Las Vegas Isn't Just for Gambling

Las Vegas Isn't Just for Gambling

America's Sin City reinvents itself as a family resort.

The slot machines spew quarters reassuringly, but across the lobby, a 20-foot barge is making its way through artificial mists into what appears to be an Egyptian tomb. The Luxor, a large glass pyramid with a miniature river running through it, is one of four megaresorts that cater to families. Meanwhile, the initial Vegas family resort and parent to the Luxor, Curcus Curcus, recently built a $90 million theme park. The new times are here, it's a makeover time in Sin City.

In just the past 20 years, the budget-boosting magic of legalized gambling has swept across the country, revitalizing ailing post-industrial cities and bringing untold wealth to once obscure Indian reservations. To compete, Las Vegas is turning itself into a kind of Disney World Mark II. From the Camelot-themed Excalibur to MGM's 33-acre amusement park, to Treasure Island's reenactments of naval duels with full-sized replicas of pirate ships, the new hotels offer Disneyesque fun while still providing the adult games that Las Vegas is known for.

Las Vegas's biggest payoff for families is the price. That's because the hotels still make most of their money through gambling. Some shows are expensive, but lodging and food are cheap – all the better to lure parents to the gambling tables.

A not very large glass pyramid. Photo by Elena.

Gambling

How to walk away

What is gambling? Gambling is risking something of value in a game of chance.

Examples of gambling: Lotteries, casinos, playing cards for money, slot machines, Video Lottery Terminals (VLT), Bingo, Sports betting, Internet gambling.

When is gambling a problem?

• When gambling affects your relationship with family and friends
• When it causes you problems at work or school
• When it causes money problems
• When it makes you physically and mentally ill

What are the signs of problem gambling?

• Having financial problems or arguments about money
• Gambling until you win or spend all your money
• Gambling more than your planned or intended to
• Lying about your losses
• Feeling guilty about your gambling
• Being criticized about your gambling
• Being sure that past losses can be won back
• “Chasing losses” – feeling the need to gamble again to win back losses
• Gambling to escape your problems
• Promising to stop and then gambling again
• Neglecting your family, work or school in order to gamble

Remember that help is available for the gambler and or their family.

Gambling makes you physically and mentally ill. Illustration: © Megan Jorgensen.