High (and Low) Rollers: the 11 People You’ll Meet in Vegas

Vegas, baby!

I’ve been here two days so far. My fine-tuned people-watching skills have led to the conclusion that 11 major species exist out here. They are:

1. Bachelors and Bachelorettes. The former sport collared shirts and shorts and they slap eat other on the back and bro-hug, exclaiming “I love ya, man!” They consume large quantities of Red Bull. The latter wear painted-on tube dresses and dangerously high heels and giggle and take selfies. One of them has a veil on.
2. Boys Just Wanna Have Fun Dudes. See Bachelors, above. But they wear wedding rings.
3. Drunky Damsels. They teeter on their heels (even poolside) and look like they are going to puke. They are held up by their boyfriends/girlfriends/dates/johns.
4. High Rollers. This crew sits at the tables, day and night. Their glasses are full of booze at all times.
5. Decked-out Tourists. Shows, overpriced dinners, and the endless buffet are custom-tailored for this crew. Some of them are “slot sluts,” permanently fused to flashing machines, based on movies, video games, and reality TV shows.
6. Lost Souls. They are young guys whose friends have abandoned them and skanky lasses who may or may not be hookers. They sway in the hallways and lean against the casino walls.
7. Security Guards. Looking bored and jaded, their duty is to keep the folks above in line.
8. Family Folk. Why would you schlep a baby through a casino? The second-hand smoke is enough to kill him or her.
9. Conventioneers. They wear suits and name tags and appear exhausted and shell-shocked.
10. Pool girls. I’m impressed. They carry trays full of exotic drinks and dip gracefully as they serve us.
11. Local Talent. These are the hardworking Las Vegas residents who make a living entertaining, primping, serving, and dealing cards to visitors. They keep the proverbial wheel of Las Vegas commerce spinning — day and night. They are the unsung heroes of the Strip!

41 million people visited Vegas last year. Below and here are more fun facts.

	Vegas fashion faux pas. I don’t want to see your you-know-what!
	The history of prostitution in Nevada.
	Casinos that have been blown up (aka imploded). Watch here.
	Thinking of becoming a showgirl? Here’s how!