 In July 1981, the new casino opened under the name Del Webb's Claridge Hotel and Casino (the hotel eventually became known as Del Webb's Claridge and eventually just The Claridge).The London-themed hotel saw success early on with its multi-level casino and 600-seat showroom that featured names like Aretha Franklin, Donny & Marie, Billy Crystal, Penn & Teller, Joan Rivers, The Isley Brothers, and The 5th Dimension.As larger casinos were built in the city, the Claridge had a hard time competing as a small casino in a large market.