Imagine arriving in the City of Las Vegas at age 23 with no connections, no job title, and zero experience in gaming or hospitality, but somehow ending up as the youngest CEO with a gaming license in Nevada history.
Johnathan Jossel, Plaza Hotel and Casino CEO, sat down with Morty to share his journey from a childhood in South Africa and England to his rise as the visionary behind the Plaza Hotel & Casino’s resurgence in Downtown Las Vegas.
Here’s a look at some of the highlights from their discussion. Listen to the complete podcast on PodBean, Apple Podcast, Spotify or YouTube.
A Londoner with a Vegas Dream
Jonathan’s path to Las Vegas wasn’t a straight shot. Growing up in the UK, he was already fascinated by the gambling industry; even betting on greyhounds and horse races before he was even old enough to legally place a wager. His college thesis? The socioeconomic impact of Las Vegas-style casinos in the UK!
A family friend who had just bought casinos in Downtown Vegas offered him a casual internship that turned into a life-changing opportunity. Though his first stint in Vegas didn’t quite stick, it planted a seed. A few years later, Jonathan returned at the urging of his mentor, tasked with being the “eyes and ears” on the ground. He came back for three months and never left.
Building a Career in a Recession
Timing is everything. Jonathan arrived for his full-time Vegas chapter in 2007, just as the Great Recession hit. Casinos were struggling, development had stalled, and most people would’ve run for the hills.
But not Jonathan.
With no formal experience and no one to show him the ropes, he threw himself into the business, learning the casino and hospitality industry from the inside out. He credits this period as his true education: "The recession was terrible for many, but it forced me to learn the business from the ground up."
By 29, Jonathan became the youngest person to receive an unrestricted gaming license in Nevada.
The Plaza’s Revival: Blending History with Modern Touches
If you’ve been to the Plaza recently, you’ve probably noticed it feels different. Refreshed. Energetic. Still rooted in classic Vegas, but with a modern twist.
That’s by design.
Where some saw a tired property ready for demolition, Jonathan saw untapped potential. “A lot of people said we should knock it down,” he admitted. “But you can’t rebuild character. You can’t recreate history.”
Instead, he focused on revitalizing the guest experience, including everything from updating elevators and air conditioning to adding murals, building a rodeo arena, and yes, opening what may be the best donut shop in America right at the front entrance.
Crazy ideas? Maybe. But many of those “why not?” decisions turned into some of the Plaza’s most successful additions.
People First, Always
For Jonathan, the real magic behind the Plaza’s transformation isn’t just strategy — it’s people.
“I spent thousands of hours on the floor, in the trenches with the team,” he said. “They needed to know that I was living it with them.”
That kind of old-school leadership might seem rare today, but it’s made all the difference. Many of the team members who joined during the Plaza’s roughest years are still there and even rising through the ranks.
From front desk agents to VPs, Jossel has built a team that’s not just loyal but also proud. And that pride, he shared, radiates through the guest experience.
The Power of Downtown Collaboration
Despite what you might see on social media, Jonathan emphasized that downtown casinos aren’t rivals, they’re allies.
“There’s a real camaraderie,” he shared. “We all benefit when downtown succeeds.”
From shared fireworks shows to revitalizing Fremont Street, Downtown Las Vegas is no longer the forgotten sibling of the Strip. It’s a destination in its own right with better gaming odds, a more authentic vibe, and amenities that keep people coming back.
Embracing Growth, Tech (Sort Of), and Giving Back
While Jonathan isn’t afraid of tech, he shared that he is cautious. He’s open to innovations like Marker Trax and exploring digital solutions like Koin Payments , but he still believes in the power of cash and accessibility especially for the large percentage of players who aren’t in loyalty programs.
He’s also deeply committed to the Las Vegas community, regularly supporting local charities and initiatives that help others create the same kind of opportunity he found here.
The Betting On Success Podcast, sponsored by Las Vegas-based companies Marker Trax and Koin Payments, features conversations with gaming industry leaders while exploring the future of cashless gaming technology.
Listen to the complete conversation, visit PodBean, Apple Podcast, Spotify or YouTube.
