But these days, you're as likely to see Spiderman, or Elmo, or various other costumed characters on the sidewalks outside the casinos.
The sluggish economy in Nevada has inspired dozens of people who are unemployed or under-employed to dress up like celebrities, movie characters and cartoon heroes, and stand out on the sidewalk -- hoping a tourist will give them a few bucks for the chance to have a picture taken with them. They can't demand money, so they have to rely on tips.
The casinos aren't always happy about it. The Venetian allegedly detained a man dressed as Zorro last year while he was posing on a public sidewalk bordering the property. He's suing.
City officials had been cracking down on the sidewalk characters, but recently eased up because of legal threats.
An electrician who poses with tourists while dressed as KISS frontman Gene Simmons says, "It helps pay the bills, and it lets them go home with a memory they love."
