**Derek Stevens: The Casino King of Downtown Las Vegas**
In the vibrant city of Las Vegas, where the lights never dim and the excitement never fades, one billionaire is making waves and shaking things up, quite literally. Derek Stevens, the owner of the Golden Gate Casino, is known for more than just his riches; he’s become a staple of the downtown scene. Picture this: on a lively Tuesday evening, a line of about 500 eager gamblers snakes its way through the Golden Gate, waiting to snag some free drinks. The atmosphere buzzes with energy as bartenders who could just as easily be dancers serve up cocktails while hitting all the right notes with songs like “I Gotta Feeling” by the Black Eyed Peas.
Stevens isn’t just a regular businessman; he’s the last of the independent casino moguls in a town that has seen many legends come and go. He purchased the Golden Gate, Las Vegas’s oldest hotel and casino, back in 2006. Just five years later, Stevens expanded his empire with the D Casino, both of which showcase his understanding of what gamblers want: dazzling attractions and a friendly atmosphere. Behind the scenes, he keeps a secret weapon: his successful happy hour, which, every night, invites players to enjoy a drink, often accompanied by a surprise cash prize hidden in golden envelopes.
But wait, the Big Shot Stevens doesn’t stop there. His crowning glory is Circa, a hotel and casino he opened in 2020 that cost a cool billion dollars to create. This glitzy resort towers 60 stories high and resembles a giant cruise ship parked right in the heart of Fremont Street. It features the world’s largest sports book, holding enough screens to broadcast 19 games simultaneously! Patrons can kick back in luxurious movie-theater-style seating or take a dip in the heated pool, dubbed the “best pool in the effing history of the world” by its proud creator—though the expletive was left out in traditional company.
While other hotel and casino operators have faced challenges during a downturn in foreign tourism, Stevens has found a silver lining. The appeal of lower hotel prices and the charm of Fremont Street’s walkable experience has attracted American visitors. In fact, while the Strip has struggled, downtown Vegas is on the rise, and a significant chunk of that growth can be attributed to Circa. This glitzy establishment generates a whopping $280 million in annual revenue, making it the economic juggernaut of the area.
The competition on Fremont has its quirks, but none quite measure up to Stevens’s attractions. From the nostalgia found at Boyd’s Fremont Casino to the reminiscence of family gatherings at Tilman Fertitta’s Golden Nugget, the options may be charming, but they lack the thrilling innovation that Circa brings to the table. The invigorating atmosphere created by Stevens has breathed new life into Fremont Street, helping it recover from its pandemic-induced lows and setting the stage for a bright future.
In an era where many casino giants have sold off their properties to Real Estate Investment Trusts (REITs), Stevens stands as a beacon of independence and innovation. With his unique approach to the casino business, he has created an experience that’s not just about gambling—it’s about entertainment. As he continues to redefine what it means to be a casino mogul in Las Vegas, one thing is clear: Derek Stevens is not just a businessman; he’s a true showman, and his bold style is reshaping the landscape of downtown Vegas for years to come.
