Las Vegas certainly was different 40 years ago. The feel was different. The rules on the games were better. The shows were free. The food was almost free. The sound of the casinos was different with the ring of silver dollars and the constant ringing of bells and gongs on the machines. The players in the upscale casinos on the Strip dressed better than the dealers [g]. The restaurants were good, but not gourmet level. Caesars Palace had a wine maiden at the Bacchanal Restaurant to keep your glass full and massage your shoulders. The pit boss was god, and could comp you just about anything in the house. Slot machines were less numerous and mainly played by wives and girl friends, or while you stood in line for the show. Nickel slots were the denomination seen most often.

However... the table games were not always fair in the 60's and 70's. You were expected to lose, and the dealer would make sure you did [g]. Every club had a mechanic or two who would be brought in if you got too lucky or played too well. Today, the games are fair, but many don't have the favorable rules of 40 years ago.