A TV magician who once appeared on Britain’s Got Talent has revealed how a couple of drinks in one of Las Vegas’ most popular attractions quickly burnt a hole in his wallet.
Magic man Ryan Tricks, who has 2.5million followers on his Facebook page, shared a photograph of a bill after he bought the two drinks at Sphere, Sin City’s futuristic entertainment venue.
Ryan bought two drinks – a draft Chesney Coors Light Draft beer, which came in a plastic Kenny Chesney Cup, and a Bacardi-based drink.
The receipt showed Ryan paid $20 (£14.73) for the lager, $3 (£2.20) for the reuseable cup and $34 (£25) for the Bacardi drink.
But the charges didn’t stop there; there was a Nevada sales tax of $2.62 (£1.93), a Clark County Sales tax of $2.15 (£1.58) and a tip of $12.54 (£9.24) to the server.
The final bill came to $74.31 (£54.60).
Posting the photo of the receipt, he captioned it: ‘I can’t believe how much two drinks were in Vegas. Look at the price.’
Sphere opened in September 2023 and is famous for its 16K wraparound LED screen.
TV magician Ryan Tricks shared his bill from a very expensive night out in Sin City
Just two drinks – and a lot of additional charges – at Sphere totted up to $74.31 (£54.60)
The concert venue has already played host to some big names, including U2, The Eagles and, the man behind the plastic cup the drink was served in, country music star Kenny Chesney.
Many of Ryan’s followers were left aghast at the price of two drinks, and the additional charges.
The post has had 400 comments to date, with one person writing: ‘£12 for a tip, shove that right where the sun don’t shine.’
Another added: ‘Tips on taxes is morally wrong.’
Others, though, suggested that it was par for the course for such an entertainment venue.
One person wrote: ‘This is inside the Sphere if you look at the receipt. It’s the same as buying drinks in any arena. They always overcharge at Arenas or events. That goes for everywhere. Plenty of cheap drinks in Vegas elsewhere.’
Another added: ‘That’s just normal for there we sat outside on a seat bar and paid £27 for 2 1/2 pints larger.’
One penned: ‘You were also at a concert venue. I’m sure if you go a few bikes away to the grocery store like go to Smith’s down the street and you can buy those things a lot cheaper.’
The US has a formidable tip culture – and average 20 per cent on a bill – which can leave tourists shocked…and that’s before the local sales taxes have been added.
Sphere has become a unmistakable feature of the Las Vegas Strip – but, like many arenas, it ramps up food and drink charges for those visiting it
Sphere launched in 2023, with a performance by U2 – but the venue has struggled to be profitable in its early years of operation
Despite the handsome drinks prices, the Sphere hasn’t fared well financially in recent times.
In the autumn, it was reported that it was losing staggering sums, as company executives admitted they don’t yet know how to make the venue profitable.
From June 30 to September 30 2024, the Sphere reported an operating income loss of $125.1 million.
The towering orb has 1.2 million exterior LEDs that create stunning light displays on the already-bright Vegas strip.
Sphere Entertainment owns the venue along with MSG Networks, a regional sports cable channel broadcasting games from New York teams like the Knicks, Rangers and Islanders.
