Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas (1998): This one is for those who are a little off centre and possess the stamina for a film that is about nothing but complete and total debauchery. Based on the book by renowned journalist, Hunter S. Thompson and Starring Johnny Depp and Benico Del Toro (both actors are practically unrecognisable), the film focuses on Depp’s crazy drug fuelled adventures with his friend/attorney. These two go to Vegas and take so many different drugs that you end up feeling drunk watching it!

Casino (1995): The ultimate Las Vegas Mob movie. This one sees Robert De Niro and Joe Pesci doing what they do best – playing members of the mob. De Niro just wants to run a clean casino operation while Pesci wants nothing more than to shoot, mame, kill and destroy. It’s a hell of a crime drama that gets straight to the dirty underbelly of casinos in Vegas. Casino, despite all its blood and guts is at times a brutally honest account of the mob and Vegas in the early 80s.

Leaving Las Vegas (1995): Hookers and booze are the main themes of this film and it has made the list because let’s face it; aside from gambling this is Vegas’ bread and butter. Nic Cage is a burnt out Hollywood screen writer who decides out of the blue that it’s time to cash in his chips. What better way to do it than by boozing himself to death. In true Hollywood style Cage prepared for this role by binge drinking and having a buddy videotape his actions. . Elizabeth Shue is a woman looking for love in all the wrong places – making a living as a prostitute. When these two meet it’s a match made in hell as they realise that neither will change despite falling love. The film landed Nic an Oscar.

Bugsy (1991): Warren Beatty has long been Hollywood’s smooth operator and so it was only a matter of time before he found himself a role in which he could be both smooth and dangerous. As Bugsy, the unofficial father of Las Vegas, Beatty shows both sides of the man – killer and family man. Interestingly, the film chooses to focus more on the passionate and visionary side of a guy who is clearly a couple of cards short of a deck. This is clearly shown through Beatty’s portrayal of Bugsy as someone who is so engulfed in his passion to build his casino that he does not even see the real danger of overspending the mobs money.

Rain Man (1988): Vegas truly is for everyone and this is effectively shown when Cruise, an arrogant car salesman and Hoffman, his cookie off beat autistic brother rock up. Cruise discovers that Hoffman, despite being a little strange, has a talent for card counting in blackjack. Armed with his brother’s talent, Cruise takes the casino for thousands. The film is also a story about change, as Cruise who is at first hateful towards his brother, soon comes to love him.

And there you have it – Las Vegas movies that have stood the test of time. Sure, they dealt with crime, prostitution drugs and card counting, but they also had intrigue, entertainment and heart – just like Vegas.

The Bellagio Chapel: Less about being sporadic and more about giving it some thought, this swanky wedding chapel is decked out in a dark cream motif and offers a variety of wedding packages. Depending on your pocket, or your blackjack winnings, you can get chapel time varying between one hour up to 2 hours which will include a DVD copy of that special time, a bottle of champagne, chocolates, petals on the floor and a limousine service. These are but some of the great additions that this chapel will provide.

The Little Church of the West: Renowned for marrying more celebs couples than any other, including the likes of Richard Gere and Cindy Crawford, this chapel has been around since 1942 and has seen the many changes that Vegas has undergone. The chapel’s grounds provide a cottage like feel and many who have tied the knot here have proclaimed that you’re in Vegas but not. The exterior and interior are wood finished and thus the chapel emits a very traditional feel which is quite devoid of the glitz and glamour of its surroundings.

Canterbury at the Excalibur: Literally ideal for a fairytale wedding in which your prince charming can whisk you off for elopement, this chapel allows its couples to be outfitted in medieval costumes and raise their goblets while toasting their happily ever after’s.

The Shalimar Chapel: This conservatory of love offers the usual trimmings like flowers, limousine services, photography and video footage but the chapel’s key selling point would have to be the addition of the king of rock ‘n roll presiding over your wedding. Elvis is impersonated by Eddie Powers, an internationally renowned Elvis imitator with some Hollywood credentials behind his name as he has featured in television and film. What are the odds of crispy fried catfish with a side of peanut butter being served at the reception?

