The Dunes opened with 194 rooms, while a 21-story tower brought the total to 960. The Emerald Green was the longest course in Nevada, at 7,240 yards. The Dunes was one of two Strip resorts to include a golf course, the other one being the Desert Inn. The resort also offered amenities such as the Emerald Green golf course, which opened in 1964. Two other successful shows, by Frederic Apcar, would later debut at the Dunes. In 1957, the Dunes debuted Las Vegas' first topless show, Minsky Goes to Paris, prompting other resorts to follow suit. The Dunes had frequent connections with Mafia figures, some of whom were alleged to have hidden ownership in the resort, and state officials were concerned about Shenker's association with such figures. Mafia attorney Morris Shenker joined in 1975, following one of the most extensive routine investigations ever conducted by the Nevada Gaming Control Board. He had several partners, including Sid Wyman, who worked for the Dunes from 1961 until his death in 1978. He was involved with the resort until his death in 1980.

This group failed to improve business and relinquished control less than six months later.īusinessman Major Riddle turned business around after taking over operations in 1956. A few months after the opening, management was taken over by the operators of the Sands resort, also on the Strip. It also opened at a time of decreased tourism, while the Strip was simultaneously becoming overbuilt with hotel rooms.

It was initially owned by a group of businessmen from out of state, but failed to prosper under their management. It opened on May 23, 1955, as the tenth resort on the Strip. The Dunes was a hotel and casino on the Las Vegas Strip in Paradise, Nevada.

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