In the past I would have advised hardcore gamblers to stay and play
downtown. I believe those days are long gone. Now I wouldn't advise
my worst enemy to venture down here unless he had a sudden urge
to get mugged or murdered. The city made an effort to elevate this
area by installing the roof and the light show,and having a constant
police presence during business hours. For a while it worked. On my
last two visits it appeared that this area has gone back to its roots.
Street people of every persuasion have reclaimed Fremont Street,
and are forcing the tourists back to the Strip. I think the city has
thrown up its hands and decided that the extra patrols are not cost
effective,that the bums and prostitutes are too numerous to deal with.
To make a short story even shorter: I'll never stay in,gamble in or
visit this area again.