The White Wedding Chapel: Most likely the most notorious of wedding chapels in Vegas, this one is known for a couple of things. For one, there’s the conveyor belt feel that the place emits because of its rotating door policy. In other words the business is coming and going all the time. It’s gained notoriety for the celebs that have made their love official, including former Hollywood power couple – Bruce Willis and Demi Moore and of course, Britney Spears’ 50+ hour marriage done on a whim to a good friend.

And there you have it, five Las Vegas Chapels of love, tradition, chivalry and naturally, Elvis. Just because its known as the city of sin, does not mean that love cannot flourish in its underbelly.

The Insider: In 1999 a bunch of hustlers befriended a blackjack dealer who agreed to mark certain cards and thus ensure the wins and his cut of the profits. Alas, the ring was busted when one of the bystanders noted more than one marked card and alerted the authorities.

The cup runneth over: One of the most simple, yet highly effective casino schemes popular in the 1970s involved what is known as a ‘Las Vegas chip cup’. The cup is essentially a replica of a series of chips stacked on top of one another. It is painted and shaped accordingly to accurately look like real chips and hollowed out on the inside. The cup’s diameter is made just a millimetre or two wider than the standard 39 millimetre chip. The cup is ideal for games like Baccarat or Punto Banco where the dealers stack the chips vertically in front of them. The scam requires the help of quite a few, from dealers, to pit bosses and of course the betters themselves. Ideally, those involved want losses to occur, as this is when the dealer can take the chips owed to the house, stack them and places the cup over them. A gentle squeeze tightens the pressure and chips stay within the cup. When the ring was eventually busted, it was estimated that those involved had already milked the casino for $3 million dollars.

A couple’s retreat: Back in 1993 Heather Tallchief, who was a cash-in-transit truck driver at the time and her lover, Roberto Solis, poet and convicted murderer, managed to make off with just over $3 million dollars from Las Vegas’s Circus Circus Casino. Apparently, Solis abandoned her with just $1000 to her name and she mothered their son in the Netherlands until 2005 when she decided that she had eluded the law for long enough. Tallchief claimed that she was placed under a ritualistic spell by Solis. She got five years in the big house but Solis to this day remains at large.

Mega sophisticated roulette: In 2004 a pair of casino players used a novel and advanced tactic to beat the Ritz Casino’s roulette wheel in London. By combining laser technology with that of a cell phone, they were able to monitor the speed and volition of the roulette ball, feed the information into a computer and make confident judgement calls on the outcome. It’s estimated that the pair made off with at least $3 million dollars. Upon being caught, the judge actually ruled in their favour, citing that nothing had been done to hamper the outcome of the ball. They were however still charged and prosecuted to the full extent of the law.

Winning shoes: in 1970 two Californian physics students managed to create a computerised mechanism that could be placed in their shoes that would disrupt the spinning of the roulette wheel. The one shoe would relay the information to the other shoe, worn by the other individual, who would then place the bet. The biggest problem these two students faced, aside from eventually being caught and charged, was that the devices would shock their feet and singe their socks.

Although these scams bore fruit, all involved were eventually caught and prosecuted. Crime might not pay, but every now and then casinos do.

Who would have thought the day would arrive when David Hasselhoff would enter the realm of online casinos? But wait, he’s not the only one. Hulk Hogan, although looking more a like real piece of work these days is also on the cards to get his own online casino game. Finally Batman too will make his way into this arena with two slots games based on the Chris Nolan directed movies – the third and final instalment of the franchise gets released later this year and it looks like not only will Warner Bros be cashing in but so will epic world leader in casino gaming software – Microgaming.

What can be said about the “Hoff” that hasn’t been said about his 1980s show, Knight Rider – old and depleted? Over the years David has displayed an incredible resilience to keep bouncing back despite the odds. Hollywood is a tough place and often you’re only as good as your last movie or outing. The “Hoff” has managed to stay within the limelight for a couple of reasons. During the dry seasons he made a successful music career for himself in Germany, even performing at the collapse of the Berlin wall. In the 1990s he hit serious pay dirt with Baywatch which in its prime garnered 1 billion viewers a week – a record that still stands today. In recent times he has become a staple in pop culture with the title “The Hoff” bestowed upon him. The online slots game in the pipeline for Hasselhoff will apparently span his career highlights in the form of ‘Knight Rider’, ‘Baywatch’ and ‘America’s got talent’. In the slots game, you will have to assist the character of Hasselhoff in his crusade to acquire millions – sounds fun!

