Visitors to Alcatraz East Crime Museum can explore the fascinating and often surprising history behind Las Vegas with a brand-new temporary exhibit opening this spring.
The exhibit, “The House Always Wins: How the Mob Built Vegas,” opens March 13, 2026, and will run through July 3, 2026. This limited-time display highlights the role organized crime played in shaping the Las Vegas Strip into the world-famous entertainment destination it is today. The exhibit also commemorates the 95th anniversary of Nevada legalizing gambling, a decision that helped transform the desert town into the vibrant city millions visit each year.
“Millions of people visit Vegas each year and have likely left a few dollars behind in the slots or on the tables,” said Ally Pennington, artifacts and programs manager at the museum. “What some people may not know is the role the mob had in building the Vegas we know today.”
The Mob’s Influence on Sin City
Nevada legalized gambling on March 19, 1931, in an effort to help lift the state out of the Great Depression. Although gambling had already been taking place informally for years, legalization created new opportunities, and organized crime figures quickly took notice.
Mobsters from across the country began investing in casinos and helped move gambling operations from downtown Las Vegas to what eventually became the iconic Las Vegas Strip. They funded the construction of luxurious hotels and casinos that would later evolve into the massive resort properties visitors recognize today. These venues also hosted legendary entertainers like the Rat Pack and Liberace, helping establish Las Vegas as a premier entertainment capital.
Artifacts and Stories from Vegas’ Early Days
The temporary exhibit features a variety of historical artifacts and stories that bring this era to life. Items on display include:
- An ashtray from the historic El Rancho Casino
- A bowtie once owned by mobster Meyer Lansky
- A clock from gangster Allen Smiley
Guests will also learn how Las Vegas evolved from a small desert stop for travelers heading west into the global entertainment destination it is today. The exhibit explores how early land auctions and investment opportunities helped lay the groundwork for what would become “Sin City.”
“You won’t want to miss the temporary exhibit,” Pennington said. “Whether you have been to Vegas or not, you can’t help but be fascinated with its rich history and mob ties.”
A Must-Visit Attraction in Pigeon Forge
Alcatraz East Crime Museum features more than 100 interactive exhibits and artifacts that explore American crime history, crime-solving techniques, and the justice system. Guests can see notable items connected to infamous figures such as Al Capone, Ted Bundy, and Charles Manson.
The museum is open daily beginning at 10 a.m., with the last tickets sold 60 minutes before closing. Special interactive experiences and group rates are also available for birthday parties, school groups, scouts, team-building activities, and other events.
Located at the entrance to The Island in Pigeon Forge, the museum offers an entertaining and educational experience for visitors of all ages.
For more information about tickets, temporary exhibits, and everything the museum has to offer, visit www.alcatrazeast.com.
