Las Vegas is a city in the state of Nevada that is commonly
referred to as Sin City. Situated in the midst of
the southern Nevada desert landscape, Las Vegas in many
ways epitomizes American excess. Giant mega-casino
hotels
are built almost overnight, decorated with lavish
care and attention to create a fantasy-like atmosphere.
The
casinos have names that evoke romance and mystery
- Luxor, Mandalay Bay, Rio, The Excalibur, the Flamingo.
Las Vegas
(often informally abbreviated to "Vegas")
is the most populous city in the state of Nevada,
United States, and a major vacation, shopping, entertainment,
and gambling destination. It was established in 1905
and officially became a city in 1911. It is the largest
U.S. city founded in the 20th century.
The name Las Vegas is often applied to the unincorporated
areas of Clark County that surround the city, especially
the resort areas on and near the Las Vegas Strip.
This 4½ mi (7.2 km) stretch of Las Vegas Boulevard
is mostly outside the Las Vegas city limits, in the
unincorporated town of Paradise.
The center of gambling in the U.S., Las Vegas is
marketed as The Entertainment Capital of the World,
also commonly known as Sin City, due to the popularity
of legalized gambling, availability of alcoholic beverages
at any time (like all of Nevada), and various forms
and degrees of adult entertainment. The city's glamorous
image has made it a popular setting for films and
television programs.
The major attractions in Las vegas are the casinos
and the most famous casinos line Las Vegas Boulevard
South, also known as the Las Vegas Strip. There are
many casinos in the city's downtown area as well,
which was the original focal point of the city's gaming
industry in its early days. Several large casinos
are also located in the county around the city.
Some of the most notable casinos located downtown
are on the Fremont Street Experience and include:
* Golden Nugget
* Four Queens
* Binion's Gambling Hall and Hotel
* Fremont Casino
* Plaza Hotel & Casino
* Las Vegas Club
* Fitzgeralds Las Vegas
* Golden Gate Hotel and Casino
