He worked as a porter, a dishwasher at the original Bacchanal restaurant, a busboy in the Circus Maximus showroom and finally as a blackjack dealer, crossing paths with Frank Sinatra, Sammy Davis Jr. Benny was hired on April 17, 1967, four months before Caesars opened. Long run: After 55 years, 78-year-old Benny Figgins has finally retired as the last remaining original employee at Caesars Palace. Still no word on the closing of the volcano. 10, which lends a little more credence to recent talk that a December demise is no longer in the cards.
Mirage promos: Previously thought to be closing before the end of the year to begin its transformation to Hard Rock, the Mirage has issued a press release about its National Finals Rodeo promotions.
Owner Station Casinos has announced plans to raze the casino and attached 260-room motel to make way for an upscale resort, though no timetable for the new project was revealed. The Wild Wild West Gambling Hall & Hotel, located on Tropicana Avenue less than a mile west of the Strip, closed its doors last week with only three days’ notice after operating since 1974, originally as the King 8. Another Las Vegas casino has closed and is scheduled for demolition.
