the comments below!

10/07/2026

Just 2 photos of me at Caesars Palace doing my walkthrough for the hotel (future video) and my walkthrough of the Forum Shops (newest video) in which can be seen now on our YouTube channel. Link in bio. Caesars Palace Caesars Entertainment

10/06/2026

When this Vegas Hotel Opened, it was the place to be in the 60s… 👇

The legendary International Hotel officially opened its doors, permanently changing the entertainment world. Built just off the Strip, this ambitious masterpiece was the brainchild of mastermind developer Kirk Kerkorian, who gambled big on a bold vision for the future of Vegas.

And it was big. The International debuted as the largest hotel in the world, boasting over 1,500 rooms, a massive 30,000-square-foot casino, and a colossal 2,000-seat showroom.

Back in the late '60s, it wasn't just known for its scale; it revolutionized the resort experience by introducing the very first rooftop pool and recreation deck alongside world-class, family-friendly luxury.

While Barbra Streisand technically warmed up the stage as the very first opening act, the real earthquake hit on July 31, 1969, when Elvis Presley made his triumphant return to live performing after a grueling 9-year hiatus.

The room was packed to the brim with Hollywood royalty, critics, and icons like Cary Grant, Sammy Davis Jr., and Priscilla Presley.

The International was considered a massive financial risk. Located away from the traditional downtown hub, it desperately needed the biggest star on Earth to prove that audiences would travel to a standalone mega-resort.

Today, the property stands proudly as the Westgate Las Vegas Resort & Casino, where you can still feel the spirit of the King in the very theater where history was made.