No Vegas

I have never felt the urge, the need, the curiosity nor the inclination throughout my life to visit Las Vegas. Never wanted to go to Disney World either but that's another story. They both seemed so fake. Maybe back in the 60's or 70's I might have found Las Vegas to be somewhat interesting in a nightlife kind of way but that didn't last very long nor was it something I ever felt like acting on. There was never any attraction for me to gambling or being in a hotel where there were gambling machines in the lobby. I love going out to see music but there are a lot better places in my opinion to see shows than some fake entertainment center in the middle of a desert. 

Certainly part of my issue with Vegas is the gambling. I've never felt the urge to gamble in any meaningful way whatsoever. During my years in the Navy I did some poker playing with the guys onboard ship and even went to some casinos around the world. I even walked through the real casinos of Monte Carlo in southern France but I was not impressed. Later in the 1970's I strolled through a couple of casinos in Atlantic City but never once felt like playing any slot machine or sitting at a gambling table. Never. I pitied the people there and felt sorry for them and their addictions. And felt for their families too.

Over the years gambling became more and more readily available. It had been such a big deal when gambling was allowed in Atlantic City when previously the only legal place in the country was in Las Vegas because of the payout of politicians by organized crime bosses. Then gambling became a Native American thing and suddenly casinos were everywhere. I still didn't go.

Not only do I not go to casinos for gambling but I won't go there for any kind of shows or concerts either. I refuse to support them in any way whatsoever. There are several casinos in the Western New York area and I know plenty of people who love going to them. There is even one in downtown Buffalo. The casino complex in Niagara Falls has lots of what looks like some great opportunities to see quality rock concerts but I have not really considered going to any of them over the years. I'd rather pass them up. There are plenty of other places to see live music without supporting a gambling casino. Is this a moral thing? I guess it is. 

People say that Vegas is a family friendly all purpose resort. Bullshit. It's a mecca for gambling addicts. Period.

I will be turning 70 this year and can proudly say I've never been to Las Vegas.