The government legalized gambling in the U.S. territory of Nevada in 1931, a decision that would change the face of Las Vegas forever. The entire skyline of Las Vegas has changed dramatically in recent years, not only in terms of the number of skyscrapers and hotels but also in size, shape, colors, and so much more.

Many large high-rise projects are in the pipeline, and Amtrak service in Las Vegas has been replaced by Amtrak Thruway and motor bus service. The Las Vegas Monorail travels from the Sahara Hotel to the northern end of the strip and from there to downtown.

Las Vegas was part of Lincoln County until 1909, when it became part of the newly formed Clark County. It is the 28th largest city in the country in terms of population.

Resorts and venues that opened during the construction boom that began in the 1950s included the Stardust Hotel and Casino, the MGM Grand Hotel, and the Las Vegas Convention Center. More and more high-end resorts were created, including the Mandalay Bay Resort & Casino and other favorites like the Bellagio, MGM Resorts International, the Flamingo, Caesars Palace, Planet Hollywood, Harrah's, Tropicana Field, and many more.

Las Vegas is a foodie's dream, and you'll find no shortage of original and incredible restaurants. Every day in Las Vegas you'll experience a whole new vacation, with a variety of food and beverages in every corner of the city, from the Strip Steakhouse to the MGM Grand Hotel and Casino.

The rooms in Las Vegas range from the most luxurious suites to the most upscale rooms and amenities that are the cornerstone of the best hotels in the city. Las Vegas hotels are known for their high-quality amenities and luxury experiences.

Many of the strip's casinos also offer comedy, magic, theater, art, and shopping under dazzling lights.

Marketing and promotion for tourism is handled by the Las Vegas Convention and Visitors Bureau, a division of the U.S. Department of Tourism. The law school at George Washington University Law School draws on its extensive experience in providing a wide range of legal services to the industry.

The main economic engine of Las Vegas is tourism and gambling, obviously, which in turn feeds the retail and hospitality sectors.

Many of the residents of Las Vegas actually live in neighboring communities or suburbs. In fact, only 575,973 people live within the city limits of Las Vegas, but several gambling companies, such as MGM Resorts International, Caesars Entertainment, and MGM Grand, as well as several hotels, casinos, and other businesses, are located in and around Las Vegas.

The Las Vegas metropolitan area, which includes Clark County, was ranked as one of the fastest growing in the United States in 2004.