Hulk Hogan, Mr Atomic Drop, legendary wrestler and partially faded Hollywood personality is the next celeb in line to join the online slots franchise bandwagon. Although nowhere near the popularity he enjoyed throughout the 1980s and early 1990s, this icon of wrestling has managed to experience, if short lived, lucrative commercial ventures in his reality shows and the endorsement of food products. Apparently the theme of the Hogan slots game will take a “How the mighty hath fallen” approach and cover some of his more recent and personal trials and tribulations like his pricey divorce and less than successful TV shows. Although the game itself will be pretty standard insofar as slots games are concerned, what will set it apart will be the Mortal Kombat inspired bonus rounds which will see Hogan kick some serious butt while he makes his way back to the big time.

Finally, Microgaming, never to be outdone and not investing its money into the B-grade market, has gone straight for the jugular by acquiring the rights to create two games that will definitely breathe further life into the online slots industry. Just as they smashed the benchmark with the ‘Lord of the Rings’ online slots game, so will they be doing with the Batman franchise. The first slots game will be modelled on the world grossing billion dollar movie, the ‘Dark Knight’ to be released later this year and the second will be based on the much awaited 3rd movie in the trilogy called the ‘Dark Knight Rises’, which will see online casinos in 2013. Apparently Microgaming will, as per norm, pull out all the stops with these two graphic loaded games which will no doubt feature sequences from the films. Fans and casino lovers alike can wait with baited breath for these awesome slots games to hit the market.

So all in all, you can look forward to the Bat, the Hoff and the Hulk, all coming to the online casino world in the very near future.

1. The Bank : This one’s name might be tied in with the drink prices but the place exhumes opulence even though the actual location is not too big, thus if a more personal clubbing environment is what you seek, you’ve come to the right place. Located in the trendy Bellagio, The Bank has 2 floors with bars on either side and a separate VIP section on the bottom floor. The dress is smart and everyone there is well aware of this fact as its clientele is kitted out in nothing but designer wear clothing.

2. Ghostbar: Offering something that few other clubs in Vegas do, Ghostbars’ claim to fame would have to be the view afforded to patrons from atop the Palms 55th floor. Bestowed with a thick durable glass panel floor, you can literally cast your eyes straight down and take in the breath taking view from that height that overlooks the pool area and a large faction of the Vegas city centre. The interior neon colours are sharp on the eye and on the ceiling is the silhouette of a ghost like entity that alternates in colour according to the music.

3. JET: Located at the Mirage, this club which caters to a wide variety of tastes was constructed to aid the Mirage in its time of need. JET sports 3 floors playing house, rock and hip hop and if you’re keen to rub shoulders with celebs that have included Justine Timberlake and A-list Hollywood actor, Mark Wahlberg, then look no further. The sound quality is unchallenged as JET apparently spent just over a million dollars to ensure pristine clarity.

4. Drai’s: By day an upmarket restaurant and by night a club that apparently keeps the party going until 9 in the morning. This basement club has everyone doing their very best to get inside and thus the doormen are known to accept the highest bidders. In other words be prepared to grease a few palms, but it’s all worth it if you’re looking to do some serious partying to some of the best and most eclectic hip hop music there is. Plus, if you’re lucky you may bump shoulders with a celeb or two.

5. Coyote Ugly: Modelled on the popular movie, this Southern themed wood finished club will provide entertainment and interaction in the form of visually stunning bar ladies mounting the bar top to perform all kinds of physical tricks including synchronised dance numbers and fire-blowing, all while encouraging audience interaction. If you’re seeking a degree of college nostalgia and the company of some luscious ladies, you’ve come to the right place.

So if you’re looking for new sights or thrills, music variety, the company of A-list celebs or a good old down to earth fun time, Las Vegas once again has something that will satisfy your needs and see you through the night. If you’ve had the pleasure of perusing any of these night spots, why not let us know?

1. Boozing and gambling: Despite what casinos would have you believe, there is no quicker way to lose all your cash and potentially start behaving like a fat kid who just had his ice cream taken away. Casinos prefer drinkers for the very fact that rash decisions regarding money are a lot better.

