Whichever way you look at it, Las Vegas revenues just keep getting better and better. Compared to any other type of business, where 5% to 10% annual growth would get bottles of bubbly popping up, the effervescence of the city that never sleeps remains at an all time high this Centenary year. For the third quarter of 2005, the six major casino corporations have posted a 70% increase in GGR to US$5.8 billion, from US$3.4 billion for 2004. Net income was up 65% to US$520 million, against US$315 million for the same period of last year.

The star performers are on call, and the opening of the Wynn Las Vegas was at the forefront. Steve Wynn's new gaming statement was not only greatly awaited, but when it did open its almost secluded doors, the crowds responded well. Increased room rates were not a problem, as Wynn's feel for Las Vegas proved right once more, and with new entertaiment and gambling offers available to the Wynn faithfull, people were seen to be spending more money to send income numbers to record levels.

All was not Wynn Las Vegas, however, as customers just flocked to Las Vegas for the World Poker Tour finals, organized by Harrah's at the Rio All Suite Casino Resort and Binion's Horseshoe Casino, and the opening of mega new shows like "Queen's We Will Rock You" at the Paris Resort and Casino. But the Strip is not all Las Vegas, because significant revenue comes from off Strip properties like the Orleans in Tropicana West, and other places like McMullan's Irish Pub, just by the Orleans, a charming real little corner of Ireland where locals can enjoy a traditional Irish breakfast or a liquid feast with the best ales in town accompanied by stomping Irish country music and banter in the evenings.

Also, as part of the city's ongoing 100th birthday party, a new exhibition of photographs is on display celebrating Vegas's one true claim to artistic fame: neon. The month long exhibit will be mounted at S2 Art Center, just north of The Stratosphere, and has a display of 50 or more photos of current and classic Las Vegas neon masterworks, including work from many of the artists who created original Las Vegas signs like Betty Willis, who designed the Welcome to Fabulous Las Vegas sign. Utilizing digital ink transfer methods, some of the archival 'giclee' fine art prints will be produced in limited editions, numbered and signed by the actual designers and/or photographer Bill Hannapple. (E-10.12.05)

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