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Showing results for tags 'las vegas'.

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  1. Las Vegas is filled with wonder and hidden secrets many don't know about. Did you know that the ex-baseball star Pete Rose can be found in casinos ready to give out his autograph for a price? Are you looking to find out what's hidden underneath Las Vegas as far as scandals and secrets mostly only the locals have heard of? Read on to discover Las Vegas secrets that many would rather have hidden than found out. 1. The Monkey Paw Did you know that Las Vegas calls itself the Entertainment Capital of the World? Tommy Glenn Carmichael stole millions of dollars from casinos by using different methods to rig slot machines. The one method he used was known as the monkey's paw. It was a wire that would insert through the machine's payout chute and trip the microswitch. The machine then released a jackpot. His techniques improved as technology did. His next trick was known as the light wand. The light wand would blind the slot machine's sensor and have the machine spit out coins. He was eventually caught by the FBI and had to serve time in jail and probation. After this, he wasn't allowed in casinos again. 2. Ron Harris Ron Harris was a software engineer who would write anti-cheating software for the Nevada Gaming Control Board. As he was doing this, he was also placing hidden software in the coding machines. This hidden software paid out huge jackpots when players would place coins in a certain sequence. He rigged 30 machines before he had his accomplices play the slots and walk away richer. He was eventually caught when one of his accomplices was found trying to rig a game in Atlantic City. He eventually pleaded guilty and was sentenced to 7 years in prison. 3. The Rat Pack The Sands Hotel and Casino experienced its last great show in 1996 when it crumbled. It was a frequent stop for the Rat Pack and Hollywood directors. It was owned by alleged mobsters such as Sheldon Adelson and Howard Hughes. In 1931, to fight the crumbling economy, gambling was legalized. After World War II a boom came to Las Vegas. First came the restaurants and casinos in the 40s. In the 50s, more modern hotel-casinos started popping up. The Sands was one of the first hotels to be built on the strip. The biggest news for The Sands Hotel was when the Rat Pack made it their home base. Frank Sinatra started singing in the Copa Room at The Sands. Sinatra brought celebrities and glamour to the hotel. The other Rat Packers joined him, Sammy Davis Jr, Peter Lawford, Joey Bishop, and Dean Martin. They brought along celebrities from Lucille Ball, John F. Kennedy, Marilyn Monroe, to Rosemary Clooney and Lauren Bacall. While the 50s and 60s were great for The Sands, it started losing steam. Howard Hughes eventually bought it and had dreams of expanding the property. Frank Sinatra announced that he was going to Caesars Palace. They had eventually cut off his credit because of Sinatra's debt to the hotel. Some claim that Sinatra threw a tantrum climbing on top of the tables and screaming. Then he threw a chair at the casino boss who punched him in the face. Without Sinatra, The Sands started to suffer. It was sold by Howard Hughes to Sheldon Adelson. Adelson decided to blow up the hotel to build the Venetian. 4. Hilton Arson The Las Vegas Hilton had many acts from Liberace to Elvis but also had a terrible crime occur. A fire had broken out in an elevator lobby on the 8th floor. The fire consumed much of the building killing and injuring many. They eventually became suspicious of the busboy Phillip Cline. He eventually admitted to starting the fire and claimed he did it by accident. He claimed he was smoking and the fire had gone onto the curtains. Investigators started to doubt his recalling of the events. After this, he was convicted of arson, murder, and received a life sentence. 5. Al Bramlet Murder The Las Vegas Culinary Worker Local 226 union was run by Al Bramlet. He was as powerful as casino owners and mobsters in the area. They represented almost all of the housekeepers, dishwashers, and waiters in the city's hotels. He not only represented his members but also used violence to go after his goals. In this Vegas secret, he organized almost every service worker in town. A non-union gourmet restaurant was destroyed because of 2 bombs going off on its roof. Another restaurant was destroyed by a bomb a month later. One year later, Bramlet ordered bombs to be placed in front of 2 restaurants which never exploded. They were discovered by the police. Bramlet refused to pay the hitmen Gramby and Thomas Hanley, who were father and son. This father and son duo became angry and started to plot their revenge. They forced him into their van at gunpoint at McCarran International Airport. The Hanleys asked him to arrange payment for the bombs. Bramlet was told he would be released once they were paid. Bramlet then arranged for a loan to pay his kidnappers. After he made the call, Tom Hanley shot Bramlet. His body was later found a few weeks later by hikers. Today, the Culinary Workers Local 226 is one of the most powerful unions in the country. They ensure the wages of the service workers are higher than the national average. 6. The Hole in the Wall Gang You might have heard of Tony "The Ant" Spilotro. He was the main mob boss trusted to ensure millions of dollars in casinos were safe. Spilotro was hired when someone needed to be murdered. He, later on, created his own criminal business with ex-cops and thieves. It was known as the Hole in the Wall Gang. They did loan sharking and robbed drug dealers. They got their name because they would smash a hole in the walls or ceilings of the stores they robbed to get past the alarm systems. He also operated a jewelry store known as the Gold Rush. In the Gold Rush, he kept most of the stolen items. He was later charged with crimes related to the gang, but the jury didn't reach a verdict. Spilotro on top of this had been having an affair with the wife of a Las Vegas mob boss, Frank Rosenthal. There was an assassination attempt on Frank Rosenthal, which the police believe Spilotro was involved in. Spilotro and his brother went to a house in Indiana for a business meeting and met with a group of mafia hitmen. They were strangled, beaten, and buried in a cornfield. Afterward, most of the gang were given long prison terms because of racketeering or burglary. 7. A Glitch in the Machine Some of the best-kept secrets Las Vegas are the casino glitches. One person, John Kane found a software bug in machines when he played video poker. He found a glitch in the Game King line of video poker machines. It let players replay hands with different wagers. Kane would sit at a machine for hours betting one cent at a time. When he received a jackpot-winning hand, he replayed his hand with a maximum amount of $10 and received payouts of several thousand dollars. Kane's friend, Andre Nestor took part in the glitch. They were arrested but were let go since federal prosecutors weren't able to justify the charges of conspiracy and hacking. His attorney argued that they pressed buttons they were legally allowed to press. 8. Kidnapping Steve Wynn's Daughter Since casino moguls are worth billions, their families can be targets to make money. Steve Wynn received a call from someone who claimed to have kidnapped his daughter. Kevyn (Steve Wynn's daughter), had been kidnapped by 2 armed men from her home. They asked for $2.5 million in ransom for his daughter but took $1.45 million since her father claimed that's all he had on hand. After the kidnappers picked up the money they told Wynn he could find his daughter at McCarran International Airport. She was tied up in a car at the parking lot. One day later, the police received a big tip. A sporting club manager (Ray Cuddy) went into a car dealership to buy a Ferrari in cash. When he went to finalize everything a few days later, the FBI was there. After Ray was arrested, his accomplice Jacob Sherwood was as well. They both received decades in prison related to the kidnapping. Las Vegas Hidden Gems While Las Vegas has its fair share of scandals and secrets to find out about, you won't want to miss out on what's right outside the city like The Valley of Fire. While Las Vegas attractions are exciting, you can check out the Valley of Fire State Park to see some breathtaking rock formations. Akhob Don't miss out on this Las Vegas secret, known as Akhob. This is one of the hidden attractions in Vegas. It's underneath the Louis Vuitton store in the Las Vegas City Center. Find an employee and tell them why you're there and they'll take you to this art exhibit. The Bootleg Canyon Another gem is the Bootleg Canyon. It's known for its history of being a smuggling route for prohibition-era bootleggers. You can go hiking or zip-lining there. Millennium Fandom Bar If you're looking to have a geeky time, be sure to check out the Millenium Fandom Bar. It's right off the strip. You can find lightsaber battles and cosplayers. Container Park Check out the container park for a kid-friendly atmosphere. You can find plenty of boutique shops and restaurants within shipping containers. Dream Catcher Sunset Tour If you're a fan of helicopters, don't miss out on the Dream Catcher Sunset Tour. You'll fly over the Hoover Dam, the Grand Canyon, and the Strip. Pahrump Valley Winery For a winery stop, you'll want to head to Pahrump Valley Winery. It's only about an hour from the strip and is a popular destination in the area. The LINQ Promenade You can find this commercial strip which has over 40 attractions, restaurants, and shops. You can also check out the High Roller Observation Wheel which is part of the LINQ Hotel & Casino. Absinthe Don't miss out on seeing Absinthe at Caesar's Palace. It's Rocky Horror Picture Show meets Cirque de Soleil. This is an 18+ show where you can enjoy adult humor and acrobatics. The Mob Museum After learning about all these mobsters and scandals, why not check out The Mob Museum. You can see plenty of mobster memorabilia here. One such item is the wall from the St. Valentine's Day Massacre. Red Rock Canyon When you need a break from the strip and gambling, make sure to check out the Red Rock Canyon. You can enjoy camping, geology, plants, and wildlife, along with trails for hiking. Stop at the visitor center for information about the park. You can also check out their indoor and outdoor exhibits, along with a gift and book store. You can enjoy dozens of trails, whether you're looking to bike or hike. It's conveniently located just a few miles from Last Vegas. It's considered within the Mojave Desert. You can enjoy limestone, red colors of the stone, and iron concretions.
  2. Gambling is a global pastime and as such comes with its own vast library of myths, legends, facts and loads of fiction. We’ve delved into these stories to bring you twelve gambling and casino facts that sound stranger than fiction. ✓Blackjack Saved FedEx from Going Under The 70s were a tough time for a struggling freight and delivery company named Federal Express. Failing to secure the $24,000 he needed to pay the company’s outstanding fuel bill Fred Smith, FedEx founder, gambled the last $5000 in the company account and won. After a successful run of luck playing blackjack Smith turned his $5000 bankroll into $27,000 saving the company. Today FedEx has an annual turnover of more than $60 billion, making it one of the biggest paydays in gambling history. ✓Card Counting is Actually Legal Despite Hollywood’s portrayal of card counting as a dubious practise the reality is that it is nothing more than an intelligence-based method for keeping track of cards. Where the confusion comes into play is that casinos will do whatever they can to maintain the house edge, especially where low margin games like blackjack are concerned, and as such remove card counters from the casino. They do so by invoking their “right of admission reserved” clause, not by citing any law or legal precedent. ✓The Playing Card Roots of Slot Machines It is not only FedEx which has a deck of cards to thank for its existence, so does the slot machine, video slot and fruit machine industry. Prior to 1890 gambling consisted primarily of dice and card-based games. Looking to spice things up a mechanic built a drum wheel and populated it with paying cards. Winning lines on this first slot machine was based on winning poker hands. The stronger the hand the higher the prize the bar would offer which included sweets, free drinks and even cigars. ✓Early Las Vegas Supported Feminism The 1920s was a powerful time for women in America, not only would they receive the right to vote but a woman would lead the charge in legalised casino ownership. The Northern Club was opened on September 5, 1920, by Mayme Stocker. Her venue offered patrons refreshments and access to the only casino games that were legal at the time, these being stud, draw and lowball poker. When Las Vegas officially began offering gambling licenses in 1931 her standing in the community saw Stocker receive the first one. ✓Las Vegas Does Not Rule the Gambling World While Las Vegas dominates popular culture and media as the epicentre of gambling the real king of the hill lies more than seven thousand miles to the East. Macau is the worlds largest gambling centre and generates more than three times the amount of revenue annually that Las Vegas does. Vegas generates annual Gross Gaming Revenues (GGR) in excess of $6 billion while Macau’s GGR can exceed $28 billion. ✓Pachinko Rolls Around Japanese Gambling Laws Japanese residents are avid gamblers however access to local land-based casinos is strictly regulated. Gambling fans are only allowed to visit a licensed casino once a week and must pay a hefty entrance fee for the privilege. However, Pachinko machines are legal as patrons purchase trays of silver balls to play with but cannot win cash from the machines, only more silver balls which can be traded in for a variety of items or prizes. On an interesting but totally unrelated note, there are always curio shops not far from the Pachinko parlours willing to buy these trinkets from lucky players for cash. What a fortunate coincidence. ✓The Great Wall of Keno While modern gambling companies are seen to donate large sums of money to local charities, programs to support the prevention of problem gambling and other honourable causes, however, this is far from being something new. Keno was invented in China during the 2nd century BC and soon became a favoured game with nobles and peasants alike. So much so that when the Great Wall of China was being built the Emperor used taxes on Keno as a way to supplement the project. ✓The Rise and Fall of Archie Karas While it is true that what goes up must come down the story of Greek gambler Archie Karas is one of the dangers of chasing wins and losses while gambling. The 1950s saw Karas go on what has become known simply as The Run, a gambling streak that saw him turn $50 into more than $40 million in less than three years. Unfortunately, his streak of luck turned sour and Karas lost it all in less than three weeks. The moral of the story is to know when to cash in your chips and enjoy your success. ✓Playing the Long Game We have all heard the tales of how skilled poker players can face off against one another over extended periods of time, however, the truth, in this case, will sound stranger than fiction. The longest recorded poker game in history was played in Arizona and began in 1881 when all was said and done more than $10 million had changed hands over a period of nearly eight and a half years! ✓A Million Dollar Lotto Lesson NN ran the story of Glenda Blackwell, who protested her husband's ongoing fascination with the lottery by buying a ticket of her own. Intended to be a lesson in the pointlessness of playing the lottery Glenda had to eat her words when her $10 Carolina Millions Scratchcard paid out a staggering $1 million! If ever there was a lesson worth learning this was one of them. ✓Craps Hall of Fame When it comes to gamblers who have defied the odds and carved out a niche for themselves in the gambling hall of fame nothing compares to tales told at the Las Vegas Desert Inn of an anonymous sailor from the 50s. As the legend goes this lone sailor made 27 consecutive winning passes while playing Craps, the odds of this astounding feat are 12,467,890 to 1. In honour of his amazing streak, the dice are on display in a glass case at the Desert Inn till today. ✓Gambling on the Go The term ‘gambling on the go’ is most often associated with mobile gambling today given the burgeoning mobile casino market, however, it is a label that perfectly fits the world’s smallest casino. Birmingham’s Grosvenor Casino unveiled their smallest gambling location in 2016, a converted local taxicab. The casino-cab features a gambling table, its own dealer, a bar, television screens for sporting events and access to online casino games. What is your favourite tall tale or unbelievable gambling fact? Create a free GamblersPick account today and share your stranger than fiction factoids in the comments section below.
