Known as Vegas, Sin City, the Gambling Capital of the World and dozens of other names, Las Vegas is one of the most popular and one of the most visited cities in the entire world.
Think you know everything about the City of Lights?
Well, here are some Las Vegas facts we bet will surprise you.
General Facts About Las Vegas
1. Las Vegas is the brightest spot on Earth.
(NASA)
Las Vegas is considered to be the brightest city in the world because of the concentration of lights from its hotels and casinos. In fact, NASA says the city is so bright, it can reportedly be seen from space.
2. Approximately 70,000 weddings take place a year in Vegas.
(The Hustle)
Around 70,000 weddings take place a year in Vegas or around 150+ weddings in one day. Las Vegas is one of the most popular wedding destinations in the US because it is very easy to get a marriage licence and of course, there are plenty of options for choosing a wedding venue as the city has over 50 chapels.
3. The famous Bellagio Fountain consists of 1,214 individual fountains.
(VEGAS.com)
The Bellagio is one of the most popular casinos in Vegas, both the interior and exterior. The world-famous Bellagio Fountain sits on an 8.5-acre lake and has over 1,200 jets that throw streams of water up to 460 feet in the air. Free shows take place in front of the casino every day, while the performances are so complex there is a staff of 30 people who clean, maintain and repair the fountains between the shows.
4. Las Vegas is Spanish for ‘the meadows’.
(Feeling Vegas)
In Spanish, Las Vegas translates to ‘the meadows’. Although this may sound like a strange name for a city located in the middle of the desert, it actually comes from a Spanish trader Rafael Rivera who discovered an oasis in a valley surrounded by mountains. This oasis, created from underground artesian springs, was the birthplace of the Vegas we know today.
5. There are less than five inches of rainfall per year.
(Feeling Vegas)
Las Vegas is not just a gambling mecca, it is also a great place to escape cloudy London days. The city sees about 4.2 inches of rainfall per year and has around 26 rainy days on average since it’s located in the Mojave desert, one of the driest places on Earth.
Fun Facts About Las Vegas Gambling
6. Nevada has 433 casinos on its territory.
(Gamboool, Las Vegas Then And Now)
Nevada has 433 casinos in four main areas: Las Vegas, Reno, Lake Tahoe and Laughlin along with other smaller towns. The majority of the casinos (228) are located in Clark County, of which 23 are in Downtown Vegas and 60 in the Las Vegas Strip.
The biggest and most luxurious casino in Las Vegas is Wynn/Encore, the sister casino of the world’s most expensive casino complex. Spreading over 191,424 square feet, this casino has an impressive 1,800 slots and 180 table games.
7. There are more than 160,000 slot machines in Las Vegas.
(Las Vegas Casino News)
A trip to Vegas would not be complete without spinning the reels in one of the casinos on the Strip. You will always find available slots in Vegas since there are more than 160.000 machines, ranging from 5 cent slots to one dollar machines that have higher RTP rates. According to a study, slots generate about $270 million a month, making them the most popular and most profitable games in Sin City.
8. Gambling was illegal in Nevada until 1931.
(El Cortez)
Did you know that alcohol and gambling were once outlawed in Vegas? Nevada officials banned gaming in 1911, but there were still some operating underground casinos. And then in 1931, the State of Nevada legalised gambling and the rest as they say is history.
9. The largest sum ever won in Vegas is an incredible $39 million.
(Best US Casinos)
Back in 2003, a 25-year-old tourist from Los Angeles decided to play with only $100 on the Megabucks slot machine and won an amazing $39.7 million, which is still the biggest jackpot ever won in history.
10. 73% of people gambled during their Vegas trip.
(SidmartinBio,Statista)
Although for some people gambling may not be the primary reason for a trip to Vegas, they still visit casinos out of curiosity. An average tourist spends $150 per day on gambling, so it’s recommended to have a daily budget between $100-500 while visiting the city.
11. There is no sense of time in the casinos.
(Universal Traveller)
Here’s another interesting casino fact: They have no clocks or windows. This is because it takes away the sense of time, so while you play, you won’t think about what time it is or whether it is night or day. It also keeps you concentrated just on the game instead of the outside world.
