Question of the Day — 4 Jun 2007

It's conceivable that you might not have noticed, but with all the phone-calling we do at Las Vegas Advisor, it's impossible not to pick up on a certain recurring theme among the casinos' phone numbers. For example: 702/770-7000 (Wynn); 702/380-7777 (Stratosphere); 702/263-7777 (Silverton); 702/456-7777 (Sam's Town); 702/252-7777 (Rio); 702/797-7777 (Red Rock); 702/942-7777 (Palms). We could go on, but you get the picture. And anyone who plays slots is well aware of the traditional 7-7-7 winning line. So what's with all the sevens?

Well, the number 7 is a lucky number in numerous cultures, with various explanations as to why. The Pythagoreans called it the perfect number consisting of 3 and 4, the triangle and the square, the perfect figures. There are seven sages in Hindu mythology and seven lucky gods in Japanese. The Goths had seven deities, as did the Romans, from whose names are derived our seven days of the week. There were seven Wonders of the Ancient World. The United States declared Independence in the 7th month of 1776 and the original Constitution had seven articles. The number seven is spattered all over the Scriptures, where it represents the union of man (3) and woman (4), and figures prominently in Freemasonry, British folklore, numerous sports, and Sonic the Hedgehog games. It's traditionally thought that there are seven continents on the Earth and were seven planets in the ancient cosmos. Oh, and Harry Potter was born on the seventh day of the seventh month, of course, and there will be a total of seven books. James Bond is double-oh-seven. There were seven dwarves. And that's just the tip of the iceberg.

Yup, seven appears to be lucky for pretty much everyone. Except crap players.

So, with all that mythology around the number seven, you'd think that Las Vegas would be working itself into a frenzy as the fated date approaches. But in fact, somewhat spookily, we've only so far found a total of ... seven events, and that's only if you can call a cocktail an event, which we're not at all sure about. We're pretty sure some more stuff will be announced as the fateful day draws nearer, but right now it's pretty slim pickin's, unless you're tying the knot:

• The Silverton's offering a contest for one lucky couple to get married underwater in their 117,000-gallon aquarium. We guess commencing married life with a drowning simulation is probably as appropriate a way as any, although apparently they'll provide you with optional scuba gear. Visit www.silvertoncasino.com for details on how to enter the contest.
• The Beach at Mandalay Bay has jumped on the wedding bandwagon too (if a beach can jump), and is offering weddings, renewals, and commitment ceremonies for $1,777, which includes a concert by KC & The Sunshine Band, flower leis, a champagne toast, buffet and complimentary bar (now that's an appropriate start to matrimonial bliss), and a bag full of lucky stuff.

• The Flamingo's declaring itself "wedding central," and will host 77 weddings at seven different venues around the property.
• Best of all, Texas Station will marry you for free at a mass wedding ceremony, so at least you can't bitch about the bill afterwards. For more info. call 800/654-8804 and ask for Julianna Atkinson.
• The Ritz-Carlton out at Lake Las Vegas is offering a $7,707 package which includes two nights on the 7th floor, seven hours of spa treatment, and a $777 shopping spree at Neiman Marcus.
• Cocktail-wise, Boa Steakhouse in the Forum Shops at Caesars will be serving a Trip Sevens cocktail for one day only, consisting of Bakers Bourbon, Pama Pomegranate Liquor, fresh lemon sour, vanilla-infused maple syrup, Peychauds bitters, and Campari. (Sounds more like a powerful emetic to us, but maybe it tastes better than it sounds.)

Meanwhile, the Wolfgang Puck Fine Dining Group will also be serving a limited edition Strawberry Hardway, consisting predominantly