  3. Over 42 million people chose to visit Las Vegas in 2019. Most of the tourists crowd the Las Vegas Strip, making this a crowded and often overrated location. But, the smarter tourists visit Fremont Street! Keep reading to discover activities for the ultimate Fremont Street experience in Las Vegas. 1. Swim With the Sharks Even though Las Vegas in landlocked and in the middle of the desert, you can still swim with the sharks! One of the things to do on Fremont Street Las Vegas is to visit the Golden Nugget resort. This resort has a 200,000-gallon shark aquarium that tourists can swim right up to. While there will be a layer of glass separating you and the sharks, this is likely the closest experience you can safely get. In addition, you can arrange a behind-the-scenes tour to get an even closer look at the sharks. The resort also has luxury cabanas, 9 restaurants, 6 bars, and a casino. There's no shortage of fun! 2. Catch a Live Performance When deciding what to do on Fremont Street, don't forget to add a few live performances to your schedule. Freemont Street is home to three stages. The stages hold performers and entertainers every night of the year. Throughout the week, you'll find great performances, but Friday nights are when the more well-known artists perform. If you're planning a trip to Sin City, be sure to check out the entertainment schedule before you book your stay. You may just be able to schedule your trip around a free performance by your favorite performer or musician! 3. Enjoy a Vivi Vision Light Show While many people would categorize the Vivi Vision Light Show as a live performance, this spectacle is so amazing it needs it's own section. Coming in as one of the top things to do on Fremont Street, this show features the largest video screen in the world. The 1,3750-foot long screen runs above the street and plays a 6-minute show hourly each evening. During the performance, you'll see an amazing light show synced to popular music by The Killers, Imagine Dragons, Green Day, and others. 4. Stay Cultured With a Museum Trip When searching for Fremont street attractions, don't downplay the available museums. The Las Vegas Neon Museum lets you take a trip down memory-road with old neon signs from the city. Be sure to visit at night to experience all the signs lit up! There is also the Mob Museum. Learn about the Mobs which once ruled the city. This entertaining history lesson will have you viewing the city in a whole new light. 5. Get Rich Quick And no Fremont experience would be complete without the chance to get rich quick at one of the many casinos. Gambling is a Las Vegas staple, and there is no shortage of opportunities. Explore The D Las Vegas, Four Queens, and Fremont Hotel and Casino. Don't be afraid to explore beyond Fremont Street for this one. We would suggest visiting Tropicana Las Vegas Casino Hotel Resort. Plan Your Trip to Fremont Street Today! With all these fun Fremont Street activities, it's time to add this trip to your travel bucket list! Grab a few friends and plan out your dream trip today. But, before your trip, you'll want to make sure you're prepared for the ultimate trip. Bookmark the Gambler's Pick blog for all the best tips and tricks. There, you can learn about everything from Blackjack card counting to the biggest Las Vegas scandals.
  4. Whether it's your first time or your hundredth, the city is always changing and there's plenty to explore. Part of having a great time is understanding how everything works, so let's dive right in! Today, we're answering 11 of your most burning questions about how to have the time of your life from the moment you step onto the Strip. 1. Are Kids Allowed on a Casino Floor? Traveling to Vegas with your mini-mes? If so, you might be wondering, "Can a baby go into a casino?" The short answer is that most will allow persons under 21 to walk through, but prohibit standing around the gaming areas. Others will have stricter limits and prohibit anyone underage from even walking the floor. No casinos permit anyone under 21 to loiter or gamble in the casino area, and you can't park a stroller next to a machine. So, are babies allowed in Vegas casinos? Not if you plan to stay and play. 2. What Can a 2 Year Old Do in Vegas? If you can't gamble, go to clubs or attend a 21+ show with your toddler, what can you do? Your best bet is to plan activities that your little ones can enjoy, such as a visit to the Shark Reef Aquarium at Mandalay Bay! What if they're super young? What can you do in Vegas with a baby? Use this time to check out family-friendly Vegas shows, dine at casual restaurants, and check out the fun displays right at your fingertips. The live mermaids at the Silverton Casino Hotel are always a (free!) hit! 3. Can You Drink All Night in Vegas? If you're of legal drinking age, you're entitled to drink as long as you want to in Vegas, assuming you have a designated driver to get around safely. However, keep in mind that the city of Las Vegas, along with all of Clark County, has a curfew ordinance. After 10 p.m. on weekdays and midnight on weekends, children under 18 cannot be out unless accompanied by an adult. Speaking of that DD, what if you plan to ride-share? Let's explore that question next! 4. Can You Drink in an Uber in Vegas? If you're riding in the passenger seat of an Uber, Lyft or any ride-sharing car, you'll need to toss the liquor. It's against the law for anyone in the passenger seat to possess or consume an open container of alcohol. Save the drinks for the swanky lounges and bars instead! This guide reveals the best places to get your buzz on around the city. 5. Do I Need Cash in Las Vegas? Before you leave home, go ahead and take out plenty of cash. The standard fee for an ATM in Vegas is nearly $6! You can use cash for gambling, tips, and cab fare. While most places allow you to charge most of these items to your card, some people simply feel more comfortable shelling out bills than swiping their plastic. Plus, if you gamble with cash, you give yourself an automatic limit and avoid losing more than you came with! 6. What is the Hottest Club in Vegas Right Now? If we could only pick one club in Vegas to visit while you're in town, we'd send you to OMNIA Las Vegas. Since its grand opening in 2015, OMNIA has seen a steady lineup of white-hot celebrities, along with some of the best EDM DJs on the planet, from Zedd to Calvin Harris. Come to check out the jaw-dropping, four-story chandelier, but stay for the world-class beats, incredible vibe and exclusive VIP tables. 7. How Much is a Gaming License in Las Vegas? Want to open up a gaming establishment in Vegas? If so, your first step is to decide if you want to pursue a restricted or non-restricted gaming license. A restricted license allows you to operate up to 15 slot machines and prohibits the operation from being your primary business. An unrestricted license doesn't have these limits. As expected, it's much easier (and cheaper) to go the restricted route. Start by applying with the Nevada Gaming Commission and State Gaming Control Board. Once you complete and submit your application, you'll be required to pay a $150 application fee, along with a $550 investigation fee. From there, you'll attend a hearing with the Board to finalize the details of your plan. If you decide to pursue a non-restricted license, the application process is much longer. You'll work hand-in-hand with a gaming attorney to navigate each step. The Board will charge $70 per hour to review your application, with total costs often reaching between $30,000 and $1 million for a complex investigation. 8. How Can I Drink Cheap in Vegas? Want to party it up in Vegas, but not blow your budget? Can you drink for free in Vegas? Not always, but you might get lucky! Thankfully, there are plenty of ways to drink for cheap! Your best bet is to head away from the ultra-bright lights and hit up the city's downtown area. A few of our favorite haunts for low-cost libations include Filament at the Fremont (Heinekins for $3!) Frankie’s Tiki Room Ellis Island Backstage Bar and Billiards There are also plenty of people who will tell you that you can score free drinks as you gamble in the casinos, but it's never a sure bet. To up your odds of making this plan work, be sure to tip well on the first round! If you're wondering "Which Vegas casinos have free drinks?", we've heard it's easiest to score a shot or two on the house at Hard Rock Casino, Luxor Casino, and Stratosphere Hotel. You can also get your fill while riding the High Roller Observation Wheel at LINQ Hotel. Visit during the High Roller Happy Half Hour Pod and enjoy an incredible 30-minute rotation and an open bar included in your ticket price! 9. Where Do Celebs Stay in Vegas? Vegas is a great place to people-watch and rub shoulders with celebrities. You're most likely to see them at some of the more luxurious, high-end hotels and casinos, including: Caesars Palace Palms Casino Resort Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Las Vegas The Palazzo at The Venetian MGM Grand Hotel and Casino The Mirage Hotel & Casino From reality television stars to esteemed Oscar winners, you never know who you'll find partying the night away! 10. Is Fremont Street Safe at Night? You want to head to Fremont Street for the dazzling light show, but it's getting late. Should you reschedule? Nope! You should be fine as long as you follow basic precautions. Don't flash your money, stick where the crowds are, and remember to protect your valuables. The same goes for anywhere you travel in the city. That said, is downtown Las Vegas safe at night? Is it safe to walk around Vegas at night at all? As long as you stay in the well-lit tourist areas and stay aware of your surroundings, you should feel secure. There's power in numbers, and this popular city has plenty! 11. Do Fake IDs Work in Vegas? Any time you try to pull off a fake ID, you're taking a major chance. That's the case in any city, including Las Vegas. If you're attempting it at a major establishment, keep in mind that the employees there are well-trained in how to spot a fraud. They know they could lose their job if they let someone under age inside, so they'll be unlikely to give you a free pass. If you're caught, the penalties and fines for possessing a fake ID in Vegas are significant. We're talking misdemeanor charges, fines of up to $1,000 and up to six months in jail. The bottom line? Wait until you're old enough and can really take advantage of all the city has to offer, risk-free. Going to Vegas? Live It Up and Have a Blast Now that you know the answer to some of the most common questions about the city, are you ready to cut loose and have a blast? This city is known worldwide for its entertainment, dining, music and more. Whether you're going to Vegas solo or with the entire brood in tow, you'll have no shortage of things to do. Before you head out, be sure to brush up on your gambling skills with our in-depth guides!