2. Tipping: Many of those who serve you in the casinos or hotels are not doing so for their health, in fact they’re doing it to get by. Be sure to tip the dealer should you strike it lucky and always tip your waiter, if not you can look forward to long waits and a snooty attitude.

3. Dress like you belong: Too many people arrive in Vegas sporting Hawaiian shirts and flip flops. Instead, remove the evidence and dress as you would on any other day.

4. Dress accordingly: The last thing you want is to parade yourself around town in your skimpiest outfit. If so is the case then you may as well hang a sign post around your neck saying “I’m easy and I’m yours tonight”. If you choose this route, you may just find yourself getting drunk to curtail your anxiety and who knows what you’ll get up to after that in the city of sin.

5. Essential footwear: High heels and leather loafers should be avoided at all costs unless you’re hopping a cab from your hotel to the club. Otherwise let it be known that Las Vegas has some of the biggest casinos in the world and it will not take long before your feet hurt or smell…or both.

6. Quickie Chapel Marriages: The thinking behind this one is quite simple. If you’re going to treat something as special and intimate as marriage like a visit to Joe’s Burgers, then it’s quite apparent that you’re not serious and odds are the marriage will be doomed to fail.

7. Cheap Food: Vegas is littered with $5 to $12 buffets. Sure, the price is right, but what about the food. If there’s anything we can tell you here it’s that if it sounds too sweet, it most likely is too sweet. Also, these eateries get frequented by thousands of people daily and that means lines, long lines.

8. Partying and departing: So many have made the mistake of using the logic of staying up and parting all night because their flight was early the next day. This is a big no-no as few things can compare to the unbearable task of dealing with a hangover and a very busy airport terminal.

9. Drinking and massaging: It might seem like a great idea at the time, but becoming inebriated by the pool prior to your afternoon massage is a huge mistake. The massage will induce the release of various toxins and within no time you will be expelling all that you drank.

10. Casino ATM’s: Another one of the biggest mistakes you can make. Instead, rather come prepared by bringing a fixed amount of cash in your wallet and leave the credit card back at hotel. The last thing you want is to look over your ATM receipt the next morning, hung-over, questioning why you went back to the ATM so many times between the hours of 2am and 3:30am.

We hope that these eclectic pointers have been interesting and of assistance. We’re not discounting the fact that Vegas is a great place, we just want to make sure that you make the best of it without having to incur its various wraths. If you have an interesting Vegas or casino related story, why not share it with us, we’d love to know.

The Las Vegas Hilton was erected back in 1969 and amongst its most prominent frequenters was none other than the king of rock ‘n roll himself, Elvis. The king performed there on numerous occasions and even though, as with many Vegas hotels, this one has endured a number of face lifts, the king is rumoured to often be seen backstage or in the freight elevator, in which he often sought refuge from adoring fans. Although this final claim is quite debatable, the king has at times been seen sporting a fried peanut butter sandwich, which as most know was his favourite meal.

Bugsy Siegel is un-credited as the man who founded Las Vegas. This ruthless mobster had a dream in the middle of nowhere and with enough laundered money from his mobster friends, he built the Flamingo Hotel. Unfortunately the hotel was triple the initial cost and was upon opening a financial failure. As the months dragged on The Flamingo started to rake in the cash but at this point Bugsy was in hot water with his mob affiliates over cash he stole from them to bring the establishment into fruition. He was gunned down for this in his Beverly Hills home and even though much of the Flamingo no longer resembles its original self, Bugsy is known to frequent the Presidential suit, which was his favourite room. Siegel is at times seen mainly wondering in the bathroom area as the design, and in particular, the toilet colour and linoleum, which is green, are still the original ones he chose.

Our third and final haunted hotel is The Luxor hotel and even though this one does not have any celebrity ghosts it’s still worth making mention of. Completed in 1993 and shrouded in rumours of being haunted, these two claims have been made due to the following: Firstly there was a small number of construction works who perished during the building’s erection and then there’s the claim of the prostitute who plunged to her death from the 26th floor. People who have actually seen a supernatural entity in this hotel have described what looks like a twirling energy vortex.

At the end of the day there exists no real proof of any ghostly existence in these hotels and most have taken on mythic proportions purely through the proliferation of word of mouth. If anything, these claims of ghostly images have only served to expand the image that is Las Vegas.

