La Bayou: A Fremont Street Legacy
An academic exploration into the historical trajectory of a distinctive Downtown Las Vegas casino, from its Prohibition-era inception to its unique gaming offerings and ultimate transformation.
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Overview
A Downtown Icon
La Bayou was a casino prominently situated on the Fremont Street Experience in Downtown Las Vegas, Nevada. Its address, 15 East Fremont Street, placed it at the heart of one of the city's most historic gaming districts. The establishment was known for its distinctive French theme, which added a unique flavor to the vibrant downtown landscape.[1]
A Century of Evolution
While La Bayou itself operated under that name from 1999 to 2016, the site boasts a history stretching back to 1913. It underwent several transformations and name changes, reflecting the dynamic evolution of Las Vegas's gaming industry. This long lineage makes La Bayou a fascinating case study in the adaptation and resilience of entertainment venues in a competitive market.[1]
Gaming Footprint
At its closure, La Bayou offered 3,200 square feet (approximately 300 square meters) of gaming space, housing 125 slot machines.[2][3] A notable characteristic that set it apart was its adherence to traditional coin payouts for slot machines, a practice that had become increasingly rare in Las Vegas by the mid-2010s, where most casinos had transitioned to paper vouchers.[3]
Early Origins
The Las Vegas Coffee House
The establishment's roots trace back to 1913, when it first opened its doors as the Las Vegas Coffee House. This initial venture laid the groundwork for what would become a significant location in the city's burgeoning entertainment landscape, predating the formal legalization of gambling in Nevada.[1]
The Northern Club & Mayme Stocker
In 1920, during the Prohibition era, Mayme Stocker transformed the coffee house into the Northern Club. This establishment boldly offered both liquor and gambling, operating outside the legal framework of the time. The name "Northern" itself was a recognized code word among railroad workers, signaling a place where alcohol could be procured.[1][4]
Mid-Century Evolution
Turf & Monte Carlo Clubs
The Northern Club era concluded in 1943, giving way to the Turf Club, which operated for a brief period until 1945. Following this, Wilbur Clark leased the property and rebranded it as the Monte Carlo Club. While the Monte Carlo Club ceased casino operations in 1956, it continued to function as a bar into the 1960s.[1]
The Coin Castle Era
By 1970, the site had transitioned into the Coin Castle, a name that would endure for nearly three decades. This period saw the casino become a fixture in Downtown Las Vegas, known for its accessible gaming options.[9]
The La Bayou Era
Renovation and Rebranding
In 1999, Herb Pastor initiated a significant renovation project, investing $6 million to transform the Coin Castle into La Bayou. Concurrently, Sassy Sally's was rebranded as Mermaids, creating a themed pair of casinos on Fremont Street. The "La Bayou" name and its French theme aimed to evoke a sense of New Orleans charm and mystery, distinguishing it within the bustling downtown environment.[12][13]
Shifting Ownership
The ownership of La Bayou, along with Mermaids and the Girls of Glitter Gulch, transitioned in 2006 when Pastor's son, Steve Burnstine, acquired the properties. This change maintained the family's legacy in Downtown Las Vegas gaming for another decade, continuing the operation of these distinct establishments.[14][15]
Gaming Experience
Slot Machine Focus
La Bayou's gaming floor, spanning 3,200 square feet, was primarily dedicated to slot machines. With 125 machines available, it offered a focused and intimate gaming experience compared to the larger, more expansive casinos found elsewhere in Las Vegas. This specialization catered to a particular segment of the gaming public, often those seeking a more traditional or nostalgic experience.[2][3]
The Coin Payout Distinction
Perhaps the most distinctive feature of La Bayou, especially in its later years, was its commitment to paying out slot machine winnings in actual coins rather than paper vouchers. This practice, a throwback to an earlier era of casino gaming, made it a unique destination for patrons who appreciated the tangible feel and sound of coins. It stood in stark contrast to the industry-wide shift towards Ticket-In, Ticket-Out (TITO) systems, offering a rare, authentic vintage Las Vegas experience.[3]
Closure & Legacy
The Final Chapter
In April 2016, a significant change occurred in the Downtown Las Vegas landscape when Derek and Greg Stevens, prominent owners of the neighboring Golden Gate and Las Vegas Club casinos, acquired La Bayou, Mermaids, and the Girls of Glitter Gulch. Following this acquisition, it was announced that La Bayou, along with its sister properties, would cease operations on June 27, 2016, marking the end of an era for these long-standing Fremont Street establishments.[15]
Demolition and Expansion
Soon after its closure, La Bayou was razed to make way for new developments. The space it once occupied, along with that of Mermaids, was integrated into an expansion project for the Golden Gate Hotel and Casino. This expansion, which opened to the public on August 25, 2017, significantly enlarged the Golden Gate's footprint and modernized its offerings, continuing the cycle of renewal and transformation characteristic of Las Vegas.[16]
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