Pete P,
Why couldn't a NFL team move there? Curious to know...
Here's on answer: http://lasvegas.cbslocal.com/2014/07/23/4-reasons-why-las-vegas-will-never-get-a-professional-franchise/
No native, local base
Ownership getting too close to gambling
Read up on the NBA All-Star game held there.
Peter, interesting article, but I find it far from convincing.
1) While many people are "new" to Vegas, the surrounding area is over 2 million strong, so I doubt they would have trouble finding 60-70K locals to fill up a stadium. But then again, they wouldn't need to fill it up on their own.
Imagine your team is now playing a road game...in Vegas. They would have no trouble filling up a stadium with oodles of fans from opposing teams showing up as they get the game and a Vegas trip rolled up into one.
2) I don't buy the gambling argument one bit. Gambling happens in every major city in the US. At work, amongst friends, among co-workers. Nothing new here, especially in the Internet era where one can do it all online...
As for the appearance of being influenced by gambling... shady broody looking characters exist in every city across America and anyone can be influenced to swing a line or throw a game. Once again, nothing new.
3) As for the All-Star game, I don't think one data point is enough to show an actual problem exists. They play all types of college sports in Vegas, including the Vegas Bowl. As well as it regularly hosts world class level boxing and UFC events, in addition to countless conventions. One bad weekend doesn't a spoiled apple make.
To boot shenanigans happen in every major city across America. Think Atlanta and a certain ex-Raven. I guess Atlanta has to get rid of the Falcons now.
http://nypost.com/2013/01/27/inside-tale-of-ray-lewis-parking-lot-brawl-homicide-case/