  5. Casinos have been around since the 17th century. During that time, we've seen them develop into some of the most stunning and luxurious places in the world, as well as some of the most bizarre! What are the boldest, the oldest and the biggest casinos in the world? Which are the casinos you really need to see before you die? Keep reading as we take a look at some of the most spectacular casinos ever built. The Biggest Casinos in the World What is the largest casino in the United States? What about Europe? Is the biggest casino to be found in Vegas? Here are some of the biggest casinos in the world. WinStar World Casino, Oklahoma If you guessed that the world's largest casino was in the US, you were right. If you guessed it was a Vegas, you were very wrong. The largest casino in the world is the WinStar World Casino in Oklahoma. Coming in at around 600,000 square feet of gaming space, this mega-casino has eight gaming areas, seventeen restaurants, a 7,000 seater Colosseum, and more than 7,000 gaming machines. What is the largest Indian casino? Well, it's this one. That's right, the largest casino in the world is owned by the Chickasaw Nation. MGM Grand, Las Vegas What is the biggest casino in Vegas? That honor goes to the MGM Grand. At 170,000 square feet of gaming space, this enormous casino is still less than a third of the size of the Winstar World Casino. That still doesn't stop it from being one of the most popular and recognizable casinos in the world. Expect to find around 3,000 slots, 200 table games, poker rooms, fifteen restaurants, and two theatres. It certainly lives up to it's Grand title. Venetian Macau, Macau What is the largest casino in Asia? That prize goes to the Venetian in Macau, which has a floor area of over 500,000 square feet. Macau is a former Portuguese colony and now a special administrative region of China, and it is home to some of the most impressive casinos in the world. In fact, the highest-grossing casino in the world is the Galaxy Macau which turned over nearly $6 billion in 2014. The Venetian Macau may not make the most money, but it certainly boasts the most floor space. The Oldest Casinos in the World Unsurprisingly, many of the biggest casinos in the world are fairly new. But what is the oldest casino in the world? We'll take a look at some of the oldest casinos out there. Casino di Venezia, Italy Casinos have been around since before the US was formed, so it's no big surprise that the first casino was in Europe. Where in Europe is the world's oldest casino? The answer is Italy. The Casino di Venezia sits on the grand canal in Venice, one of the most beautiful cities in the world. When was the first casino invented? Incredibly it opened in 1638, five years before Isaac Newton was born and only eighteen years after the Mayflower first landed at Plymouth Harbor. Who made the first casino? It was originally set up as a theatre with a separate area for gambling in the intermission. The gambling proved more popular than the shows, however, and by the 18th century, there were more than 100 casinos in Venice. The casino stopped operating for many years but was reopened in the 1960s and could claim possibly the boldest marketing ever done by a casino. The entire baggage carousel at Marco Polo airport in Venice was turned into a giant roulette wheel. The casino said the stunt saw visits rise by 60% making it one of their most effective ads. Kurhaus of Baden-Baden, Germany The Casino di Venezia may be the oldest casino, but it hasn't been operating continuously during that time, having only moved to its current location in the 1950s. If you're looking for the oldest continually-operating casino, then its the Kurhaus of Baden-Baden in Germany. The casino was completed in 1824 and has been running ever since. When gambling was banned in France in the 1830s, things began to really take off. The casino was visited by the author Fyodor Dostoevsky and was the inspiration for his novel The Gambler. The Boldest Casinos in the World There are some truly weird and wonderful casinos out there. What's the most provocative casino? What is the craziest casino design? Read on as we look at some of the boldest casinos in the world. The Venetian, Las Vegas What is the boldest casino theme? Well, how about recreating the canals of Venice, Italy? The Venetian in Las Vegas does exactly that. It includes replicas of famous Venetian landmarks, including the Rialto Bridge, the Piazza San Marco, and the Palazzo Ducale. You can even take a gondola ride along those famous canals. The Bellagio, Las Vegas What is the most innovative casino? That's hard to say; it depends on whether you mean innovation in gaming technology or innovative design. Regardless, we couldn't have a list of the great casinos without including The Bellagio. The go-to casino for many a Hollywood movie, this casino is based on another region of Italy: Lake Como. It features an eight-acre lake that contains the casino's most innovative feature: the Fountains of Bellagio. This enormous water feature is the centrepiece of incredible performances featuring light and sound that take place throughout the day and are visible from the Strip. When it was built, it was the largest fountain in the world. Ready to Learn More? If this list of the oldest, boldest and biggest casinos in the world has whetted your appetite, then you're in the right place. Our site is devoted to bringing you information about everything related to online gambling. Whether you're looking for tips and tricks to increase your chances of winning, or reviews of bonuses and online casinos, you'll find everything you need is just a click away. Our aim is to offer trustworthy and reliable information to help you with your online gambling journey. Why not join the GamblersPick community today?
  6. Nevada's recreational cannabis sales are predicted to reach $30 billion by 2025. Much of this success comes from the already booming tourism industry of the state's Sin City. Chances are that if you are coming to Vegas you want to experience the relaxed weed culture. However, before you set off on your trip there are some vital tips and tricks you should know about Las Vegas marijuana. Read on to get the latest information to have fun and stay safe. Road to Legalization Even though it was legalized in 2001 for medicinal use, recreational weed in Las Vegas had to wait until January 2017 to open up dispensaries to the public. Strong support came from the people of Nevada with over 59% supporting medical legalization in 1998. Then two years later, 65% showed up to vote finally implement the medicinal program. Recreational pot also got a majority of electoral votes with 54% supporting the regulation and taxation of marijuana. Today, over 46 dispensaries are located throughout Vegas, catering to its residents and over 40 million visitors each year. Who can Buy Weed? Unlike medical marijuana where you need to be 18 years or older and possess a prescribed medical card, recreational cannabis is available to anyone 21 and over. All you need is a valid driver's license or ID from any state. Each person is allowed to purchase up to 1 ounce of dry bud and 1/8 ounces of concentrates. Medical cardholders are allowed 2.5 ounces every 14 days for any type of cannabis. Where Can You Smoke? When you ask, "Is weed legal in Nevada?" you might think since you can buy it then you can smoke it anywhere. However, smoking in public is still prohibited. This problem causes many tourists to use discrete methods of consumption, from vaping to eating edibles. Luckily, Las Vegas is in the process of legislation that will allow cannabis smoking lounges. One has already opened in October 2019 with more stuck in limbo as Congress sorts out the logistics. While smoking lounges are the future, for now, you need to find a hotel that is 420-friendly, smoke at a friend's house, or indulge under the radar, especially when in the casinos. Staying in your room to smoke and play an online casino might be your safest option. What About Growing Weed? The Las Vegas marijuana laws for growing are much more strict than other states. That is because you have to live at least 25 miles from a dispensary to grow up to 6 personal plants. This might not seem relevant for a visitor, but it is good to know if you want to move to Nevada. How to Transport Cannabis Weed in Vegas might be legal, however, driving with it has limitations. You must seal your weed in a sealed container and it must be away from anyone under the age of 18. If you are caught with open containers then a citation will be given. You know that is weed legal in Las Vegas but it might not be in whichever state you are traveling next. Finish your product before embarking to your home or to another state. Mixing Las Vegas Marijuana with Gambling Las Vegas marijuana isn't the only reason you are visiting Sin City. The casinos have and always will be the main attraction. Prepare yourself for a high time on the strip and at the tables by reading our guide to gambling.
  7. Las Vegas, often referred to as "Sin City," is an area that's so storied and unique that it seems almost make-believe. With its bright signs, flashy lights, and colorful characters, the city is endlessly interesting. So it makes sense that some of the best video games ever made are set there. Whether you visit Vegas often, or you only know about it through what you see in the media, everyone can enjoy some Las Vegas video games. So continue reading and we'll walk you through the best video games that take place in the City of Second Chances. 1. Grand Theft Auto: San Andreas Grand Theft Auto: San Andreas is often recognized as one of the greatest video games ever designed. The game was created by Rockstar Games in England and was released in 2004. It is the seventh title in the Grand Theft Auto series. The game is available for Microsoft Windows and Xbox, PlayStation 2, and Apple computers and phones. It features an open-world environment and follows the story of a former gangster who travels throughout the fictional state of San Andreas. The state of San Andreas is heavily based on both Nevada and California. Set in the year 1992, the game makes references to the 1980s and 1990s crack epidemic, the Los Angeles riots of 1992, and the LAPD Rampart scandal. It's currently the best selling title for a PlayStation 2 game, with over 20 million units sold. Plot The basic plot of the game focuses on Carl "CJ" Johnson as he comes home to Los Santos (Los Angeles) to attend his mother's funeral. CJ is soon framed for murder by some corrupt police officers. He's forced to leave town and so he escapes to San Fierro (San Francisco). While in San Fierro, CJ races cars and operates his own garage. A government agent then contacts CJ and asks him to help with a gang problem going on in Las Venturas (Las Vegas). A gang is trying to open their own casino and CJ agrees to help get information in exchange for his brother's release from prison. CJ assists the federal agents but is then ordered to be killed. A friend then comes to CJ's rescue and helps him escape. After making it out of Las Venturas alive, a rapper by the name of Madd Dogg asks CJ to be his manager. CJ agrees and goes back to Los Santos with his sister and her boyfriend. 2. Tom Clancy's Rainbow Six: Vegas As the sixth installment of the Rainbow Six franchise, Tom Clancy's Rainbow Six: Vegas was released in late 2006. The Rainbow Six franchise was developed by Tom Clancy and is based on his novel, Rainbow Six. The franchise is about a fictional international counter-terrorist unit known as "Rainbow." The first game was designed by Red Storm Entertainment and was developed while the Rainbow Six novel was being written. In the Vegas installment, we follow a brand new Rainbow team that's been dispatched to Las Vegas to fight an international terrorist organization that's attacking the city. The game was released by Ubisoft, the parent company of Red Storm Entertainment, and received critical acclaim. Plot The game takes place four years in the future, in the year 2010. Several rainbow operatives are fighting Irena Morales, an international terrorist, and his henchmen in Mexico. Irena escapes and only one of the operatives, Logan Keller, makes it out safely. Logan is then taken to Las Vegas where he needs to deal with a similar situation. He's dropped outside of the Calypso Casino and meets up with a new team. They clear out the casino and save the hostages. The group then travels to the Red Lotus Casino and saves a kidnapped reporter. They then move to the Vertigo Spire, which is the game's version of the Stratosphere. A bomb was placed in the Vertigo and the team disarms it. They then move on to Dante's Casino. But when they get there, they find out that Irena's real target is the Nevada Dam, which is analogous to the Hoover Dam. At the dam, Logan kills Irena but he finds out he was double-crossed by a fellow operative. As the traitor gets away, the words "To Be Continued" appear on the screen. 3. Call of Duty: Ghosts Released in 2013, Call of Duty: Ghosts is the tenth major installment in the Call of Duty franchise. It was published by Activision and developed by Infinity Ward. The game was released in November of 2013 for PlayStation 3, Wii U, Microsoft Windows, and Xbox 360. It's also available for the Xbox One and PlayStation 4. The game received praise for the introduction of the game mode - Extinction. Extinction is a four-person co-op mode where players fight against different kinds of aliens in a survival style map. The main objective is to terminate all of the alien hives. Plot Similar to Rainbow Six: Vegas, Call of Duty: Ghosts takes place in the future, this time in 2027. It also follows an elite operative by the name of Logan. The United States is currently at war with a terrorist organization by the name of the "Federation of the Americas." Logan and his brother, Hesh, are part of a special unit of the American military. After fighting along the Mexico border, the brothers return to Santa Monica, California and reunite with their father, who confesses that he is the leader of the Ghosts, an elite squad who are trained to perform missions behind enemy lines. The brothers are then recruited into the Ghosts and go to the Yucatán Peninsula. They break into the base of the Federation and find designs for a new superweapon. After dismantling a Federation factory in Brazil, the Ghosts are then sent to a safe house in Las Vegas. But when they get to Vegas, they're captured by a former Ghost operative who's been brainwashed. After an all-out American assault, the Federation's weapons are destroyed. The brothers then go after the former Ghost agent in order to avenge their father. However, the traitor manages to capture Logan and attempts to brainwash him instead and recruit him into the Federation. 4. Leisure Suit Larry: Reloaded Leisure Suit Larry: Reloaded is a point-and-click video game that was released in 2013 by Replay Games, Intermarum, and N-Fusion Interactive, in conjunction with the franchise's original creator, Al Lowe. The game is available for iOS and Android, OS X, Microsoft Windows via Steam, GOG, and Linux. The game is a remake of the 1987 video game Leisure Suit Larry in the Land of the Lounge Lizards. The development of the game was crowdfunded via Kickstarter. Leisure Suit Larry is an adult-themed video game franchise that follows Larry Laffer in his often futile attempts to seduce women. In this installment, players must solve a variety of puzzles, which they can do by picking up, talking to, looking at, or licking items on a variety of people and objects in the game. There are five buildings in the game: a mini-mart, a multi-floor casino, a love chapel, a disco club, and Lefty's Bar. The game takes place in the city of Lost Wages (Las Vegas) and players can help Larry earn money by playing the slot machines. Plot The plot of the game is extremely similar to that of the original versional. It even takes place in the 1980s. After Larry Laffer has grown tired of his loveless life, he decides to travel to Lost Wages in the hopes of losing his virginity and maybe even finding true love. While some characters were cut from the new version of the game, others were modernized or replaced. 5. Fallout: New Vegas Fallout: New Vegas is an RPG video game published by Bethesda Softworks and developed by Obsidian Entertainment. It was released in October of 2010 and is available for Xbox 360, PlayStation 3, and Microsoft Windows. The game takes place in an open-world, post-apocalyptic environment that consists of Nevada, California, and Arizona. It's a spin-off of the Fallout series and set in the year 2281, four years after what happens in Fallout 3. Players act as a character named Courier. When the game was released, it received critical acclaim thanks to its improved gameplay, quests, and writing. Las Vegas legend Wayne Newton even makes a voice appearance as radio DJ "Mr. New Vegas." Plot As the game begins, three major groups are trying to gain control over the city of New Vegas and its neighboring regions. Four years before the game takes place, two of the groups fought at the Hoover Dam. Now, those powers are once more trying to gain control of the dam but so is the current leader of New Vegas, Mr. House. As his name implies, Courier is a courier working for the Mojave Express. And as he's taking a mysterious item known as the "Platinum Chip" to New Vegas, he's ambushed. Fortunately, he's soon saved and nursed back to health. As Courier attempts to get the chip back, he encounters various people with all different kinds of problems. He can choose to either help, ignore, or harm these people. And these actions can result in him receiving either negative or positive karma. When he finally finds the chip, he ends up in the middle of a major conflict between the three warring factions. All of these factions are trying to gain control of the Hoover Dam which is the most effective power source in the area. It's revealed that Mr. House ordered the Platinum Chip for delivery. The chip is a device that stores data and has a program that can make Mr. House's security robots more powerful. One of the factions, Ceasar's Legion, attacks the Hoover Dam. Courier can now choose to help Mr. House connect the Dam to his robot army, defend the Dam with the New California Republic, help the Legion attack the Dam, or destroy the Dam so that no one can control it. The game then ends with a narrated slideshow that goes over the results of Courier's actions. 6. Tom Clancy's Rainbow Six: Vegas 2 Described as a part prequel, part sequel to Tom Clancy's Rainbow Six: Vegas, this instalment was released in 2007 on PlayStation 3 and Xbox 360. The character Logan Keller is no longer around and the player actually gets to create their own character. This new character then takes on the role of Bishop. The game itself deals with events that occur both before and during the Logan Keller story. The player also now has the ability to give commands to their AI teammates with their own voice through a headset. Plot Taking place in 2010, Bishop is commanding a team in Las Vegas. After an NSA agent is taken hostage, Bishop and his team try to track the agent down at a Vegas sports complex. But they're too late and a fatal bomb is detonated. They then learn that a second bomb is on its way to the Las Vegas Convention Center. There, they discover the chief of security is tied up but there's no bomb. They're then told that the bomb is actually on the roof of the Las Vegas Hilton Hotel. They defuse the bomb but learn about a third bomb in a Chinese theater. They rush to the theater and successfully stop it from exploding. Bishop is then knocked unconscious. He's saved by a fellow operative and then later meets up with Logan Keller. The two then travel to a Costa Rican villa in order to stop the terrorist behind who's these acts. Bishop is able to kill the evil mastermind. At first, his superiors reprimand him for disobeying orders. However, they're also so pleased with his work that they offer him a position as deputy director at Rainbow HQ in England. Which of These Las Vegas Video Games Are You Going to Play Next? As we can see, Sin City has certainly set itself up for some very chaotic and interesting games. While many are post-apocalyptic and violent, others are more humorous and cheerful. Like the city these games take place in, Las Vegas video games provide an array of environments and characters that you can have a lot of fun with. So which of these games do you want to play now? Looking for more Las Vegas and gambling-related articles? Check out the rest of our site today!
