I just got back from fabulous Las Vegas having done a little shopping for chips, cards and accessories for Harlequin. (I love my job!)
My new suppliers are Spinettis Gaming Supplies. These guys have everything, and I mean everything you could need in the way of casino supplies. It’s a collector’s paradise in there. Thanks again to Henry and Dave for helping me pick out the chips. It was a logistical nightmare getting them back to London, and involved bending a few baggage allowance rules, but it was worth it.
Whilst I was there, I picked up several decks of authentic Caesars Palace playing cards which have been used in play in Caesars Palace casino. They’ve obviously been marked to make them invalid for use in the casino again, but they’re perfect for Harlequin. Our customers get to play Blackjack in the UK using playing cards which have actually been used in play in Las Vegas.
I had to visit a few clubs whilst I was out there too… would have been rude not to, since they’re some of the best in the country. Went to Tao at The Venetian for the first time and was thoroughly impressed, but ultimately ended up most nights in The Bank at Bellagio, my very favourite nightclub in my very favourite hotel on The Strip. Anyone who has been in Bellagio (or seen Ocean’s Eleven) will know what I’m talking about. It’s just so grand and elegant, and The Bank is always fun.
I am somewhat in Love with Las Vegas. I was sauntering through The Venetian and a friend pointed out an adorable trio of elderly ladies at the blackjack tables wearing bright green visors and ‘Mardi Gras’ beads, with their “What Happens In Vegas…” t-shirts on sipping Bloody Mary’s… I was this close to joining them for cocktails. It was like seeing my future made flesh. I hope I never get bored of Las Vegas. The sound of the slots, the bright lights and the general buzz of the atmosphere that seems to radiate up and down the strip.
I have already started planning my next trip 😉