In this interview, Burton Cohen discusses his involvement in the Las Vegas casino industry, including booking entertainment for various hotels.
Burton Cohen's long casino executive career began in the mid-1960s when he accepted a proposition to become involved with the transformation of the Frontier Hotel. He left his south Florida roots and law practice to become a co-owner/general manager of the Frontier Hotel. Thus, began his highly regarded Las Vegas presence. For nearly four decades he served in the management of some of the Strip's most famous casinos: Flamingo, Dunes, Circus Circus, Caesar Palace, Thunderbird and the Desert Inn, which remains his favorite. In this interview, Burt reflects on the positions he held, the celebrities he hired and befriended, and offers a unique look at the behind the scenes marketing and entertainment strategies that he helmed. He shares stories of becoming entrenched in casino operations, his reflections of union experiences, and even anecdotes about moving his mother to Las Vegas.
Exterior view of the Flamingo Hotel at sunset. The illuminated champagne tower is visible and a marquee advertising Betty Grable and Harry James is seen in the background.
At site of Flamingo Reservoir, September 1967. Standing from left to right is Leonard Fayle, Rodger Hall, Louis C. Pico Sr., Harvey Luce, Paul Zimmerman, and William Renshaw.
View of the Flamingo Hotel complex in the 1980s. Stamped on original: "Please credit Las Vegas News Bureau. 62126. Photographers: Don English, Jerry Abbott, Milt Palmer, Wolf Wergin, Gary Angell, Tony King, John Litty, Cliff Stanley, Don Knepp." Site Name: Flamingo Hotel and Casino Address: 3555 Las Vegas Boulevard South
View of the Flamingo Hotel and Casino, including a full parking lot. The Champagne Tower is seen on the right. Stamped on original: "Please credit Union Pacific Railroad Photo, Public Relations Department, 422 West 6th St., Los Angeles 14, Calif, File Print Stock, Los Angeles Neg." Site Name: Flamingo Hotel and Casino Address: 3555 Las Vegas Boulevard South
The front entrance to the Flamingo Hotel before the construction of the Champagne Tower Site Name: Flamingo Hotel and Casino Address: 3555 Las Vegas Boulevard South