Is it possible that a bingo hall gave rise to a Las Vegas empire? That’s a question that lingers in the air here at Waysons Corner. This unincorporated community in Anne Arundel County, Maryland, might seem like just another crossroads. But Waysons Corner holds a surprising secret within its history.
Waysons Corner sits at the junction of Maryland routes 4 and 408. It is about 2.6 miles east of Upper Marlboro. The area around Waysons Corner has changed over time. The community of Waysons Corner itself may have been known by other names. Waysons Corner might have been called Wayson’s Corner or Wayson Corner.
Let’s rewind to the 1950s here at Waysons Corner. A warehouse was transformed into a bingo and slot machine parlor. Gambling was later outlawed in Maryland in the 1960s. The Wayson family kept the bingo business alive calling it Wayson’s Bingo. The hall had seating for 750 people.
But here’s where the story takes a fascinating turn. A young Steve Wynn managed the bingo hall here at Waysons Corner. Yes, that Steve Wynn. The same Steve Wynn who built Las Vegas resorts like The Mirage and Bellagio. Waysons Corner was the unlikely launching pad for a gambling mogul.
Consider this. Waysons Corner played a role in shaping the career of one of the most influential figures in the gambling industry. It all started with a bingo hall. It is a story of humble beginnings and unexpected success.
Today, Waysons Corner may appear as a quiet community. But remember its connection to the glitz and glamour of the Las Vegas Strip. Next time you hear the name Steve Wynn, think of Waysons Corner. Think of the bingo hall where it all began. The Nature Preserve at Waysons Corner is a success story of community action. The property was once slated to be a Target store. The community came together to protect the land. In 2008, Anne Arundel County purchased the property. Now it provides habitat for many plants and animals.