Las Vegas can dazzle, impress, and surprise. Here are 7 weird Las Vegas facts you may not know. From the truth about where the Las Vegas Strip really is (hint: It’s not Las Vegas) to its diner-based wedding ceremonies, here’s the scoop on what really happens in Sin City.
Editor’s note: Save these ideas for when it’s safe to travel again, and always follow all COVID-19 restrictions, rules and safety regulations both at your destination and upon returning home.
The Las Vegas Strip Isn’t Actually in Las Vegas
The Las Vegas Strip is a paradise for many. In actuality, the Las Vegas Strip is in Paradise.
Most of the 4.2-mile Las Vegas Strip (a drag that includes popular Las Vegas hotels like MGM Grand, Caesars Palace, and Wynn Las Vegas) is actually in the neighboring town of Paradise.
Sex Work is Illegal in Las Vegas
Despite the many signs promoting the sex industry in Las Vegas, sex work is in fact prohibited in Sin City and the rest of Clark County.
It isn’t only illegal in Las Vegas, it’s also banned in Nevada’s other major city, Reno. Cities in other Nevada counties, however, permit sex work.
Las Vegas Hotels – 150,000 of Them!
There are 147,238 Las Vegas hotel rooms, according to figures supplied by the Las Vegas Convention and Visitors Authority. The average nightly room rate is currently $129.
With those figures and without inflation, it’ll take a Las Vegas aficionado nearly 404 years and $19 million to stay in every Las Vegas hotel room.
Las Vegas Casinos Swap Competing Casino Chips
For those feeling a hot streak coming on while at Caesars Palace but who have only a pocketful of MGM Grand chips, fret not–it’s likely the house will take your “foreign chips” just the same.
While most Las Vegas casino hotels will swap out competitors’ casino chips, this privilege is only honored in Nevada.
Las Vegas: Bright Lights, Big City
An icon on the Las Vegas Strip, the Luxor Light Beam at the Luxor Las Vegas is now operating at only half-strength from what it illuminated in its 1993 debut. Not that this distinction is visible to the naked eye.
Arguably the brightest light beam on Earth, it’s said that the beacon is visible from as far as 100 miles away.
The House Wins; Powerball Players, Not So Much
You’ll catch nary a sight of a Powerball or scratch ticket in the self-proclaimed Gambling Capital of the World. Why? Despite legalizing casino gaming in 1931, the sale of lottery tickets is still prohibited in the state of Nevada.
You Can Get Married Pretty Much Anywhere in Las Vegas
A stack of flapjacks and a quickie wedding may both sound like great ideas after a night of partying in Las Vegas. Luckily, the breakfast food chain diner Denny’s offers spontaneous couples a side of nuptials with their Grand Slams.
At $199, the wedding package includes a wedding officiant, use of the diner’s chapel, a pancake wedding cake, a Champagne toast, and two breakfasts.
More from SmarterTravel:
- 7 Best Las Vegas Day Trips
- What to Wear in Las Vegas
- 10 Things That Need to Be On Your Las Vegas Packing List
You Might Also Like:
• The Best and Worst Rental Car Companies in North America• Bike Safety Tips: How to Stay Safe and Comfortable While Riding
• Global Entry Now Free for Kids
• SmarterTravel Spotlight: Canyon Ranch, Lenox MA
• 12 National Parks You Need to See in the Fall
We hand-pick everything we recommend and select items through testing and reviews. Some products are sent to us free of charge with no incentive to offer a favorable review. We offer our unbiased opinions and do not accept compensation to review products. All items are in stock and prices are accurate at the time of publication. If you buy something through our links, we may earn a commission.
Top Fares From
Today's Top Travel Deals
Brought to you by ShermansTravel
12-Night Peru Escorted Tour, Incl. Sacred...
Wingbuddy
vacation
$2198+
16-Night Hawaiian Islands Cruise Over Christmas...
Princess Cruises
cruise
$1579+
Ohio: Daily Car Rentals from Cincinnati
85OFF.com
Car Rental
$19+