One sick gambler happy to see O’Sheas shut its doors

It’s a sad time for many Vegas locals.

O’Sheas Casino, a Las Vegas institution since 1989, known for its St. Patrick’s Day block parties and festive, casual party atmosphere that caters to a younger crowd, is closing its doors on April 30. O’Sheas owner, Caesars Entertainment Corp., has announced that the property will be decommissioned and used as part of its $550 million retail, dining, entertainment, and hospitality district building plan for an attraction called the Linq.

O’Sheas offers low table limits thus attracting a more locals and savvier low limit gamblers. It even has a World Series of Beer Pong area for drinking games. It’s a party casino, to put it plainly. And for  O’Shea’s partying clientele, the fun is coming to an end.

I, however, am absolutely ecstatic that it’s closing its doors. As a matter of fact, I couldn’t be happier! As soon as I read that O’Shea’s was closing, I danced an Irish jig. You see, I have harbored a vendetta against O’Shea’s ever since mid March of 2006.

Let me explain.

My buddies and I have gone on a pilgrimage to Vegas at least once a year since time immemorial. It’s a blast, as you might imagine would be the case when you mix degenerate gambling, beer, non-stop sports betting, and no supervision.

Our March 2006 trip was just like any other. That week, up until the last morning, was awesome; tons of laughs, massive losses (expected), and a good time had by all. However, I made a fatal error in judgment in the wee hours of the morning, hours before we would leave for the airport.

It was 3 a.m. A friend and I were wandering the strip, somewhat inebriated, when we happened upon O’Sheas. I was feeling hungry and noticed that O’Shea’s had a Burger King inside. We went in, gambled “a little,” and I ate at BK; three Rodeo cheeseburgers (one of my all time favorite burgers; you know, the ones that had barbecue sauce and onion rings on it). I should have suspected something was amiss, though, when I bit into the stale buns and cold-ish meat, but I was “impaired” and hungry. What could I do? I had to eat them. After I finished, we wandered a little more then went to bed. We had an early flight and some sleep was needed.

I awoke at 6 a.m. to get ready to leave. Our flight was at 8 a.m. As soon as my feet hit the floor I knew I was in trouble. It hit me. Explosive diarrhea, terrible pain, sweating, the works.

Getting to the airport was “interesting” to say the least. I spent the entire flight home in the bathroom! I would have spent take off and landing in the lavatory as well if the stewardess hadn’t made me return to my seat. I couldn’t go to work for three days due to the fact that they I couldn’t get off my toilet. I literally slept on my bathroom floor. It was living hell.

I had never had the pleasure of having food poisoning prior. And I’m certain I don’t ever want it again. And even if I can’t say 100 percent that’s what did it, in my mind that’s connection is as strong as ever. But now they’re closing, so vengeance is finally mine!