LAS VEGAS -- Congressman Paul Ryan met with casino mogul Sheldon Adelson and several others Tuesday night to discuss how to raise money while hundreds protested the GOP ticket outside.

A handful of attendees of tonight's "finance meeting" -- all of whom walked out of the elevators with white folders -- confirmed to reporters inside The Venetian Las Vegas Casino, Hotel and Resort that the newly selected vice presidential nominee spoke in the Paiza Club at the casino owned by Sheldon.

NBC's Michael Isikoff reports on Republican VP pick Paul Ryan's meeting last night in Las Vegas with some big-dollar GOP donors, including casino tycoon Sheldon Adelson, for a private talk about the campaign.

One male attendee said the remarks by the Wisconsin Congressman were "wonderful" and noted Ryan didn't say anything unusual.

A few hundred protesters gathered outside the popular Vegas hotel, carrying signs and chanting. Many in the group appeared to be union workers.

Adelson has been a big contributor to Mitt Romney and the Republican Party this year and has promised to spend $100 million to defeat President Barack Obama this fall.

Mitt Romney's running mate, VP contender Paul Ryan, has a voting record that – at times – conflicts with his political identity as a fiscal conservative. NBC's Kelly O'Donnell reports.

The Romney campaign would not confirm details of tonight's event other than telling reporters it was not a fundraiser as no one paid money to attend. Several dozen names appeared to be on the list at the security stand for people who would be attending.

Earlier Tuesday, a Romney spokesman tweeted that in the last 72 hours, the campaign has raised $7.4 million online with over 101,000 donations.

Congressman Ryan is scheduled to attend at least three more fundraisers before the weekend, which he is slated to spend in Ohio and Virginia.