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Reader Poll Replies:
* I have never liked children in casinos and think they
should never be exposed to casino life until they are 21. Dawn
D. FL
* I bring my children to
Vegas every year and they enjoy it. My children are well behaved,
unlike some of the little monsters I see running around the hallways of
the casinos. Debbie Hawkins NY
* No, no, no! As
a former school teacher, I want to go get away from other peoples' kids.
With not a whole lot for tourist kids in vegas, parents should consider
other ventures for family vacations. Mark Sharp Maysville OK
* Las Vegas is an adult
playground. Adults seem to loose their inhibitions when in Vegas. The
strip area is geared to adults. Children do not need to be exposed to
that atmosphere. We told our children that it was out place to go to
vacation. When they were over 21, they could go there themselves. All 5
are over 21....only 2 of them have gone. They now tell us they
understand why we didn't want to take them. Pamela S. Hunter
Houston, TX
* No children should not be
in las vegas, they learn to much as it is, growing up to gamble and
drink, they belong in a family resort. Janet Maresca
Jackson Heights NY
* I think kids do fine in Vegas.
my grand children have had lots of fun there. I always find something
new to do there when we visit. most of the time what we do is free and
that makes it better . the casino scene doesn't bother them. yes kids
and Vegas go together. they don't mind going through the casino's and
don't pay much attention to what's going on. Lois Withrow
MI
* I wouldn't say Las Vegas &
kids actually "go together" but me and my daughter have been taking
summer vacations to Vegas since she was 10. She's 16 now. We always have
The Best time there! Her only exposure to the casinos has been walking
through them. What she loves is the shopping, the shows, the
site-seeing, atmosphere & the excitement of the city, just like her mom.
She doesn't even care about the casinos and personally I don't think the
exposure has had any negative effect on her. Lisa Weishner
Lewisville TX
* I really don't think they
do; especially with the current "what happens in Vegas, stays in Vegas"
thinking; it is the Only hideaway for we adults, with opportunities for
partying like we were 20 years younger, maybe sneaking away to a strip
club or other adult entertainment, and maybe "investing" some money at a
casino. There are thousands of Disneylands and variations therof that
cater to kids! I will be in Las Vegas at the Wynn in 3 weeks! Dwight
Alexander Escondido, CA
* You have got to be
"kidding" Las Vegas is for the adult visitor. My wife and I only come in
July because our 10 year old son goes to visit grandma and grandpa in
another state the entire month. Nothing makes me more angry as a parent
than seeing another parent(s) walking or strolling a small child or baby
down the strip at 1:00 in the morning. There are plenty of places
family's can go to. Las Vegas is the one place we should be able to go
to get away from our kids. Adults should have a playground.
Erich O'Brien Renton, WA
* Children should not be
allowed to walk through casinos. Children should not be exposed to the
smoke, excessive drinking and gambling. I would prefer special entrances
for families so that children are not any where near the adult
entertainment. B. Graham Massillon
* No. It is an adult
DisneyLand. Dolores Kling Alpine, CA
* Las Vegas is an adult
vacation spot. And I like it that way! There are so many other places
parents can take their kids. Why would anyone expose their kids to
gambling, drinking, swearing, smoking and filthy literature laying
around? Parents take your kids to Disney instead of Vegas. Sue
Oakwood
* The city, doesn't fit well
with children. the big problem, isn't the casinos, but what's outside on
the strip. people are constantly handing out flyers to the chicken
ranches etc. the city doesn't do anything about it. Edmund Tsai
Toronto, Ontario, Canada
* I say no to the kids in
Vegas casinos. reason: booze, scantily clad woman, and of course
gambling. let the little tikes find out about these things in due course
of growing up. unless, I say unless they can bring along a babysitter
and do fun stuff around the city every day. keeping them away from the
aforementioned not reasons. Ralph Hamden
* Children do not belong in
Casinos. Even walking through a casino to a theater, you can see their
