In a spine-tingling twist on Halloween festivities, Las Vegas’ oldest operating hotel, the El Cortez Hotel & Casino, is inviting one daring individual to spend a weekend investigating its rumored paranormal activity, with a $5,000 reward on the line.
A Haunted History Meets a Modern-Day Challenge
Located on Fremont Street in Downtown Las Vegas, often dubbed “Old Vegas”, the El Cortez has been a fixture of the city’s landscape since 1941. With its vintage neon glow and storied past involving mobsters, high-stakes gamblers, and mysterious deaths, the hotel has long been whispered about as one of the most haunted spots in Sin City.
From October 6 through Halloween night, thrill-seekers can apply for the chance to become the hotel’s official paranormal investigator. The winner will be flown to Las Vegas in early December for a weekend stay at the El Cortez, fully equipped with ghost-hunting tools like EMF meters, EVP recorders, and thermal sensors.
What the Winner Will Do
The selected participant will explore the hotel’s eeriest corners—including its original 47-room wing, casino floor, and rumored haunted basement—after dark. Their mission: to document any supernatural encounters through photos, videos, and a written journal detailing the most chilling, bizarre, or humorous moments.
Adding to the mystery, local lore suggests the basement may house the cremated remains of former employees who passed away without family. Some even claim to have seen ghostly hands reaching from the shadows or heard unexplained knocks echoing through empty hallways.
The Prize and Perks
The winner will receive:
- $5,000 total compensation, including $500 upfront for gear and expenses
- Free travel and accommodations for the weekend stay
- A chance to explore one of Vegas’ most legendary—and allegedly haunted—hotels
Applications are open to U.S. residents aged 21 and older and must be submitted by October 31 at noon EST. The winner will be notified within five business days after the contest closes.
More Halloween Surprises Found Online
While ghost hunting in Las Vegas may not appeal to everyone, Halloween-themed casino games are offering spine-tingling rewards for players aged 18 and older. Throughout October, reputable online casinos are showcasing a variety of festive online slot titles, including Zombie Mash, Faded, Frankenslots Monster, Trick or Treat Bonanza, and many others. These seasonal slots feature engaging gameplay with multiple ways to win, available in both 3-reel and 5-reel formats.
Slot machines have long been a cornerstone of both online and land-based casinos, evolving to incorporate progressive jackpots that award substantial bonus payouts. As a game of pure chance, slots provide accessible entertainment for players of all experience levels—and for the fortunate few, the potential for life-changing winnings.