If you’re going to take the ultimate gambling trip, there’s no question as to where you’ll be going – it simply has to be Las Vegas, Nevada. Sin City, as it’s otherwise known, is the global hub for gambling and entertaining and has been the destination for countless wild holidays and bachelor parties, never mind Hollywood movies.
But Vegas isn’t only about casinos, even though it is home to some of the most iconic and lavish establishments in the world. In fact, Vegas is also known for it’s incredible entertainment and nightlife scene, food, shopping and general attractions. All in all, a trip to Las Vegas is sure to be nothing short of amazing.
But if you’re a fan of casinos and are keen on getting involved in some high-class, high-stakes gambling, then you may be wondering why it is that Sin City has such an epic reputation.
Well, there are lots of reasons. But first, let’s have a look at how Las Vegas became the destination city that it is today.
Where Did Las Vegas’ Gambling Culture Start?
If you want to understand the origins of Las Vegas’ gambling culture, we’re going to have to go back a few centuries. And while gambling became the focus of many people’s attention during the early 20th century, that is, by no means, where it all started. In fact, gambling had been going on for many years and it had been through several bouts of the practice being criminalised and decriminalised, albeit in different ways.
It was as early as 1869 that gambling in Nevada underwent its first process of decriminalising gambling – certain forms of it, at least. But over 40 years later, a widespread ban was enforced on the practice, making most forms of gambling completely illegal in 1910. However, this, by no means, meant that it wasn’t happening, and throughout the First World War and the prohibition era, gambling was rife in the city of Las Vegas, and even more broadly across the state of Nevada.
Why Was Gambling Criminalised?
There’s no one-line answer to this question that can encapsulate all the different aspects of this issue, but the general idea was that the criminalisation of gambling was part of an effort to decrease crime and try to generally clean things up in a city that had become known for a few dicey elements.
Whether or not this was effective is a question for a different day, however, by the 1930s, the state of Nevada changed its mind and decided to decriminalise gambling as a way to boost the state’s economy and tourism sector. Indeed, this led to the development of the first casinos in Las Vegas, many of whom, unfortunately, were run by organised crime syndicates, which was exactly what was trying to be avoided when gambling was criminalised in 1910.
Regardless, over the next few decades, Las Vegas transformed into the entertainment capital of the world, attracting now only visitors but also iconic performers to entertain at large casinos. This includes the likes of Elvis Presley and Frank Sinatra, and these days, big names like Britney Spears.
Following suit, the city saw a huge rise in the establishment of mega resorts like Caesars Palace and the Bellagio which simply oozed luxury and money. Today, this continues to be the truth, and Las Vegas is still a destination of opulence and indulgence.
So Why Is Las Vegas the Gambling Capital of the World Today?
It’s easy to see why people enjoy going to Vegas – It’s a tourism experience like no other, bursting at the seams with entertainment options and just the absolute epitome of having a damn good time.
But despite this, why is Vegas so popular when it comes to gambling specifically?
- Early Legalisation of Gambling
We’ve spoken about the legal aspect of gambling, but one thing you may not know is that Las Vegas – well, the State of Nevada more generally – was one of the first cities to one up casinos when gambling was legalised in 1931. As a result, Sin City was able to have a head start over the rest of the country, allowing it to establish itself as a top gambling destination, something that’s just never really changed since then.
- Entertainment
We’ve already noted the entertainment aspect, but it’s not just a little thing – it’s something that sets Las Vegas aside from other gambling cities. Indeed, the world-class entertainment is a massive draw card for visitors wanting to spend time in Las Vegas, but it simply makes the destination that much more attractive. It’s not just somewhere you go to sit around a table and play poker or slots – it’s also a place where you can watch your favourite singer perform live or go to a magic show and have your mind blown. Thus, entertainment is what allows Las Vegas to be the full package.
- Variety of Gambling Options
If you’re somebody who’s really into gambling and is aiming to spend most of their time in the casinos, then this is most likely to be one of the best parts of visiting Vegas. Indeed, casinos in Las Vegas know what they’re doing when it comes to offering different games, and therefore, patrons will find a huge variety of games, including poker, blackjack, craps, slots and even sports betting on the cards. And while online sites like Jumba Bet casino are not limited by floor space and can offer even more games, no one in Vegas will ever get bored.
- Luxurious Resorts
Staying in Las Vegas means lapping up every drop of luxury and having a world-class experience – this means staying at world-class resorts with spas, pools and fine dining.
- Incredible Marketing
Most importantly, Las Vegas, as a city, has been able to market itself as the gambling capital of the world for nearly a century. It’s not just about one or two famous casinos, a single performer or a few luxury resorts, it’s about the whole package, and Sin City has been able to promote itself successfully enough to be the first place that comes to mind when people think of gambling.