Las Vegas, NV — If you’ve ever wanted to get paid to chase ghosts, here’s your chance. The historic El Cortez Hotel & Casino in downtown Las Vegas is partnering with Casino.org to offer $5,000 to one brave participant willing to spend a weekend in what many believe to be one of the city’s most haunted hotels.
A Paranormal Challenge on the “Old Strip”
Built in 1941, the El Cortez is one of the oldest continuously operating casinos in Las Vegas, located on what locals call the “old strip.” The property has long been rumored to have strange occurrences — flickering lights, whispers in empty hallways, and reports of ghostly figures seen after midnight.
According to a report from the New York Post, the hotel’s basement holds the cremated remains of former employees who died without family. That unsettling detail, combined with decades of urban legends, makes it a fitting setting for a weekend of supernatural exploration.
$5,000 and Full Ghost-Hunting Gear Provided
The chosen participant will receive a $5,000 payment to spend the weekend searching for paranormal activity inside the El Cortez. Organizers say the selected ghost hunter will be equipped with professional tools, including:
- EMF meters to detect electromagnetic energy
- EVP recorders to capture ghostly voices
- Thermal sensors for detecting heat patterns
- Night-vision cameras for documenting late-night encounters
“We’re looking for someone who’s ready to explore the unexplained,” Casino.org said in its announcement. “It’s not just about thrills — it’s about capturing evidence of the hotel’s haunted history.”
A Hotel with a Storied Past
Over its 84-year history, the El Cortez has seen its share of famous guests, gamblers, and gangsters. Once owned by Bugsy Siegel and other organized crime figures, the casino’s storied past only adds to its mystique.
Many employees and guests have claimed to hear footsteps when no one’s there, doors creaking open on their own, and faint voices echoing through empty corridors.
“It’s like the walls hold memories,” one longtime staff member reportedly told the Post.
How to Enter
Those interested in taking part can apply through Casino.org’s website, where applicants are asked to share why they believe they’re the right person for the ghost-hunting challenge. The winner will be required to document their experience through photos, videos, and a detailed written report.
A Unique Vegas Adventure
While Las Vegas is famous for high-stakes games and bright lights, this opportunity adds a spooky twist to Sin City’s entertainment lineup — one that blends paranormal mystery with old-school Vegas history.
Would you dare to spend a weekend alone in one of Las Vegas’s most haunted casinos for $5,000? Share your thoughts in the comments below.
