I just went to Vegas for the first time with my parents about a month ago and felt the same way. I didn't even understand the slot machine I was trying to play. Walked away when I lost $2 and still didn't even know what the button did. On the other hand, Vegas is great for people-watching!
Yes all kinds of people from all over the world come to Vegas. Although it's a bit sad to see all the old people just chain smoking spending all their time at the slots. Some even get food delivered to their seats. It's even worse to see the drug addicts spazzing out in the street.
You can kayak under the hoover dam next time. There are hot springs. It is pretty nice to hike up the trail and get in the hot water, then jump into the cold river, before you get back to paddling. It is 26 miles long. I like to go to casinos, get the free play money, gamble until it is luckily all real money. Use whatever perks they gave me, cash out, then leave never to return. Win every time. It is usually just a buffet coupon, 10 bucks, and something to do for a bit.