Bodog Beat

While in Vegas for the 2008 WSOP, take a trip down to Fremont Street and get a glimpse of 'Old Vegas.' (Image courtesy Wikimedia Commons)

Old Vegas absolutely fascinates us. We love the history, the tradition and the seediness that has been all but erased with sterile super resort casinos and condos on the "new" strip. A trip down to Fremont Street is a step back in time and a must for anyone who considers themselves a lover of the game of poker.

This is where it all began; where the Binion family built an empire and the World Series of Poker, which was hosted in part at Binion's Horseshoe until just three years ago. The wall of photos containing the legends of the game guards the soon to be renovated poker room inside the Horseshoe, a monument to the echoes of the past.

In casinos up and down Fremont Street one can't help but wonder what the dark-wood paneled walls would say if they could, or if they would remain as silent as an old Vegas gentleman. Fortunes have been built, won and lost under watchful eyes that now look down on those who don't want to, or can't afford to, stay and play in the younger, hotter version of Fremont Strip now known only as the "Strip".

Reading the historical timeline of the Golden Gate Casino on the placemats at the Bay City Diner shows just how long these places have stood here and remained as Vegas became the neon monstrosity that it is now.

The Golden Gate, then known as Hotel Nevada, was built in 1906 and is the oldest and smallest hotel in Vegas. As evidence of how long the casino has been around, it was assigned the first phone number in Vegas, "1." Recently renovated to become more modern and to fit in with the resurgence that is happening around downtown Vegas – there are now flat-screen TVs and freshly-polished wood walls – Golden Gate is our favorite Fremont Street casino and treats us well. Hell, we took our $60 and doubled it in about 30 minutes, making sure to tip the dealers and waitresses generously. Gambling's all about karma.

Another hidden gem on Fremont Street is Great Moments Cafe in the back of the Las Vegas Club Casino. it used to be a "fancy" Italian restaurant but has recently redone the menu to become just another generic cafe, but what really attracted us was not the food. Upon walking in, you see a big pub-style wood bar with glasses hanging from above and barstools welcoming you in. It only seats about five people, but it is also one of the only bars in Vegas without video poker embedded in the bar surface. People are always talking to each other and there's a certain "je ne c'est quoi" to it. It's hard to explain, you should just go there and experience it for yourself.

Most of all, just wander up and down the "Fremont Street Experience" and try to imagine what Vegas must have once been like. You will have to ignore the drunk guy screaming at people to brush their teeth (seriously), but it's definitely worth it.

For only $1.50 you can get started on your way to a $12,000 WSOP VIP Prize Package to see Vegas for yourself and play in the biggest tournament in the world with Bodog's WSOP online satellites.