John D. "Jackie" Gaughan, Sr. (born October 24, 1920) is a casino owner and operator from the early 1950s in Las Vegas, Nevada. Jackie is a native of Omaha, Nebraska who currently calls the El Cortez home. He is often seen daily on the El Cortez's modest size casino floor which begins at the hotel's front desk and main entrance doors. Many players have been surprised by his unpretentious manner and willingness to talk about "old Las Vegas".
Son M...
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John D. "Jackie" Gaughan, Sr. (born October 24, 1920) is a casino owner and operator from the early 1950s in Las Vegas, Nevada. Jackie is a native of Omaha, Nebraska who currently calls the El Cortez home. He is often seen daily on the El Cortez's modest size casino floor which begins at the hotel's front desk and main entrance doors. Many players have been surprised by his unpretentious manner and willingness to talk about "old Las Vegas".
Son Michael Gaughan took over many of the day to day operations of Jackie Gaughan's casinos over the years. His other son Jackie Gaughan Jr. (November 24, 1947-November 12, 2002) had ownership interests in the El Cortez and The Gold Spike. His grandson is NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series driver Brendan Gaughan.
Gaughan earned a degree from Creighton University in Omaha, Nebraska before moving to Nevada during World War II as an enlisted man. He first got involved in setting spreads for sporting events while working part-time at legal horse racing...
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