12. Many casinos have missing floors.
(Las Vegas Advisor)
For instance, the Rio skipped the 4th and 40s floors, as the number 4 is considered bad luck in Asian culture. The Wynn also skips the 13th floor (another number considered to be unlucky) as well as all the 40s. So does its sister property, the Encore.
13. The 2022 World Series of Poker will be held in a new location.
(PokerNews.com)
For 17 years, the WSOP Main Event was held at the Rio. This year it will offer a completely new expense for the best poker players as it is switching location to the Horseshoe Las Vegas Hotel, previously known as Bally’s.
Las Vegas Tourism Facts
14. There are around 150,000 hotel rooms in Las Vegas.
(Reference, Statista)
Sin City is home to 15 of the world’s largest hotels. So you don’t have to worry about finding a place to stay, because it has around 140,000 hotel rooms (62,000 rooms on the Strip alone). According to the latest research, the hotel with the largest number of rooms is MGM Grand with 6,852, followed by Luxor Hotel and Casino which boasts 4,400 rooms.
15. Las Vegas reportedly has 666 restaurants per every 100,000 residents.
(Vital Vegas)
The population of Las Vegas stands at 651,391 and this is the number used to calculate the “666 restaurants per capita” stat, but the actual number of all the restaurants in the City of Las Vegas is around 4,337.
16. McCarran International Airport welcomes more than 50m passengers a year.
(Hotels, Review-Journal)
This airport, which is actually located in Paradise, Nevada, sees more than 50 million passengers every year, making it one of the busiest airports in the world. It is also one of two airports on the planet to host slot machines on the premises.
17. Sin City has an average of 41 million visitors annually.
(Travel Week, Family Destinations Guide)
Back in 2019, Las Vegas was visited by an amazing 42.5 million tourists and not all of them were gamblers. Research has shown that 47% of the people come for a vacation, 12% come to gamble and 11% come to visit their families and friends. Even though numbers dropped to 19 million because of the pandemic, figures are slowly increasing again now.
18. The famous Las Vegas Strip falls outside the city limits.
(Feeling Vegas)
Did you know that the Strip is not actually in the city limits, but is located in Winchester and Paradise? In the past, casino proprietors wanted to build casinos outside the city limits to avoid paying taxes. But, the area is still right in the middle of what is known as Vegas for the tourists. This 4.2 miles long Strip, also known as the ‘City without clocks’, is home to many attractions, casinos, hotels and resorts where you can party all day and night.
Las Vegas Business Facts
19. Over 22,000 conventions take place in Las Vegas every year.
(Las Vegas Advisor, Las Vegas Weekly)
Every year, Las Vegas hosts 60 of the 200 largest conventions and around 20,000 meetings, which makes it one of the biggest convention centres in the USA.
Conventions are extremely important for tourism expansion since they bring around 6.5 million visitors a year and they also have an economic impact of nearly $11.5 billion during an average year.
20. The state of Nevada reported $13.4 billion in gaming revenue.
(Forbes)
2021 was amazingly profitable for Nevada casinos as the state recorded gambling revenue of $13.4 billion! That’s almost $700 million more than the record in 2007. Just for comparison, the entire UK gambling industry brought in 3.26 billion pounds (over $4 billion) in 2020.
The revenue of the Las Vegas Strip also increased 7.4% over 2019. Roulette boosted numbers with a total of around $428 million, but still, it was slot machines that brought the biggest revenue of $9.2 billion, which is 16.4% more than 2019. Sportsbooks also did pretty well, raking in $445.1 million in 2021— another all-time record.
21. Around 40% of casinos’ revenue comes from gaming.
(Pay Space, UNLV)
Across the state, gaming’s share of total revenue dropped from 62% to 58%, while rooms, entertainment, and retail made the biggest gains. This trend was most noticeable in downtown Vegas which noted a five-time increase in revenue from rooms and on the Strip where revenue from other streams (not including gambling) more than doubled.
