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First time on this board, Las Vegas in my blood -

Discussion in 'Introduce Yourself!' started by askworldtraveler, Apr 4, 2014.

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  1. askworldtraveler

    askworldtraveler Newbie

    Joined:
    Apr 3, 2014
    Messages:
    1
    Location:
    So Cal on the Beach, Hills of Tuscany
    Trips to Las Vegas:
    100
    Hello everyone - David from Los Angeles here. A small group of grade school/high school friends are meeting in Las Vegas this weekend. We're all 64 this year. You can guess one of the things we're doing.

    I've been visiting Las Vegas since the early 50's. My father had a gaming license, was a partner is several of the early hotels - some still standing. The early years we would stay in a Home on the grounds of the Sands, with private pool, with room service not to be believed, sleeping in the Elvis suite (the real Elvis suite) on top of the Hilton, seeing more shows, sporting matches (nothing like Ali ending a match in the first moments!) often on a one night trip then I can remember. (all commercial flights) During those days Comps - were really Comps - shows had dining, a tip got you a great seat, being a serious gambler (my father was) even better seats.

    During his life, his access was my access after turning 21, knowing many of the entertainment heads, casino boss's. I am not the gambler he was - although often 'lucky'. I'll never forget, during a year I was working with dad, he had a board of directors meeting in Vegas. He flew out early in the morning - about noon he returned to his office in Los Angeles. I asked "didn't you have a board meeting"? He quickly called the hotel, asked for the chairman, said he couldn't make it. I asked him didn't he go to Vegas this morning - his answer was " of course I did. I made a stop at a craps table, made a small killing,(small in his world is a mystical term) I knew if I stayed I would give it all back - so I turned around, took a taxi to the airport and came home". He always believed you can never get hurt taking a win, know when to walk, know when to leave. (I too believe in that). His only big Vegas mistake he admitted to was passing up the opportunity for the concession of slot machines at McCarran.

    I've witnessed the Vegas world change. Comps today are based on formula, with relationships often based on bet size, amount played, visits over a year. These days I go, I pay (happily) as I never want to feel like I owe any hotel allegiance, I have a few lucky spots, a few I avoid. This weekend is all about fun. Lifelong friends with the people I'm traveling with, some great activities, and I have a few things to learn to do better - why I'm here. I am now a professional nature photographer - traveling the world - overseas many times in the course of a year loving what I do. I know how lucky I've been and how fortunate I am. (the time I showed a BJ hand to a friend with 2 queen of spades - the dealer took it as a 'hit' sign - and down dropped an ace) Glad this board is here.
     
  2. oldcrabtom

    oldcrabtom High-Roller

    Joined:
    Sep 17, 2009
    Messages:
    512
    Trips to Las Vegas:
    15
    Welcome, bet you could tell some tails ! (hope you will).....:wink2:
     
  3. sybgal

    sybgal VIP Whale

    Joined:
    Apr 19, 2004
    Messages:
    6,261
    Location:
    Indiana
    Trips to Las Vegas:
    36
    Welcome to the board David!! We would love to hear more of your stories of the old LV....you must have many of them. Good luck on your trip!!!
     
  4. Beach Crazy

    Beach Crazy Hostess With the Mostess

    Joined:
    Jun 30, 2002
    Messages:
    6,219
    Location:
    Central Illinois
    Welcome to the board! I really enjoyed reading your intro. I have been going to Vegas since the early 70's and can relate to a lot of what you were saying. Your upcoming trip sounds like a lot of fun. Hope you have a great time and some good luck. Cheers. :beer:
     
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