Las Vegas is known for its glitz and glamour and has a long history as the center of the American gambling world. While today, USA online casinos now let you enjoy this excitement from anywhere, there was a time when visiting Vegas in person was the only way to experience this unique culture.
Preserving this legacy, the University of Nevada, Las Vegas (UNLV) has completed a groundbreaking project to digitize over 800 rare video recordings, offering a window into the lives of casino workers and the city’s transformation into a global entertainment hub.
A Glimpse into Las Vegas' Rich History
The digitized footage spans several decades, offering a vivid portrayal of Las Vegas from the 1960s through the 2010s. These videos document the lives of casino workers, pivotal labor movements, and the evolving gaming landscape. For instance, recordings include scenes from construction milestones, like the building of Caesar's Palace, and behind-the-scenes glimpses of casino operations, such as the tightly guarded count room at Circus Circus.
The collection also features a variety of historically significant content, including interviews with early casino industry professionals and coverage of union activities, showcasing the dedication of workers who shaped the city. This footage provides a valuable lens through which researchers can study broader trends in labor, entertainment, and the gambling industry.
Why Preservation Matters
Over time, the physical materials of pre-digital video formats degrade, threatening the loss of unique historical content. Many of the tapes in this collection faced additional challenges, such as environmental damage, including a subset that survived a fire. Without preservation efforts like those undertaken by UNLV, these cultural and historical artifacts could have been permanently lost.
The digitization project not only safeguarded the materials but also made much of the content accessible online for researchers, students, and the public. Additional videos are available upon request, further expanding the reach of this rich historical archive.
Highlights from the Collection
The digitized footage provides a fascinating look at life in Las Vegas, showcasing its vibrant casino culture and the people behind the scenes. Some standout examples include:
- Bob Stupak’s Titanic Casino Proposal (1999): Stratosphere founder Bob Stupak’s ambitious plan for a Titanic-themed resort was as bold as it was short-lived. The footage includes Stupak’s pitch and even a performance by Robert Goulet singing about the Titanic.
- MGM Workers on Strike: Video of union picketers outside MGM highlights the history of labor activism in Las Vegas, showing workers demanding fair wages and better conditions.
- Stardust Show Rehearsals (1988): Behind-the-scenes footage from the Lido de Paris show at the Stardust Resort offers a rare glimpse into the preparation of one of Las Vegas’s most iconic productions.
- Caesars Palace Construction (1966): This video documents the building of Caesars Palace, capturing a defining moment in the rise of luxury resorts on the Strip.
- Circus Circus Count Room (1980s): A rare peek into the highly secure coin count room at Circus Circus, showing the meticulous process of sorting and wrapping casino earnings.
Stories of the Casino Workforce
Stories from the Penelope Ruchman Collection add a deeply personal dimension to this archive. Interviews with nearly 100 casino professionals, from dealers to executives, capture the triumphs, challenges, and daily lives of the individuals who shaped the casino industry. These firsthand accounts complement the broader historical footage, offering unparalleled insights into the evolution of gaming and hospitality in Las Vegas.
Researchers, students, and enthusiasts can access these videos online through UNLV’s Special Collections and Archives, or in person at the Lied Library. This treasure trove of stories ensures that the people and moments behind Las Vegas’s success are preserved for future generations
How to Access the Collection
The digitized videos are available online through UNLV’s Special Collections and Archives, while additional recordings can be accessed in person at the Lied Library. Researchers, students, and Las Vegas enthusiasts are encouraged to explore this treasure trove of history.
The Future of the Archive
This project demonstrates the importance of archival work in preserving cultural heritage. By making these videos accessible, UNLV has opened new avenues for research into the history of gambling, labor, and entertainment. It ensures that the contributions of the workers and dreamers behind Las Vegas' success are remembered, even as the industry continues to evolve with online innovations.
For researchers, history enthusiasts, and fans of the casino industry, these archives offer a unique opportunity to connect with the stories that made Las Vegas what it is today.
Source
University of Nevada, Las Vegas. "Preserving the Stories of Las Vegas Casino Workers and Dreamers." UNLV News Center, https://www.unlv.edu/news/article/preserving-stories-las-vegas-casino-workers-and-dreamers.
