How Much Money Did Clark Griswold Lost in Vegas Vacation?

By Robert Palmer

If you’re a fan of the National Lampoon franchise, then you must have seen the iconic movie ‘Vegas Vacation’. In the movie, Clark Griswold is determined to win big in Las Vegas and provide his family with a luxurious vacation.

However, things don’t go as planned for the hapless Clark, and he ends up losing a significant amount of money. But just how much money did Clark Griswold lose in Vegas? Let’s break it down.

Clark’s Initial Winnings

At the beginning of the movie, Clark wins $25,000 on a slot machine at a gas station while en route to Las Vegas. He also receives an additional $1,000 as a result of his good luck. With this initial win, Clark is confident that he will have an amazing time in Vegas and return home with plenty of cash.

The Keno Disaster

Clark’s first major loss happens when he decides to play keno with his wife Ellen. He spends $10 per game and ends up losing $20,000 in just one sitting. Despite Ellen’s warnings that they should quit while they’re ahead, Clark refuses and continues playing.

The Blackjack Fiasco

Clark’s next big loss comes from playing blackjack at a casino. He sits down at a high-stakes table with Rusty and Audrey and bets $5,000 per hand. However, he loses every single hand and ends up losing another $20,000.

The Hoover Dam Debacle

After losing such a significant amount of money in Las Vegas casinos, Clark decides to take his family on a tour of the Hoover Dam instead. Unfortunately for him, he accidentally backs their rented car off the edge of the Dam while trying to park it. The car plunges into the river below and is destroyed – costing him an additional $25,000.

The Total Loss

Adding up all of Clark’s losses, we get a grand total of $65,000. This is a significant amount of money for anyone, let alone a middle-class family man like Clark Griswold. Despite his losses, Clark ultimately learns the valuable lesson that family vacations are about spending time with loved ones and creating memories rather than chasing after big wins in casinos.

Conclusion

In conclusion, Clark Griswold lost a whopping $65,000 during his Las Vegas vacation. While it may seem like a lot of money to lose, it’s important to remember that gambling should always be done responsibly and within one’s means. Even if you don’t win big in Las Vegas, you can still have an amazing time with your family or friends by exploring everything the city has to offer outside of its casinos.