For a third straight year, Nevada gaming revenues rose. OK, the amount was microscopic ($99 million) overall, but it was something. However, higher expenses — including all-important capex investments –pushed the Silver State into the red. The casino industry reported a $1.35 billion loss. Gambling win on the Strip outpaced all other sectors, up 3.5%. However, statewide, gambling was the second-lowest percentage of casino income in state history. Incidentally, Reno, Elko and Carson Valley all showed profits. Congratulations.
One of Vegas’ oldest visitor attractions is also one of its newest now. Betty Willis‘ iconic “Welcome to Fabulous Las Vegas” sign has become solar powered, giving you an excuse to go out and see it again. Sunlight is something we have in plentitude here, so S&G predicts a long and happy future for the “Welcome” sign in its new configuration.
Casino opponents in the Saratoga area are getting their back up. They’re happy with — or resigned to — the parimutuel wagering and VLTs that they 
have. But an expansion to full-fledged casino gambling is opposed by most local residents. Proponents say that, with so many new gambling licenses up for grabs, it would be deleterious to Saratoga Springs — a town where history seems to like repeating itself — to sit this out. They argue that the ‘pro’ or ‘con’ question is moot; it’s now a matter of getting the most benefit from the situation. “We want a Saratoga-style casino,” said one booster, trying to strike a conciliatory tone. You could say both sides are trying to out-gentrify one another.
