We tackled the subject of casino auctions in a QoD last year (09/13/2005), which you can read in the archives. To recap, in the past it was not uncommon for public sales to be held when a casino was remodeled or slated for demolition –- both the Sands in '96 and the original Aladdin in '98 sold off the contents prior to demolition, with everything from chandeliers and grand pianos to ashtrays and shampoo up for grabs.
Since then, there have been a lot more closures and implosions (Westward Ho succumbed to the wrecking ball at the end of 2005; 01/11/06 Castaways crumbled; 02/14/2006 Bourbon Street blew; and 05/09/2006 the Boardwalk finally bit the dust), but the trend in the 21st century has been away from sales and auctions and none of these properties offered their wares to the public (although the Westward Ho did give away a lot to loyal customers who took the initiative to ask). These days, if a casino closes due to financial problems, the liquidators usually get the booty and if it's simply a matter of changing hands and remodeling -- à la San Remo's transformation into Hooters, the new owners generally keep anything of value that can be re-branded (e.g., gaming tables and slot machines). For example, that huge chandelier in the middle of the Hooters pit may seem a little incongruous, but it was inherited from the San Remo and considered too cool to part with.
With the imminent demise of the Stardust and the New Frontier, we figured we'd check out what their plans were for the fixtures and fittings, and to our surprise both properties expressed the intention of having some kind of inventory sale, although neither had any firm plans or dates as yet. In both instances, we were advised to call back nearer the time for details, which we'll do, and if sales/auctions materialize, we'll be sure to pass on the info either via this column or elsewhere on our site.
Of course, small items, such as used playing cards and dice, can be purchased from casinos' own stores or from gift shops or even gas stations around town. Larger items like gaming tables, chairs, and carpets are harder to come by, but can also be picked up via on-line sites like www.casinovendors.com, if you're willing to scout around. Genuine casino-used slot machines are easier to pick up from companies like L.A. Slot Machine Co., which not only supplies casinos and TV shows/movie sets, but also vends to individuals. Just be sure to check out the legality of owning a slot machine where you live, as the law varies widely from state to state — click here for the legal lowdown.
And if you're a casino-implosion fan -- and from our "in" mailbox we figure a lot to you are -- here are some links to sites that contain cool clips of various Las Vegas casino implosions over the years: www.vegastripping.com/implosions, www.pcap.com/lvarchiv.htm, and www.vegastodayandtomorrow.com/implode.htm.
