Illegal Casino History Series: The Vapors

Illegal Casino History Series: The Vapors

On this Tuesday, we wanted to continue our Illegal Casino History Series by telling you about The Vapors.  

It was another illegal gaming establishment located in Hot Springs, Arkansas. It was also a nightclub. A former World War II pilot was the founder. Dane Harris created The Vapors through money he made in an investment with the Belvedere Country Club.

The Vapors opened in 1960. Focusing on show business legends, reportedly Tony Bennett performed there. In 1963, a major explosion occurred at the location. It exposed the illegal gaming operation to anyone who went by The Vapors and saw the destruction.

The media even got pictures of the gaming equipment after the bombing. It would still take four more years for illegal gaming to completely disappear from Hot Springs in the year 1967. Even after there was no more underground gaming, The Vapors continued to exist as a nightclub and restaurant.

Dane Harris died in 1981. Even after his passing, The Vapors continued to operate into the 1990s. The building was sold in 1998 and became a church.

Below, you will find our collection of casino chips for sale that were used at The Vapors. You can purchase each chip clicking the picture below:

    

     

      

Unique state chips for sale:

We only have one each of these six state chips for sale. If you are interested in purchasing any of them. You can do so by clicking on the picture of the chip:

    

The Big M $1 Chip SC                             Crown Casino $1 Chip LA

     

Mountain Club $1 Chip CA                      Desert Oasis $3 Chip CA

          

Floyd's Card Room 50 Cent Chip             Antique Rose $20 Chip CA

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