Intermission - Locations

I find it very interesting to note how many mystery and crime movies are shot using a Las Vegas hotel as the backdrop. Is Las Vegas really the center of that kind of activity? Or is it just that the bright lights and casinos lend themselves to the kind of movies where there is a criminal undercurrent?

Take for example the Ocean's movies. Beginning in Las Vegas in a casino, these movies seem to have used that glittering city for a lot of scenes. Now, I really enjoy the Ocean's movies, I have to admit. Likable criminals who wind up doing the right thing in each. And, they do get caught, so they aren't a "crime really does pay" type of movies.

What do you think? Why is Las Vegas used for so many movies and TV shows like this?