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LAS VEGAS — There is little argument that Las Vegas is the gambling capital of the world. It seems that no matter where you look, you will find a row of slot machines or video poker just tempting you to try your luck.
Hoping to cash in on some of that coveted revenue is the city’s latest EMS provider City Rescue Ambulance Paramedics. Buddy Lee, executive partner and co-founder of City Rescue stated, “Well, I figured that why take away the Las Vegas experience just because you are stuck in an ambulance.”
Buddy Lee said that with the advent of technologies such as smartphones and tablets, betting on sports and horses is easier than ever. “Even nursing homes are getting in on the action,” Lee explained, alluding to the fact that several local convalescent homes have installed slot machines to occupy the residents.
Lee anticipates that the first betting kiosks should be ready and installed by the end of the summer, bringing in much needed revenue to the small struggling ambulance company.
“Gas ain’t getting any cheaper” Lee said, who went on to explain that betting would only be offered to those patients that call the ambulance for “stupid reasons” which he admits accounts for 80 percent of their business.
People may remember City Rescue from an article a few months back when Lee announced he was installing “dancing poles” in the back to offer “Vegas style entertainment” during transports.
“Yeah,” Lee explained, “I realized there just wasn’t enough room to do the really cool pole tricks.”
Lee’s partner and co-owner Evan Scott could not be reached for comment.
Speaking on the condition of anonymity, a local fire department captain was quoted as saying “Well that’s City Rescue for ya. CRAP in and CRAP out.”
Ironically, several local fire departments have recently announced they will conduct a feasibility study of placing casinos in fire stations.