Known as the gambling capital, the wedding capital, and the city of sin, there is still more than meets the eye when it comes to Las Vegas Strip! Located at Clark County, Nevada, the Las Vegas Strip stretches for more than 4.6 miles of the world’s largest hotels, casinos, malls, and resort properties. It is also known for its modernized architecture and endless entertainment! But, aside from that, did you know that prostitution is only legal in its counties which have a population of fewer than 400,000 residents? Or that there is actually a standing gambling ban just 40 kilometers or 25 miles away from the strip, starting from the small Boulder City? Get to know more in this list of 10 Facts You Didn’t Know About Las Vegas!
10 – Pounds of shrimps
Famous for its sought after shrimp cocktail, there is no wonder why the city of Las Vegas consumes more than 60,000 pounds of shrimp every day! If you compare that to the daily consumption of all the states of the United States combined, that is almost as an equivalent! Of course, although the much famous form of it comes as shrimp cocktails, shrimps are also used in other menu items.
9 – Suicide Capital
Aside from being the wedding capital of the world, did you know that Las Vegas is also considered as a suicide capital of the United States? While it is obvious that Las Vegas is the stop for those who want to have fun all night, apparently, it is also a popular stop for those who wish to end their lives. Maybe it is because of the all-night partying, the booze, and the drugs, but even residents are likely to commit suicide as compared to those living in other cities.
8 – Vegas Vic
One of the most famous neon signs in this bright city is the gigantic neon cowboy named as “Vegas Vic.” This sign has been considered as the world’s largest mechanical neon sign and also one of the signature landmarks in the city. The sign can talk and wave its arm and has become an unofficial sign of Las Vegas. Some say that it is even visible from space!
7 – Flamingo Casino
Currently, the Vegas strip is known for having the most casinos established. But back in the day when only few casinos were standing in the city, the most popular was the Flamingo Casino which was run by a known notorious mobster Bugsy Siegel. It is said that it got its name from Bugsy’s girlfriend Virginia Hill, who was known because of her very long and lean legs.
6 – Black Book
The Black Book of Las Vegas was created in the 1960s as a response to the alarming increase of organized crime in the casinos of the city. This black leather book, compiled by the Nevada Gaming Control Board, is stuffed with names of people who have “notorious or unsavory reputation.” If your name is on the list, you will be prohibited from owning, managing, or even stepping inside any of casinos in Nevada; otherwise, you might get sentenced with some jail time. Currently, the book contains at least 66 names.
5 – Gambling Capital
We already know that Nevada is one of the first in the world (if not the first-ever!) to legalize gambling. But did you know why? Apparently, during the era of the Great Depression, the city of Nevada was in dire need of some additional revenue. Because of this, they tried to generate their funds through taxation and casino-licensing charges. That is why most of the casino games were designed to favor the house in the long term. Currently, more than $200 million in tax is collected from the city’s gambling operations.
4 – Las Vegas Strip
Have you ever tried mapping out the Las Vegas strip? Apparently, the Las Vegas Boulevard stretches for over 4.2 miles or 6.8 kilometers. If you are driving, it will take you more than an hour to go from one end to the other due to heavy traffic. On the other hand, if you take the city’s monorail system, which connects the Sahara to the MGM Grand, it will only take you 15 minutes for $5 or $12 for a day pass!
3 – Prostitution Prohibited
It may sound very absurd, but, in reality, prostitution is not legal in all counties of Nevada. According to its laws, prostitution is only permitted in counties which have a population of fewer than 400,000 residents. That is because when the law was enacted, the authorities wanted to keep away the brothels from the Clark County, where the city was located and which was the only county to have more than 400,000 residents. However, it is never a secret that illicit prostitution is all over the city of Nevada, despite regulations issued by its health department and police authorities.
2 – Gambling Ban
Another confusion to tourists about the city is that although the Las Vegas strip is considered as the gambling capital in the US, there is actually a standing gambling ban just 40 kilometers or 25 miles away from the strip. One of the cities that is affected by this ban is the Boulder City, a small Midwestern town which is the last stop before stepping into the Vegas strip. So, if you are tired by the hustle and bustle of Las Vegas, a quick escape to Boulder city would refresh your mind!
1 – Howard Hughes Shopping Spree
One of the most famous people in the world, Howard Hughes was known as a movie producer, an aeronautic engineer, a real estate developer, and the record-setter for the fastest flight in the world. But, other than that, Hughes was also known as the only person to ever do a shopping spree out of Vegas’ hotels! In 1996, he resided in the penthouse suite of Desert Inn Hotel and Casino. When the hotel’s management tried to request him to vacate the room because of overstaying, he bought the property! He also purchased the Castaways, the Landmark, New Frontier, the Sands, and the Silver Slipper!
