LIVING THE JAI LIFE VOL 10: Jai-Alai in the United States: Jai-Alai Moves West - Las Vegas & Reno
- May 29, 2025
- World Jai-Alai League
Of his many accomplishments, legendary entrepreneur Kirk Kerkorian built and opened The International Hotel on the Las Vegas strip. At the time it was the largest hotel in the world and established signature entertainment (what is now referred to as a "Vegas Residency") as a powerful draw. The first two performers to appear at the hotel's enormous showroom were Barbra Streisand and Elvis Presley. Elvis drew approximately 4,200 customers (and potential gamblers) every day, for 30 consecutive days. This broke all attendance records in the county's history. Kerkorian purchased M.G.M. Studios in 1969 and set about making plans to build an even larger hotel in Las Vegas themed on the famous studio. The original 2,100 room MGM Grand opened on December 4th 1973 and with it a 2,000 seat Jai-Alai Fronton.
MGM Grand Jai-Alai Fronton, Las Vegas, NV - Inaugural Crowd - Public Domain Photo Dated December 5th, 1973.
Jai-Alai's uniqueness as an indoor sport viewed live by thousands and its success in Florida made it a bold but logical choice for a Las Vegas "Residency." Nevada had first legalized parimutuel wagering at "turf clubs" in 1949 and Jai-Alai operated at the M.G.M. under these laws prior The Nevada Gaming Control Board passing regulations specific to Jai-Alai ("Regulation 27") in 1975. That same year changes in how both Federal and Nevada taxes were applied to gross handle made Jai-Alai a valuable profit center for the first Mega-resort of Las Vegas. The Fronton also generated significant revenue from admission and seating fees.
MGM Las Vegas Post Card Circa December 5th, 1973 - Dean Martin Headlined the Grand Opening (Jai-Alai Remained 3rd Billing on The Las Vegas Strip 1973-1983)
Jai-Alai at the MGM generally followed the same formula as Frontons in back east. The court was 177 feet long by 55 feet wide and the roster was maintained at or about 30 players. Two seasons of approximately 160 performances were held annually, but there were only evening and no matinee performances. The players were predominantly Basque, with a number of Mexican and some American players competing in a 12 game program of 8 singles and 4 doubles. Each Game offered Win, Place, Show, Quiniela, Exacta and Daily Double Wagers. A $50,000 max "Grand Q" jackpot-wager was offered (must hit all 4 quinielas in Games 6-9) however no Trifecta wagering was offered (In retrospect, with 2% gross to the state and 11% retained by MGM Jai-Alai - 85% pools in the mid 70's would likely have been very attractive to parimutuel enthusiasts nationally).
As a resort attraction the M.G.M. did well operating between 60% & 100% during its initial 5 years of operation. Plans were made to include a second Nevada fronton at the MGM which would be built in Reno in 1978. Two occurrences would seriously impact Jai-Alai's viability going forward. In October of 1975, just prior to the end of the season and though not formally represented by a player's union, 30 players went on strike. Issues were resolved in advance of the 1976 season. Jai-Alai at the M.G.M. in Las Vegas experienced decreased attendance and handle going into 1978. On November 21st, 1980, America's 3rd deadliest hotel fire engulfed the M.G.M. Leaving 85 dead and approximately 700 wounded. The fronton was not damaged but remained closed during the 8 months of repairs. Jai-Alai at the Reno M.G.M. was closed as well after only two years of disappointing operations. Jai-Alai returned to the Las Vegas M.G.M. as part of the hotel & casino's grand reopening in the summer of 1981 but Jai-Alai operations would cease for good in May of 1983.