  8. While in-person gambling is a fun tradition that's been around for centuries, the popularity of online gambling is growing at an enormous rate. In fact, by 2020, the global market for gambling online is projected to grow by a whopping 8.77%! As you can probably imagine, the fact that there are two exciting and viable options for getting your gambling fix makes gamer's loves more interesting, but also vastly more complicated. After all, choosing which form of gaming is right for you can be an overwhelming task. Luckily, we're here to help! Today, we're going to talk about offline vs online gambling and outline the pros and cons of each. Read on to get some insight as to which of these alternatives is best for you. Offline Casino Gambling Even back in medieval times, people enjoyed heading to gaming parlors to place bets and socialize with others. That tradition still persists today despite the fact that games are different and casinos have a much more modern aesthetic. Read on to learn some of the merits and downsides of offline casino gaming! How Does Traditional Gambling Work? To partake in traditional gambling, you need to hop in your car, drive to the casino, and start placing bets (as soon as you know the rules!) Most of these locales are attached to other venues like malls, hotels, restaurants, and resorts. At an offline casino, all gamblers are present in the room where bets are being placed. The room is filled with neon lights and a roaring crowd of other gamers, which is an engaging aesthetic that makes lots of gamblers feel high on adrenaline. Pros There are a lot of pros to offline gambling that make for an amazing experience: Social experiences. You're surrounded by other gamblers, which is a fun experience if you're interested in making gaming a social experience. Aesthetic and adrenaline. The lighting and traditional aesthetic of a land-based casino really helps to get the adrenaline pumping and the excitement at an all-time high. This is especially the case because excitement is contagious, so when other people are having a good time in the casino, you're likely to as well. Less paperwork. While online casinos require registrants to include personal information into their accounts, most offline casinos are pretty chill about background verification. This means less paperwork for you so that you can start gaming faster. Opportunities for a high payout. There aren't really any limits as to what you can bet at an in-person casino, so this is a great option for high-risk gamblers. Cons However, there are also a few downsides: Less variety. Since there are space constraints in land-based casinos, they can only have so many gaming options. You won't have the same amount of variety as you would online. Strict unspoken rules. There are a lot of etiquette rules that you'll need to follow at a physical casino. It overall makes for a better experience where all gamblers respect each other, but it can still be annoying sometimes. Lack of disabled accessibility. Casinos can get loud and bright, which a lot of people like. However, for those with sensory processing issues, it can also get overwhelming. Know yourself and your preferences! Online Gambling Now that you know the pros and cons of going to a land-based casino, it's time to take a look at the alternative: online gambling. Read on to learn why this might be the right option for your needs! How Do Online Casinos Work? Online casinos are basically large online rooms where you can play virtual versions of all the games that you would at a casino. You place bets using a bank account or, more popular as of late, bitcoin. Online casinos are great for games like slots that don't require a lot of interaction. However, poker, blackjack, and other card games are an entirely different experience digitally. Pros Here's why online casinos are awesome: Convenience. Online gambling can happen in your PJs from the comfort of your own home! You can be really comfortable while playing as a result. High percentage of payout. While land-based casinos offer opportunities for high payout, you'll likely not win very often. Online casinos offer more chances to win smaller prizes. Opportunities for real-life experiences. When you use an online casino, you aren't sacrificing the opportunity to play against real-life players. Live dealers are an option on most casino sites, so you can play against other people in a virtual room. More variety. Online casinos have no space restrictions and therefore offer more games. Cons However, there are also a few cons: Less social opportunities. You can't bring friends to an online casino for a night out. It's a generally slow experience. The lack of a roaring crowd and neon lights also makes for less adrenaline. More restrictive. High-stakes gamblers have betting restrictions. Many sites also make it so the more you win, the less likely you are to win in the future. This is obviously unfortunate for those who are skilled at gaming. So, Which Option Is Best? Neither offline or online casinos are inherently better than the other. Which alternative is right for you depends on what you want your gaming experience to be like. If your primary goal is winning anything, including small prizes, then online gambling is likely the right choice for you. However, if you have a lot of money and are a high-stakes gambler, you won't like how restrictive most casino sites are with betting and probably want to head to your local offline casino. If you're looking for a social experience, then you're definitely going to want to head to an in-person venue. You can bring friends and hang out with them while placing bets. This is a great way to have a night out- casinos serve most food and alcoholic drinks in addition to the awesome entertainment that they provide. Those who are interested in convenience may want to go with online gaming that you can do from the comfort of your own home. This is also the case for autistic gamers and those with other sensory processing accessibility needs. The bottom line is that you need to know yourself! Place a Bet Today Whether or not you prefer to gamble online or in a casino, there are lots of options out there for the places you can make bets and the types of games you can play. Now that you know the pros and cons of both online and offline gambling, it's time to get started. Check out the 'games' tab on our homepage for more information about the various casino games you can play in the format of your choosing. From slots to poker to blackjack to roulette, we've got you covered.
  9. Finding the best games to play in Vegas could mean different things to different people. Maybe you're looking for a little fun on your honeymoon. Maybe you're trying to win big, or see how long you can stay in the game before you have to bow out. For most of us, getting winning odds on a bet is part of the fun. Nobody likes to feel like the house won too big during their visit. We like to imagine we've got the game locked down, at least somewhat. And that means finding games that give us better odds of winning. So, join us today, as we break down which casino games have the best odds, as well as one that is less likely to payout. Vegas Casino Games With Best Odds Looking for the best odds casino games before your next big trip to Sin City? Check out our pick of the top three, and get ready to win big! Blackjack "What is the easiest game to win at a casino?" This is a question a lot of people will give you passionate answers about. You'll want to ignore people's feelings, in these matters and turn to one source above all others: the numbers. Blackjack has the best odds of winning out of every casino game. It's a simple game, in terms of rules, with players only needing to beat out the dealer without hitting 21. They're not trying to beat out other players and, even though it's a game of chance, there are fewer variables than, say, roulette. What's impressive when it comes to blackjack is your actual, measurable odds of winning. The casino has, on average, a .5% edge, which translates to roughly half a penny lost on every dollar you spend at the table. This number varies depending on the skill of the player, but even someone new to the game can pick it up with some patience and simple observation. As a last note, did you know that casinos will let you bring your cheat sheet with you to the blackjack table? Knowing whether to hit 12 against a dealer with a 2 or to split 4s is all information professionals have committed to memory. There's no rule against bringing your homework with you to the table, though. So, do a little research, find some good cheat sheets, and bring yours with you to the table. You may catch some sideways glances from other players, and they will likely poke fun, but your winnings will speak for themselves. Craps There's a reason craps is one of the more popular games on any casino floor, and that reason is one small number: 1.5%. Those are the house odds during a game, meaning a statistical loss of one penny to every dollar, on average. And some casinos go even lower than this How do you go about winning? Walk up to a table, make a "Pass Line" bet, and hope for the best. This is one of the baseline bets every player makes, and everyone in on it tends to earn a small return. Nothing is ever set in stone, but it's a solid bet for a beginner and a great starting point until you're ready to add more bets to your repertoire. This is a game of chance. You're betting on a roll of the dice that someone else is making, so there isn't even the illusion of control. But, time after time, this produces one of the highest win rates in casinos across the country. Roulette Coming in at a solid third on our list of best casino games in Vegas in terms of their odds is the Roulette wheel. With as little as a 2.7% house edge, the rules are simple. Pick a number, group of numbers, high or low, odd or even, or red or black, and make a bet on the ball landing on one of those. Then let lady luck take the wheel. You'll win back on this more regularly than many other Las Vegas casino games. Bet on reds or blacks, exclusively, and you have a nearly 50-50 chance of winning. Wondering why it's only "nearly" 50-50? The extra green 0 and 00 positions on the wheels, which give the house its edge in this game. Vegas Casino Game With The Worst Odds Of course, where there is a selection of "best" gambling games in Vegas, there must be one with the worst odds, as well. The Slots Your odds when playing the slots are a little hard to calculate, but experts put the house edge at anywhere between 3% and 20%. They're designed to eat up coins in rapid succession, the results are random, and people often feel intimidated to try any of the table games, instead. So, they sit at the slot machines all night, which is behavior that often leads to losses over time. As a note to this, however, we'd like to point out that slot machines can be a fun way to kill a little time in the casino. They're brightly colored, easy to use, and the payouts can be massive if you're lucky. Just don't make them your only game for the whole night. And don't believe the myths and rumors about nearby staff controlling slot machine payouts, either. Casinos are monitored by the Vegas games commission for unethical behavior, and that kind of thing is taken very seriously. The Best Games To Play In Vegas The whole point of gambling is to play a game of chance and see how your luck fares that night. This is why we put bets on horses or wagers on fights. It's why we walk up to machines we know are completely random and let them choose whether to give us any of our money back. Because we want to see if we'll beat the house. Even the best games to play in Vegas are still based on chance. There are ways to play them that give you better odds, but nothing's ever a surefire hit. We support safe gambling, so remember never to bet more than you have, never to cheat, and to take a break from time to time. Enjoy a drink. Enjoy some of that Vegas atmosphere. Then come back to the table with a clear head and, hopefully, enough luck to hit it big! Hopefully, today's article gives you what you need to hit the floor and make some smart gambling decisions this summer. For more news and guides, as well as casinos, bonuses, games, and jackpots, make sure to check out the rest of our website, today!
