It is well known and has been well publicized that the brick and mortar casino industry has suffered greatly since the start of the recession of 2008.  This recession exposed the notion that gambling is a recession proof industry as a complete and total myth as it applies to brick and mortar casinos.  If the myth lives on it lives in online casinos.  Online casinos have actually seen growth throughout the recession.

Las Vegas, Nevada is the motherland of all brick and mortar casinos and even it has suffered greatly during the recession.  Compared to its glory days the heart of the city seems dead.  And the troubles are evident from the streets.  Upcoming buildings and hotels have been abandoned mid constructions.  The parking lots where high rollers parked their private jets are vacant. 

The numbers are even more disturbing.  The number of visitors to Las Vegas dropped down to 6.9 percent for the first half of 2009.  The number of conventions held in the city fell 10 percent.  Even hotel room rates fell; a whole five percent.  Las Vegas actually has the highest unemployment rate in all of Nevada at 13.1 percent.   

As if these statistics were not bad enough they get even worse when you look at the individual numbers of the some of the most established businesses in Las Vegas.  MGM Mirage reported a $212.6 million loss for the second quarter.  Another top dog, Wynn Resorts suffered a 91 percent profit loss.  Like wise, Las Vegas Sands reported a sad $222.2 million net loss.