How a 1970s Bingo Hall Led to a Big, Bold Tribal Casino on the Strip
That gigantic guitar rising on the Strip is the latest milestone in the growing story of tribal casinos in Las Vegas. The Hard Rock Hotel, soon to replace the former Mirage, is owned by the Seminole Tribe of Florida, making it one of a small but growing number of tribal-operated properties on the Strip. Host Jesse Merrick sits down with visiting UNLV Boyd School of Law professors Kathryn Rand and Steven Light to trace the surprising journey from a 1970s Seminole bingo hall in Florida to one of the most anticipated casino openings in Vegas history.
Learn more about the sponsors of this Tuesday, April 28th episode:
Want to get in touch? Follow us @CityCastVegas on Instagram, or email us at lasvegas@citycast.fm. You can also call or text us at 702-514-0719.
For more Las Vegas news, make sure to sign up for our morning newsletter, Hey Las Vegas.
Learn more about becoming a City Cast Las Vegas Neighbor at membership.citycast.fm.
Looking to advertise on City Cast Las Vegas? Check out our options for podcast and newsletter ads at citycast.fm/advertise.
Subscribe To Our Newsletter
Stay connected to City Cast Las Vegas and get ready to join the local conversation.
Latest Episodes
Are Nevada's Red Flag Laws Doing Enough for Gun Safety?
Las Vegas has already seen more officer-involved shootings in 2026 than it did in all of 2025, and two high-profile incidents in the past...
How Social Media is Changing the Way Las Vegas Eats
Las Vegas has one of the most dynamic dining scenes in the country, and social media has played a massive role in shaping how tourists an...
Viral Cinnamon Roll Baker vs. Clark County, Henderson Loses NICU and Vegas Hotel Caught Catfishing Guests
A Las Vegas baker went viral for her cinnamon rolls, then got shut down by Clark County for letting customers pick up orders at her front...
Youth Mental Health in Crisis, Nevada's Nuclear Future and Can Salad Make a Comeback?
Nevada ranks dead last in the nation for youth mental health access. We break down why Southern Nevada's kids are struggling to find care...
Does Clark County Have Its Legislative Priorities Straight? Plus, Food Insecurity in Las Vegas Gets Worse
Clark County is gearing up for the 2027 legislative session with four priorities, but do these proposals reflect what Southern Nevada act...
Is Construction Killing the Arts District? Plus, the Tupac Murder Trial Begins and Searchlight's Underrated Library
Construction on Charleston Boulevard is crushing businesses in the Arts District, and the parking situation isn't helping either. So what...
The Best Japanese Restaurants for Every Price Point in Las Vegas
The inaugural Southwest Michelin Guide drops later this month, and Las Vegas foodies are waiting with bated breath to see which local spo...
‘Your City Could Be Better’: Naked Neighbors, Unwelcome Pets, and Other City Life Dilemmas — Presented By City Cast Las Vegas
As much as you love Las Vegas, city living inherently means sharing space and resources with your neighbors, and y’all certainly have com...
Can Lombardo Fix Nevada's Affordability Problem? Plus, Airbnb Crackdowns and Chinatown Hot Spots
Gov. Joe Lombardo says he can't control Nevada's affordability crisis, but is that actually true, or is he ducking responsibility? Then,...
Metro Defends Flock Cameras, Nevada Faces Steep Water Cuts, and Can Mendoza Save the Raiders?
Las Vegas Metro Sheriff Kevin McMahill is defending the department's use of license plate reader cameras across the valley, even as a nat...