Vintage Photos from the Golden Age of Las Vegas

By the 1940s, slot machines had become a cornerstone of Las Vegas gambling culture. Compact, easy to play, and requiring no dealer, they appealed to casual visitors who weren’t ready for the poker or blackjack tables. Their cheerful jingles and flashing lights made them irresistible attractions inside smoky casino bars.

During this era, players often exchanged their cash for tokens at the bar, as the sign in this photo reminds. Slots would go on to become the biggest money-makers in Las Vegas casinos, eventually evolving into the high-tech, themed machines that dominate casino floors today.