There are a ton of myths surrounding Las Vegas, the famed gambling hub where casino players win life-changing fortunes and sometimes suffer some serious cold streaks as well. Interestingly most of the myths are usually spread by outsiders who think the city is purely an adult playground of wicked business, hence its notorious moniker Sin City.
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Myths about Sin City
Back to Sin City, although we all know what happens in Vegas stays in Vegas, it is vital to shed some light on five common myths you might have heard about the City. So, read on to get your questions about the glamorous city answered.
Myth 1: The Las Vegas Economy Is Completely Dependent on Gambling
Although gambling is a big business in Las Vegas, this myth couldnt be further from the truth. For example, according to data from the Las Vegas Convention & Visitors Authority, Sin City received around 32 million visitors between January and October. However, 4.1 million people went to Vegas for conventions and trade shows during the same period. In addition, other activities people take part in include:
- Attending concerts and stage performances;
- Experiencing the nightlife;
- Fine dining from top chefs such as Michael Mina, Guy Savoy, and Jose Andres;
- Watching sporting events in arenas like the Allegiant Stadium.
During the 2008 Great Recession, Las Vegas was one of the hardest-hit states in the US due to its heavy reliance on tourism and gambling. Since then, while the Vegas economy may never be completely independent of gambling and tourism, the city has made strides toward diversification. On top of entertainment, the town also ventures into areas like renewable energy, tech, manufacturing, and medicine.
Myth 2: Games in Sin City Are Rigged
Although the house always wins, you will always come across stories of locals and visitors who have hit the jackpot in Vegas. This is because all games in Vegas casinos are 100% fair, as the Nevada Gaming Control Board oversees all gambling activity in the region. In addition, the games are regularly tested to avoid rigging.
Some of the myths that go around on how the house rigs you off your moolah include:
Casinos Hire Tricksters to Cheat You off Your Moolah
As a marketing ploy in the past, casinos would hire people to play dollar slot machines, and they would scream with joy once they got any winnings. On other occasions, shills were employed at empty craps and blackjack tables to help them get started. If this happens today, the casinos license will be revoked.
Big Tippers GGet HHelp from Dealers
Dealers might help you win a game, but why would they risk their jobs for a tip worth a few bucks? In addition, its almost impossible for dealers to help big tippers because there are cameras trained on every game and floor supervisors are keen on watching every dealers moves.
Myth 3: Casinos Drug You into More Gambling
Some people believe casinos trick or drug players into spending more money on casino gaming. For example, some casinos dont have windows or clocks, but there is no proof that it affects the time a gambler will spend at the casinos. Here are a few methods people think casinos use to keep players in the casinos gambling.
Use of Gases
Mario Puzo once told a story of a Las Vegas property that had pumped pure oxygen into the casino to keep gamblers awake and gambling. But economically and scientifically, filling a casino with pure oxygen is very expensive and dangerous as it could lead to a fire.
Over-pouring Drinks to Get Gamblers Drank
It is evident that people make bad decisions when drunk; however, although you will get a free drink every time you are gambling, you do not have to take it. Additionally, it is vital for casinos to abide by rules set by the local alcohol board and will only offer you drinks on their menus.
Myth 4: People Work But Dont Live in Sin City
As of 2022, about 2.8 million people call Sin City Valley home. Most of the population has settled in the central, west, and northwest part of the Vegas valley. So, when you step a few blocks from the Las Vegas Strip, you will come across neighborhoods with schools, homes, hospitals, and grocery stores. Only a fraction of the population work in the casino, most working as teachers, drivers, real estate agents, and doctors.
Myth 5: Sin City Is Not Family-Friendly
Although the Vegas Strip may not be friendly for your underage children, there are plenty of other activities you can all enjoy that are fun and safe. For example, you can see kid-friendly shows such as Jabbawockeez at MGM Grand Resorts or visit the Fun Dungeon at Excalibur or M&Ms World to customize your M&M using the personal printer.
So, as you can see, while the crazy stories you hear about Sin City might sound plausible, they are not factual.
Disclaimer:
- As per the Public Gambling Act of 1867, all Indian states, except Goa, Daman and Sikkim, prohibit gambling
- Land-based casinos are legalized, with certain guidelines, in Goa and Daman, as per the Goa, Daman and Diu Public Gambling Act 1976
- Land-based casinos, Online gambling and E-gaming (games of chance) are legalized in Sikkim under the Sikkim Online Gaming (Regulation) Rules 2009
- Only some Indian states have legalized online/regular lotteries as per and subject to the conditions laid down by state laws. Kindly refer to the same here
- Horse racing and betting on horse racing, including online betting, is permitted only in a licensed premise in select states. Kindly refer to the 1996 Judgement by the Supreme Court Of India here and for more information
- This article does not endorse or express the views of Qrius and/or any of its staff.