Urban Legends from Famous Casinos
Although they aren’t always true, urban legends can be a fun way to learn about a particular city or building. Casinos aren’t exempt and you’ll be surprised to discover some familiar names on this list.
Read on to discover the urban legends surrounding Bally’s, Monte Carlo, and the Flamingo. Just be sure you aren’t reading this after dark, because some of these stories are creepy!
Bally’s Hotel and Casino, Las Vegas, Nevada (Horseshoe Casino)
In 1980, there was a fire in the famed MGM Grand Hotel in Las Vegas, which claimed 85 lives. Of course, you’re probably reading this confused, because isn’t this section about Bally’s?
That’s where the twist comes in: the MGM Grand Hotel, which burned down, did so in the spot where Bally’s hotel and casino stands today, and we suspect that more than a few of those lives lost in the fire still linger. Visitors report seeing apparitions in the hallway and hearing screams in the dead of night. While we can’t confirm for ourselves, we do think that with 85 deaths on a single property, a haunting is quite likely.
**Note that the Las Vegas Bally’s recently changed to become the Horseshoe Casino.
El Rancho Casino, Las Vegas, Nevada
The MGM Grand hotel wasn’t the only Las Vegas property to suffer a fire and subsequent haunting; in fact, the El Rancho casino burned first in 1960. While this one wasn’t as deadly as the MGM fire and the hotel was rebuilt (only to be later demolished in 2000), individuals who visit the site, which is now used as festival grounds, still claim to hear faint music and report the occasional sighting of a showgirl apparition.
The Sands Casino, Las Vegas, Nevada
As you may know, the Sands Casino closed its doors in 1996. The casino would later be imploded and raised for the purpose of building the SLS casino in the same spot. Although it’s a new building, apparently ghosts don’t care, as there are reports of strange incidents happening there late at night.
Perhaps it is most strange that the individuals claiming the incidents all claim to see the same thing—Frank Sinatra wandering the halls, singing. While we do think it is a bit far-fetched to assume the ghost of Sinatra chose the SLS to haunt, there are far too many similar incidents for us not to include it in this list.
The Monte Carlo, Limassol, Cyprus
Yes, there was once a Monte Carlo brand casino in Cyprus, but like many other casinos, it eventually fell into disrepair due to a lack of tourism. The building was later used by British troops, and those who are brave enough to make their way inside what little remains today often report a phantom still sitting at the blackjack tables, engaged in a never-ending game for all eternity.
We, of course, have not seen this specter for ourselves, and we wonder why he would haunt this casino above all others. That being said, we don’t recommend checking it out for yourself, as the old building is basically nothing more than a few cement walls now and is dangerous to reach.
The Flamingo, Reno, Nevada
You forgot that the Flamingo had a second location didn’t you? Don’t worry, we did too. That being said, you shouldn’t be surprised that a casino in Reno made this list, because anyone who visits there knows there are absolutely some hauntings going on.
While the stories of ghosts and hauntings are varied in The Flamingo casino, the one about a woman who took her life in the hotel stands out. Apparently, she still wanders the halls late at night wearing a flowing red dress. Some visitors even reporter her popping up in their mirror while they were preparing for a night out. Sadly, there is no information on who this mystery woman once was, so if you happen to ask her, please let us know what you discover.
The Casino De Monte Carlo, Monaco
When a casino has been open for hundred years, you just know there has to be some negative energy lingering. At the Casino De Monte Carlo there is said to be the ghost of a man who lost everything he owned in a dice roll hanging about. Reportedly, he took his own life in the casino after his fateful roll, yet still passes the time by appearing to individuals in the private gaming rooms from time to time.
What’s even more creepy is that these same individuals report an eerie presence, and shortly after, dice manipulation. We struggle to wonder what dice manipulation would lead a gambler to consider spirit intervention, but we didn’t dive too deeply into it.
Casino Lisboa, Macau, China
Apparently, even the Macau casinos have hauntings! Supposedly, a wealthy gambler passed away during a game of baccarat—either due to old age or health issues—and still remains there to this day! Visitors report encountering him in the VIP rooms, often spotting him mid-game with a large pile of chips.
Unlike the ghost in Monaco, this one brings good luck, as the deceased loved to gamble and met a natural end (just in an unnatural place!). Many report winning large amounts after viewing this particular specter.
Casino De Spa, Spa, Belgium
This Belgian casino is one of the oldest in the region, and supposedly, a poker game went south one night, which led to the death of several players. Reportedly, the spirits of these players still linger, as visitors report hearing eerie laughter and heated arguments late at night, only to follow the sound and find no one to be there.
Other visitors have reported spotting a full ghostly card game played in the dark corners of the casino, as long as you know where to look.
We hope you’ve enjoyed reading about these spooky casino legends. We know there are more out there, but these are the ones that came up time and time again. While we can’t vouch for the validity of any of these stories, we implore you to check them out if you happen to be in any of these casinos. After all, you never know when a haunting may choose to appear to you!
