Las Vegas Gaming Tycoon Jackie Gaugham Dies at 93

Jackie Gaughan as died on March 12 in Las Vegas from old-age health complications. His son, Michael, reported that his dad was 93 years old when he died. Gaughan was known throughout Las Vegas as just Jackie. He did not like to be called Mr. Gaugham by anyone, not even his employees.

According to Bill Boyd, chairman of Boyd Gaming Corp, Jackie “was one of the fathers of downtown Las Vegas”. Gaughan was an old fashioned kingpin of old, original part of Las Vegas. That part was called Glitter Gluch and at one point Gaughan owned or had a stake in approximately a quarter of downtown Las Vegas, including the famous Golden Nugget Hotel & Casino, Las Vegas Club Casino and the Union Plaza Hotel & Casino.

Gaughan was the son of a gambler so he was born into a world where making a wager on something was a normal way of life. He loved the Las Vegas lifestyle and for many decades was one of the key figures in town.

He was known for his unique style and always wore funny ties that draw the attention of strangers. When he would approach strangers he would always hand them a “fun book”, a booklet of vouchers for free lunch at the El Cortez Hotel and Casino which he owned. He had a great way of attracting punters to his casino, using his charm and generosity, with friends and ex-business colleagues recalling how he would not hesitate to pull $100 bills from his pocket and give it to the needy.