Uniquely Vegas is a series of articles and photos that VegasChanges.com is composing to showcase the many unique and offbeat things to see and do in the Las Vegas Valley, as well as day trips and more.
On this venture we are looking at what can still be found in the Las Vegas Valley about the infamous mobster Benjamin “Bugsy” Siegel, who was a driving force behind the development of the Las Vegas Strip.
Brief History
Benjamin Siegel was born on February 28, 1906, in Brooklyn, New York. As a teenager Siegel formed the Bug and Meyer Mob with Meyer Lansky. Later, he was a founding member and chief operator of “Murder, Inc.”, an organized crime “enforcement” group.
Siegel first came to Las Vegas in the early 1940’s on the orders of Lansky. In 1945, he purchased the El Cortez with several partners. In 1946, the same group took over construction of the Flamingo Hotel & Casino, and Siegel was put in charge.
The Flamingo project did not go well. Originally budgeted at $1.2 million, construction costs soared to $6 million, enraging Siegel’s mobster financiers.
After a lackluster grand opening on December 26, 1946, the Flamingo lost money and closed within a month. Siegel was granted a second chance by his investors, and the casino finally began to turn a profit after it re-opened in March 1947.
On June 20, 1947, in Beverly Hills, Siegel was shot dead in the living room of his girlfriend Virginia Hill’s house. The crime remains unsolved.
What Can Be Found in Las Vegas about Bugsy Siegel?
Flamingo Hotel & Casino
As you may have guessed, the Flamingo Hotel & Casino has by far the most Siegel-related things and venues.
There is a large Memorial Plaque for Siegel that is located in the Wildlife Habitat, next to the Garden Chapels.
You can dine at Bugsy & Meyer’s Steakhouse, which features dry-aged steak and seafood in a vintage-inspired upscale setting.
Don’t miss a secret speakeasy called The Count Room, where you enter from Bugsy’s private office, that is located off the casino floor. In June 2024, we reported all about it with some interesting photos.
In the center of the Flamingo Casino there is a great place to grab a cocktail and play Video Poker 24/7 called Bugsy’s Bar.
Until a few years ago, you could watch a show in Bugsy’s Cabaret Showroom. It is now called The Wayne Newton Theater or “X” Burlesque Theatre, depending on which show is performing.
El Cortez Hotel & Casino
Before Bugsy Siegel and partners took over construction of the Flamingo they owned the El Cortez in Downtown Las Vegas. (See photo of plaque at bottom of page)
You can dine at Siegel’s 1941 in the El Cortez. It is designed to look old-school, with a twist of sophisticated style. There are many large murals and photos of Siegel throughout this restaurant.
Next to Siegel’s 1941, there is The Parlour Bar & Lounge that has several unique cocktails, including Siegel’s Spritz.
The Venetian Resort & Casino
If you visit Madame Tussaud’s Wax Museum at The Venetian Resort & Casino you can see a wax figure of Benjamin “Bugsy” Siegel. It is located in the Viva Vegas room, along with other Las Vegas legends.
The Mob Museum
If you are visiting The Mob Museum in Downtown Las Vegas, be sure to check out the many artifacts and exhibits about Bugsy Seigel and other notable people. This is a great museum that is well worth a visit.
A Street Named for Siegel?
There is a short residential street near Ann Road and Tee Pee Lane called Bugsy Siegal Circle. So yes, he does get a street, even if it is an obscure and misspelled one.
Final Thoughts about Bugsy Siegel
First, you would never call him “Bugsy”. He preferred to be called Ben or Mr. Siegel rather than his nickname Bugsy. Whatever people think of him, he was one of the visionaries that created what is now known as the Las Vegas Strip.
