Casino Moguls should be required to take a trip to Reno. It was buzzing with excitement, customers, celebrities, casino action and ME. Now it's a shell of its glory days. Yes there are reasons for the collapse. The lesson to be learned is that collapse CAN happen, and keeping them (me) coming is more important than increasing the take.

Las Vegas doesn't want me anymore. I'm retired, on a fixed income. Not a big bettor. No clubs for me, no $100+ shows either. Have no interest in big ticket clothing from brand name retailers or fancy food from fancy restaurants. I used to go to play nickels and quarters all night, maybe some low minimum blackjack and buy the graveyard specials. I didn't shop for comps, but I did use the old coupons for some deals.

I've stayed in just about every hotel on the strip, but now it appears only two are in my price range.

I love the city, and like to walk thru all the gambling halls, soaking up the sounds and energy of the crowds. The recent passing of Robert Maheu reminded me that the Hughes' era was my favorite. The last decade of giant money sucking corporate greed has reduced my annual visits from four to only one.

There are now seven casinos within a 30 minute drive of my home. Las Vegas can invite me back with some decent room prices, good machines and tables to play and food deals to talk about when I come back here.