The Top Ten (10) Las Vegas Fun Facts You Probably Didn't Know!

Did you know that Las Vegas, Nevada has multiple nicknames? Many tourists refer to Las Vegas simply as Vegas. Given the cities history of debochary and gambling, Vegas is often referred to as Sin City. Other nicknames like City of Lights, The Gambling Capital of the World, and The Entertainment Capital of the World attempt to descibe what happen in Las Vegas. Less common nicknames for Las Vegas are The Capital of Second Chances, The Marriage Capital of the World, The Silver City and America's Playground. What's your favorite nickname for Las Vegas, Nevada?

1. The Venetian Resort & MGM Grand Las Vegas are 2nd & 3rd Largest Hotels in The World.

With 6,852 rooms, the MGM Grand Las Vegas comes pretty darned close to The Venetian Resort, which has a total of 7,092 rooms, 3,068 of which are suites.

2. Fremont Street Was The First Paved Street in Las Vegas, Nevada

Fremont Street had a few firsts actually. The Hotel Nevada, now the Golden Gate, was the first hotel and was built in 1906. Fremont street was the first street to be paved which was done in 1925. Other firsts, such as the first Nevada gaming license, the first traffic light, the first elevator at the Apache in 1932, and the first high-rise hotel named The Fremont Hotel all contribute to the history of Las Vegas.

3. More than 300 Weddings Happen Every Day in Las Vegas

Many individuals who choose to get married in Las Vegas opt for an elopement. In fact, there are numerous walk-in wedding establishments available that enable you to get hitched instantly. You can have an Elvis impersonator officiate your wedding, become legally wedded in under ten minutes, and even rent a wedding dress on-site at certain venues.

4. The Tallest Observation Wheel in the World is The High Roller in Las Vegas

Standing 500 feet tall and measuring 520 feet across, the High Roller located on Las Vegas Boulevard is a popular Ferris wheel attraction among tourists and a recognized landmark for locals. Riding on it for 30 minutes provides a panoramic view of the city from every angle, making it an ideal location to capture breathtaking night photos of Sin City.

5. Las Vegas Once Lost its Title as the World’s Largest Gambling City

Gambling and Las Vegas is a well-known and iconic association. When people think of Las Vegas, the first thing that often comes to mind is either slot machines or a casino. Although Las Vegas was once considered the most lucrative gambling city in the world, the title was relinquished to Macau in 2019.

6. Las Vegas is an Antiques Collectors Dream

Beyond gambling, Las Vegas offers a plethora of other activities to enjoy. For instance, antique stores in the area are popular among locals and have been thriving for several decades. You can browse through these shops, delve into the city's rich history, and even purchase a piece of it to take home with you.

7. Over 70% of Tourists Gamble When They Visit Sin City

About 15% of people readily admit they visit Las Vegas to gamble, when in reality 71% wind up doing it. The abundance of casinos on just about every street is likely the reason why many people feel compelled to try their luck before leaving Las Vegas.

8. The Oldest Slot Machine is Las Vegas is at the MGM Grand

The Lion's Share slot machine is a unique and historical feature on the gaming floor of the MGM Grand, being the last of its kind and the oldest, as the other machines have upgraded technology.

According to Nevada Law, a slot machine cannot be removed from the floor until it awards its jackpot, so this machine will remain in place until someone hits the winning combination and claims the prize of millions.

9. The Las Vegas Strip is not located in Las Vegas!

One crazy fact about Sin City is that the iconic Las Vegas strip isn't located in Las Vegas at all. The Strip actually falls outside city limits and is located instead in Winchester and Paradise, which are both part of Clark County.

10. The Moulin Rouge was Las Vegas' First Racially-Integrated Casino

In May of 1955, the Moulin Rouge became the first casino and hotel in Las Vegas to embrace racial integration. The venue's legacy, though short-lived, lasted only six months and closed in October of that year due to mismanagement. Nonetheless, its historical significance as a trailblazer in desegregation remains widely recognized, leading to its inclusion in the National Register of Historic Places in 1992.