In 1977, he opened the first hotel tower and the resort earned its first four-diamond rating from Mobil Travel Guide.

Steve Wynn bought a stake in the Nugget, which he increased so that, in 1973, he became the majority shareholder, and the youngest casino owner in Las Vegas and purchased the neighboring California Club in 1973 and combined the two properties under the latter's banner. Jackie Gaughan at one time owned a stake in the hotel as part of his many downtown properties. The Golden Nugget was originally built in 1946, making it one of the oldest casinos in Las Vegas. The property is owned and operated by Landry's, Inc. The Golden Nugget Las Vegas is a luxury hotel and casino located in downtown Las Vegas, Nevada on the Fremont Street Experience.