Why is Las Vegas Called Sin City? (Explained!) - FeelingVegas (2024)

Las Vegas aka “Sin City” is a destination full of lights, action and adult entertainment. But if you really want to know why Las Vegas is called Sin City, you’ll have to go back a few years into Vegas’s history, to a time even before mobsters and crime bosses controlled the action in Las Vegas.

The sin in Sin City began in 1906 when an area of downtown Las Vegas, known as Block 16, became home to many of the vices available in the day. Whiskey, gambling, and ladies of ill repute could all be found here. This is where Sin City (aka Las Vegas) was born.

Let’s dive in and take a look at Las Vegas in the early 1900’s.

Why is Las Vegas Called Sin City? (Explained!) - FeelingVegas (1)

(This article may contain affiliate links, which means we might earn a small commission if you click and make a purchase. Thank you!)

Block 16 in Las Vegas: The Original Sin City

In the early days of urban development in Vegas, the town was divided into 40 blocks, the most famous of which was Block 16, located on First Street, between Ogden Ave. and Stewart Ave.

Block 16 and 17 were the only two areas of Las Vegas where liquor could be served without restrictions but Block 16 became much more famous because it openly offered something that Block 17 didn’t have.

Block 16 was the original site of Las Vegas’s bordellos, where you could – starting in 1906 until World War II – easily find a lady of the evening (or morning, or mid-afternoon, or whenever). That easy access to a primary vice and a relatively cheap market made Las Vegas the center of “sin” during the first half of the 20th century.

Although it was technically illegal, brothel owners could “secure” their businesses by paying a $500 license. Even then they were still regularly raided and fined, which was really just a way of filling the municipal coffers.

The workers in these establishments had to undergo weekly medical checks, which became a great source of revenue for local physicians, as well. So while business was booming and customers had easy access to all of their vices, the owners of these establishments had a lot of trouble with the law.

Finally, during World War II, as Nellis Air Force Base was being constructed, the city government decided to shut down the vices happening on Block 16 to keep the military brass happy (the military was a huge source of revenue for the city), effectively ending Block 16’s notorious run.

You can still visit the area known as Block 16 today, though it’s nowhere as exciting as it was back in its heyday. It’s mostly just a parking area behind Binion’s Casino (google maps).

All of these elements make it clear why Las Vegas is called “Sin City”.

The Sin in Sin City Today – Las Vegas

You know the saying “What happens in Vegas, stays in Vegas”? Well, there’s a good reason why Las Vegas is deserving of that saying.

The vices that made Block 16 what it once was are still mostly alive and well today in modern day Las Vegas. Drinking and gambling are not only legal, they are the centerpieces of Vegas today.

While gaming is the city’s number one industry, there are also a lot of related activities such as bookmaking, easy marriage, easy divorce, organized crime, cabarets, clubbing, and 24-hour liquor sales.

Drinking and gaming are available 24 hours a day, seven days a week, 365 days a year. Drinking on the street in Las Vegas is also quite acceptable in certain areas.

While brothels and bordellos aren’t legal in Las Vegas today, you have to remember that they weren’t actually legal back in the early 1900s either. Having said that, the “World’s Oldest Profession” is actually legal in the state of Nevada but you have to head outside of Las Vegas an hour or so to get to one of the legal brothels.

So I think it’s safe to say that for today’s visitors to Las Vegas, the sin is still alive and well.

14 Sin Cities Around the World

Why is Las Vegas Called Sin City? (Explained!) - FeelingVegas (2)

The term “Sin City” is a relatively common nickname for a certain type of city, known for its adult entertainment industry, but it might also refer to a city filled with corruption or crime, depending on the context. The former use is a bit more common than the latter.

Sin City is really a term given to cities with plenty of available vices. Some legal and some not so legal, but still tolerated. Here is a list of some of the other top sin cities in the world:

  • Caracas, Venezuela
  • Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
  • Macau, China
  • Tel Aviv, Israel
  • Baku, Azerbaijan
  • Marrakesh, Morocco
  • Beirut, Lebanon
  • Bangkok, Thailand
  • Prague, Czech Republic
  • Amsterdam, The Netherlands
  • Moscow, Russia
  • Tijuana, Mexico
  • Shanghai, China
  • Miami, Florida, USA

As far as Las Vegas goes, it’s quite possibly the most famous “Sin City” in the world. While these other cities around the world may be known as sin cities, Las Vegas, Nevada is the one and only Sin City!