  10. In 2019, Nevada adopted over 300 new laws! While most of these are practical and needed, there are many laws that are just plain weird. Since so many tourists visit Las Vegas every year, the state has many laws to protect tourists and the local business owners. But as you prepare to travel, you'll soon find out that some of these laws are more practical than others! Keep reading to discover the top three weirdest laws to know before you visit Sin City. Absolutely No Hula-Hooping One of the top weird laws in Nevada deals directly with Fremont Street. This popular tourist attraction is full of live entertainment, but one form of entertainment you won't find is hula-hooping! The local ordinances prohibit hula hoops larger than four feet in diameter in this area. While it might seem silly, the ordinance is there for a reason. If every entertainer walked around with a large hula hoop around their body, this crowded street would become impossible to walk down. So before you pack your hula hoop into your carry-on luggage, consider a different mode of entertainment. Don't Feed the Pigeons This weird Las Vegas law is pretty new and possibly long-overdue. In 2017, the local government passed a law that made pigeon feeding illegal in Las Vegas and surrounding towns. When people feed pigeons, it only attracts more pigeons to the area — and with those pigeons, comes pigeon poop. All that pigeon poop was becoming a nightmare for business owners to clean up and protect their buildings from. To combat the large pigeon population, the government decided to cut off their main food supply. Before you share your lunch with the local birds, you should also know that breaking this law can come with a $1,000 fine or six months in jail! No Pawning Dentures Finishing our list of weird Nevada laws is the law stating that you can't pawn your dentures. Walk into any casino and you'll find a rather large population of seniors. And apparently, when these seniors found themselves out of money for the penny slots, they resorted to pawning their dentures. Since a pawn shop isn't the ideal place to buy a pair of dentures, a law was passed prohibiting this act. If you do have some spare dentures to offload, you may want to consider an online selling venture. The Las Vegas Craigslist is full of interesting and rare finds. Keep These Laws in Mind During Your Next Las Vegas Trip While these laws may seem silly, when you travel, you must abide by the law of the land. The last thing you want to do is have your dream vacation ruined over a little hula-hooping or pigeon feeding. That's why it's always best to do your research before traveling to a new city. Gamblers Pick is home to the top Las Vegas and gambling advice. This website offers everything from news about VR strip clubs in Vegas to online casino games to help you practice your skills. Be sure to bookmark this site today so you can be best prepared for your trip!
  11. The idea of robbing a casino for millions of dollars seems like the kind of thing you only see in movies like Oceans 11. But, the truth is, there have been a lot of crazy casino heists throughout history. What are some of the biggest ones? Check out this guide to learn about the wildest casino heists of all time. 1. Bill Brennan Stardust Robbery While some casino heists involve intricate plots and dozens of people working together to make it happen, some are very simple and straightforward, like the Bill Brennan Stardust Casino robbery. In 1992, a cashier at the Stardust Casino named Bill Brennan filled a trash bag full of cash and chips, threw it over his shoulder, and walked right out of the casino. The bag contained half a million dollars worth of cash and chips, and to this day, Mr. Brennan has never been seen or heard from. He's currently on the FBI's Most Wanted list, although rumor has it that his accomplice stole them money and killed him after the heist. Bill's simple and straightforward theft is still one of the most famous casino heist stories of all time. The heist resulted in many casino security standards that are still active to this day. It's highly unlikely that an employee in today's age could pull off this sort of heist, especially considering all the security cameras and extra monitoring that goes on. 2. Crown Casino Heist If you think walking out of a casino with $500,000 is crazy, think again. In the Crown Casino heist of 2013, robbers from Perth, Australia attempted to smuggle away $32 million! This story involves two men, one who was a card dealer for the casino and the other who was a high roller coming in from a foreign country. Their plan for the heist was simple: The casino employee work at the card tables monitoring security cameras while feeding information to the other robber. The idea was to take the money and move it as though it had been won during regular play. Had the robbers kept the amounts small, the casino may not have noticed anything. But of course, greed took over and the player's consistent luck while playing high hands resulted in the floor staff being alerted. The game was ceased and the employee was terminated on the spot. But, since no money actually left the casino, the foreigner was allowed to go home scot-free! This event has also led to stricter security worldwide, as such a loss could have been completely disastrous for the casino. 3. Circus Circus Heist If you think men are the only ones plotting crazy casino heists, think again. In the fall of 1993, a woman by the name of Heather Tallchief had a job driving armored vehicles. One day, instead of bringing her truck full of cash to the bank like she was supposed to, she simply drove away with nearly $3 million in tow. The 21-year-old fled the country with her boyfriend Robert Solis, and the two headed to the Netherlands where they were able to stay hidden for over a decade. In 2005, Heather succumbed to the guilt and actually turned herself in. Her boyfriend still remains at large. 4. London Ritz Heist Armed with a mobile phone, a laser, and a computer, three people set out to rob London's Ritz Casino in 2004 for a hefty sum of $1.9 million. The trio consisted of two Serbian men and one Hungarian woman, and the three set up casino games in a private area and devised ways to cheat on them. The group headed for the roulette tables and used lasers on their cellphones in order to determine the speed of the ball's orbit. This made it easy for them to predict where the ball was likely to land on the orbit. This is another story where their heist likely would have gone unnoticed had they not gotten greedy. But once their winnings hit the million-pound mark, authorities were tipped off. While the three were initially arrested and had their accounts frozen, a judge actually ruled in their favor agreeing that no offense had been committed. The three were even able to keep their winnings, although they've all been banned from casinos for life. Needless to say, they've since updated gambling laws to prohibit the use of cameras around the table. 5. The Soboba Robbery In 2007, employee Robert L. Ramos made off with a little over $1.5 million in cash with his accomplice Eric Alan Aguilera. In his position at the casino, Ramos was responsible for setting up security cameras as well as installing other security measures at the casino- a position that set him up nicely to carry out a robbery. On the day of the heist, the pair simply walked into the casino, sprayed staff with pepper spray and tied them up, stuffed some bags with cash, and then zoomed off in a getaway car. However, the casino staff was able to quickly alert the police, which led to a high-speed chase in the desert. Although Aguilera was initially able to escape, he too was eventually arrested alongside Ramos. 6. The Bellagio Biker Bandit Lastly, we have the story of the Bellagio Biker Bandit. In 2010, Anthony Carleo brazenly rode his bike up to the steps of the Bellagio and walked through the doors with his motorcycle helmet in one hand and a gun in the other. He made his way to the craps table where he quickly cleared $1.5 million in chips and then sped off on his bike before security knew what hit them. Unfortunately, the chips contained tracking devices, so Carleo wasn't able to cash them in. Instead, he attempted to sell them online. This proved to be his downfall, as he sold the chips to an undercover cop and was then sentenced to 27 years in prison. Crazy Casino Heists: What Will the Next One Be? Due to stricter security measures, it's becoming tougher and tougher for people to pull off casino heists like the ones mentioned in this article. Luckily, you don't need to pull off a crazy heist to walk out of a casino with a lot of money. All you need is talent, luck, and a winning strategy. If you want to learn more about the crazy world of casinos and gambling, be sure to check out this article.
  12. Casinos have been around since the 1600's. From card games to slot machines, gambling is a centuries-old sport that has never dwindled in popularity. As more casino locations have started popping up, the industry has given birth to some truly "out there" destinations. Read on for our list of the top 10 weirdest casino locations. 1. Cadbury Court in the UK There aren't many basement casino locations, let alone a basement of a medieval manor. That's Cadbury Court's claim to fame, though, and it's a really unique spot. Located in the small town of Yeovil in south England, this historical spot used to be a real medieval manor. Today, the entire space can be rented out, allowing guests full use of its 30-player-capacity casino in what once was used as a wine cellar. Cadbury Court Casino (Image credit: northcadburycourt.com) 2. River's Casino in Des Plaines, Illinois USA The self-proclaimed "casino on a puddle" is none other than River's Casino in Des Plaines, Illinois. Built on a small water pit, or "puddle" as many like to call it, River's Casino was specifically designed to comply with Illinois gambling laws that specify that all casino locations must be a "riverboat" design. Located near O'hare airport and the famous city of Chicago, River's casino offers a huge gambling floor with over a thousand slot machines and fifty gaming tables, from blackjack to craps and so much more. Rivers Casino (Image credit: chicagobusiness.com) 3. Macau Palace in Macau Macau is a famous travel destination for those who are seeking casino locations. However, if you're looking to escape the traditional bright and busy spots, a trip to the Macau Palace could be just what you need. Macau Palace is a floating casino located on a barge in Macau. It's a small spot, but it still is hugely popular for wager-loving gamblers. Another unique thing about Macau Palace is it was once the setting for the 1974 James Bond movie, "The Man with the Gold Gun." It's one of those great gambling places to visit if you're interested in a quieter place with lots of culture. Macau Floating Casino (Image credit: tripadvisor.com) 4. X-Train in Las Vegas, Nevada USA There are plenty of casino locations in Las Vegas to choose from, but this is the only one that's on a train. The X-Train offers a break from the traditional casino packages and resorts in the city, allowing gamblers to play while traveling on a huge train. While the train doesn't seem to be in service yet, be sure to keep an eye out for future casino locations. X-Train Las Vegas (Image credit: latimes.com) 5. Desert Cave Hotel in Coober Pedy, Australia This casino is located in, you guessed it: the middle of the desert. The Desert Cave Hotel hails from the Australian Outback, offering visitors a one-of-a-kind subterranean gambling experience. Although this is one of the smaller casino locations on the list, it still offers a great selection of games as well as a bar and an arcade. Since the nearest casino is over 800km away, it's still a popular spot for travelers and locals alike. Desert Cave Casino, Australia (Image credit: dailymail.co.uk) 6. The Casino Jet Lounge The Casino Jet Lounge is the perfect casino for high rollers, high stakes, and high altitudes. Coming from Designescence and AirJet Designs, this mile-high casino can be installed on your private jet or on a commercial flight. There aren't many casino locations that allow you to gamble at 30,000 feet. This is one of the best gambling places for adventurous casino-goers looking for an all-new experience. Casino Jet Lounge (Image credit: airjet-designs.com) 7. Resort World in Genting, Malaysia This one might be one of the most difficult casino locations to get to, since it's built on top of a mountain. Malaysia's Resort World is located 6,000 feet above sea level. To get there, visitors hop on skyway cars in Kuala Lumpur and ride across the mountains up to the casino. There they'll find one of the most well-equipped gambling places in Asia, as well as a luxurious spa, golf, shopping, and even a theme park. The area is also surrounded by the incredible views of its surrounding 150 million-year-old rainforest. Resort world in Genting, Malaysia (Image credit: rwgenting.com) 8. Prairie Knights Casino in Fort Yates, North Dakota USA If you're scouting remote casino locations, Prairie Knights Casino has everything you could possibly want. Located in a middle-of-nowhere prairie in Fort Yates, North Dakota, this casino is like a brightly lit oasis in the middle of a green desert. The inside offers a vast gambling floor with plenty to do. The only catch is, the nearest airport is over 2 hours away. Still, there's plenty of beautiful scenery to admire: there's nothing around for miles except a vast, grassy prairie. This may not be one of the best gambling places for nightlife, but the experience it offers is truly unique. Prairie Knights Casino (Image credit: Tripadvisor.com) 9. Victory Casino Cruises in Port Canaveral, Florida USA For gambling aficionados everywhere, choosing between casino vacation packages or a cruise can be tough. Well, with this cruise ship in Florida, you get the best of both worlds. Victory Casino Cruises depart out of Port Canaveral in Florida, taking visitors on a 5-6 hour cruise down the beautiful Space Coast. While you're on it, you can enjoy over 600 slot machines and a variety of table games, including the state's only live craps and roulette tables. You can also venture to their sportsbook lounge and place bets on football, hockey, MMA, boxing, baseball, soccer, and basketball games. As an added bonus, you can also enjoy the ship's drinks and buffet as well as its shows and wild dance floor. Victory Casino Cruises (Image credit: victorycasinocruises.com) 10. Virtual Reality Casino Locations One of the most unexpected casino locations is right where you're sitting! Potentially, of course. With the power of virtual reality technology, you can slip on a headset and immediately immerse yourself within a full 3D casino experience. It's a great alternative if you aren't looking for expensive casino vacations to get your gambling on. The first virtual reality casino was launched by SlotsMillion, allowing users to play an interactive and fully inclusive gaming floor without ever having to leave their homes. It certainly gives new meaning to the question, "what's the best casino near me?" Game On! With so many options for gambling places, casino vacations never get old. Now that you know some of the most unique casino locations, get your game on and start planning your next visit! For more gambling inspiration, check out our other blog entries.
