Daily Archives: March 23, 2010

Las Vegas Gamblers Fold ‘Em

Las Vegas visitors reportedly wagered less in 2009 than in previous years- more than $50 less. 

A Las Vegas Visitor Profile released by Las Vegas Convention and Visitors Authority found the average gambler budgeted about $481 per trip last year. That compares with almost $532 in 2008, more than $555 in 2007 and nearly $652 in 2006. 

Gambling was just the tip of the economic iceberg:  lodging, dining, shows and shopping were also casualties.  The study found hotel spending per night was down 25% in 2009, to about $76; the average cost of a tour package was down 14%, to about $640; and the total spent on restaurants was down 8%, to about $250. Spending on shopping was down 16%, to about $102. Visitors spent an average of about $40 on shows, down 23%.

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Chillin’ with Las Vegas Dinosaurs

Tomorrow, 200-million-year-old knock-off dinosaurs will be roaring and grazing in Las Vegas.    Amazingly, they won’t be looking for tasty prey by lounging in Las Vegas nightclubs.  

Internationally renowned designers have worked with scientists to create 15 life-size dinosaurs and present them in a live stadium show, Walking with Dinosaurs.  The show follows the dinosaurs’ domination of life on earth, including showcasing the supreme terror of the ancient terrain, Tyrannosaurus Rex, fighting for survival and supremacy.  

Viewers watch the curious beasts walk and hear their roars in the show comprised of two acts, 40 minutes each, blending technology, natural history, art, and music.

 And, parents, there is no gore or actual violence, so take your kids, especially appropriate if they’re 6-to-12-year-olds.  Home schoolers can use it as a science/natural history lesson. Though there is plenty of tension – heightened by appropriate music that is often quite lovely – the dinosaurs have apparently been sedated, or at least had their fill of humans because they don’t lunge at anyone. The nightmare factor is pretty low. 

The show is at Thomas & Mack Center in Las Vegas, March 24 – 28. Tickets range in price from $27 to $70 each. Tickets: 739-FANS (3267) or 1-866-388-FANS (3267).

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