5. The Phantom of the Opera Wedding: Forbidden love has never seemed so real and romantic with this Vegas themed wedding option. You and your significant other will be presided over by the phantom himself while Christine sings down to you from the balcony. All this takes place while you are shrouded in fog and dramatic lighting reciting the powerful lines based on the commercially successful Andrew Lloyd Weber play.

4. The Gothic Wedding: An unsettling environment has never been more appealing as you and your re-animated bride or groom say “I ghoul”. This grim Vegas themed wedding option has the Grim Reaper leading you into the realm of undying love while you are encompassed by creepy organ tunes and cemetery paraphernalia which includes a rusty gate and an eerie tombstone. Love has never been darker.

3. The Thriller wedding: Inspired by the King of Pop’s song of the same name, this one sees Michael telling you that grisly ghouls from every tomb are closing in to see your groom. Fans of MJ and the macabre alike can look forward to songs sung by MJ accompanied by dramatic mist and lighting and cemetery and zombie inspired imagery.

2. The Crypt or Graveyard Wedding: While haunting music brims in the background, you will find that those attending are also those who have gone before you! The ceremony is conducted by the king himself, Elvis, and if cracked skin and withered blue suede shoes are not up your dark alley, then you can always opt for the Grim Reaper instead. The usual unsavoury additions are all present for this option which includes an eerie graveyard setting and un-dead guests.

1. The Count Dracula Wedding: The epitome of immortality and the deathlessness, Dracula, will have you declaring your love for each other while encased in a tomb engulfed by mist, lighting and horrifying music. Lovers of the weird, dark and unusual, this one is for you.

So, if you’re a bit different, or seeking what some might call a wedding of a bloody acquired taste, you know exactly where to go – Sin (Grim) City!

1. Park at your own risk: What could possibly deter you more than a sign in front of a hotel displaying the previously mentioned words? According to some who actually bit the bullet and dared to check into a gem displaying this disclaimer, the problems didn’t stop in the parking lot either, as the entire establishment was rife with unsavoury odours.

TIP: Any hotel displaying a sign of this nature should be avoided at all costs.

2. Our TV’s have remotes: With advertising of this magnitude, we’d be surprised if a hotel that boasted this sign ever went bust! Watch out big spenders! Of course, the issue with this claim becomes worse when upon checking in, residents discover that the remotes don’t match the televisions! (According to common knowledge, it’s been at least 20 years since someone has had to stand up and change a channel).

TIP: If television remotes are all it takes to convince you to check in, then you deserve exactly what you get.

3. Complimentary Air Freshener: All the king’s horses and all the kings’ men could not get this smell to go away ever again! According to a couple that checked into a hotel that offered this platinum benefit to their patrons, 3 cans of the complimentary air freshener did nothing to dissolve a smell that was described by the two as “a fusion of sour milk and feet that had been in the same socks for at least three days”. In the end the problem stemmed from a urinal leak streaming into the light fixture in the bathroom. Yummy

TIP: If a hotel offers free air freshener, it’s safe to assume that there is a reason for it.

4. Recently refurbished: The big question that customers who recently checked into a hotel in Vegas proudly sporting this sign had to ask was ‘When exactly?’ Based on the information provided by those willing to admit that they actually checked into this premier destination of doom, the bathrooms were trendy, by the standards of the 1980s! To top it off, the furniture looked haggard and sported severe signs of wear and tear.

TIP: Don’t be fooled by outdated claims of refurbishments before you first check out the rooms for yourself.

5. Pool with a view: This one was not misleading if you took it at face value. Not long after a couple checked into a hotel boasting this fine feature did they discover that the view of the pool was that of people regularly fornicating in it! To their disgust, they also discovered that kinky paraphernalia such as handcuffs were available from the front desk! To make matters worse, checking out immediately was not a reality due to a 72 hr cancellation policy.

TIP: Be sure to confirm the checkout policy before booking the hotel, and perform a quick search online to determine if the hotel’s name appears with the term “swingers” in any results.

Now that you’re well versed in what sort of advertising and signposts to read with a pinch of salt, we trust that should you find yourself in fabulous Las Vegas, you’ll be sure to choose the right places at which to stay, and not the ones telling you about their parking bays, pool areas, television remotes, free air fresheners and new furniture.

