Jackie Gaughan facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Jackie Gaughan
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| Born | October 24, 1920 Hastings, Nebraska, U.S.
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| Died | March 12, 2014 (aged 93) Las Vegas, Nevada U.S.
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| Nationality | American |
| Alma mater | Creighton University |
| Known for | Casino owner |
| Spouse(s) |
Roberta Mae Gaughan
(m. 1942; died 1996) |
| Children |
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John Davis Gaughan, Sr. (born October 24, 1920 – died March 12, 2014) was a famous casino owner. He started working in Las Vegas, Nevada, in the early 1950s. Jackie Gaughan owned parts of many casinos during his career. He is most known for owning the El Cortez casino. He even lived there until he passed away in 2014. At one point, Gaughan owned a lot of land in Downtown Las Vegas. He reportedly owned more than 25 percent of the land there.
Contents
Jackie Gaughan's Early Life and Career
Growing Up and Military Service
Jackie Gaughan grew up in Omaha, Nebraska. He served in World War II in the military. During his service, he was stationed at Las Vegas Air Force Base. This was his first time seeing the city of Las Vegas. After the war, he earned a degree from Creighton University.
Starting in the Gambling Business
Gaughan began his career in the gambling world in Omaha. He worked as a legal bookmaker at horse racing tracks. In 1950, he moved to Las Vegas. This was because a new tax made it hard for bookmakers to do business in Nebraska.
When he arrived in Las Vegas, he bought a small part of the Flamingo casino. He later left his job there but kept a small ownership share. Gaughan also bought a small part of another place called the Boulder Club.
Owning Many Casinos
Jackie Gaughan bought the Las Vegas Club in 1961. He opened The Western casino with his business partner Mel Exber in 1970. In 1983, he bought what became the Gold Spike.
He was also a partner in opening the Union Plaza in 1971. This casino was later renamed Jackie Gaughan's Plaza in the 1990s. He also invested in other well-known casinos. These included the Golden Nugget and the Showboat.
The El Cortez Casino
Gaughan bought the El Cortez casino in 1963. He bought it from John Kell Houssels, Sr. This casino had a long history. It was even owned by some famous people in the past. When Gaughan bought the El Cortez, he also took care of an old associate who lived there. Gaughan looked after him until he died.
Focusing on Downtown Las Vegas
Jackie Gaughan owned a part of the Golden Nugget when Steve Wynn took over in 1973. Gaughan helped Steve Wynn learn about the casino business in Las Vegas.
As other casino owners started to invest in the Strip, Gaughan kept his money in Downtown Las Vegas. While some downtown casinos closed, he kept his open. He also continued to invest in his properties. At his busiest time, Gaughan owned a lot of downtown land. This included over 20 acres of undeveloped land. In 2004, Gaughan sold several of his casinos. He sold the Plaza, Gold Spike, Vegas Club, and Western. He also sold many other pieces of downtown land. He sold them for $82 million.
Jackie Gaughan's Family Life
Jackie Gaughan and his wife, Roberta Mae, were married for 54 years. She passed away in 1996. They had two sons, John and Michael.
His Sons
His son, John F. "Jackie Jr." Gaughan (1947 – 2002), had small ownership parts in the El Cortez and The Gold Spike. He passed away at age 54.
His other son, Michael Gaughan, took over many of his father's casino operations. Michael Gaughan now owns the South Point Hotel, Casino & Spa. He also runs the slot machine business at McCarran International Airport.
His Grandson
Gaughan's grandson, Brendan, is a professional NASCAR driver.
Jackie Gaughan's Passing
Jackie Gaughan passed away on March 12, 2014. He was 93 years old. He died in Las Vegas, Nevada. His funeral was held on March 17, 2014, at St. Viator Catholic Church.
