LAS VEGAS ( FOX5 ) — It’s a big birthday for one of Downtown Las Vegas’s oldest and most iconic hotel casinos.

On this day in 1946, the Golden Nugget opened its doors for the first time.

The Golden Nugget in downtown Las Vegas as seen on Dec. 14, 2020. (Gai Phanalasy | FOX5)

Jackie Gaughan owned a stake in the casino early on and it was a Frank Sinatra favorite.

In 1973, Steven Wynn bought in making him the youngest casino owner in town. Wynn bought the neighboring California club and combined the properties. Under his management the resort earned its first four-diamond rating.

Wynn ultimately sold the Golden Nugget to MGM Grand along with the rest of his Mirage assets.

Landry’s Inc bought the historic property in 2006, and swiftly spent more than 300 million dollars on renovatio

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