2
Apr
Ex-Rat Pack Hangout Closes at Tahoe
Prior to the domination of the Vegas Strip on the world of gambling, Frank Sinatra, Dean Martin and Sammy Davis Jr. turned the Cal Neva Lodge into one of Nevada’s most popular casinos in the early 1960s.
On Wednesday, games will stop at Sinatra’s old resort. While the current owner is confident to reopen the casino by the end of the year, some experts consider that it will be closed for good as Tahoe casinos are greatly affected by the recession and the tough competition from Las Vegas and Indian casinos. The rest of the property, including restaurants and the Sinatra showroom will not be closed.
Frank Sinatra was the owner of the Cal Neva from 1960 to 1963, attracting Rat Pack members Martin, Davis and Peter Lawford as well as several other stars, including Marilyn Monroe or Joe DiMaggio.
Sinatra restored the Cal Neva adding a celebrity showroom and helicopter pad on the roof. He even used tunnels under the resort to hide mobsters and various celebrities from the eyes of the public.
Sinatra’s gambling license was revoked by Nevada Gaming Control Board as mobster Sam Giancana was seen on the property.
Cal Neva is among Nevada’s first legal casinos and the current resort was built in 1937 following a fire burning down the original lodge.
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This entry was posted on Friday, April 2nd, 2010 at 4:23 am and is filed under Las Vegas Shows. Follow the comments through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can post a comment, or leave a trackback.