Related Articles:

How Las Vegas Got Its Start! – Article here

History of Golden Gate Casino – Read here

Is the Neon Museum Worth Visiting? Find out here!

The Oldest Las Vegas Casino Still Standing (The Strip & Downtown) – Article here

Sources:

Las Vegas Sun: Home of Sin City’s originalsin

Wikipedia: Sin City

Spread the love!

Why is Las Vegas Called Sin City? (Explained!) - FeelingVegas (2024)
Top Articles
Health eCareers hiring Emergency Department Tech (24 hrs, evening) in Clackamas, Oregon, United States | LinkedIn
GoMovies: Watch All Movies and Web Series for Free
Jail Inquiry | Polk County Sheriff's Office
DPhil Research - List of thesis titles
Air Canada bullish about its prospects as recovery gains steam
Www.megaredrewards.com
Noaa Weather Philadelphia
Stream UFC Videos on Watch ESPN - ESPN
Day Octopus | Hawaii Marine Life
12 Best Craigslist Apps for Android and iOS (2024)
104 Presidential Ct Lafayette La 70503
Obituary | Shawn Alexander | Russell Funeral Home, Inc.
Christina Khalil Forum
Cvb Location Code Lookup
Costco Gas Foster City
Straight Talk Phones With 7 Inch Screen
Jayah And Kimora Phone Number
No Hard Feelings - Stream: Jetzt Film online anschauen
Libinick
China’s UberEats - Meituan Dianping, Abandons Bike Sharing And Ride Hailing - Digital Crew
VERHUURD: Barentszstraat 12 in 'S-Gravenhage 2518 XG: Woonhuis.
Why Should We Hire You? - Professional Answers for 2024
Johnnie Walker Double Black Costco
Home
683 Job Calls
Aspenx2 Newburyport
Myql Loan Login
Scripchat Gratis
Mineral Wells Skyward
San Jac Email Log In
Cvs Sport Physicals
Forager How-to Get Archaeology Items - Dino Egg, Anchor, Fossil, Frozen Relic, Frozen Squid, Kapala, Lava Eel, and More!
Breckie Hill Fapello
AP Microeconomics Score Calculator for 2023
Western Gold Gateway
Case Funeral Home Obituaries
Maxpreps Field Hockey
دانلود سریال خاندان اژدها دیجی موویز
Homeloanserv Account Login
Lamont Mortuary Globe Az
Vintage Stock Edmond Ok
Quick Base Dcps
Expendables 4 Showtimes Near Malco Tupelo Commons Cinema Grill
The Great Brian Last
The Blackening Showtimes Near Ncg Cinema - Grand Blanc Trillium
DL381 Delta Air Lines Estado de vuelo Hoy y Historial 2024 | Trip.com
Bonecrusher Upgrade Rs3
Deshuesadero El Pulpo
Optimal Perks Rs3
Black Adam Showtimes Near Cinemark Texarkana 14
How To Connect To Rutgers Wifi
Download Twitter Video (X), Photo, GIF - Twitter Downloader
Latest Posts
Article information

Author: Terence Hammes MD

Last Updated:

Views: 6260

Rating: 4.9 / 5 (69 voted)

Reviews: 92% of readers found this page helpful

Author information

Name: Terence Hammes MD

Birthday: 1992-04-11

Address: Suite 408 9446 Mercy Mews, West Roxie, CT 04904

Phone: +50312511349175

Job: Product Consulting Liaison

Hobby: Jogging, Motor sports, Nordic skating, Jigsaw puzzles, Bird watching, Nordic skating, Sculpting

Introduction: My name is Terence Hammes MD, I am a inexpensive, energetic, jolly, faithful, cheerful, proud, rich person who loves writing and wants to share my knowledge and understanding with you.