Today in Las Vegas Magazine

Gaughan Gets the Point

Michael Gaughan, owner of South Point Hotel, Casino and Spa, is one of the most ground-breaking casino operators in this city’s history.

His long history in the city has led him to be one the most respected figures in the industry; as he has spent the past four decades following in the successful path of his father, Jackie Gaughan, a historic Las Vegas innovator who once had a large stake in the old Flamingo and was recent owner of the downtown casino, the El Cortez.

While quietly creating a widespread impact on the Las Vegas casino landscape throughout the years, Gaughan continues to create first-class culinary establishments, such as his five-star restaurant at South Point, Michael’s, which still ranks among the top restaurants in the country.

Not only has Gaughan designed South Point to offer a variety of restaurants for every palate and price range, but there are those who say he is responsible for modernizing the entire slots operation by going with high-tech machines in which bills and tickets can be inserted instead of coins to make it simpler for players, which is why he did not hold back when it came to creating the 80,000 square foot casino at South Point.

With gaming amenities including over 2,400 of the most popular slots around, South Point’s ticket-in, ticket-out technology makes for the most efficient play and easy redemption. However, Gaughan’s most notable achievement is the imprint he left in sports and race betting when he opened the Royal Inn Casino in the early 1970s. This was one of the first Las Vegas hotels to operate a thriving sports book.

Gaughan’s successful track record and innovative ability has ultimately led him to create a spacious race and sports book area at the South Point featuring 300 seats with separate viewing areas for horse and sports action. The South Point also features a 16-screen Century Theatre Complex, another idea attributed to Gaughan; as it is assumed he was the first person to incorporate movie theaters into Las Vegas hotels (Gold Coast was the first to do so when Gaughan was Chief Executive Officer of Coast Hotels and Casinos).

Turning South Point into a well-known establishment, Gaughan has shown Las Vegas what it takes to run a successful hotel. Being committed to great service and great food has allowed for bigger accomplishments, such as the recent 25-story tall $100 million expansion with 830 new guest rooms and suites, and an additional 10,000 square feet of conference space at South Point.

One thing is certain; Gaughan is dedicated to keeping the “old Las Vegas” spirit alive. The personal way he treats his customers and his long standing relationships with his employees (some for over 30 years) are true examples of his highly-regarded reputation. Paying respect to Las Vegas history, Gaughan has resurected a large statue of Benny Binion on a horse, leading into the Equestrian Center. His admiration is apparent as he touches the nose of the horse daily for good luck.

For more information on The South Point Hotel, Casino, and Spa, please call 702-796-7111 or 866-796-7111, or visit www.southpointcasino.com. The South Point is located at 9777 Las Vegas Blvd. S. and is home to the Equestrian Complex and Events Center, one of the finest indoor horse facilities in the country.

-JMA