I'd like to point out that there are non-gambling game companies in Las Vegas. GameDevMap.com points at three of them and you have a local IGDA chapter. I'd highly recommend you start attending local chapter meetings and do some networking. It'll help wondrously with your job search when you get close to graduating.

Quote: Original post by hasonishUnfortunately for me, I live in Las Vegas, and the only game companies here are the ones focused on gambling.

http://www.petroglyphgames.com

Petroglyph has been in Las Vegas for a few years now. It's a great company. I used to work for them.

To shed some light on another question of yours... I was hired at Petroglyph while living in Pennsylvania, so location isn't EVERYTHING, but as mentioned, being in the area gives you an advantage.