Las Vegas has achieved mythical status, not only to the people who gamble here, but for the general public as well. Myths have emerged over the decades, fueled by the media and word-of-mouth to a public with a voracious appetite for stories about the entertainment capital of the world.
So, perhaps it’s time to separate fact from fiction and share with you the reality that is Las Vegas. Consider the following myths (or are they truths?):
*“What happens here, stays here.” Great slogan, total myth. It may have been partially true when the Las Vegas Convention and Visitors Authority and R&R Partners conceived it in 2003, but with the advent of social media, what happens here is instantly known around the world in less time than it takes to say the slogan.
*Elvis has left the building. Not really. There are remnants of Elvis at Westgate Las Vegas (formerly the Las Vegas Hilton and the International), including a statue and some parts of his suite. And there are Elvis impersonators who continue to haunt our showrooms. You can say he left the earth, but not the metaphorical building.
*Everyone works or lives on the Las Vegas Strip. Partially true. A lot of people work on the Las Vegas Strip, but not everyone. And everyone lives elsewhere. Locals can’t afford to live in the hotels because of resort and parking fees.
MORE MYTH BUSTERS
*People only come to Las Vegas to gamble. Used to be true, but now people come for celebrity residencies, conventions, retail, dining and sporting events. Gaming is no longer the top draw.
*All there is to Las Vegas is the Strip. Not true, we also have a dam.
*Contrary to popular belief, prostitution in Las Vegas is not legal. Prostitution may still be practiced in Las Vegas. Just not legally. Want it legal? Next county over.
*All fathers are casino dealers; all mothers are showgirls. That may have been somewhat true in the past, but in today’s world, mothers are casino dealers and fathers can be showgirls.
* The Las Vegas Strip is 4.2 miles long. That is true. It just seems longer during the summer.
*It would take 288 years for one person to spend one night in every hotel room in Las Vegas. True, but it would bankrupt you after one year because of said room service fees.
*Las Vegas is home to the 99¢ shrimp cocktail. True at one time as an incentive for visitors, but dropped long ago. (Author’s note: Bring it back!)
*The Las Vegas Strip is in Las Vegas. Maybe the biggest myth of all. The Strip is actually located in the unincorporated township of Paradise in Clark County, a few miles south of the City of Las Vegas. Since many people think of Las Vegas as paradise – no harm, no foul.
Hopefully, this quick guide to myth vs. fact has been helpful. While it’s the myths that keep people coming, the facts can give tourists a more balanced appreciation of Las Vegas. And here’s one fact that should keep them coming: Wayne Newton hasn’t left the building!
