Article from the gambling cycle: Legends of Sin City
Brilliant and charming Las Vegas. "Shelter of lost souls", "sin city", "factory of excitement" and a true paradise for those who dared to challenge Lady fortune. This city can rightfully be called the world capital of gambling. We say "casino" - we mean "Vegas", we say "Vegas" - we mean "casino". This oasis in the middle of a dead lifeless desert has existed for more than two centuries and today is one of the world's largest recreation and entertainment centers. In this article we will touch upon the most striking of his legends - the most famous casinos of Sin City. Flamingo Las Vegas Speaking about the legendary gambling establishments of Las Vegas, it is difficult to ignore the oldest casino operating on its territory, founded in those distant times when there was only a small settlement on the site of the modern city. The infamous "Flamingo" was built in 1946 by the famous gangster Benjamin Siegel, nicknamed Bigsy. Obsessed with the dream of turning a modest town into a new Monte Carlo, Siegel undertook the construction of the most luxurious hotel and entertainment complex at that time and gave it the name "Flamingo" in honor of his beloved Victoria Hill, a long-legged beautiful actress. Today, the honored veteran of the gaming industry is a little lost against the background of new, much more expensive and luxurious counterparts, but still remains popular, and the tragic story of its creator only adds charm to the oldest casino of Sin City. "Flamingo" in numbers:
Mirage Hotel Casino In the late 80 years, Las Vegas began to lose its position, losing the title of leader of the gambling industry to its main competitor - Atlantic City. However, in November 1989, successful entrepreneur Steve Wynn opens the Mirage Casino and the popularity of Sin City soars to the skies again. Winn's project became the benchmark for all gambling establishments built subsequently. It was the Mirage that set the course for luxury, reliability and security, became an example of a high-class gambling establishment, which is not surprising at all, because the casino was built with money from Wall Street. For the first time, video surveillance cameras operating around the clock appeared in gaming halls, and gaming tables for smokers and non-smokers were separated. "Mirage" in numbers:
Bellagio Another masterpiece in the collection of Steve Wynn was the Bellagio Casino, which opened in 1993. The complex owes its name to a small town on Lake Como in Italy. A huge artificial lake with singing fountains in front of the entrance is the hallmark of Bellagio. Winn remained true to himself, creating a truly luxurious establishment. What is worth is only the lobby ceiling made of handmade glass by Dale Chihuly and a magnificent collection of paintings by great masters. The Bellagio hotel and entertainment complex was built on the site of the Dune Casino, which was not very popular and was almost on the verge of ruin. Winn purchased it for $77 million and immediately demolished it, erecting in its place an even more expensive and luxurious complex than the aforementioned "Mirage". "Bellagio" in numbers:
MGM Grand Hotel Casino It is unlikely that the definition of "grandiose" is so suitable for any other of the numerous hotel and entertainment establishments in Las Vegas. "MGM Grand" opened its doors to fortune hunters in 1993. The initiator of the construction was Kirk Kerkorian, and the owner of the complex is the Metro-Goldwyn Mayer film studio. It is no coincidence that at the entrance to the casino visitors are greeted by a lion - the symbol of this film studio. Today, "MGM Grand" is the second largest gaming complex in the world after the Chinese "Venetian Macau". The complex consists of a hotel and four casinos, decorated in various thematic styles. This is the popular fairy tale "The Sage of Oz", and Hollywood brilliance, and the sophistication of Monte Carlo, and for sports fans there is a casino filled with the spirit of sports competitions and their paraphernalia. It is noteworthy that currently MGM Holding also owns Mirage and Bellagio. Kirk Kerkorian bought them from Steve Wynn in 2000. "MGM Grand" in numbers:
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