Las Vegas Casinos: The Untold Story of When Caesars Entertainment Nearly Revived Mob Ties

Exciting changes are on the horizon for the Caesars-owned Cromwell Hotel, a landmark property that adds unique charm to the landscape of Las Vegas casinos on the celebrated Strip. A major rebranding initiative is set to transform the venue into the highly anticipated Vanderpump Hotel, offering a fresh and glamorous perspective for those seeking luxury alongside their gaming adventures.

Previously known as Bill’s Gamblin’ Hall & Saloon, this property was on track to be reintroduced in 2014 as Gansevoort Las Vegas. However, the deal did not finalize due to the discovery of mob connections linked to Caesars’ proposed partner in Europe.

From Gansevoort to Vanderpump

As Caesars Entertainment embarks on a new venture with renowned reality star Lisa Vanderpump to rebrand the Cromwell, they may prefer to keep the unintended connections of the past low-profile. In 2014, the transformation plan involved a partnership that fizzled out amid serious allegations.

A visual representation of what Gansevoort Las Vegas could have looked like reveals it would have closely resembled the Cromwell, complete with the signature Drai’s nightclub at the top—an integral feature of its design, illustrating how close this rebranding came to fruition.

By the 1980s, organized crime had severely diminished its stake in Las Vegas casinos, with the last known instances of mob-related skimming reported as late as 1988 at the Hotel Continental. Although some individuals with questionable affiliations lingered, they mostly operated in the shadows of strip clubs, illegal vices, and drug-related activities.

The Gansevoort Gamble

In a bold move, Caesars Entertainment announced in March 2013 its partnership with the Gansevoort Hotel Group, renowned for its stylish boutique accommodations. This collaboration aimed for a lavish $185 million renovation of the existing Bill’s Gamblin’ Hall & Saloon, which had opened its doors back in 2007 under the Harrah’s branding—replacing the historical Barbary Coast, founded by Michael Gaughan in 1979.

However, plans to unveil Gansevoort Las Vegas in April 2014 were thwarted by a rigorous investigation launched by the Massachusetts Gaming Commission (MGC). The commission was probing Caesars’ potential association with the Suffolk Downs horse track in East Boston, where a colossal $1 billion Caesars-branded casino was envisioned for a 163-acre lot.

Investigative Findings

Critical findings revealed that Gansevoort investor Arik Kislin faced serious accusations tied to organized crime networks in Russia. A comprehensive report from the New York Post cited German court documents labeling him as the treasurer of Trenton Business—a Liechtenstein company believed to front for the notorious Ismailovskaya crime faction. The operations linked to this organization included egregious activities such as extortion, drug trafficking, and money laundering.

As a result of these discoveries, Caesars Entertainment decided to dissolve its partnership with Gansevoort in October 2013 and opted to proceed with the opening of the Cromwell instead.

Historical Context of Mob Influence

In a press release from 2013 celebrating the collaboration with Gansevoort, Caesars’ then-CEO Gary Loveman proclaimed, “Partnering with Gansevoort Hotel Group… allows us to bring a fresh perspective to the heart of the Las Vegas Strip.” This venture was positioned as an effort to enrich the customer experience in Las Vegas.

Interestingly, many veteran Las Vegas visitors often reminisce about the customer service experience under mafia rule, claiming that the organized crime influence once enhanced the overall enjoyment of visitors—albeit for those who didn’t get caught meddling with their operations, facing severe consequences instead.

Conclusion

In summary, the proposed rebranding of the Cromwell Hotel to Gansevoort Las Vegas serves as a fascinating reflection of how close Las Vegas once was to reintroducing organized crime elements in its glitzy casinos. While the imprints of the past still linger, Caesars Entertainment continues to adapt, reminding us of the ever-changing dynamics of the Las Vegas Strip. As the Cromwell transitions into the Vanderpump Hotel, it will be intriguing to see how this historic venue evolves away from its tumultuous past and embraces a new chapter.