eyes light up as they get sucked into the sites and sounds of the
machines and people cheering or cussing. We don't need them to become
gamblers at a very young age. Please keep the children Separae from the
casinos. Separate entrances to the theaters and children facilities are
a must, with No access to the casino. I have seen children standing on
walls or waiting in cars for their parents. Annie Las
Vegas, NV
* No! I was just there with
my 10yr old granddaughter and there is a tremendous amount of porn
there. The guy on the streets handing out the cards that are all over
the pavement! I don't think it is the proper place for kids. The
drinking and partying that goes on all night in the hotels. I am by no
means a prude and I am in Vegas 2 a yr, but leave Vegas for adults and
Disney for the kids. Even at Circus circus. Sharon
Ft.Lauderdale, FL
* From a parents point of view, I
see no harm in children being exposed to casinos, with the right
guidance from parents of course. Over the years we have taken our 2 boys
to LV many times, visiting the many children's attractions & family
shows available. They have also visited many of the desert areas around
LV. We are not gamblers and neither are our boys. Now that they have
families they intend to take them there also. In fact one son took his
new wife there in March for their honeymoon. Anne
Heafield Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
* Las Vegas is not for kids now,
and it never was. When Bugsy Siegel and his mob partners built the
famous Flamingo that put Las Vegas on the map, history speaks for
itself. Mobsters didn't cater to children, they left that for Walt
Disney. Who wants to sit at a poker table playing for serious money and
a child comes by running, screaming and knocks them off their chair?
Vegas in my opinion is the Disney for adults. It's the adult get away
from kids and reality for a few days. Tonia McFerin
Columbus, OH
* I thinks kids should not
be in Vegas, at all! I have nothing against kids nor do I feel that
exposing them to casino life will harm them, it is just that Vegas is
for Adults! Can't mom & dad ever go any place and have a good time
without the crumb-snatchers? leave 'em at granmas house, she'll be glad
to take care of the littler buggers. Vegas has nothing much to offer
kids anyway other than few amusement rides. Besides, screaming, out of
control brats would ruin my Vegas vacation. George Gryak
West Mifflin, PA
* Our children are grown
now, but we have been coming to Las Vegas for 27 years 1 to 5 times per
year. When our children were younger we brought them to Las Vegas many
times. Our children loved the amusement park at MGM, Circus Circus and
Wet n' Wild. Many times we would buy tickets for them to spend the day
at these parks and we would be a nearby casino enjoying the gaming. Our
children also enjoyed the concerts and shows. We exposed our children to
the many venues of Vegas. Kim Martens Edwardsville, IL
* No No No Why were children
allowed in Vegas at all ever, it is no place for kids, give us old
timers a place to relax, No to kids ever, send them to disney world, Lavinia
Soldinski Bonne Terre , Mo
*
Hhmmm, let me think. No! Chris
Fisher Columbus, OH
* My son was first exposed to
Vegas 2 years ago at age 10..he Loved it! I walked him thru the
casinos...he was amazed at all the lights and sounds. You can't help but
go thru casinos when your with children, either leaving your hotel,
going to the parking garage or just going to get something to eat. As a
parent, its your responsibility to inform kids of what the rules are.
Besides sending kids to the arcade to play games to win tokens/tickets
or stuffed animals is a form of gambling? Tina
McPhail-Hernandex Margate FL
* I love Las Vegas and
the variety that it offers. The idea that it is a good place to take
children is insane. If the climatic extremes aren't enough, just think
of the crowds! At over 6ft and 275lbs, I get bumped around occasionally.
With everything to see and do, it also seems that adults aren't very
focused on the needs of their children. Look at the strollers on the
strip at 11pm, or the baby carriers in 110 degree heat! People really
should think carefully about children in Vegas. Bob Mihalko
Port Washington, WI
* Kids and Las Vegas do not
go together. There are plenty of other destinations that are designed
specifically for children. One example (Disney Land) They would enjoy
this much more than being exposed to casinos and gambling at young ages.
