Las Vegas is known for many things apart from gambling: entertainment, nightlife, shopping and...oh yes, scandal. Sin City isn't just a nickname; it's a reference to the darker side of the city. Some of the city's scandals—like underage gambling—may seem pretty harmless, but others—like the bustling sex trade—have shocked the world for decades. Behind the Strip's sparkling facades are seedy truths; smut is peddled alongside coupons, and some of the city's highest officials are hiding questionable histories. On this page, we briefly explore three of Sin City's most notorious scandals.
Underage Gambling
Las Vegas has long struggled with the problem of underage gambling, especially since trying to reinvent itself as a family-friendly destination at the end of the 20th Century. At every casino on the Strip you'll see signs warning off underage gamblers, but when the arcades are only feet away from the casino floors, there are bound to be some problems. MGM Grand made one of the biggest underage gambling faux pas in 2001 when they released promotional photos of 20-year old Britney Spears playing their slot machines.
Prostitution
Take a walk down the public sidewalks of the Strip, and you'll likely be approached by one of many pamphlet-bearing peddlers. Just what are they selling? Sex. While prostitution is not legal in Las Vegas, it continues to thrive behind closed doors in strip clubs, massage parlors and even brothels in and around the city.
Questionable Characters
Anyone familiar with the history of Las Vegas shouldn't be surprised to hear that many of the city's most notable public figures and politicians have mafia ties. Many people believe that some of Las Vegas' gambling operations are still being used to launder money for and from organized crime. It has even been asserted that some poker pros are being bankrolled by these criminals.
