What is the oldest Strip hotel-casino that still exists? I know that none of the original Flamingo is still around. I've heard that part of downtown's El Cortez is from the original 1941 building.

Is there any such thing as a map or a guide to the "homes of the stars" for Las Vegas?

I’ve seen the big neon cowboy downtown, I think he’s called Vegas Vic? Is it true that there are other versions of him elsewhere in state? I’ve heard of a Laughlin Larry.

What do casinos do to "clean" the chips used at their table games? The issue of disinfection/sanitization of these multi-handled items has to be of interest to many people. What's the scoop -- or are you afraid to annoy your casino friends if admitting they do nothing about germ-laden chips?

I live in Hawaii and like many folks here love to go to Vegas to eat and to gamble. I am writing because my friend just told me our state Legislature just passed a law so that they are going to tax me now on anything I win when I gamble – even if I lose overall! Do you know about this and can you explain?

I’ve seen a few references to Claudine Williams recently passing away. They say she was a gambling pioneer in Las Vegas. I’m sure I’m wrong, but I thought she was a French torch singer married to Andy Williams. Who was Claudine Williams and what did she have to do with Las Vegas?

I have seen the term money laundering, but have never understood what it meant. Would you please explain?

If you are lucky and win a huge jackpot, one that pays annually, say, $50K or so, what happens if the casino or game manufacturer files bankruptcy or goes out of business?

I've noticed that many casinos have great old rock and roll playing continuously in the background. I've enjoyed this terrific music at casinos ranging from El Cortez to South Point and even at The Aquarius in Laughlin. Is this from a service like satellite radio, a great collection of CDs, iTunes or what?

I heard the Star Trek Experience re-opened on May 8th downtown on Fremont Street to coincide with the premiere of the new Star Trek movie. I also read the Trek rides are still in development and wouldn't open until 2010, and the museum artifacts are still in storage and Quark's Bar hasn't opened either. Appears to me there's not much to see at this point other than a gift shop. Is there anything actually to see at the new Star Trek Experience at this point?