Hello Richard (Still enjoying your newsletter.) Thanks for all of the
good questions. Bev Kircher Clifton NJ
* My thought is: No. Las
Vegas should be a playground for adults. When adults - not just parents
- go to Vegas, they do not want to hear kids screaming in the
background. they get enough of that while in their own hometowns. They
want to be able to do adult things without feeling they are being a bad
influence on others' children. I come to Vegas several times a year and
do want lots of children there. I leave mine at home. Kendra
Killen, AL
* Keep Las Vegas for the
adults. The kids can go to Disneyland. Gary Taylor Plano
TX
* I think that kids go with
parents. I believe most casinos have handled this issue quite well by
video game rooms or places to leave small children while parents gamble.
Mike Roberts Henderson, NV
* I am absolutely opposed to
allowing children under the age of eighteen on casinos floors. Babies,
in particular, should not be exposed to a smoke filled atmosphere.
Teenagers should be diverted to other activities provided by casinos,
thereby allowing their parents or caregivers the time to pursue their
gambling interests, and allow youngsters the opportunity to earn
spending money on their own in order for them to make gambling choices.
Jeanne Rachles Delray Beach, FL
* No I do not think Vegas is
for kids. When I see parents dragging kids around in the middle of the
night I wonder what they are thinking. We had 5 kids and they all love
vegas now that they are over 21 but we would never have taken them to
Vegas as kids. Edward Gurard St Clair Shores MI
* No, that is why they
make DisneyLand. John Hogan Owasso, OK
* Don't turn Las Vegas into
the nasty Orlando. We enjoy the Escape from the "Kiddie Park". How can
parents enjoy the Las Vegas experience with kid worry. As Educators, We
enjoy the entertaining "NO KID" Buildings. It's not fair to the
parents that want to Gamble or hang out. I think Las Vegas is like
an Endless Cruse ship. The Strips' Energy is the reason for our travels.
With kids: what's next, a "Chuckie Cheese Casino" Richard
Quintilone Norfolk, VA
*
I was in LV a couple years ago.
I also have three young sons. there is no way I would bring them to LV
for a family vacation. you can tout the various areas that can entertain
kids, but no matter how you look at it, these are not located in the
type of environment that I consider suitable for kids. also, the
"leaflets" being handed out by the score are disgusting. I would not let
my kids walk the strip. Dan Jacobson Fargo, ND
* Yes and No. Though there
are more things to keep children entertained in Las Vegas than ever
before. I do not feel that children belong in the casino. Though they
are not allowed on the actual floor, the pathways bring them through the
casinos anyway. If feel it is a distraction to the adults who are
gambling and inappropriate for children. Melissa Osika
Valparaiso, IN
* I do not think that Vegas
and children mix well. Speaking in general, I have noticed that many
parents are torn between enjoying the many types of entertainment that
vegas offers and proper supervision of the children. I have personally
witnessed a wide variety of techniques to accomplish this task--ranging
from complete lack of supervision to "parking" the kids in a cafe near
to the bar or gaming area and periodically checking on them. Therefore,
I hold this opinion. Bryan T. Miller Boyne City, MI
* Yes, I think Casinos and
family with children can go together. I think that there is opportunity
to market directly to families with children. I think it is a wonderful
thing that instead of families vacationing without children that the
attitude has changed that a "family vacation" is needed by all. Children
are stressed in school and peer pressure exists so a "family vacation"
is a great idea for all. Andrea Boyle Las Vegas, NV
* No kids. they don't belong
in vegas. they don't call it sin city for the kids. Gary Smith
South Bend. IN
* There are many places where
dragging your children is not appropriate. They are not entertained, and
the people around you are not entertained. Take them to Disneyland,
leave them home and go to Vegas. I didn't take my kid there until he
drove up from Camp Pendleton for his 21st birthday. By then, the Marines
had taken him there twice already. Plan ahead, get a babysitter. No
sense teaching them vice before they can understand restraint. Don
Bartley Portland, OR
* Kids are part of life.
