Welcome to The Las Vegas Newsletter!

In today’s edition:

• Here’s what $300K will get you across the Las Vegas Valley.

• Upcoming Keith Urban concert

• A deep dive into the life of Howard Hughes

• And more…

Quote of the Week

"He who has a why to live can bear almost any how."

— Friedrich Nietzsche

Las Vegas Trivia

Here is your trivia question of the week. The answer will be shown in next week’s newsletter. Which do you think it is? No cheating!

What is the name of the famous Las Vegas casino that was the first to be built on the Strip?

A) The Mirage

B) The Flamingo

C) Caesars Palace

D) The Sands

Answer to Last Week’s Trivia:

Las Vegas was officially founded in B) 1905.

News

💼 Business

Commercial land prices double in Las Vegas Valley. (Link)

Casino franchise owner OK with interest-free gaming tax refund from state. (Link)

🏒 Sports

Sharp bettors take sides in Seahawks-Lions on Monday Night Football. (Link)

New SEC team emerges in latest Las Vegas Bowl projection after upset. (Link)

🏦 Finance

Here’s what $300K will get you across the Las Vegas Valley. (Link)

Upcoming Events

Here are some events that are happening in our city this week. There is a good mix between sports, entertainment, conferences, concerts, and more.

Sports

🏈 Syracuse Orange at #25 UNLV Rebels Football
Allegiant Stadium, Las Vegas
Friday, Oct. 4th | (More info)

🏒 San Jose Sharks at Vegas Golden Knights
T-Mobile Arena, Las Vegas
Saturday, Oct. 5th | (More info)

Music & Concerts

🎸 Keith Urban
Fontainebleau, Las Vegas
Friday, Oct. 4th | (More info)

🎤 Maroon 5
Dolby Live at Park MGM, Las Vegas
Saturday, Oct. 5th | (More info)

Family

👶 Cribs for Kids
5905 South Decatur Blvd., Suite #13, Las Vegas
Thursday, Oct. 3rd | (More info)

Image of the Week

Every week, I have a habit of making some AI art about our city.

This week, I typed in “Las Vegas skyline with floating gardens and skyscrapers” and this is what I got.

Let me know what ideas you have for this. I really enjoy making these types of photos.

Las Vegas History

1931: Nevada legalizes gambling, revitalizing Las Vegas.

In 1931, a pivotal event occurred that would drastically change the course of Las Vegas' history: Nevada legalized gambling. Amid the Great Depression, the state of Nevada took this bold step to stimulate economic growth and generate revenue. This decision was a watershed moment for Las Vegas, a city that, until then, was a modest railroad town in the Mojave Desert. The legalization of gambling opened the doors for the city to evolve into a premier entertainment and gaming destination.

The impact of this legislation on Las Vegas was immediate and profound. Casinos began to emerge, transforming the city's landscape and economy. The first gambling license was issued to the Northern Club on Fremont Street, and soon, other casinos followed, laying the groundwork for what would become the famed Las Vegas Strip. This era also saw the construction of elaborate hotel-casinos, attracting tourists from across the nation and eventually worldwide.

The legalization of gambling in 1931 marked the beginning of Las Vegas' transformation into a global gambling and entertainment hub, earning it the title of The Entertainment Capital of the World. This change not only revitalized the city's economy but also redefined its identity. Las Vegas became synonymous with glitz, glamour, and, most importantly, gaming, setting a new standard for casino-based entertainment and shaping the city's future for decades to come.

Famous People In Las Vegas History

Howard Hughes (1905–1976)

Early Life and Entrepreneurial Beginnings (1905-1924)

Howard Hughes was born in 1905 in Houston, Texas. From an early age, Hughes demonstrated a keen interest in engineering and aviation, influenced by his family's entrepreneurial background. His early life was characterized by a mix of privilege and a strong drive for innovation.

Expansion into Film and Aviation (1925-1940)

Hughes made his mark in both the film and aviation industries in the late 1920s and 1930s. He produced several successful Hollywood films and set multiple aviation records. His ventures in these fields showcased his diverse interests and his penchant for pushing boundaries.

War Efforts and Aerospace Advancements (1941-1950)

During World War II, Hughes turned his focus to aerospace engineering, contributing to the war effort with innovative aircraft designs. His work during this period solidified his reputation as an influential figure in the aviation industry.

Business Diversification and Eccentricities (1951-1960)

In the 1950s, Hughes continued to diversify his business interests, involving himself in various sectors, including electronics and real estate. His eccentric behavior also became more pronounced during this time, often overshadowing his business achievements.

Significant Investment in Las Vegas (1961-1970)

In the 1960s, Hughes shifted his focus to Las Vegas, investing heavily in the city's hotel and casino sector. His investments played a significant role in shaping the development of Las Vegas. He purchased several major properties, helping transform the city into a major entertainment and gambling destination.

Later Years and Increasing Reclusiveness (1971-1976)

In his later years, Hughes became increasingly reclusive, conducting business affairs from isolated environments. Despite his withdrawal from public life, he continued to manage his vast business empire and maintain significant influence in various industries.

Death and Legacy (1976)

Howard Hughes passed away in 1976. His death marked the end of a complex and multifaceted career. Hughes left behind a legacy as a business magnate with significant contributions to aviation, film, and the development of Las Vegas.

Key Achievements:

• Set multiple aviation records and contributed to aerospace advancements.

• Produced successful Hollywood films, leaving a mark on the film industry.

• Played a pivotal role in transforming Las Vegas into a major entertainment hub.

• Left a lasting impact across multiple industries through his diverse business ventures.

Howard Hughes's life was characterized by his extraordinary achievements in various fields. From setting aviation records to reshaping the landscape of Las Vegas, his influence was wide-ranging. Despite his eccentricities and reclusive nature in later years, Hughes's legacy as a visionary entrepreneur and investor continues to be felt in the industries he transformed.

Connect With Me

If you want to connect, reply to this email and let me know what you think.

I would love to hear from you. Don’t be shy.

-Matthew Larsen