Las Vegas Fun History Facts
22. The first telephone was installed in 1907.
(Way Marking, HMdb)
There is still a plaque of the very first telephone in the Golden Gate Hotel, which was originally installed in 1907 at the office of Charles “Pop” Squires and the second telephone was installed in his home. It was a private telephone line installed by the Las Vegas Trading Company, but that quickly turned into a real telephone company that also installed telephones for other people.
23. The Moulin Rouge was the first racially integrated hotel and casino.
(Nevada State Museum)
Opened in 1955, located in West Las Vegas, where the black population lived, and built in a modern style, this hotel and casino were popular with many Black entertainers. The Moulin Rouge is also the symbol of Las Vegas’ civil rights struggle. Unfortunately, it only lasted six months, because of poor management and under-capitalization.
24. The first hotel that opened was the Golden Gate Hotel and Casino.
(Oldest, Golden Gate)
The Golden Gate Hotel and Casino was the very first hotel ever opened in Las Vegas back in 1906. Built on Fremont Street, this hotel is a blend of modernization and nostalgia, since it still keeps its vintage character, but has newer and updated rooms.
24. Fremont Street was the first paved street in the city.
(LVOEG)
The home of the oldest hotel and casino, the city’s first gambling spot was also the first paved street in Las Vegas. Today, this famous street houses around 10 hotels and casinos. What’s more, many gambling movies and iconic TV shows have been filmed on this street.
Bottom Line
Which of these Las Vegas facts surprised you the most? Did any inspire you to visit Sin City and find out if what happens in Vegas, really stays in Vegas?
Sources:
- Best US Casinos
- El Cortez
- Family Destinations Guide
- Feeling Vegas
- Feeling Vegas
- Feeling Vegas
- Forbes
- Gamboool
- Golden Gate
- HMdb
- Hotels
- Las Vegas Advisor
- Las Vegas Advisor
- Las Vegas Casino News
- Las Vegas Then And Now
- Las Vegas Weekly
- LVOEG
- NASA
- Nevada State Museum
- Oldest
- Pay Space
- PokerNews.com
- Reference
- Review-Journal
- SidmartinBio
- Statista
- Statista
- The Hustle
- Travel Week
- Universal Traveller
- UNLV
- VEGAS.com
- Vital Vegas
- Way Marking
FAQs
What is the craziest thing to do in Vegas? ›
- Seven Magic Mountains Goodsprings Pioneer Saloon. ...
- Zak Bagans' The Haunted Museum Bedeviled Puppet Room. ...
- National Atomic Testing Museum Atomic Liquors. ...
- Neon Museum The Mob Museum. ...
- Kiss by Monster Mini Golf Pinball Hall of Fame. ...
- Alabam the TP Man Boulder Dam Hotel.
It would take 288 years for one person to spend one night in every hotel room in Las Vegas. 5.
What is the most famous thing about Las Vegas? ›Las Vegas is an internationally renowned major resort city, known primarily for its gambling, shopping, fine dining, entertainment, and nightlife. The Las Vegas Valley as a whole serves as the leading financial, commercial, and cultural center for Nevada.
What are nicknames for Las Vegas? ›Known for its gambling scene, it's no wonder why Las Vegas has been infamously referred to as "Sin City." By the time the practice was legalized in Nevada in 1931, after being outlawed in 1910, the city was already full of speakeasies and illicit casinos, as well as organized crime, according to History.com.
What is the brightest spot on Earth? ›The Vegas Strip is reputed to be the brightest spot on Earth due to the concentration of lights on its hotels and casinos.
Where is the gambling capital of the world? ›Since then, Macau has become known worldwide as the "Gambling capital of the world" or "Monte Carlo of the East". Gambling tourism is Macau's biggest source of revenue, making up about 50% of the economy. Visitors are largely from mainland China and Hong Kong.
How long drive Las Vegas to Grand Canyon? ›On average, the drive takes approximately two and a half hours. Both the North Rim and South Rim (the two rims of Grand Canyon National Park) are located over 270 miles from the Las Vegas Strip. On average, both drives take approximately four and a half hours.
