No longer did the Gold Strike and Nevada Landing meet the needs of so many southern Californians looking for a gambling fix, who wanted to shave some time off the drive to Vegas. Two large casinos were built in Primm and lots of tribal casinos opened in the San Diego area. However, time has not been kind to the two casinos in Jean. In 1993 I took a bus junket from somewhere in the Los Angeles area to the Gold Strike, and the place was crowded and lively.

At the time, the only other nonrestricted casino between Vegas and southern California was Whiskey Pete's, just past the California border in Primm Nevada, although it was called Stateline at the time. Across the highway was its sister property the Nevada Landing. The Gold Strike opened in 1990 in Jean, Nevada. However, if you're just looking for a place to crash near Las Vegas, but not in it, then the Gold Strike is probably the cheaptest option from Primm to Mesquite. Based on my stay, there isn't much gold left to find at the Gold Strike, judging by the fact that the place was nearly deserted. The Gold Strike's strongest selling points are convenience for I-15 travelers and economy prices.

Surprisingly, the Gold Strike is owned by MGM-Mirage, but you never know this without a little detective work. Fitting with its name, the property has an old western gambling hall theme. The Gold Strike is a roadside hotel/casino about 13 miles north of the California border along I-15, and about 32 miles south of downtown Las Vegas.

Hotels near gold strike casino