Gamblers have kids, so give kids something to do while the parents
gamble. If kids are excluded from Vegas Vegas loses the parents.
Linda Fisk Manchester
* I believe that families
with underage children should seek other facilities for their vacations.
Las Vegas casinos offer facilities for children as an aside not as a
primary interest. Children deserve to be given first priority if they
are taken on a vacation. Otherwise, leave them at home if it's an adult
vacation or give them a vacation of their own in a child friendly
location. Sandra Dafoe Belleville, Ontario, Canada
* I do not think Las Vegas and
kids go together. There are many other vacation destinations more
appropriate for kids. If parents can't afford both a family vacation and
a couples vacation I suggest waiting till the kids are old enough to be
on their own or stay with friends or family members. A Las Vegas
vacation should be enjoyed by adults with time to concentrate on
themselves and having a fabulous time in the greatest city ever.
Pam Rinzel Manitowoc, WI
* My husband and I have been
going to Las Vegas for the past 14 years. We have brought our 2 children
with us 3 times over the years. They love it there! When my daughter
turned 21, she couldn't wait to go. She has been there 3 times in the
past 5 years. Can't wait until my son turns 21 so we can all go
together. The children can enjoy themselves if the parents find the time
to spend with them and show them all there is to do in Las Vegas and the
surrounding area. Debra Lasota Toms River, NJ
* No I do not think that
children belong in Las Vegas. Perhaps some hotels could cater to
families and that would be perfect. Guests would not be bothered by this
type of family facility. They would specifically book this property and
would feel very comfortable with its family inclusions. Sandra
Page Clawson MI
* Las Vegas is not for kids!
Las Vegas is a "grown up kids" world. Take the kids to Disney World
where they can enjoy being a kid and then parents leave children
w/grandparents and come to the ultimate "grown up kids" world Las Vegas!
Judy Gribble Chatsworth, GA
* I love casinos;
however, children do not belong in them, if for no other reason than
that they should not be exposed to that level of second-hand smoke. I
started going to Vegas in my teens to visit my uncle who worked at the
Sands. We were never allowed into the casinos. Parents wonder why their
kids drink, take drugs and gamble. They often model their parents'
behaviors. Cynthia Ballard Battle Creek, MI
* No! for parents take kids
on vacation then Vegas is not the place to go. Take your kids to
Disneyland and leave Vegas as an adult fun vacation place. I would never
have dreamed of taking my kids to Vegas too much for kids. Gambling,
drinking, smoking and people handing out out porn flyers on the strip.
Not a place for little kids. Sandra Whitehouse West
Yorkshire United Kingdom
* Vegas can be a great place
for children if the parents have the attention span to mind their
children. Babysitting and planned children's activities are great for
once or twice use, but if parents plan on relying on such services for
every day, they should rethink their family vacation plans. Melissa
Stegman Dayton, Ohio
* Kids and Vegas go
together. Families traveling together is always a good idea. But
responsible parents teach their kids that there are adult things and kid
things and kids should be happy with what they've got because they Will
be growing into the other world soon enough. However, Las Vegas is an
adult world and I don't believe casinos should pander to the kids.
Activities are adult activities and visitors should know that while
there are things for the kids, Vegas Want Them! Dick Henderson
Riverside, CA
* I don't think it matters
much as long as there are places that are more adult friendly so that we
don't have to share our "Disneyland" with kids everywhere. Diane
Berrojo Tukwila WA
* I do not think kids
should be in the casinos. Kids should not be exposed to the
swearing, drinking and second hand smoke. Jim Valla
* No! For the life of me, I
don't know why any responsible parent would want to bring kids to Vegas.
Alcohol abounds. Ads for escorts are driven around on mobile billboards.
The list goes on. I have nothing against kids, but this really is an
adult playground. To see parents toting their small children along the
Strip at 2:30 am is troubling. Mark DiSanzo Boston, MA
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