  13. Each year, about 42.5 million people visit Vegas, and that number is constantly on the rise. And who can blame them? The lights, the people, the unregulated fun... all of it lends to a city with no rules that basically is a party 24/7. However, what most people don't know is that there's a dark side of Vegas lurking beneath the lights. That's what we're here to talk about today so that you might rethink heading off to Vegas on your next vacation. Before you read on, we want to put a few trigger warnings here. If you are triggered by rape, child abuse, domestic violence, or addiction, you may want to stop reading now. Otherwise, read on to learn more about the dark side of Sin City Las Vegas! Addiction While a bit of gambling is all well and good (and can in fact create a sense of community), it's an addiction that spirals out of control for many. Vegas encourages this addiction because the gambling industry is one of the largest in the state. It generates a lot of revenue, so police and local governments tend to turn a blind eye to gambling addictions. However, gambling is by far the least destructive of all common addictions in Vegas. Alcohol addiction runs rampant in Sin City, and it puts many people on the streets as well as in abusive situations. Additionally, alcohol isn't well regulated in Vegas, which means that there are minors that drink excessively as well as adults. This, of course, leads to more intense lifelong addiction that people struggle to break. Drug addiction is also common in Vegas. Abuse of cocaine, heroin, methamphetamines, and other hard drugs is commonplace in Vegas. This is criminalized in ways that alcohol abuse obviously isn't, but that doesn't make it any less prevalent of an addiction. Police crack down pretty brutally on those who use drugs, though, and many of these people are abused by the authorities as well as society. Homelessness It's estimated that 14,000 people are homeless in Vegas at any given moment. This likely evokes images of people sleeping in bus stops and on the sides of streets, and probably comes as a surprise to you if you've visited Sin City before. You certainly saw very, very few homeless people during your time there, so where did they go? Homeless people in Vegas are actually banned from sleeping on the streets, and crooked cops arrest them constantly and brutalize them. As a result, a huge homeless underworld exists in a place that's invisible to tourists in the flood tunnel system under the city. It's a dark and painful place to live, and diseases are easily spread there. Basically everyone in these pipes uses hard drugs, too, and the majority of those people carry guns. As you can imagine, it's a very violent underworld. One interesting thing to note, though, is that people in the tunnels have actually built homes for themselves there. These people furnish their spaces with actual furniture that others have left in the trash. They often also have trinkets and shelves to hold books and make their spaces feel more comfortable! Prostitution Prostitution has been legalized in Nevada, but that doesn't mean that the industry there doesn't exploit the women (and men) working in it. While sex work is well and good when it's consensual and the worker is enthusiastic about doing it, many people in Vegas have been forced into it because of financial situations and addiction. Worse, others have been forced into it because of pimping and human trafficking. Many tourists who go to Vegas do so to take advantage of the legalized prostitution there. Many of them don't even know that the escorts and hookers they hire aren't consenting enthusiastically since they're trained to act excited in order to avoid abuse and punishment. The Racist History While racism is a prevalent issue all throughout the US, it's particularly bad in Las Vegas. This city was one of the worst during the Jim Crow era, with violence against black people at an all-time high. Today, there's still a strong racial bias among the people in Las Vegas. Certain bars and nightclubs are especially unwelcoming to black people, who also have very little representation in the city government due to gerrymandering and other issues. Black people also constitute the majority of those on the streets due to the housing crisis, which is incredibly sad. Terrible Tourist Behavior Tourists come to Vegas to 'sin,' which is totally fine when they're just gambling, drinking moderately, and having consensual sex. More often than not, though, this isn't what happens. Drunken men beat their wives in hotel rooms much more often than you'd expect, usually as "punishment" for losing money at casino games. There are also instances of tourists disrespecting hotel staff by smearing feces in hotel bathrooms (for what reason, we have no idea) and performing unspeakable acts in public areas. There's also an inordinate amount of violence against sex workers in Vegas. Prostitutes are 60 to 100 times more likely to be murdered than women who aren't sex workers, which is a horrible statistic in and of itself. However, because of the issues with addiction and violence that Vegas has- and the high proportion of sex workers there- prostitutes have an extremely high chance of being beaten, raped, or murdered. The Sin City: Las Vegas While Vegas is inarguably a city of glamor and glitzy neon lights on the surface, it's the host of a much darker underworld. Now that you know the dark side of Sin City Las Vegas, it's time to get some alternative ideas for a good time rather than taking a trip there. visit our free games section to begin playing fun casino games from the comfort of your home. There are even more games here than at a Vegas casino, so you'll still get the variety you crave! When you do gamble online, you can rest easy knowing that you aren't supporting any of the painful industries that help fund problems like addiction and sex trafficking.
  14. As you already know, Las Vegas is a place that doesn't abide by the typical realms of modern-day society. There are many interesting people that you'll meet in Vegas, so it should come as no surprise that you'd find interesting items for sale on Craigslist Las Vegas. Perhaps you're in the mood for a skunk-coated purse. Maybe you're interested in purchasing meteor shards for a rock collection. Whatever your interests, there are items for sale that can enhance it. Interested in seeing a few examples of crazy items you can buy right now? You're in luck! See below for several items that are up for sale as this article is being written. 1. Vintage Revere 8mm Film Projector- Model 777 Who doesn't appreciate the beauty and nostalgia that comes with an old-timey film projector? It'll take you back to the days of rolling up to a drive-in movie theatre in your very first car. Maybe it will remind you of watching game film back in your high school or college football days. Purchasing this beauty will help you add some vintage spice to your Friday and Saturday movie nights! It also comes with a case, so you can keep it safe and secure until you're ready to use it. 2. 200 Hot Wheel Cars That's right, ladies and gentlemen, you can finally have the Hot Wheels toy car collection that you've always dreamed of! Currently, there's someone that has posted 200 of their Hot Wheel toy cars on Craigslist for only $125. Perfect for the car fanatic child in your life or someone that you know collects them as a hobby. They come in many different sizes, colors, and models, so you'll be sure to admire every single one that you purchase. Better yet, they can be used as a display in your man cave or on a Hot Wheel ramp with your children! 3. 2016 Polaris 1000 RZR4 Are you a thrill-seeker? Do you enjoy the opportunity to ride out on the road, off-road, or wherever else life takes you? If so, then you'd love this 2016 Polaris 1000 RZR4. Not only is it extremely powerful, but it has 4-seats and offers a safe and secure ride for anyone that steps foot in it. It looks as fierce as its powerful motor, which thankfully offers electric power steering for a more controlled ride. You'll find any excuse to take this baby out and ride it out in the desert sun. Currently, it's only being sold for $17,999, which is a tremendous deal! 4. 1968 Topps Roberto Clemente OPC Canada Pin-Up Poster Any Pittsburgh fans in the building? If so, then you'll jump all over this classic 1968 poster of Roberto Clemente looking out into the great beyond. The poster itself is in great shape and features Clemente dawning the infamous Pirates jerseys of old. The vintage look makes it all the more awesome, giving it a classic look that baseball fans go crazy for. In fact, there are several different players being sold for this same collection of posters. Other players such as Carl Yastrzemski and Cleon Jones can be found as well. Clemente and Yastrzemski's posters are $100 each, and the Jones poster is $60. Well worth the investment if you remember the good ole days of these superstars running around the baseball diamond! 5. NASA Patches Some people out there might have quite a collection of different patches. They can be placed on hats, denim jackets, jeans, backpacks, and so much more. If that's you, then you'll be interested in learning more about the NASA patches that are currently on Craigslist Las Vegas. They're only being sold for $10 (each) or $30 for a package of three. All of them boast the NASA name and have different space centers on them. It's a must-have patch for your collection and will be an instant conversation starter anytime that you're seen around with it. 6. Darth Vader Alarm Clock "Luke... It's time to wake up!". What Star Wars fan wouldn't want to wake up to Darth Vader playing their favorite radio station? This magnificent alarm clock shows Vader standing over a platform (the base of the clock) with his lightsaber on and pointed down towards the ground. It's an incredible action pose and will look amazing in any Star Wars collection or man cave in the nation. Better yet, it's only $50 for this alarm clock that you won't be able to find anywhere else and it's still in its original package. Perfect for all of you that like buying things in mint condition. 7. Uncirculated Presidential Dollar Set If any coin collectors are reading this, then they'll jump all over the opportunity to get their hands on this uncirculated Presidential dollar set. All of the coins are still sealed in a 12-piece set and stored inside a presentation box. Why are these on the market? Because the owner is cleaning out their collection and wants them to go to a passionate collector. These puppies are from the Danbury and the World Reserve Monetary Exchange. It includes over 479 coins, so the price of $600 is well worth the investment. Visit Craigslist Las Vegas Today to Find Your Prized Possessions! Now that you've seen several of the different items on Craigslist Las Vegas right now, it's time to jump on the items while they last! Las Vegas is an incredible place filled with incredible people, these are only a few of the amazing items on the Craigslist market right now. Be sure to browse our website if you're looking to get into the Vegas spirit with some fun online games!
  15. There's something thrilling about gambling. The excitement, strategy, and prospect of winning bigkeep billions of gamblers coming back for more. Even if you've never won a huge windfall, you've likely heard stories of some of the world's biggest gamblers and their earnings. And it's stories like these that keep the hope alive. But not all high rollers are successful. They say you have to play big to win big and some of these whales did exactly that. Are you ready to learn more about the biggest wins, losses, and most impressive highrollers in gambling history? Put on your poker face and let's get started! 1. Kerry Packer An Australian media mogul, Kerry Packer had the funds to support his gambling habit and he wasn't afraid to show it. Packer was most well known for establishing the World Series Cricket which might explain his affliction to sports gambling. While Packer had his fair share of large winnings, he also incurred some major losses. One of his most notable and painful hits came after gambling nearly $25 million on four roulette tables and losing everything. It was also common for him to bet nearly half a million dollars on a single blackjack hand. Not only is Packer known as one of the biggest gamblers in history, but also one of the most generous with his winnings. It was reported that Packer left waitresses seven-figure tips after a good night at the casino. 2. Terrance Watanabe It's all in the name. Terrance Watanabe was exactly that -- a wannabe. A former millionaire, Wantanabe holds the record for the biggest losing streak in Vegas history! In 2007 alone the high roller lost almost $127 million at the casino tables of Caeser's Palace and the Rio. But Watanabe struggled to accept his shortcomings. He's currently in a legal battle with Harrah's for nearly $15 million. Watanabe claims the casino fed him too many drinks and even slipped him pain medication to trick him into playing and gambling all of his money away. 3. Edward Thorp Switching gears from some of the biggest losers to some of the biggest winners, introducing Edward Thorp. Some argue that Thorp is a genius. He is, after all, a successful math professor and author of a book on how to count cards. Thorp's book entitled Beat the Dealer explains how to use mathematics to beat the house and improve your odds at the blackjack tables. Before writing the book, Thorp tested his methods in Las Vegas, Reno, and Lake Tahoe where he won $11,000. Card counting is illegal and casinos are constantly on the lookout for violators. It's reported that Thorp actually wore disguises to keep the casinos on their toes and avoid detection. But Thorp didn't use his knowledge just at the card tables. He was also quite successful when gambling on backgammon, roulette, and baccarat. 4. Billy Walters Some people chalk up years of winning to a lucky streak. The same can't be said about this successful gambler. Billy Walters is one of the most successful sports betters in history, consistently raking in big wins for over 30 years. Walters bet on major league sports including the NBA and NFL but also enjoyed trying his odds at college football. His talent even helped him score a $3.5 million win on Super Bowl XLIV. Another reason so many gamblers look to Billy Waters for inspiration is because of his not-so-successful beginnings. Growing up in Kentucky, Walters was raised by his grandmother after his father died and his mother abandoned him at the age of two. It was the classic rags-to-riches story. Sadly, even a 30-year long winning streak isn't a guarantee. At one point, Walters spent five years in prison for insider trading. 5. Archie Karas No biggest gamblers list would be complete without the mention of Archi Karas. Arguably the best gambler of all time, Karas has had plenty of ups and downs along the way. Archie's love of gambling and winning money began when the Greek-American was waiting tables in the States. He played coworkers and customers in a variety of money games and quickly learned he had a knack for gambling. This hobby turned into a love for poker, where Karas earned nearly $2 million. He quickly lost his millions and was left with just $50 to his name. Most well-known for his Vegas winning streak of the 1990s, Karas took that $50 and turned it into $40 million! This streak went down in the history books as the largest and longest winning streak of all time. Unfortunately, as most famous gamblers seem to do, Karas lost his earnings over the course of a few more years. He racked up countless losses in dice, poker, and baccarat. Karas' bad luck continued and in 2013 he was arrested for marking cards at a California casino. 6. Phil Ivey When it comes to being the poker king, only one man deserves the title -- and that's 10-time World Series of Poker winner Phil Ivey. But poker isn't Ivey's only claim to fame as one of the biggest gamblers of all time. Ivey also won $11 million playing baccarat in London. The problem was, his earnings may not have been legitimate. Ivey was accused of being involved with an edge-sorting scheme. Edge sorting involves studying the deck and looking for inconsistencies and identifiable markings on the backs of the cards. Players use this information to predict whether or not the faced-down cards are high or low. The casino where Ivey earned his biggest winnings refused to pay due to suspicion of cheating. But the London casino wasn't the only one that took issue with Ivey's techniques. The Borgata in Las Vegas also accused Ivey of edge-sorting and the courts later ruled in favor of the casinos. 7. Chris Moneymaker With a name like Moneymaker, it's no wonder this high roller goes down in history as one of the biggest gamblers of all time. Chris Moneymaker is most well known for winning the Main Event in the World Series of Poker in 2003. What makes his story unique is the fact that Moneymaker gained entry to the elusive competition on the internet. The poker phenom went on to turn his $40 entry fee into a $2.5 million haul. Moneymaker's entry into the Series and his impressive win transformed the game of online poker. He also went on to write a book about his experience entitled Moneymaker: How an Amateur Poker Player Turned $40 into $2.5 Million at the World Series of Poker. It's interesting to note that Moneymaker's buy-in fee was actually $86 not $40 as the book title suggests -- a detail that the author claims he forgot. In total, Moneymaker has raked in over $3.5 million and continues to earn money playing poker to this day. Are You Ready to Become the Next Biggest Gambler of All Time? These stories of some of the biggest gamblers and hardest falls from fame are both inspiring and humbling. Whether you're a novice gambler or a professional looking for a new game, we have something for everyone. From playing guides to online slot machines, we offer plenty of information, advice, and game selection. Check out some of our biggest jackpots right now and communicate with other online gamblers just like you who are trying their luck at a big win.
