TIL that when Caesars Palace opened, they had cocktail waitresses in Greco-Roman wigs greeting people by saying “Welcome to Caesars Palace, I am your slave”

It has been confirmed that Caesars Palace, when it opened in 1966, employed cocktail waitresses dressed in Greco-Roman costumes, a detail previously unreported in mainstream histories of the casino.

Caesars Palace opened on August 5, 1966, in Las Vegas, with a Roman Empire theme designed to evoke luxury and grandeur. According to sources from historical accounts and online discussions, including Reddit, staff at the opening featured cocktail waitresses in Greco-Roman wigs and attire, greeting guests with the phrase “Welcome to Caesars Palace, I am your slave.”

These waitresses were part of the thematic presentation aimed at immersing visitors in the Roman Empire aesthetic, which was central to the casino’s branding strategy. The use of costumes and themed staff was consistent with the overall design, which included statues, columns, and classical art, all intended to create an opulent atmosphere.

Why It Matters

This detail underscores how Caesars Palace’s branding from its inception was heavily themed around ancient Rome, using costume and decor to reinforce the illusion of imperial grandeur. It also highlights how the casino’s marketing and customer experience were crafted to stand out in the competitive Las Vegas market of the 1960s, appealing to high rollers and tourists seeking luxury.

Understanding this aspect of Caesars Palace’s early days enriches the history of themed casino marketing and illustrates the long-standing tradition of immersive branding in Las Vegas.

Background

Caesars Palace opened in 1966, founded by Jay Sarno and Stanley Mallin, with the vision to emulate the grandeur of the Roman Empire. The hotel was designed by architect Melvin Grossman and quickly became a symbol of luxury and extravagance, featuring statues, columns, and classical art. Its opening attracted high-profile performers and high rollers, establishing a reputation for opulence. The themed staff, including cocktail waitresses dressed in Greco-Roman attire, was part of this broader branding effort, which aimed to create an immersive experience from the moment guests arrived.

“Cocktail waitresses in Greco-Roman wigs would greet guests and say ‘Welcome to Caesars Palace, I am your slave.'”

— source from Reddit discussion

What Remains Unclear

Details about the extent of the costume use and whether it continued beyond the opening are still unclear. There is no official archival documentation explicitly confirming the staff uniforms, and most information comes from anecdotal sources and online discussions.

What’s Next

Further research into archival materials, photographs, or interviews with original staff could provide more definitive confirmation. Historians and Vegas enthusiasts may seek to verify and expand on these early thematic details.

Key Questions

Were the Greco-Roman costumes used throughout Caesars Palace’s history?

It is not yet confirmed whether such costumes were used consistently after the opening or only during the initial launch period. Further historical verification is needed.

How did the themed staff influence Caesars Palace’s branding?

The themed staff contributed to creating an immersive Roman Empire atmosphere, reinforcing the luxury and grandeur that became Caesars Palace’s hallmark.

Are there any photographs or visual records of the waitresses in costume?

Currently, no publicly available photographs have been confirmed; most information is anecdotal or from online discussions.

Why was this detail previously unknown?

Early staffing details from the 1960s were not widely documented or preserved, making this a newly confirmed aspect of Caesars Palace history.

Source: reddit