Hey folks, the city widely known as Las Vegas is one of the cities that forms part of the U.S. state of Nevada. Initially, in 1905, this city was established solely to serve as a railway route. However, five years after its official founding, there were only 800 residents living in Las Vegas, based on data from the United States census. Moreover, during the 1950s, Las Vegas evolved into the most iconic casino tourist destination in the world, complete with dazzling performances by top-tier celebrities.
Factors Behind the Existence of Casinos in Las Vegas
Numerous elements and even compelling stories contribute to the success of Las Vegas as the globe’s largest gambling hub. From the arrival of workers for federal infrastructure projects in Nevada, to the crackdown on illegal betting operations in Los Angeles, and the eventual relocation of mafia groups to Las Vegas.
Here are several parts of the history that shaped Las Vegas into the world's leading gambling capital.
The Role of a Former Police Officer
Starting in 1931, Nevada’s government began to legalize gambling as a means to boost the state's revenue. At the same time, it was a response to the economic difficulties brought about by the previous year’s Great Depression.
Simultaneously, while gambling was being legalized, the government also launched the Hoover Dam project. Soon, dam workers traveled about 25 miles to Las Vegas to enjoy gambling activities located on Fremont Street, which was the city's center before The Strip existed.
During World War II, the magnesium factory built near Henderson, Nevada, also contributed to a spike in the labor population looking for weekend leisure. However, gamblers arriving every two weeks were not sufficient to transform Las Vegas into the world’s major gambling center. That’s why seasoned individuals in the gambling business, particularly gambling mafias, were needed.
One of the most influential figures was a man named Gay McAvee, a former LAPD officer assigned to the vice unit who fled California to avoid prosecution. He did this due to his involvement in illegal gambling and prostitution enterprises during his police duties.
When Nevada legalized gambling in 1931, this man saw a huge opportunity and moved to Las Vegas. He brought with him considerable expertise in running gambling businesses in Los Angeles.
The Major Transformation of Las Vegas
This man’s arrival provided immense benefits for the advancement of the gambling sector, especially in Las Vegas. He started aiding in the establishment of various casinos and resorts, which became a critical part of Las Vegas’s transformation into the world’s premier gambling hotspot at the time. Another major turning point occurred in 1941 when hotels and casinos were combined along a road that was later dubbed The Strip by the man himself. That label gained popularity as it helped integrate global gambling into the tourism appeal of Vegas.
Numerous new casinos started appearing in the area around 1946. After the widespread growth of casinos, the man and other casino owners went on to create an unincorporated area known as Paradise, Nevada. They did this to avoid being subjected to state taxation. Click here for more information about slot gacor