  16. What does the history of Las Vegas and the history of Atlantic City share in common? If you visited Atlantic City in the 1880s, you'd see nothing except a few hotels and a boardwalk. In 1905, Las Vegas was nothing more than a dustbowl town in the middle of the Great Basin desert. From these humble origins, two of the world's most spectacular gambling cities emerged. But it hasn't been all glitz and glamour—each city has had its share of hard times too. The coronavirus pandemic is the latest crisis to affect the gambling industry, but it's far from the first. Do we have reason to believe that Las Vegas and Atlantic City will emerge from the pandemic stronger than ever? Absolutely! In this post, we'll take a look at some challenges each city has faced (and successfully overcome). Read on to learn more! The History of Las Vegas: Overcoming the Worst The early days of Vegas were the stuff of legend—glittering lights, dazzling celebrities, and Rat Pack singers in every lounge. More recently, Las Vegas has been the center of some interesting scandals and secrets. It's also been the center of a few newsworthy tragedies, which we'll outline here. Fire at the MGM Grand (1980) Did you know that one of the worst fires in US history happened right on the Las Vegas Strip? It happened on November 21, 1980, at the MGM Grand Hotel and Casino. Over 5,000 guests were asleep in their rooms when a fire broke out in one of the resort's restaurants around 7 am. With no sprinklers installed in that part of the hotel, the fire quickly spread. When all was said and done, 85 people were killed and another 650 were injured. To this day, the crisis remains one of the worst disasters in Nevada history and the third-worst fire in US history. Bonus fact: The rebuilt MGM Grand was designed with a state-of-the-art sprinkler system to prevent a similar tragedy in the future. The Economic Crisis (2008) In the years before the housing crisis struck, Las Vegas was experiencing one of the biggest booms in its (already impressive) history. With housing prices skyrocketing as much as 80%, nonstop building projects went on for over 5 years. Then the bubble burst, taking with it the dreams of many Las Vegas residents. Almost overnight, home prices in Las Vegas plummeted by 60%. Nevada hit #1 on foreclosure and unemployment lists and stayed there for years. To add insult to injury, the tourism industry also took a major hit. No one else had disposable income, either, which meant far fewer visitors to the resorts and casinos. Did Las Vegas rally? You bet. Housing prices are rising at one of the fastest rates anywhere in the US, at an average of 12% per year. Unemployment rates also dropped while the hotels and casinos filled up again. Mass Shooting at Mandalay Bay (2017) You undoubtedly remember this news headline from 2017—the deadliest mass shooting in US history. On the night of October 1, a lone gunman opened fire into a crowded concert from his room at Mandalay Bay. In a matter of minutes, 58 people were killed and another 850 were injured. The shooter, who worked alone and did not belong to any known terrorist organizations, appeared to have no motive for his actions. He took his own life before police found him in his hotel room. The company that owns Mandalay Bay agreed to pay up to $800 million in damages to the victims and their families. The resort, which is one of the largest convention properties in the world, is already back up to 90% of its pre-shooting revenue. The History of Atlantic City: Weathering the Storms Atlantic City may not have as many headlines as its Nevada counterpart, but it's no stranger to hard times either. Here's a quick rundown of some of the challenges this New Jersey resort town has faced. Hurricanes No less than 12 hurricanes and tropical storms have made landfall in New Jersey, directly impacting Atlantic City. The unnamed hurricane of 1889 destroyed the famous boardwalk and left the city under 6 feet of water. While World War II raged, the Great Atlantic Hurricane of 1944 battered the Jersey shore with 30-foot waves. More recently, 2012's superstorm Sandy (a hybrid hurricane and Nor'easter) decimated thousands of homes in and around Atlantic City. But as with other storms from the past, Atlantic City was quick to repair and rebuild. The Mafia & Disorganized Crime Most of what we know about organized crime in America has some sort of connection to Atlantic City. Names like Al Capone, Nucky Johnson, and Nicky Scarfo are synonymous with the scandals that built the town's casino empire. Atlantic City was strong enough to survive the Prohibition era, the Great Depression, and decades of organized crime scandals. What has been the result? Atlantic City's nine casinos opened 2020 with a 23% increase over 2019 earnings. We may see those figures dip during the coronavirus outbreak, but rest assured that Atlantic City will bounce back like it always does. The Future of Las Vegas & Atlantic City So, what did you learn from this brief history of Las Vegas and Atlantic City? The takeaway is that these casino towns are no strangers to hardship and adversity. From mafia dealings gone wrong to economic booms and busts, these cities have proved they can weather any storm. What about the world's current crisis, the coronavirus pandemic? Will it be the breaking point for the gambling industry? If history is any indication, we can confidently answer "NO!" The residents of Las Vegas and Atlantic are sure to rally and their great cities will thrive again, just as they've always done in the past.
  17. Las Vegas is known as the land of strip clubs and casinos. While many still flock to the Strip for both, technology's made it easy for people to gamble online on digital slots and more. But as for the strip clubs part, many would agree that the in-person experience is a lot better than any online counterpart. This is probably why this industry's been hesitant to embrace things such as VR strip clubs. However, now that COVID-19's struck the world and most people are at home quarantining, strip club owners need to think outside of the box. People need entertainment, after all. For many, this is just the push they need to venture into the virtual reality world. But is this enough to save the industry? And will Las Vegas strip clubs finally go VR/AR? Read on to find out. How Does a VR/AR Strip Club Work? Creating a VR/AR strip club involves lots of camera work. For instance, since users can "walk around" a club, the physical establishment needs to be captured on camera in as many angles as possible. A dance can either be prerecorded from the client's point of view or club owners can provide "live" dances to visitors. The clientele would wear a VR headset that's compatible with the software that the gentlemen's club using. Benefits of Using AR/VR for Strip Clubs Many strip club owners might think that by offering VR strippers, they'll kill their own business. After all, who wants to visit a physical strip club when they can enjoy one from the comforts of their own home? Well, you'd be surprised to find that AR/VR actually has many benefits for gentlemen's clubs. Below are just some ways they can help boost business. Help Clientele Feel More Comfortable The legal age to go to a gentleman's club in the United States is 18 in most clubs if they don't serve alcohol, and 21 if they do. Either way, the patrons are quite young, and they may not feel comfortable going. They may end up feeling very pressured by their peers, and it turns out to be a negative experience for them. If clientele can get a feel for the experience through a virtual strip club, then they know what to expect. Perhaps it's not as scary as they thought it'd be, especially after they've had a few VR "trips." Once they've gotten familiar with some of the girls, he'll be more inclined to go visit them in person. In the end, AR/VR strip clubs can help younger patrons feel more confident and comfortable about going to a physical establishment. Encourage More Patrons to Go to Brick and Mortar Strip Clubs As we've said above, VR strip clubs can help clientele become more comfortable with the idea of visiting an actual gentlemen's club. The younger generation is entranced with devices, but strip club owners can definitely use that to their advantage. Essentially, a VR strip club can be like a "taster." Users will get to see how the experience can go, and they'll be intrigued. Again, VR can't replace the real touch, so users will have to go to a real gentlemen's club to get the authentic feel. By providing a digital experience, club owners can actually drive traffic to their establishments. Less Overhead Considering some VR lapdances have to be prerecorded, this means all you need to do is pay the stripper once to perform. Once you've got the footage, then all you need to do is convert it into VR form, and distribute it. Of course, this will be different if the club owner is providing "live" dances. Of course, all this will cost money to do. But considering this one dance can basically last a lifetime and be shown countless times, it'll pay for itself very quickly if it's a popular lapdance with your virtual patrons. Safer for the Dancers Since the strippers won't have to actually touch anyone to do their jobs, it'll be much safer for them. They won't have to deal with anyone sexually assaulting them; if a patron is making them feel uncomfortable, they can simply log off. This can encourage more women to take up jobs as exotic dancers, especially if physical threats are eliminated. Great Promotion During the Coronavirus Pandemic You'd think that during the pandemic, business would be quiet for strip clubs. And it is at the brick and mortar locations. But online is a different story. Some strip clubs have taken to the internet with free VR lapdances for its patrons. People are still lonely, after all. Membership to many establishments cost a pretty penny, so these virtual reality strip clubs are allowing many to get a glimpse into this usually-gated world. Not only that, but it provides them with plenty of entertainment as they're sitting bored in their houses. In fact, this may be the silver lining to the COVID-19 crisis. Since everyone has to stay home, this has provided an excellent opportunity for strip clubs to test out and entice customers for the future. VR Strip Clubs Are the Future Even without the coronavirus pandemic, it was high time that Las Vegas strip clubs (and others) embrace technology instead of shy away from it. Considering the younger generation is tech-savvy and (let's face it) lazy, catering to their needs with a virtual reality strip club is exactly what's needed to bring revenue back into the adult entertainment industry. In fact, VR strip clubs will be what gets them out of the house and into these brick and mortar strip clubs once again.
  18. Did you know that nearly 1.6 billion people all over the world gamble at least once a year? Approximately 20% of these people prefer online gambling as they have a multitude of online casinos and games to choose from, depending on preferences and needs. Since so many people gamble, it's only natural for a lot of misinformation and misconceptions to appear. This article is structured like an episode of Mythbusters, so keep reading to find out a few popular myths about casinos, online gambling, luck, arbitrage, addictive gambling, and more! Casino Mythbusters - Debunking the Most Popular Myths About Casinos Various myths and misconceptions about casinos appear as a result of a lack of knowledge among players. Also, people who casually earn money at tables might be tempted to spread false knowledge and advice around, in an attempt to boost their self-esteem and appreciation from others. 1. If a Game Has a 25% Win Rate, You Will Always Win 1 In 4 Times This is a common myth that usually circulates among people who play poker or Russian Roulette. The theory sounds good, but in practice, a 25% win rate doesn't always guarantee that you win one hand in every four dealt. For example, let's say that you play 100 hands at your favorite game. How do you know that you will not get most of the winning hands at the end of those 100 dealt? In other words, you can get a long streak of bad hands and have a short streak of good hands after that. When you calculate the odds over the 100 hands dealt, you might get a 25% win rate, but the winning hands don't necessarily come at regular intervals. 2. You Will Win Your Money Back If You Keep Gambling This myth keeps a lot of players stuck on tables, but unfortunately, the laws of probability can easily debunk it. Gambling is all about chance and there's no way you can predict it. You might be lucky and bet on the winning horse from time to time, but that's just coincidence. Therefore, if you lose most of your money, there's no scientific reassurance that you'll get it back if you keep playing. Even worse, you might be so frustrated that you make very poor decisions and lose even more money, so make sure that you take regular breaks to prevent that. 3. Gambling Is Not Addictive, You Can Stop Whenever You Want This is a dangerous misconception and many people are fooled by it. Gambling can definitely become addictive and it can lead a lot of careless players on the path of failure and bankruptcy. This type of activity is addictive because it acts like a drug. Every time you win, your brain releases endorphins that make you feel good. You automatically want to play more so you can get more rushes of endorphins that make you feel good. However, as you probably already know, not every time you play you also win. Some players get addicted to gambling because they are still unconsciously looking for that "feel good" moment and they cannot stop hunting it. In worst-case scenarios, players bet their family savings, rent money or valuable personal belongings and this is when things get really bad. To prevent gambling from becoming an addiction, you might want to play with small sums of money and take regular breaks. 4. All Casinos Are Rigged and the House Always Wins The term "rigged" in this context means that the casinos have various mechanisms that ensure that the house always wins. This is not true if you play at licensed establishments. Many casinos are trustworthy as they have been inspected by third-party companies and they are closely monitored by the authorities. As long as you find a reliable casino in your area, you should play without being afraid that you'll be scammed. 5. Wearing Certain Jewels and Clothes Can Increase Your Luck This misconception has an air of mystique and fantasy associated with it. You might be happy to find out that there are no magic amulets or special bracelets that increase your chances of winning at casinos. If some people try to push such products for sale, they're definitely taking advantage of the naivety of players. Remember that playing in a casino is all about luck and you should treat it as an entertainment activity without getting too attached to it. 6. Gambling Is an Easy Way to Make Money If this would have been true, it's very likely that many players would have become millionaires by now. As mentioned earlier, gambling should be treated as an entertainment activity, not as a job. It is possible to earn large sums of money by playing at casinos, but no one guarantees your next paycheck. Just as easily you can lose all your money in one night, so it's a very risky activity if you're not careful. In some cases, you might see professional gamblers playing at large Las Vegas tournaments and you're probably wondering how did these legends make their fortunes. Why are they now able to bet thousands of dollars on each hand? Well, the truth is that many of these players are probably established, businessmen or actors. They gamble money they have made outside the casino. Some of them enjoy large winnings, but you should never live with the thought that you will eventually become rich by gambling regularly. Now You Know Why Most Casino Myths and Misconceptions Are Untrue! As you have seen in this Mythbusters-type article, playing at casinos can be a fun as well as a dangerous activity, depending on how you treat it. If you ever hear pompous or extravagant ideas related to casinos again, chances are that they are popular myths that can be easily debunked just like the ones mentioned above. If you decided to play casino games but you're too lazy to go to a brick-and-mortar one, make sure that you check our top recommended casinos. We feature a large collection of gambling games and casinos that offer large payouts and quick withdrawal times, so you can use your earned money as soon as possible!