How do you tip in Vegas? ›For good service at any restaurant in Las Vegas, a 15 percent to 20 percent tip is the standard. However, if you receive poor service, you can tip a little bit lower. Not leaving a tip at all is in poor taste at a restaurant. If you're ordering from the bar, the bartender will also expect a tip.
What do I need to know before going to Vegas? ›- Get your bearings. ...
- Remember that distances are bigger than they look at first sight. ...
- Stay on The Strip (or just nearby) ...
- Beware of resort fees. ...
- Avoid weekends and public holidays. ...
- Walk The Strip & enjoy FREE Vegas attractions. ...
- Wear comfortable shoes.
It's always good to have a little bit of cash on you when you're exploring the city. There are plenty of opportunities to get some great street food and market knick-knacks in Vegas, but you can't always pay for these purchases on card. You can't always tip the waiter without cash either.
How old is Las Vegas? ›
How many casinos are in Las Vegas? ›Complete List of Las Vegas Casinos. Park MGM is the only smoke-free casino/hotel in Vegas. How many casinos are in Las Vegas? There are 63 casinos in Las Vegas.
How did Las Vegas get its name? ›The first person of European ancestry to enter the Las Vegas valley was Rafael Rivera, who scouted the area in 1821 as part of Antonio Armijo's expedition to open up a trade route—the Old Spanish Trail—between New Mexico and California. Rivera named the valley Las Vegas, “the meadows,” after its spring-watered grasses.
What food is Vegas known for? ›- Miso-Glazed Chilean Sea Bass with Wok Vegetables. ...
- Maine-Style Lobster Roll. ...
- Cannoli. ...
- Chicken 'N' Watermelon 'N' Waffles. ...
- Banana Cream Pie. ...
- Lasagna. ...
- Top 10 Restaurants. ...
- Top 10 Things to Do.
Celine Dion is a renowned Canadian songstress who is among the celebrities living in Las Vegas and has become Las Vegas royalty over the years. She first settled in Sin City after her first Las Vegas residency and still lives in the custom home she built with her late husband.
Why is Vegas so famous? ›Arguably Vegas's best-known feature is its sheer number of casinos. On the Strip, Las Vegas's main drag, there are 31 casinos, and 20 more within the city limits. Currently, Nevada and Louisiana are the only states in the country where casino-style gambling is legal, outside of Indian reservations.
Whats the town that never sleeps? ›Although New York City may be the most prominently recognized city termed "The City That Never Sleeps", and the city's subway system never closes, the term has been applied to other cities.
Why is it called Sin City? ›Mobsters assimilated into the scene, bringing criminal activity with them. It wasn't long before prostitution and other shady businesses became highly prevalent. With male-focused entertainment and crime buzzing around, Las Vegas quickly earned its notorious nickname, Sin City.
What does the word Las Vegas mean? ›A scout by the name of Rafael Rivera was the first European to discover this desert oasis. He named the valley "Las Vegas," which translates roughly into "The Meadows," to acknowledge the wild grasses which grew in the nutrient rich desert soil with ample supply of water.
What is our Earth called? ›| Designations | |
|---|---|
| Alternative names | Gaia, Terra, Tellus, the world, the globe |
| Adjectives | Earthly, terrestrial, terran, tellurian |
| Orbital characteristics | |
| Epoch J2000 | |
Can Las Vegas be seen from space? ›
Well, this photo shows how one of the most famous streets in the world looks from space. This photo of the Las Vegas Strip was posted on Twitter by Astronaut Shane Kimbrough on the International Space Station. As you can see, the bright lights of Las Vegas stand out, even in space. Hello Las Vegas!
How old is the Earth? ›Earth is estimated to be 4.54 billion years old, plus or minus about 50 million years. Scientists have scoured the Earth searching for the oldest rocks to radiometrically date. In northwestern Canada, they discovered rocks about 4.03 billion years old.
What is the oldest casino game? ›While it's hard to say what the oldest form of gambling might be, roulette is certainly likely to be the oldest casino game known (barring any Chinese legends of course, in which case keno would scoop the title).
Which US city has the most casinos? ›The Las Vegas Valley has the largest concentration of casinos in the United States. Based on revenue, Atlantic City, New Jersey ranks second, and the Chicago region third.
