Las Vegas, also known as “Sin City,” is home to numerous different
cultures and people. A city so diverse is found in the most awkward of places
– the middle of the desert. Leading the way in gambling and entertainment,
Las Vegas sees billions and billions of dollars travel through the city each
year. The city knows no limits and is growing by leaps and bounds every year.
A few casinos stick out in Sin City and have been a part of putting Las Vegas
on the map.
The MGM Grand, rated #1 by the Travel Channel’s “Top Ten Las Vegas
Casinos,” offers a wide array of table games and slot machines to play.
The “slots” in the MGM Grand range from the 5¢ machine to the
$500 machines. The MGM offers thousands of slots for your entertainment. One
such slot type is the progressive slot machine. Progressive slot machines are
machines that have a jackpot that is constantly rising. Instead of one fixed
number, the number changes day-to-day, and even hour-to-hour, constantly rising.
As of October 25th, the progressive jackpot for the MGM Studios slot machine
was $1,958,149.
Similar to the progressive slot machines, other slots will be grouped around
a car with the vehicle as the jackpot. Instead of winning a regulated amount
of money, you can win a car. Some cars include a PT Cruiser, Chrysler Sebring
or 2001 Dodge Viper.
The MGM also has a wide array of table games. These games range from Blackjack
to Roulette to Baccarat to numerous versions of Poker.
If you are looking for quality entertainment, the MGM Grand is one of the leading
entertainment destinations in the world. According to the MGM Grand’s
website, www.MGMGrand.com, “Here,
the likes of Elton John, The Rolling Stones, Bette Midler, Phil Collins and
countless other superstar performers and sports personalities have entertained
to sold-out audiences.” You can even relive the “time of your life”
at Studio 54.
The MGM Grand is most well known for being the home of WBA Championship Boxing
fought in the Grand Garden Arena. Evander Holyfield and Mike Tyson have fought
here, as well as Lennox Lewis.
Not too far away from the MGM Grand is the billion-dollar casino known as the
Bellagio. Also ranked in the Travel Channel’s “Top Ten Casinos in
Las Vegas,” The Bellagio is probably best known for its beautiful fountains
in front of the casino/hotel. The fountains of the Bellagio go off every half-hour
or so to music ranging from Andrea Bocelli to Luciano Pavoratti.
Like the MGM Grand, many slots and table games can be found at the Bellagio.
The table games range from Craps, to Caribbean Stud Poker, to Baccarat, to Pai
Gow Tiles. The Bellagio’s website, www.Bellagio.com,
says, “Whether you are interested in serious or light-hearted play, Bellagio
offers an ace array of table games to satisfy. Hands down, the most alluring
energy around!” Slot players can even join Club Bellagio and receive benefits
and complimentary gifts to slot players who join.
The number one rated show in all of Las Vegas, Cirque Du Soleil’s “O,”
can be found at the Bellagio. The 90-minute “voyage of dreams” consists
of an international cast of 81 artists, performing in, on and above a 1.5 million-gallon
pool of water. The tickets for “O” are $110.00 and $90.00, plus
tax. For those interested, tickets can be purchased up to three months in advance.
It’s a show you don’t want to miss.
If shopping is your adventure, then the Via Bellagio will suffice for your
needs. Shops you can find on the Via Bellagio include Giorgio Armani, Chanel,
Gucci, Hermès, Intimate Collections, Moschino, Prada, and Tiffany &
Co.
Just a trip across the monorail from the Bellagio, the Monte
Carlo Hotel/Casino offers numerous amenities as well as basic gaming.
The Monte Carlo offers over 2,100 slot and video poker machines ranging from
5¢ to $100 a pull. There are also 95 table games that include Double-Deck
Blackjack, Single Zero Roulette, Craps, Keno and numerous variations of Poker.
Gamers can also join the “One Club” to receive benefits and complimentary
gifts from the casino.
Inside the Monte Carlo is one of Las Vegas’ more popular nightspots, the
Monte Carlo Pub & Microbrewery. Not only does this place feature food and
its own microbrewed beer, but it also delivers live music, dancing, and TV.
Fun begins around 9:00 p.m. and doesn’t end until 2:00 a.m.. A DJ spins
tunes to inspire partygoers to get up and dance.
If you want a quieter, more serene atmosphere, then Houdini’s Lounge is
the place for you. Houdini’s Lounge is an intimate bar that offers entertainment
ranging from piano playing to magicians. Houdini’s Lounge offers live
music on Friday and Saturday nights from 7:00 p.m. to 1:00 a.m..
Las Vegas is a billion-dollar industry with no signs of fatigue or surrender.
It continues to be the biggest tourist draw in the world with its casinos and
hotels luring in consumers with its glitz and glamour. Las Vegas is a town not
to be missed and should be visited by everyone at least once in their lifetime.
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Copyright © 2002 by Tim Orff. All rights reserved.
The Magazine’s writers welcome your feedback. Please be sure to reference the specific article in your response.
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