It’s a typical Monday in downtown Las Vegas, and Paul Contino finds himself in front of a newspaper photographer at the Carousel Bar outside the Plaza hotel-casino. A passing couple, sipping on adult beverages, pause to get a better look. The man in the duo can’t help but comment on Contino’s resemblance to “Walter White’s doppelganger,” despite only sharing a bald head in common with the Breaking Bad character.
In his unmistakable voice, Contino responds, “No, I’m Vegas Pauly C-eeeeeeee,” instantly revealing his identity to the man. Excitedly, the tourist offers to buy him a beer, but Contino declines. It’s just past 11 a.m., and the social media influencer, known as Vegas Pauly C, has a busy day ahead, including an exclusive interview with the Review-Journal about his surprising rise to fame in Sin City.
“I can’t really explain it either,” Contino chuckles. “But it’s pretty interesting because everything I do is totally organic.” His unfiltered and bold approach has catapulted Vegas Pauly C to become one of the most prominent social media influencers in the city, boasting over 460,000 followers on Instagram.
Despite being an unlikely influencer in a city fixated on image and curated messaging, Contino, a 60-year-old self-proclaimed compulsive gambler with a unique genetic mutation (CCAATT), a strong New York accent, and a knack for sharing his unfiltered opinions, has carved out his own niche. His content ranges from casino suite tours to candid critiques of gambling establishments, all delivered with his signature flair.
Contino thrives on the engagement, both positive and negative, that his content generates online. “I’m kind of an empathetic narcissist,” he admits matter-of-factly. “I enjoy the attention of being on social media, but as an empath, I value people’s opinions. It’s one of my strengths.”
However, Contino’s journey to social media stardom hasn’t been without its challenges. He’s been embroiled in public feuds with other influencers, faced setbacks in business ventures like a failed taco shop, and struggles financially, admitting to borrowing money from friends. Despite the hurdles, Vegas Pauly C has become a household name in the city, recognized by prominent figures like Jonathan Jossel, CEO of the Plaza hotel-casino.
Jossel acknowledges Contino’s appeal, praising his authenticity and fearlessness in speaking his mind. The Plaza even has a blackjack table dedicated to Vegas Pauly C, a testament to his influence in the local scene. While Contino’s journey has had its share of highs and lows, he remains committed to his unique brand of content creation.
Reflecting on his unconventional path to fame, Contino muses, “It’s like some kind of chemical reaction to being real. I don’t really know.” Despite the uncertainties and challenges he faces, Vegas Pauly C continues to captivate audiences with his unapologetic approach to social media.
For more information, reach out to David Danzis at ddanzis@reviewjournal.com or 702-383-0378. Follow @ac2vegas-danzis.bsky.social or @AC2Vegas_Danzis on X.
