I first visited Vegas in 1959 with my parents. The Strip was still mostly desert. Stayed at the Riviera Hotel. The headliner in the main room was Red Skelton. We met him once in the elevator, quite a thing for a nine year old kid.
Not just Vegas, NYC too was better when the Mob ran things.
I actually remember sitting in the stardust circa mid 70s and hearing over the speakers....”Telly Savalas, call the hotel operator, Telly Savalas call the hotel operator”
I never forgot that. Johnny Carson played at the Riviera a lot as I recall.