After nearly thirty years of captivating visitors with its iconic volcano show and luxurious accommodations, The Mirage casino is set to close its doors for good. The announcement comes as a shock to many, as the casino was a pioneer in the development of the Las Vegas Strip megaresort concept in the 1990s.
Opened in 1989 by famed casino developer Steve Wynn, The Mirage was a game-changer in the world of Las Vegas entertainment. It was the first casino to feature a large-scale, professionally produced show with its erupting volcano attraction, which quickly became a must-see spectacle for visitors to the city. The Mirage also set the standard for luxury accommodations on the Strip, with its spacious rooms, high-end restaurants, and lavish spa facilities.
Over the years, The Mirage continued to evolve and expand, adding new attractions and amenities to keep up with the ever-changing demands of the Las Vegas market. In 1993, the casino opened the iconic Mirage Dolphin Habitat, which housed a family of dolphins and became a popular attraction for guests of all ages. The Mirage also featured a state-of-the-art sports book, a world-class poker room, and a sprawling pool complex that was the envy of other resorts on the Strip.
Despite its success and popularity, The Mirage has struggled in recent years to compete with newer, larger megaresorts that have sprung up on the Strip. The rise of properties like The Venetian, The Bellagio, and The Wynn have drawn visitors away from The Mirage, leading to declining revenue and increasing pressure on the casino to modernize its facilities.
In a statement announcing the closure, a spokesperson for MGM Resorts International, which owns The Mirage, cited the challenges of operating a standalone property in today’s competitive Las Vegas market. The company expressed gratitude to the employees and guests who have made The Mirage a beloved fixture on the Strip for so many years, and promised to work with affected staff to find new opportunities within the company.
As news of The Mirage’s impending closure spreads, many long-time visitors and employees are expressing sadness and nostalgia for the iconic casino. For them, The Mirage was more than just a place to gamble or catch a show—it was a symbol of the glamour and excitement of Las Vegas at its peak. And while the era of the Strip megaresorts may be coming to an end, the memories of The Mirage will live on in the hearts of those who experienced its magic firsthand.
