The Aladdin has had a long, storied history on the Vegas Strip. Once a standard gambling venue that attracted the likes of Elvis and Priscilla Presley, the Aladdin's reputation was riddled by poor management--most likely brought on by its contacts with the mob. Many people have tried to reinvent this hotel and casino over the years, however, their efforts were to no avail. Though many still remember this legendary casino, the Planet Hollywood now stands in its place.

The Aladdin Hotel Casino and Desert Passage opened April 1, 1966. It received a $750,000 reinvention just 3 years later that included upgrades and other general improvements. These improvements were not enough to keep the Aladdin in business, however, as it was closed and imploded April 27, 1988. A new, more modern version of the Aladdin was constructed in its place, which finally opened Aug. 18, 2000, after terrorist threats had pushed back the opening and caused many guests to cancel their plans with the new hotel and casino. Even the new structure wasn't enough to keep the Aladdin in business. The casino and hotel were sold to Planet Hollywood and the Starwood Hotel chain, which completely remodeled the facility to represent their visions and themes.

The Aladdin had an Arabian theme that was showcased throughout the structure. The casino's theme was based on "1001 Arabian Nights" and featured golden lamps, winged horses, open skies and other Arabian-themed memorabilia. There was also an exclusive gaming area within the casino called the London Club, which had higher table limits, a private entrance and its own restaurant. The structure also featured the Desert Passage, which was a large ship that took visitors on a "journey" along some of the most famous trade and exploration routes. Desert Passage also contained more than 15 restaurants. The Aladdin had a 17-floor hotel that housed 1,100 rooms.

The Aladdin Casino resided on the east side of the Las Vegas Strip, on Las Vegas Boulevard South between the Paris and East Harmon Avenue. To the south of Harmon is a plethora of smaller shops, restaurants and entertainment options. The resort extended out to Audrie Street.

Many famous people participated in opening-day events, concerts, performances and other activities at the Aladdin over the years. Warren Richards, the composer-pianist, attended the original opening-day celebration, and comedian Jackie Mason provided some of the entertainment that day. Elvis and Priscilla Presley were married at the Aladdin May 1, 1967. In 1980, a few celebrities, including Wayne Newton and Johnny Carson, engaged in a price war over the Aladdin. It also hosted many concerts for Bon Jovi, Red Hot Chili Peppers, Jefferson Starship and the Stone Temple Pilots.

In the late 1960s and 1970s, many people involved with the Aladdin casino were convicted of fraud, embezzlement and illegally installing hidden cameras. Most of this activity was tied to the mob, which consistently exerted a lot of control over the decision-makers at the Aladdin.