What country gambles the most? ›...
Countries That Gamble The Most.
| Rank | Country | Gaming Losses Per Adult |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Australia | $1,288.00 |
| 2 | Singapore | $1,174.00 |
| 3 | Ireland | $588.00 |
| 4 | Canada | $568.00 |
Depending on what you already have planned, how much free time you have, and your budget, it's good to plan on at least $100 per day for activities because chances are you're going to find something spur of the moment that you'll want to do.
Where do celebrities gamble in Vegas? ›- The Palazzo.
- MGM Grand.
- Palms Casino Resort.
- Hard Rock Hotel.
- The Mirage.
- The Aquarium at The Silverton Hotel.
- The Arts Factory.
- Bellagio Conservatory & Botanical Gardens.
- Fountain Show at Bellagio.
- Welcome to Fabulous Las Vegas Sign.
- Free Tram Ride on the Strip.
- Las Vegas Strip.
- Seven Magic Mountains.
Nevada: There is no set statewide closing time. Bars may remain open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. New Hampshire: Statewide is 1:00 a.m., bars must close at 1:30 a.m. Must call last call at 12:45 a.m.
Is Vegas fun if you don't gamble? ›Yes, Vegas is fun even if you don't gamble! In fact, the first two times I went to Las Vegas, I didn't gamble once and still had a blast. From shopping, to the free shows, all the lights, grandiose hotels and fun buskers on Fremont Street, Las Vegas is a visual feast for anyone!
What's the cheapest month to go to Vegas? ›
For the cheapest times, visit during the shoulder season of September–November and January–April. You can even find low rates during the summer when the city is at its hottest. However, avoid major holidays and aim for stays starting on Sundays, when the weekend crowds dissipate.
Is it free to visit the Hoover Dam? ›How Much: It's FREE to walk or drive across Hoover Dam and the Colorado River Bridge. However, there is a charge for parking, the visitor center and tours: $10 for parking. If you don't mind walking, free parking is available farther up on the Arizona side.
Can you go to the Grand Canyon for free? ›All holders of Interagency Passes, Golden Passports, National Parks and Federal Recreational Lands Passes, Grand Canyon passes, and visitors 16 years of age and younger are admitted free of charge. Passes allow free entrance to individual pass holders under the conditions stated on the pass.
Does the $20 trick work in Vegas? ›The $20 trick is unlikely to work in Vegas anymore because they have seen the trick too many times over the last several years.
Do you have to tip at a buffet? ›For buffet restaurants, tipping servers who clear multiple dishes and provide drink refills is recommended. Some persons may tip buffet servers $1 per diner, others as much as 5 to 10 percent of the total pre-tax bill, depending upon the level of service provided.
Do Vegas casinos still give free drinks? ›While some properties are better than others when it comes to frequency, all casinos in Las Vegas still offer complimentary beverages to gamblers. What is this? It's customary to tip at least $1-$2 per drink, however, mixing in a few larger tips can help ensure better drink service.
What is the first thing to do in Vegas? ›- First Time in Vegas Checklist. Get to Fremont Street at LEAST one night. ...
- Take advantage of free activities. ...
- Build a Souvenir Photo Album. ...
- See a show. ...
- Visit the Neon Museum. ...
- Eat at a top-tier buffet. ...
- Happy Half Hour on High Roller. ...
- Find Cheap Drinks.
The best time to visit Las Vegas is from March to May and from September to November. While you'll find plenty of travel deals throughout the year, the spring and fall shoulder seasons offer the most moderate weather.
How should I dress in Vegas? ›Keep It Casual
Feel free to dress casually as you explore Vegas, meaning nice jeans or slacks with a collared shirt for men and a casual dress or slacks for women. At casinos, the dress code is also casual during the day though it becomes a bit more formal in the evening.
Backpacks are allowed on the Strip. They are not allowed on Fremont Street.
Can you take a backpack into casinos in Vegas? ›
2. Re: Can you take back packs into casinos? No issues whatsoever at casinos. You'll see people wheeling luggage across casino floors frequently as they head to and from hotel rooms.