10. Hoover Dam Burial sites: Built between 1931 and 1936, this mammoth structure and ode to human achievement and the Great Depression is rumoured to house at least seven bodies buried within it. According to official records 96 workers perished during the construction and authorities deny any bodies within the concrete – this is based on the fact the concrete was dispersed in small parts and allowed to cure before any addition. Regardless of the facts the rumours continue to persist.

9. Area 51: Shrouded in myth and rumour, it wasn’t until 1990 that the US Government actually admitted to the existence of this Air Force Facility. Located just over 100 miles outside of Vegas, this location has spawned an entire industry based on stories from thousands who are adamant about having seen questionable green men in the vicinity. Once again, the rumours persist despite the US Government’s insistence that there are no aliens at Area 51.

8. Black market kidneys: It sounds like the start of a bad thriller, but this one revolves around a man, who after going big in Vegas with a very sexy woman, awakens the following morning to find himself in a bathtub covered in ice. Beside him is a phone with a note attached – “Call 911 or face certain death”. The story goes on to say that upon receiving medical attention he is informed that his kidney has been removed and sold on the black market. This one got so out of hand that the National Kidney Foundation in an attempt to douse the flames asked that anyone bereft of a kidney via nefarious means please report the matter to them.

7. Prostitution and Vegas: Don’t get too excited and don’t listen to that uncle, twice removed. It’s not legal. The confusion has been caused by the usual suspects – Hollywood and mainstream media. However, it is legal in a place called Pahrump, roughly 45 min away.

6. The hunt for Bambi: Also known as hunting for Bambi. This story has an interesting premise. It garnered attention through a series of hoax videos that advertised what some may consider appealing recreational activity for men – hunting women wearing nothing but thongs with paintball guns. Back in 2003, Michael Burdick, a Vegas Promoter revealed that his ‘service’ was a complete fabrication and had to admit to the truth of the staged videos when legal action was threatened.

5. What happens in Vegas stays in Vegas: This phrase has managed to seep into mainstream culture and although it holds a degree of truth, there are certain aspects that it simply doesn’t cover. Marriage for one is legal in Vegas and everywhere else in the world. If you’re caught driving under the influence in Vegas, the record incurred will not be exclusive to Vegas and finally if you’re a celebrity, you can be assured that any crazy stunts you pull will not remain in Vegas.

5. Corpse in the hotel: So the myth goes something along the lines of a couple noticing a pungent odour within the confines of their hotel room. It gets cleansed with industrial cleaning agents and the couple goes to sleep, but the smell persists the next morning. In fit of anger, no doubt the result of sleeping through the foul smell, the man requests the manager and rips the mattress from the base of the bed as this is where the smell has been stemming from. And there, inside the box springs lies the corpse. The only issue with this story is that it never happened in Vegas. Apparently it actually happened in Virginia and Maryland but for some reason people were more prepared to buy into it happening in Vegas. Must be the sleaze factor.

3. Las Vegas is run by the mob: Apparently, not a reality anymore. During its inception in the 1930’s and 1940’s many casinos were funded by the mob. However, corporations, seeing the potential profit to be had, started purchasing property in Vegas during the 1960’s. Combined with efforts by the US Government, the mob was slowly squeezed out of Vegas and today Sin City is mob-less. But let’s face it, who really knows.

2. Will the real Roy please stand up: For some reason, despite being debunked, rumours have persisted that Roy of the tiger duo, Siegfried and Roy actually died years ago and was replaced by his cousin. Apparently an investigation into the matter would involve a fare amount of red tape.

1. The curse of the Mega Bucks slot game: This one started back in 2000 when a cocktail waitress hit the jackpot of $34.9 million and unfortunately soon afterwards became a quadriplegic due to a car accident. This ill-fated turn of events sparked the rumour mill and the Mega Bucks curse was born. Many started to buy into the rumour but in recent times the myth has been debunked as subsequent winners have continued to live without coming to any harm.

So, in conclusion, Vegas is safe, free of aliens, does not have impersonators, has not been run by the mob in years, does not have bodies embedded in its Hoover Dam or in any mattresses of its hotels and does not permit prostitution. So why go there right? Well…to play the best casino games ever of course!