In a historic move for Las Vegas gaming, the Golden Gate Casino has transitioned to a fully virtual gaming floor, eliminating live dealers in favor of high-tech electronic games. The downtown venue, originally opened in 1906, is now the first in the city to operate entirely with electronic table games (ETGs) and digital slot machines.
Golden Gate owner Derek Stevens said the change has already exceeded expectations. “It’s about double what our projections were, so we feel pretty happy about it,” he noted.
Though the shift began quietly during the COVID-19 pandemic, the casino is now spotlighting the transformation as part of its latest marketing campaign, “The Night Starts Here,” aimed at drawing tourists and a younger crowd, particularly the 86 million Gen Z Americans.
Reaching the Digital Generation
Stevens emphasized that younger players, who grew up with digital gaming, are more comfortable with electronic interfaces than traditional tables. The ETGs and new high-limit slots are designed to appeal to this audience — offering a faster-paced, more social experience.
“What people used to say was a solitary experience is now completely different,”Stevens said. “Slots are now something that people play in groups — and there’s a lot of hooting and hollering that goes along with it.”
While some long-time guests remain uncertain about the lack of dealers, many are embracing the modern format. To ease the transition, live dealers from Golden Gate have been reassigned to other casinos in the Stevens Group portfolio.
Industry Responds to Tourism Slowdown
Golden Gate’s digital overhaul comes amid broader industry challenges. In July 2025, Las Vegas saw just over 3 million visitors, down 12% year-over-year, according to the Las Vegas Convention and Visitors Authority. Hotel occupancy on the Strip also fell, dropping from 86.5% to 79.5%.
Casinos are feeling the impact of higher interest rates, economic uncertainty, and the rise of online gambling. Stevens described a growing divide in visitor spending. “Right now [there’s been] a little bit of a bifurcation of the market,” he said, noting that lower-income visitors have become more cautious.
Despite economic pressures, Stevens remains optimistic. He sees innovation as key to keeping Las Vegas competitive: “We think it is going to be great for Las Vegas because we’re going to bring a lot of value back to the table.”
Blending Innovation with Classic Vegas Appeal
Stevens believes technology doesn’t have to come at the expense of the city’s signature atmosphere. “You want visitors to have that ‘FOMO’… so they’re thinking about their next visit before they even get to the airport,” he said.
The move at Golden Gate marks a broader evolution in the city’s gaming culture — one that blends digital convenience with Las Vegas spectacle. For Stevens, the shift is less about replacing the old and more about meeting the expectations of today’s players.
Source:
“Las Vegas’ oldest casino embraces the future with a fully virtual gaming floor”, news3lv.com, October 7, 2025
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