![]() ![]() Fair or not, downtown carries a lot of the baggage. Cleveland has registered on “most dangerous city” lists with disquieting frequency. Many sidewalks built with optimistically broad widths appear untouched, especially at night. One out of every three Clevelanders lives in poverty, a human suffering visible in a downtown scarred by once-gracious vacant buildings. But he’s here to accompany his wife, who likes the games but refuses to venture downtown from their suburban home without him. A white-bearded man in an Indians hat and wearing two fleeces, one over the other, he doesn’t think much of gambling. Joe, a pipefitter and native Clevelander, wasn’t here to gamble. I met Joe at the bar, where he was enjoying a drink and watching college football. A gilded “High Limit” area has enough windows for those on the common gaming floors to look askance at the heavy rollers inside. ![]() ![]() Waitresses weave through clumps of guests gathered around blackjack tables and slots, most of whom keep on their jackets and hats, as if they only meant to step inside for a moment. Elegant chandeliers hang from the ceiling while a soundtrack of ’80s rock - “Danger Zone,” “Smooth Operator” - is interrupted by the electronic pings and yawps from flashing machine games. It’s a grey and rather dismal Saturday afternoon in November, but the Horseshoe Casino in downtown Cleveland feels alive. Become a free or sustaining member to read unlimited articles, webinars and ebooks. This is your first of three free stories this month. ![]()
0 Comments
Leave a Reply. |
AuthorWrite something about yourself. No need to be fancy, just an overview. ArchivesCategories |