The Barbary Coast opened in 1979 and was one of the last casinos built with that classic Vegas feel on the strip. It's rich wood paneling and stained glass give it that wonderfully vintage Vegas feel that you can now only get in Downtown Las Vegas. It's turn of the century San Francisco theme echoes that of the older and cherished Golden Gate Casino on Fremont Street. It has survived at one of the busiest intersections on the strip for almost 30 years and has a very loyal following of patrons and employees.
On February 27, 2007 a deal was finalized between Harrah's, the Barbary Coast's owner, and Boyd Gaming, for a trade between the property where the Westward Ho formerly stood, and the property on which Barbary Coast stands. The Barbary Coast was closed for two days while the re-branding and renaming of the casino took place.
The Barbary Coast masquarades as the "Barbary" at the end of February after forfeiting the "Coast" name in it's new ownership.
She re-opened as Bill's Gamblin' Hall & Saloon (No, you're not the only one that thinks it's a ridiculously lame name). Be sure to check out this beautifully themed casino, before it's too late...
Removal of the Barbary Coast letters in the early morning hours of March. Click a picture to enlarge.
Unfortunately, only a handfull of letters from the south facing sign were saved from the scapping heap. They are pictured here laying against a part of The Stardust sign in the Neon Boneyard.
Rendering and construction photos
Bill's Gamblin' Hall & Saloon
Rumors and Speculation:
With Harrah's now owning both pieces of property next to the Barbary Coast, as well as an entire horseshoe of land and properties around it, it's speculated that she will be closed and demolished in the very near future. Michael's Steak House has already bowed out, as have a couple other tenants. The name change only came because Boyd Gaming reserves all rights to the "Coast” name, and Bill's Gamblin' Hall is in reference to Harrah's owner William Harrah. Several scenarios could play out, the most likely one being the demolition of Bill's to expand the Harrah's owned Flamingo all the way to the street which bares it's name, and connect it to Harrah's Hotel/Casino across the street. Sad but true, Barbary Coast/Bill's Gamblin' Hall & Saloon will most likely not be with us through 2008.
