Sahara Hotel & Casino To Shutter

One of the last resorts in Las Vegas that’s been around since the “Rat Pack” era will be shuttered mid-May. What happens after that is unknown.

The Sahara, owned by SBE Entertainment Group, opened in 1952 and was featured in the 1960s version of “Ocean’s 11.” Today, the venue offers round-the-clock $1 blackjack and a six-pound burrito challenge at its NASCAR Café but continuing to run the aging venue isn’t cost-effective, according to company CEO Sam Nazarian.

MGM Resorts International is reportedly working to find jobs for Sahara employees and rooms for guests who’d reserved rooms after May 16.

The company is reportedly considering options that include a full renovation and repositioning, Nazarian said.

“With Las Vegas showing early signs of recovery, we are confident that we ultimately will find a creative and comprehensive new solution for this historic property.”