VEGAS MYTHS DEBUNKED: 5 Films You Believed Were Filmed in Vegas

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Published on: September 22, 2025, 07:21h.

Updated on: September 21, 2025, 11:42h.

Films set in Las Vegas often embody a sense of authenticity. Notable titles such as “The Hangover” (2009) were filmed extensively on the Strip. Similar treatment was given to “Ocean’s 11” (both the 1960 and 2001 versions), “Viva Las Vegas” (1964), “Diamonds are Forever” (1971), “The Electric Horseman” (1979), “Rain Man” (1988), “Casino” (1995), “Vegas Vacation” (1997), and “Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas” (1998), among others.

In the 2001 remake of “Ocean’s 11,” starring Matt Damon and George Clooney, the duo executes a heist targeting a vault containing $150 million from the Bellagio, MGM Grand, and Mirage. Although such a vault doesn’t exist, the production had five weeks of round-the-clock access to the Bellagio. (Image: Warner Bros.)

However, some well-known Las Vegas-themed films were not filmed on location at all…

Misleading Las Vegas

In “Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas” (1998), starring Johnny Depp, the Boardwalk Casino represented Circus Circus, which wanted to avoid any negative associations with the chaotic storyline adapted from Hunter S. Thompson’s novel, prompting a name change to “Bazooko Circus.” The surreal check-in scene showcased at the Mint was filmed at the Riviera instead. (Image: Universal Pictures)

Due to the high costs of filming on the Strip, many directors opt for soundstages where they can manage lighting, sound, and crowd control more effectively. Furthermore, securing the cooperation of casinos poses its own challenges.

Casino executives often see minimal benefit in allowing film productions, especially since the long-term cultural impact can be uncertain. If a film flops, the executives worry about the repercussions during their tenure. (Take for instance the chaos during the filming of “Jason Bourne” (2016), which triggered a panic at Aria due to simulated gunfire.)

Which of these iconic Vegas films do you recognize as having not been filmed in Sin City?

1. “Leaving Las Vegas” (1995)

In “Leaving Las Vegas,” Nicolas Cage portrays an alcoholic, while Elisabeth Shue plays a sex worker in this film that explores the darker sides of Sin City. (Image: United Artists)

Regarded as one of the most acclaimed Vegas films ever, “Leaving Las Vegas” was predominantly filmed in Laughlin, a small casino town located 90 miles south of Las Vegas, due to resistance from local corporate casino PR teams who rejected the film’s darker themes.

The portrayal of rape in a motel room was not in line with the family-friendly image that casinos sought to maintain during the era when attractions like amusement parks were present at venues like MGM Grand and Excalibur.

Amid mounting challenges, director Mike Figgis managed to film this brief outdoor scene near the Circus Circus sign without prior permission. (Image: United Artists)

Operating on a limited budget of $3.5 million, the Nevada Film Office directed Figgis to Laughlin, where production costs were significantly reduced.

All casino interior scenes were filmed at the River Palms Resort Casino (now the Laughlin River Lodge Hotel & Casino), including an unscripted blackjack table flip by Cage that reportedly went over poorly with the casino management.

Figgis got creative with scenes he was denied access to, capturing guerrilla footage at Excalibur, Bally’s, and in front of the Mirage and Flamingo without any permits.

2. “What Happens in Vegas” (2008)

Not filming in Las Vegas was merely one of the many shortcomings of Ashton Kutcher and Cameron Diaz’s “What Happens in Vegas.” (Image: 20th Century Fox)

Despite the title, “What Happens in Vegas” did not incorporate much real location shooting for this romantic comedy that perpetuated the myth of drunken Vegas weddings.

The majority of the casino interiors, hotel sequences, and the wedding chapel were filmed on soundstages in LA, with authentic Vegas settings shown only in brief exterior clips.

3. “Last Vegas” (2013)

This comedy showcases a reunion of aging friends (Michael Douglas, Robert De Niro, Morgan Freeman, and Kevin Kline) celebrating a Vegas bachelor party, but much of it was filmed in Atlanta.

The Aria’s casino, hotel suites, and nightclub were recreated at Tyler Perry Studios, with real Las Vegas only appearing in a few exterior shots.

According to The Atlanta Journal-Constitution, the choice to film in Georgia was influenced by the state’s tax incentives, offering up to 30% in credits for productions.

In “The Cooler,” William H. Macy portrays a character at a blackjack table in Las Vegas, which was actually filmed in Reno. (Image: Lion’s Gate)

4. “The Cooler” (2003)

Set in the fictional Shangri-La Casino in downtown Las Vegas, this indie film featuring William H. Macy as a “cooler,” was largely filmed at the Golden Phoenix Hotel & Casino in Reno while it was undergoing renovations and is now a condo complex.

Additional interior sequences were captured on LA soundstages.

5. “21” (2008)

This film narrating the story of MIT students engaged in card counting was primarily filmed in Boston. Authenticity was sought by mimicking Planet Hollywood, Red Rock, and the initial Hard Rock. A few segments were filmed at Foxwoods Resort Casino in Connecticut. In this case, Las Vegas was represented mainly by exterior shots for context.

Check out “Vegas Myths Busted” every Monday on Casino.org. Click here for previously debunked Vegas myths. Have an idea for a Vegas myth that needs investigation? Reach out to [email protected].



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