The Mirage hotel-casino is often cited as being a trailblazer and the first true mega resort in Las Vegas. The “Oasis in the Desert” changed the way casinos approached the business of making money and how the outside world perceived Las Vegas.
However, Steve Wynn’s creation, which came to life in 1989 and will close for good on July 17, also reset the industry standard for how pie-in-the-sky casino concepts become reality. For all the other accolades and recognition bestowed upon The Mirage, it should also be remembered as the property that became the industry model for how to raise money to build casinos.
