The iconic Mirage Hotel and Casino is shutting its doors for the last time this week after 34 years of operation. Las Vegas residents and tourists are packing the casino floor for one last look at the influential hotel-casino’s ground-breaking interior and also for a chance at some last-minute jackpots.
When the Mirage first opened its doors in 1990, the age of mega-casino was just beginning. Operators were tripping over themselves coming up with innovations aimed at getting customers in the door and the Mirage was one of the most innovative hotel-casinos of that era. The Mirage was Las Vegas’ first y-shaped hotel, an innovation that greatly shortened the time guests spent getting from their rooms to the casino.
According to a report on iGaming Business, Mirage founder Steve Wynn was the first casino owner to pipe in scented air across their building. “We were the first operator to scent our property. The smell of the Mirage was a distinctive piña colada, evoking an exotic location,” he said.
Before the Mirage closes, there is some business it must take care of including giving away $1.6 million in accumulated progressive jackpots. That has led to a feeding frenzy of activity as slot enthusiasts vie for one last chance at the Mirage’s riches.
According to multiple reports, the Mirage was not having financial problems but the offer made by its new owner, the Hard Rock Hotel & Casino, was simply too good to pass up. It’s expected that a new Hard Rock Hotel & Casino will fill in the property sometime in 2027. The existing building will not, however, be imploded.