| Effects of September 11 in Las Vegas | |
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As we approach the anniversary of the terrorist attack on September 11 last, I have been looking at some of the lasting effects that it has had in this country. The gaming industry, like others, continues to be effected by the tragic events of 9/11.
Shortly after the attacks very few people were traveling and over all revenues dropped considerably. Although it has picked up somewhat, over the last few months, gaming revenues in Nevada have been down an average of four percent. This is the worst decline in the 17 years recorded by state statisticians.
In the fiscal year that ended June 30, the state's 342 casinos win from gamblers was down 3.7 percent from 9.7 billion to 9.3 billion. Strip casinos reported an even bigger drop in money won from bettors, falling 7 percent to $4.5 billion from $4.9 billion. This is bad news for the entire State of Nevada because one third of their budget comes from gaming revenue.
The casinos have started to heavily advertise and run marketing promotions in hopes of increasing the number of visitors to the State. They have joined together with the airlines in to offer some attractive vacation packages that in clued airfare and hotel accommodations. Anyone planning a trip to Las Vegas should look into some of these package deals.
Even with the bad economic news that was brought upon by the terrorist attack a year ago, one casino is setting up a permanent memorial to the honor those whose lives have been forever changed by the tragic events.
9/11 Memorial
The New York New York Casino located on the corner of The Strip and Tropicana Ave in Las Vegas has a scene of New York Harbor which includes a ¼ size replica of the Statue of Liberty and fireboat which spouts water. The day after the attacks last September 11th, this area became a temporary shrine to honor the victims and heroes of the terrorist attack. People placed flowers, cards, flags, T-shirts and other items of remembrance.
Last week New-York New York Casino announced that it intends to erect a "permanent tribute" to the victims of the September 11th terror attacks. Firefighters, in town for the International Association of Fire Fighters' convention marched to the casino from the nearby Mandalay Bay to listen to NY-NY Casino executives make the announcement in front of the temporary shrine.
The Hotel executives said that they were aware that the shrine has become a “destination unto itself.” Many of the items have become worn and they were worried that they would not last being open to the elements.
The permanent memorial will be made will be made of granite, with windows into boxes that will hold some of the items from the present shrine and other memorabilia. Items in the boxes will be rotated. Engraved plaques with patriotic quotations or something similar will be placed along the structure.
Construction should start in October, with completion scheduled for December.
Until next time,
remember:
"Luck comes and goes...Knowledge stays forever."