Billionaire Howard Hughes, who famously acquired the Desert Inn and the Frontier in the late 1960s, is often rumoured to have built a secret tunnel under Las Vegas Boulevard for clandestine movement between his properties. The story paints a vivid image of Hughes, shrouded in secrecy, navigating the city’s neon glow unseen. But the truth may be both more mundane and more revealing.
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The Myth of the Secret Tunnel
The purported existence of this tunnel was supposedly corroborated by a well-known Las Vegas entertainer. According to a 2012 Tripadvisor forum, Wayne Newton was quoted as having used this passage. However, a detailed review of Newton’s public statements and memoirs yielded no such reference. Besides, constructing a large tunnel under a busy boulevard like Las Vegas would have required county permits and generated records. None exist.
Uncovering the Truth
So why does this myth endure? Paul B. Winn, once a key figure in Hughes’ operations, provides a clue. At 94, Winn recalls that Bill Gay, later president of Hughes’ Summa Corporation, considered building a pedestrian bridge between the Desert Inn and the Frontier. Winn claims, “They intended the bridge to be wide enough for slot machines, creating a leisurely gambling path for pedestrians.” Over decades, the story perhaps morphed into one of a covert tunnel — more fitting the reclusive Hughes legend.
Regulatory and Historical Context
In the late 1960s, Las Vegas Boulevard’s status as a federal highway thwarted any plans for a bridge. It wasn’t until the 1990s that Las Vegas warmed to the pedestrian bridge concept, ultimately constructing the first overpass in 1993 linking Caesars Palace and Bally’s. Before this, Hughes and his team faced regulatory walls that turned their bridge idea into a tale fit for Vegas folklore.
What’s Next for Vegas Myths?
The next installment of “Vegas Myths Busted” is set for publication next Monday. This ongoing series continues to dig into the stories behind the Strip’s most enduring legends, separating fact from fiction for curious readers and historians alike.
Eri Gaitu leads the news desk at Best in Slot, tracking breaking developments across the gambling world in real time. From exclusive bonus offers and casino launches to licensing updates and regulatory shifts, Eri ensures readers are always first to know about the changes that matter to their gaming experience.