Is there a dress code for casinos in Vegas? ›Most casinos in Las Vegas do not have official dress codes. For men, it's appropriate to wear suits, formal jeans or dress pants, button-down shirts, dress shoes, blazers, and other types of formal clothing. Women should opt for an evening dress, gown, cocktail dress, and a pair of high heels or evening shoes.
What makes Vegas so special? ›Aside from casinos, there are plenty of things to see and do that are distinctive to Vegas. From outdoor adventures to unique museums, Las Vegas is home to the wild, the weird, and the wonderful. Look around a little and you're certain to find something you won't see anywhere else.
How old is Las Vegas? › What's a fun fact for the day? ›- It is impossible for most people to lick their own elbow. ...
- A crocodile cannot stick its tongue out.
- A shrimp's heart is in its head.
- It is physically impossible for pigs to look up into the sky.
The first person of European ancestry to enter the Las Vegas valley was Rafael Rivera, who scouted the area in 1821 as part of Antonio Armijo's expedition to open up a trade route—the Old Spanish Trail—between New Mexico and California. Rivera named the valley Las Vegas, “the meadows,” after its spring-watered grasses.
What type of people go to Vegas? ›- 1 ‒ The First Timer. ...
- 2 ‒ The Bachelor/Bachelorette Party Goers. ...
- 3 ‒ The Local Who's Tired of Vegas. ...
- 4 ‒ The Unflappable Dealer. ...
- 5 ‒ Solicitors and Peddlers. ...
- 6 ‒ Entire Families in Casinos.
Of course, one of the reasons that Las Vegas is so famous is because of the luxurious casinos. Being one of the few states in America where gambling is legal, Vegas draws millions of gambling tourist every year.
Why is Vegas so hot? ›Its proximity to the heart of the Mojave Desert is to blame for its scorching hot climate. As the driest desert in North America, the Mojave sees very little rainfall. The lack of precipitation and the searing heat of the desert combine to deliver a climate that rarely cools down.
What do you call someone from Las Vegas? ›Nevada. People who live in Nevada are called Nevadans and Nevadians.
What is the oldest casino in Las Vegas? ›
As the city's original casino, Golden Gate Hotel & Casino brought about many Las Vegas “firsts”, including: 1905: Land for Golden Gate (previously Hotel Nevada) is purchased, making it the first casino in Las Vegas.
What is the oldest part of Las Vegas? ›Las Vegas had its beginning at this location on June 14, 1855, when thirty-two Mormon missionaries arrived from Utah under the leadership of William Bringhurst.
What are some unbelievable facts? ›- There Was A Four-Times-Over Dog Mayor. ...
- Typhoons Saved Japan from Kublai Khan. ...
- "Genuine Leather" Is Kinda Garbage. ...
- Giant Tortoises Are Going Extinct—Because They're Delicious. ...
- A Shot of Espresso Contains Less Caffeine Than a Cup of Coffee.
- "OMG" usage can be traced back to 1917. ...
- The majority of your brain is fat. ...
- Stop signs used to be yellow. ...
- Most wasabi we eat in the U.S. isn't really wasabi. ...
- Green Eggs and Ham started as a bet. ...
- Too much water can kill you. ...
- You might be drinking water that is older than the solar system.
- A teaspoonful of neutron star. ...
- Metals that explode when in contact with water. ...
- Hawaii is moving closer to Alaska by 7.5cm every year. ...
- Sunflowers are known as hyperaccumulators. ...
- A cockroach can live for up to one week without its head.
When someone wants to escape the consequences of past indiscretions, they may use the saying what happens in Vegas or its fuller form, what happens in Vegas, stays in Vegas, alluding to the Nevada city's popular tourism slogan.
What do Las Vegas mean in English? ›He named the valley "Las Vegas," which translates roughly into "The Meadows," to acknowledge the wild grasses which grew in the nutrient rich desert soil with ample supply of water.
What language is Las Vegas? ›Las Vegas, in Spanish, means "The Meadows." An easy way to remember the translation is, "The Veggies."