The Stardust casino was closed down and demolished in 2017, however here's a general overview of the history and legacy...

The Stardust casino was one of the most iconic and historic resorts in Las Vegas, located on the Las Vegas Strip in Paradise, Nevada. It was opened in 1958 by Tony Cornero, a notorious mobster who was also involved in the construction of the Flamingo hotel. However, Cornero died before the Stardust could be completed, and it was eventually taken over by other investors.

The Stardust was renowned for its luxurious and glamorous atmosphere, featuring a spacious casino floor with over 100,000 square feet of gaming space, including table games like blackjack, roulette, and craps, as well as hundreds of slot machines and other electronic games. The casino also had a sports book, where patrons could place bets on various sporting events.

In addition to its gaming offerings, the Stardust had a variety of restaurants, lounges, and entertainment venues, including the Lido de Paris showroom, which hosted a famous revue show featuring topless dancers and elaborate stage productions. The casino also had several bars and nightclubs, such as the Aku Aku Tiki Bar and the Royal Nevada Lounge, which offered live music and dancing.

One of the most notable features of the Stardust was its iconic neon sign, which was one of the largest and most elaborate in Las Vegas. The sign featured a stylized depiction of the Stardust's name, with a shimmering starburst design that was visible from miles away. The sign became a symbol of the glamour and excitement of Las Vegas, and was a popular backdrop for photos and postcards.

Over the years, the Stardust underwent several renovations and expansions, including the addition of a 32-story tower in the 1990s, which increased the hotel's capacity to over 1,500 rooms. The casino also added new restaurants and entertainment options, such as the Wayne Newton Theatre and the Roadhouse Grill.

Despite its popularity and success, the Stardust was not immune to controversy and legal issues. In the 1970s, the casino was implicated in a massive skimming operation by the Chicago Outfit, in which millions of dollars in profits were skimmed off the top of the casino's earnings and funneled to organized crime. Several high-ranking casino officials were eventually convicted of various charges related to the scheme, and the Stardust was forced to pay hefty fines and undergo stricter regulatory oversight.

In the early 2000s, the Stardust began to face increasing competition from newer and more extravagant resorts on the Las Vegas Strip, such as the Bellagio, the Venetian, and the Wynn. Despite efforts to modernize and renovate the casino, the Stardust began to struggle financially, and in 2006, its owner, Boyd Gaming, announced plans to close the casino and replace it with a new resort called Echelon Place.

The final days of the Stardust were marked by emotional farewells from longtime employees and patrons, many of whom had fond memories of the casino's heyday. On November 1, 2006, the Stardust held a closing ceremony, during which the neon sign was officially turned off for the last time. The casino's doors closed to the public the following day, and the building was demolished in 2007 to make way for Echelon Place.

In conclusion, the Stardust casino in Las Vegas was an iconic and historic resort that played a major role in the development of the city's tourism industry.