Las Vegas Gambling Pioneer Jackie Gaughan Dies at 93

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Associated Press

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(Associated Press) - A Las Vegas gambling pioneer who once owned much of the downtown casino market has died. John "Jackie" Gaughan was 93.

Clark County coroner's officials say Wednesday that Gaughan died in hospice care.

Gaughan is most closely associated with the El Cortez casino, which he used to own. He lived in a penthouse apartment there and was known to play poker in the casino almost every day.

He has also been associated with the Showboat, the Golden Nugget, the Pioneer and Boulder clubs, the Flamingo and the Royal Inn.

His son, Michael Gaughan, is owner of the South Point Casino.

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