Jackie Gaughan

The Omaha beginnings

The Sun’s Pioneers of Southern Nevada traces Gaughan’s interest in bookmaking to Omaha, including running a book while at Creighton University and delivering racing information. It dates his settlement in Las Vegas to 1951 and describes an early stake in the Flamingo. [1]

An independent-book connection

UNLV’s biography of Mel Exber records that Exber and Gaughan opened the Saratoga Sports Book in 1953. This is a useful entry into the period before the casino sportsbook became the standard setting. It also places Gaughan within a partnership network, rather than a history of isolated owners. [2]

Downtown, partners and properties

The Frank Scott Papers identify Gaughan among the partners behind the Union Plaza, which opened in 1971. UNLV’s Gaughan profile emphasizes a customer philosophy that included small-stakes visitors as well as large bettors. Downtown’s history is as much about repeat business and local relationships as monumental new buildings. [3] [4]

The next generation

The Barbary Coast connects Jackie’s story to his son Michael’s. UNLV recounts an arrangement dividing their operating territories around Sahara Avenue, with Michael buying out his father’s interest. Jimmy Vaccaro’s career provides a second route into the younger Gaughan’s sportsbooks. Jackie and Michael should not be conflated in ownership histories. [4] South Point

Key dates

1. 1951

   Settles in Las Vegas, according to the Sun’s profile. [1]

2. 1953

   Gaughan and Mel Exber open the Saratoga Sports Book. [2]

3. 1971

   The Union Plaza opens with Gaughan among its partners. [3]

4. 1970s

   The Barbary Coast links the family’s downtown and Strip interests. [4]