In 2007   Louis Theroux spent a weekend in Las Vegas as part of  a television series for the BBC. Louis Theroux, son of travel writer and novelist Paul Theroux, is known for bringing his low-key and somewhat intellectual style to unusual and  exotic situations and topics.

The six links below will take you to to You Tube for the video, note there are a few hiccups at the start of the first video, but then its smooth sailing.

The six videos document Louis’s interaction with some of the top gamblers at the Las Vegas Hilton. It is interesting to see host interaction with high-rollers and as Louis frequently points out, never forget who pays the host’s salary.

Part One: Louis Theroux: “Gambling in Las Vegas” Meet the Canadian Mattress King.

Part Two: Louis Theroux: “Gambling in Las Vegas” Two salesmen on a weekend blitz; Mattress King plays Roulette at $5,000 a spin.

Part Three:  Louis Theroux: “Gambling in Las Vegas”

Part Four:  Louis Theroux: “Gambling in Las Vegas” Mattress King gets a $3000 Neiman Marcus comp.

Part Five:  Louis Theroux: “Gambling in Las Vegas” Mattress King hits the high limit slots.

Part Six:  Louis Theroux: “Gambling in Las Vegas” Louis puts $3,000 of his own money at risk and wins!

Atlantis Bahamas

We have stayed at the Atlantis several times over the last few years. The offers in the past were always specific, free suite, $300 day food and $1500 in FreePlay.

This time the offer said to call your host and let us customize a vacation just for you. I e-mailed Marshall and asked him what he could do. He e-mailed back saying “the same as last time the suite and he would take care of dinners.”

When I received my bill at the hotel it had all food charges. I went to VIP services, No Luck. I e-mailed Marshall and his comment was that I did not play enough so there would be no comps above the room. I said that I expected him to keep his word but that didn’t matter.

In fairness to Marshall, I did gamble less this trip than on previous trips. I played about 50K /day and lost a decent amount of money.

So,I tried disputing the charges with the credit card company but since he only said that he would take care of it and not comp the food charges, I lost the dispute. The interpretation on “take car of it” was make the reservation. I have a feeling the sleazeball knew that and worded his e-mail very carefully.

Now we have had 4 very nice vacations at the Atlantis, ate great meals and love their pools and water rides. This is just a note to make sure you get a detailed up front note of what will be comped especially when visiting the Atlantis in the Bahamas.