  19. When you think about large casinos, your attention may immediately focus on some of the more popular casinos in Las Vegas and Atlantic City. While these cities are known for their gaming action, the reality is that most of their gaming resorts pale in comparison to the size and grandeur of the top venues around the world. Whether you are new to gambling or you are a high roller, these are the largest and most magnificent venues in the world, and they deserve your attention for your next big trip. Casino Lisboa in Lisbon, Portugal (Image credit: casino-lisboa.pt) 1. Casino Lisboa in Lisbon, Portugal If you are looking for serious gaming action in Europe, Casino Lisboa is the place to go. The gaming space in this enormous resort covers 165,000 square feet across two floors. It includes 26 table games and 1,000 slot machines. When you need a break from gaming, you can take advantage of the many other amenities and attractions on-site. For example, you can catch a live performance in a large auditorium that boasts a triple-ring rotating stage. This venue also has three impressive restaurants and a contemporary art gallery. MGM Grand, Las Vegas (Image credit: mgmresorts.com) 2. MGM Grand in Las Vegas MGM Grand is the largest gaming resort in Las Vegas and the only one that is large enough to make this list. If you visit MGM Grand to enjoy its gaming action, you will have more than 170,000 square feet of space to explore. This area boasts 200 table games, 3,000 slot machines and a dedicated poker room for non-smokers. As a travel destination in its own right, it is also home to two theaters that host elite performers regularly, three hotels along with elite villas, a nightclub, a spa, a huge pool, a sports arena, 15 restaurants and more than two dozen boutiques and shops. The Sands, Macao (Image credit: sandscasino.com) 3. The Sands in Macau The Sands is only one of five huge gaming venues in this city. Its gaming space covers 229,000 square feet, and it holds more than 1,000 slot machines and 200 gaming tables. It is notably known for its towering ceilings, which create a grand ambiance. Adding to the fun, this venue also is home to a theater, a health spa and nine restaurants. Rio Casino Resort, South Africa (Image credit: riocasino.co.za) 4. Rio Casino Resort in Klerksdrop, South Africa At the Rio Casino Resort, you can appreciate a jovial, carnival-inspired ambiance as you explore more its 266,330 square feet of games. It hosts poker tournaments regularly, and it gives you 24-hour access to its 274 slot machines and 12 table games. This venue offers something for all of its guests to enjoy with amenities like a bar, two unique restaurants, an arcade for the kids, a luxurious hotel and a private salon dedicated exclusively to high rollers. Ponte 16, Macau (Image credit: ponte16.com.mo) 5. Ponte 16 This is the second Macanese venue to make the list, and its gaming space covers 270,000 square feet. It boasts a waterfront location in the Inner Harbor, two VIP rooms, 307 slot machines and 109 tables. Its many games include fan tan, face-up blackjack, 3-card baccarat and American roulette. During your stay, you can feel pampered at a French-themed luxury hotel. You can also enjoy a fitness center, a spa, a pool area, a gallery featuring live performances, a foot massage station, a children’s play area and numerous bars and restaurants. Wynn Macau (Image credit: wynnmacau.com) 6. Wynn Macau This Wynn-brand casino is located relatively close to Ponte 15, and it is slightly larger. Across its 273,000 square feet, you will find slots, table games and other gambling hot spots. In addition, the Wynn is home to a pool, an art gallery, a spa, more than two dozen shops, four elite restaurants and stunning visual arts shows that combine music, fire and other elements. Foxwoods, Connecticut (Image credit: foxwoods.com) 7. Foxwoods in Ledyard, Connecticut This is the second of three venues in the United States to make the list, and it is owned and managed by the Mashantucket Pequot Tribal Nation. The venue is broken into six unique casinos, and they collectively cover more than 340,000 square feet. The gaming centers have 3,400 slot machines and more than 250 tables for a wide range of games across the six venues. In addition, you can take advantage of 55 restaurants and bars, a spa, a shopping center, zip-lining, bowling and more. City of Dreams, China (Image credit: cityofdreamsmacau.com) 8. City of Dreams in China The next venue on the list is considerably larger than Foxwoods. City of Dreams sits in Macau, and its gaming space encompasses 420,000 square feet. Its spacey, futuristic vibe is only one of its many qualities that set it apart from others. It is home to several VIP lounges with unique themes, more than 1,500 slot machines, 450 gaming tables and 30 bars and restaurants. It also has more than 175,000 square feet of boutiques and shops, four hotels, a nightclub, four spas, a water theater, an art exhibition space and more. Venetian, China (Image credit: venetianmacao.com) 9. Venetian in China The Venetian is the largest gambling venue in China and throughout Asia. Out of more than 10 million square feet of total space, approximately 530,000 square feet is dedicated to gaming activities. There are four game spaces with exciting, individualized themes, and these collectively hold 800 gaming tables and more than 6,000 slot machines. The venue also includes a 39-story hotel, numerous retail and dining areas, a huge special events center and a beautiful Venice-inspired decorative scheme. WinStar World Casino, Oklahoma (Image credit: winstar.com) 10. WinStar World Casino in Oklahoma Across Europe, Asia and beyond, all casino venues pale in comparison to the WinStar World Casino in Oklahoma. It is owned by the Chicksaw Nation. This venue’s gaming space covers 600,000 square feet, and it boasts an additional 600,000 square feet that has a wide range of additional amenities and attractions for every high roller to enjoy. At the WinStar World Casino, you will find an 800-seat bingo hall, 100 table games, more than 7,000 slots and a poker room dedicated to non-smokers. Additional hot spots at this venue include two event centers that offer more than 11,000 seats collectively, a golf course, a spa, a pool with a poolside bar, a sports lounge, a nightclub and 17 restaurants.
  20. The tension involved in gambling makes it a terrific vehicle for storytelling either in word or film. The opportunity for quick cut shots, closeups, and long shots make it a veritable "old-time shootout" at a green felt table, poker or pool. Hollywood has made some truly memorable movies about gambling. Some are tragic, and some are whimsical. Some are even both. Check out these few, in no particular order. The Sting (Image credit: theguardian.com) The Sting This offering, which is driven along nicely by Marvin Hamlisch's performance and arrangement of Scott Joplin's famous rags, including "Pineapple Rag," "The Entertainer," and "The Ragtime Dance," follows some 1930s grifters and con men as they set up a big score taking down Doyle Lonegan, played brilliantly by the late Robert Shaw. In The Sting Redford and Newman, a veritable "Butch and Sundance" of the Great Depression, reel him slowly in with the oldest con on the books: the wire. And, they do it at the poker table too. Lonegan cheats, and Newman's Henry Gondorff cheats better than he does! Lonegan expressing displeasure at not being able to call Gondorff out for cheating better than he does is almost worth the price of admission alone. The Hustler (Image credit: imdb.com) The Hustler The story of Edward "Fast Eddie" Felson is the quintessential tale of the antihero. He's "the hustler" of the film's title, a small-time pool shark who has more skill than either brains or character. His need to dominate at the pool table drives him to use people. The target of his obsession is Minnesota Fats, and the character was so indelible that Rudolf Wanderone, a legendary pool champion and trickster who ruled pool halls in the 1950s, took on the nickname. Fats was the rough-and-tumble "Mr. Hyde" to Willie Mosconi's "Dr. Jekyll" during that time. Jackie Gleason portrayed Fats, and he made all of his own shots. Paul Newman, as Fast Eddie, made most of his, too, but Mosconi did all of the super-tough shots, including the famous Masse. Gleason was a well-known pool expert, but Newman had to learn after scoring the role. The gambling in The Hustler is merely a symptom of Felson's need to win at all costs even when he loses. Perhaps the best exchange in the whole show is when Felson says, "So, I got talent. What beat me?" And George C. Scott, as Bert Gordon, says, "Character." The "moral of the story" is that Felson only wins big after a personal tragedy, meaning he had to sacrifice everything for it. A Game of Pool (Image credit: imdb.com) A Game of Pool A Game of Pool is so good that it's not even a movie. It's a TV episode from "The Twilight Zone." Jack Klugman is Jesse Cardiff, a wannabe from Chicago who is always complaining that he would be considered the greatest pool player in history if not for "Fats Brown," played by Jonathan Winters. One day, Fats decides from the afterlife that he's tired of Jesse's bellyaching, and he walks out of the shadows into Jesse's pool hall and lays it out for him. Basically, he says, "OK, pal, you've got your chance. There's just one catch. If I win, it means you lose your life." This is the ultimate gamble, a Mephistophelean bargain with a pool hustler 15 years dead who comes back to life to give a pool room Faust his chance. The two match each other shot for shot, talking all the time to each other. Fats warns Jesse about the match, but Jesse thinks he's just trying to distract him. Finally, they're tied, and there is a single ball left on the table. Fats misses his shot and leaves Jesse an absurdly easy tap-in. Jesse makes the shot and gets his fondest wish. Fats, however, says, "Thank you." Jesse is upset and calls Fats a sore loser, but he finally realizes the awful truth. He is the greatest ever, but the price is much more than he thought. You see, even years and years after his own death, he is still summoned from the afterlife to pool halls around the country to face an unending parade of challengers and other wannabes. At the same time, relieved of his duty as the "best ever," Fats just goes fishing. Grinders (Image credit: imdb.com) Grinders Not every film has to hit the local cinema or appear on Netflix to be either moving, applicable, or both. "Grinders" is a documentary about the the underground scene in Toronto. The title refers to the masters of these illegal games, from the daring hotshots who are addicted to the action to the hardened criminals who control that action. Some of these "grinders" play 150-200 separate games a day. Into this world steps Matt Gallagher, an out-of-work filmmaker who decides to try playing Texas Hold 'Em for a living and record what happens. Along the way, he meets several people and chronicles not only how the game affects their lives but also what they think of their collective lot in life. Matt also explains that he dreams of moving to Las Vegas, and two of his acquaintances in "Grinders" have similar aspirations. This is not a block buster and won't go viral on Netflix. It is, however, a deeply introspective and accurate portrayal of the subject matter. Critics who have seen it praise Matt's approach. Like the producer of any good documentary, Gallagher lets the material do the talking except for a curt, "Please gamble responsibly," warning. Not every TV show or cinema offering involving betting on cards, pool, or other things has to be considered great. "Maverick," for example, was a fun bit of fluff. "Rounders" is a solid take on Texas Hold 'Em, but its plot is decidedly like "The Hustler," which is an all-time classic. Critics may never like a Las Vegas block buster about an improbably good-looking protagonist who always wins when dealt 7-2 off-suit, but it's probably just a matter of time before some studio makes one.
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