Vegas Wants Your Money

Toner Mishap's Blog reports from LA Times article that Nevada casinos had a profit of 2.1 billion dollars in 2006. Hardly surprising news at all.

If Vegas only attracted degenerate gamblers, such a profit would not be possible. Problem gambling, either chronic or episodic, affects less than 2% ( more likely closer to 1%, or one out of a hundred) of all people who gamble. The vast majority of people who come to Vegas to gamble ( and that may not be their number one priority or reason to come here ) enjoy gambling and know their limits. Win or loose, they come back again and again to enjoy the thrill of putting their money on the line, and if an exit interview were possible, even the loosers woud say they got their money's worth in Vegas. That's why the casinos are profitable: repeat business. Degenerates eventually can't come back, they have nothing left to gamble.

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Just to prove a point here's a guy reporting what a great time he had in Vegas, and he does not mention gambling at all! “Vegas happenings” - an entry on Madpimp.com - Dailies for a more better world

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Now you swear and kick and beg us
 that you're not a gamblin' man;
Then you find you're back in Vegas
 with a handle in your hand

Your black cards can bring you money
 so you hide them when you're able
In the land of milk and honey
 you must put them on the table

You go back, Jack, do it again,
 wheels turnin' 'round and 'round
You go back, Jack, do it again

Hey now get back truckin' home.

- Steely Dan - "Do It Again"