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Business as Usual on Strip

LAS VEGAS –7:15 p.m.

Jacob Murphy stands beneath a jumbo screen sporting President Bush's Wednesday night speech and drops $2 on an exacta for the sixth race at the Meadowlands.

Bush is focused on more important issues than Murphy's wager, and Murphy cares little about the speech.

The Arizona State University senior figures the conflict will play out in America's favor. Besides, he's on spring break, looking to win some quick money from Bellagio's sports book.

"I'm not really worried about this," Murphy says. "They have whole TV stations dedicated to the war on Iraq. It's like a TV show."

Nearby, the cliches of the Strip endure despite the outbreak of war.

People continue to bet $25 a hand on Bellagio's blackjack tables. Ravenous fanny-packers return for thirds at the buffet. Trendy martinis are swilled in the megaresort's chic lounges.

7:19 p.m.

Jake Barnes eyes the Bush speech from a plush chair in the Bellagio's sports book. National Basketball Association games in Phoenix and New Orleans have been halted while the president speaks.

"I'm surprised they stopped the NBA games. If it's just up to me, I'd have Israeli special forces assassinate Saddam," says Barnes, who has bet $360 to win $300 on the Knicks and Blazers games.

Bush finishes speaking. Bettors cheer the commander in chief. The games resume.

7:40 p.m.

Slot floorperson Jiraporn Vichanarong leans against a chair, worried about the economic impact of the war. She recalls the citywide layoffs that saw an estimated 15,000 workers lose their jobs because of the domestic travel plunge that followed the Sept. 11, 2001, terror attacks.

"I don't want to have the war. A lot of people are going to lose their jobs," says the Thai native. "I think everybody is worried."

A pit crew sets up blackjack tables near the sports book entrance. Wednesday evening is typically slower than other nights of the week for Bellagio's casino. There's little of the weekend rush, and Cirque du Soleil's "O" show is dark.

8:35 p.m.

Francine Stigliano's been dealing blackjack at MGM Mirage properties for 14 years, and the 52-year-old Las Vegan sounds like a mouthpiece for the Las Vegas Convention and Visitors Authority.

"Let's face it. We're at war, but do people want to stay home and mope about it or do they want to get out and keep up their lives?" Stigliano asks. "We're indomitable here. This is an international town and people are going to come here."

Are you worried that Las Vegas could be a terrorist target? Stigliano is asked.

"No, I don't think there's anything here they're interested in," she says. "There's nothing political. To them this is just a big American playground."

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