Fists And Wins: How Vegas Became The Fighting Capital Of The World
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Las Vegas is known for glitz, glamor, and the best welcome bonus casinos. You can indulge in the ultimate luxury, spending on gambling and enjoying showbiz.
However, those are not the only things you can do in Vegas. You can also watch pro fighters take on each other in boxing and MMA matches.
How did Vegas, the casino capital, become the world’s fighting capital?
Today’s blog will answer this question in depth.
The Early Days of Boxing in the USA
New York was the first place where commercial boxing took off. It was the hotbed of TV and entertainment before Hollywood. Boxing matches on TV attracted millions of viewers even in those days.
However, the broadcasters and big channels overtook the boxing scene. Local clubs were left out, and they slowly withdrew their support.
As a result, boxing was dying on a local level. It had turned into a TV show and only operated to earn revenues.
Therefore, the need for an alternative was felt.
Vegas Makes its Entry
The sandy desert of Nevada was the next home for American boxing. Vegas was in its early stages of development in those days. It was in 1955 that the first boxing match was held in Vegas between Nino Valdes and Archie Moore.
The local casinos were overwhelmed by this event. Some of them gladly contributed $100,000 for the match to show their support.
Soon, more boxing matches were held in the town. The casinos were benefiting from the additional crowd that stayed in their hotels. They also spent on gambling and other services at the casinos.
In 1960, the town constructed the Las Vegas Convention Center. It was to hold all the boxing matches in an indoor arena. This made the entry of boxing official in the casino capital.
Fighting Moves into Casinos
The casino owners in Vegas saw an opportunity they didn’t fail to capitalize. They realized they would gain more if the fights were held in casinos itself.
Caesar’s Palace was one of the first casinos to hold a boxing match in 1976. It drew a crowd of around 5,000 people and was a gala event.
Most importantly, it allowed the casino to attract gamblers who were ready to risk everything. Therefore, the betting business of the casinos took off with a great start.
Soon, it became a tradition to welcome high-rollers with extra amenities. They were offered the best rooms and premium service. The casinos also arrange several events around the boxing matches to attract more attendance.
Over time, other sports like martial arts and MMA were introduced to Vegas. Now, it is a multi-million dollar business with top sportspersons and celebrities.
Final Thoughts
New York gave way to Vegas to become the world’s fighting capital. The popularity was fueled by leading casinos that saw the opportunity to earn more. They sponsored fights and attracted high-rollers with additional amenities and exciting events. The casinos also popularized betting on the matches that earned them millions of dollars.
