[2] Named after local businessman Sam Boyd, it would be operated by him and his son Bill, owners of the California hotel-casino in downtown Las Vegas and the Eldorado casino in nearby Henderson.

[4] The site was considered desirable because of its high vehicle traffic,[5] but due to its remote location at the time, executives in the gaming industry were skeptical that the project would succeed.

[15][16] Sam's Town was built as a locals casino and became a popular gathering place among area residents,[4][17] who would make up nearly 85 percent of its clientele as of 1999.

[24] In 1981, Sam's Town added the 25,000 sq ft (2,300 m2) Western Emporium,[25] and a 56-lane bowling center,[26] which would go on to host numerous tournaments.

[46][47] In 1998, the property began sponsoring the Sam's Town 300, an annual NASCAR race held at Las Vegas Motor Speedway.

[49] Sam's Town has also been the site of race registration and awards banquets for the Silver State Classic Challenge.

[50][51] By 1998, Sam's Town sought to broaden its customer base beyond the 55-to-65 age demographic, hoping to attract both younger and older clients.

The Western Emporium was gutted to make way for more casino space, and other new features included an updated buffet, a pool, a child-care center, and a third parking garage.

[58][59] From 2007 to 2008, Sam's Town spent $20 million on upgrades to remain competitive, as the opening of nearby Eastside Cannery approached.

[65] In 2023, it became the last known casino to remove Full Pay Deuces Wild, a variant of video poker known for its vulnerability to advantage play.

[66] The hotel tower has an atrium which includes a 25,000 sq ft (2,300 m2) indoor park, Mystic Falls, on the ground floor.

[68][69] At the end of each year, Mystic Falls and the show are updated with a Christmas theme,[70] making them a popular holiday attraction among locals.