As the year 2005 irrevocably slipped into the new year of 2006, the gambling capital of the world has left behind the centenary celebrations of its history to look towards its future. Nevada remains the fasted growing state in the US for the 19th year in a row, estimated to be the equivalent of nine people every hour, and Clark County, home of Las Vegas, is seeing most of the newcomers. A Growth Task Force has been formed to assess the problems caused by the rapid increase in population and to look for solutions.

Over the last five years Nevada’s population has grown by 20.8%, the highest percentage increase for that period in the US. Clark County, with 70% of the state’s population, provides for 1.8 million residents and the yearly influx of some 38.2 million tourists. McCarran International Airport has recently reported a 6.9% increase in passenger traffic since last year and expects the end of year figures to top 40 million. Low tax rate, good business climate, and great weather make Nevada a magnet, and the gaming industry in Las Vegas is booming.

On 15 December a Time Capsule was set in concrete at Centennial Plaza in Downtown Las Vegas. As part of the centenary celebrations, the capsule was designed to represent life in Las Vegas during its 100th year together with predictions for its future. Not everything looks rosy for Las Vegas. Increasing competition from global and national gambling opportunities, lack of available water to service the growing population, over-estimation in condo developments and rising costs are taking their toll.

However, the ‘Entertainment Capital of the World’ is a long way ahead of its rivals and intends to ensure it remains that way. At the beginning of the 20th Century Nevada was doing so badly that it was nearly incorporated into California, but things are much changed now and 2006 is still a good bet for Las Vegas as it heads into its second 100 years. (E-01.03.06)

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