A classic dive dating back to 1940, El Cortez is choked with smoke but has vintage Vegas appeal in spades. In the crowded casino, rough-edged local gamblers grudgingly allow accidental tourists like yourself to buy into the low-limit action on roulette, craps and other table games aimed at cheapskates and gambling novices. El Cortez is the kind of place where it’s almost impossible to lose your shirt, but you’ll need a few stiff drinks first. It’s a few too many blocks east of the Fremont Street Experience.