Uncovering the History Behind “Viva Las Vegas”
Viva Las Vegas! It’s a phrase that’s as famous as the phrase “what happens in Vegas, stays in Vegas”. You’ve likely heard it said, seen it written on signs, and maybe even sung a karaoke rendition of the famous Elvis Presley song.
But have you ever stopped to think about what this phrase means? Well, we’ve decided to take a look at the meaning of “Viva Las Vegas”, taking a deep dive into its origins and using it to truly understand what sits at the heart of the shining city in the desert.
What is the meaning behind “Viva Las Vegas”
Taken literally, “Viva Las Vegas” is Spanish for “live Las Vegas”, though it is commonly understood to mean “long live Las Vegas”. It’s a phrase used throughout the world and history, particularly to refer to monarchs.
In English, the phrase “the king is dead, long live the king” would be a proclamation used to announce that the former monarch had passed and that a new one had ascended to the throne.
In France, the phrase “Vive la France” is a patriotic expression that you’ll hear cheered at sporting events and national holidays. Across the border in Spain, “Viva España” has a similar meaning and is used by Spaniards in the same way.
Whilst this allows us to understand the history and entomology of the phrase, it isn’t quite accurate, however, to say the meaning of Viva Las Vegas is simply “long live Las Vegas” because it doesn’t capture the essence of what the city stands for.
It’s unclear when it was first proclaimed, but it’s likely residents and visitors to the city have been cheering Viva Las Vegas for much of its history.
To properly understand what it means, you need to see Las Vegas in context to the rest of the United States. The country has different rules and even cultures across its 50 states, so casino games and sports betting were not readily accessible to many Americans.
Las Vegas, therefore, rose out of the desert as a destination for people to visit for entertainment. Whilst it was originally casinos, it quickly evolved beyond this, attracting many of the world’s most famous artists who would take up residency in the city and perform at its hotels and casinos night after night.
Viva Las Vegas, therefore, is a celebration of what the city has to offer. It’s a place to come to let your hair down, take a break from the hustle and bustle of everyday life, and blow off some steam.
Gaining Popularity with the Release of “Viva Las Vegas” by Elvis Presley
Whilst there have been many big names that have come to call the city their home, including Penn and Teller, Celine Dion, and Elton John, none have managed to have the impact that Elvis Presley had on the city.
The King was a pioneer. In the 1950s, he radically reshaped the musical landscape with his energetic lyrics, provocative dance moves, and trend-setting fashion sense. He captivated the United States and then the world with hit songs like Blue Suede Shoes and Tutti Frutti.
He first took to the stage in Vegas in 1956 and remained there for the rest of his life, helping him to become synonymous with the city.
It was this connection that got Presley a starring role, alongside Ann-Margret in the 1964 rock and roll musical film Viva Las Vegas, for which he also sang the theme tune of the same name.
Presley’s fame, and that of his co-star Ann-Margret, together with the catchy tunes throughout the film helped to make it a hit, racking up almost $10 million ($101 million in 2024) in Box Office sales.
With so many people watching Viva Las Vegas and listening to its theme tune, the world was sold on what the city had to offer anyone who came to visit.
In particular, they both showcased the casino games that Las Vegas has to offer up and down its famous strip. For months after its release, Americans and people the world over were singing, humming, and whistling lyrics like “Oh, there’s blackjack, and poker, and the roulette wheel”, helping to cement the relationship between gaming and the city.
And whilst Elvis was already strongly linked to the city through his residencies, Viva Las Vegas created this connection for a much wider audience than just those visiting Nevada.
In many ways, Elvis is the embodiment of Viva Las Vegas. His love for the city and the excess and excitement that it has to offer is synonymous with his brand and the brand of Las Vegas.
Discover Games From Vegas Online at Pink Casino
In Elvis’ day, the only way to enjoy the awesome casino games offered by Vegas in the quantities offered by its legendary resorts was to visit the city. Today, however, you can explore the quality and quantity from the comfort of your own home (or almost anywhere else, for that matter).
The same epic table games like blackjack and roulette that line the gaming floors of every Vegas casino can be played right here at Pink Casino, including classic versions and unique variants like Gold Vault Roulette Live, Nexus Roulette, and PowerUP Roulette.
If slots are more your thing, then we’ve got you covered with massive Vegas hits like Sweet Bonanza and Starburst that you can play from your smartphone or computer, just like you could from the Vegas Strip.
If that’s not enough Vegas for you, then why not try your hand at some of the many Las Vegas-themed casino games? This includes live dealer titles like Vegas Ball Bonanza Live as well as slots like Wild in Vegas: Wild Fight, Vegas Mega Spin, and Vegas Diamonds.