Las Vegas’ last remaining Sigma Derby mechanical horse racing game has found a new home at the Golden Gate Hotel & Casino, bringing a beloved gaming attractions to the city’s first hotel. Guests can use quarters and compete in the iconic coin-operated game at the Downtown Las Vegas property.
“Sigma Derby is more than just a game, it’s a piece of Las Vegas history,” Golden Gate Hotel & Casino CEO Derek Stevens said in a statement. “There’s no better place for it than Golden Gate. As the original hotel in Las Vegas, Golden Gate has spent more than a century preserving the stories, traditions and experiences that helped shape this city. Sigma Derby belongs in that legacy, and we’re excited to give it a home where longtime fans and future generations can continue enjoying it for years to come.”
The milestone follows Sigma Derby’s journey across Fremont Street Experience on June 16, when hundreds of spectators gathered to watch the attraction make its move from its former home, and Golden Gate’s sister property, the D Las Vegas to its new location. Accompanied by miniature horses and the UNLV Marching Band, the processional honored the game’s enduring place in Downtown Las Vegas culture. City of Las Vegas Mayor Shelley Berkley and Councilwoman Shondra Summers-Armstrong also commemorated June 16 as the official Sigma Derby Moving Day.
Recognized as one of the last remaining Sigma Derby games in existence, this mechanical horse racing attraction has captivated guests since the 1980s with its interactive gameplay, cheering crowds and social atmosphere. Players place coin wagers on miniature horses as they race around a circular track, creating a communal gaming experience that has remained largely unchanged for decades and continues to attract devoted fans from around the world.
Its arrival at Golden Gate further strengthens the property’s role as a living piece of Las Vegas history. Originally opened in 1906 as Hotel Nevada, Golden Gate was the first hotel in Las Vegas and remains the city’s oldest operating hotel and casino. Throughout its 120-year history, the property has welcomed generations of visitors while serving as home to countless Las Vegas firsts, including the city’s first telephone and first outdoor sign.
The Golden Gate blends vintage Vegas charm with modern energy, preserving iconic elements of the city’s past while introducing new experiences for visitors. The addition of Sigma Derby represents another chapter in that commitment, ensuring one of Las Vegas’ most cherished gaming relics remains accessible for future generations.
Golden Gate is also home to the daily “The Night Starts Here” from 6 to 7 p.m., featuring an open bar and free slot play.
