Need Vegas tips, ideas, do's, dont's, advice, money, etc

[gospursgojas]

Me and the ol lady are going for the first time for our anniversary in Sept. We're going with her sis and husband, so we're driving as splitting gas money will be cheaper than flying (more spending money).

I need the all the tips y'all can give me on everything from the drive to hotels to what to do.

Thank you for your time and God Bless America.

[clambake]

get a wrap around terrace suite in the east building above the day club at cosmopolitan.

[tlongII]

Ceasar's Palace!

[ohmwrecker]

As your attorney I advise you to take . . . two bags of grass, seventy-five pellets of mescaline, five sheets of high-powered blotter acid, a saltshaker half-full of cocaine, and a whole galaxy of multi-colored uppers, downers, screamers, laughers... Also, a quart of tequila, a quart of rum, a case of beer, a pint of raw ether, and two dozen amyls.

[Dex]

All of the action is at the middle of the strip. Pretty much everything between the four corners (MGM/NYNY/Tropicana/Excalibur) and the Encore/Wynn.

You'll find cheaper rooms at the kitschy resorts like NYNY, Excalibur, and Luxor, or further up the "top" of the strip at places like Stratosphere or Sahara. Sahara, in particular, had some cheap tables if you don't feel like going for broke.

Resorts such as Caesar's Palace, MGM, and even Bellagio seemed to be good mid-range resorts, for both rooms and table games. Only stay at places like the Wynn and Encore if you plan to drop some serious dime.

Be sure to visit Old Vegas to see the lightshow and get a classic (if not touristy) taste of Vegas.

There are lots of free shows to catch; ask your concierge or check online for details. The fountains at Bellagio are a lot cooler than I thought they would be.

If you want cheap tickets to shows, there are outlets that will sell discounted tickets for day-of shows. You can find these places around town and can usually catch a good deal if your tickets are available; showing up early is recommended.

Don't take the little cards being handed out by the weirdos on the sidewalks. Unless, of course...you are looking for a good time, sailor.

When in doubt, ask your cab driver.

And if you go to bed before sunrise, you are doing it wrong.

[DeadlyDynasty]

Ceasar's Palace!



All of the action is at the middle of the strip. Pretty much everything between the four corners (MGM/NYNY/Tropicana/Excalibur) and the Encore/Wynn.

You'll find cheaper rooms at the kitschy resorts like NYNY, Excalibur, and Luxor, or further up the "top" of the strip at places like Stratosphere or Sahara. Sahara, in particular, had some cheap tables if you don't feel like going for broke.

Resorts such as Caesar's Palace, MGM, and even Bellagio seemed to be good mid-range resorts, for both rooms and table games. Only stay at places like the Wynn and Encore if you plan to drop some serious dime.

Be sure to visit Old Vegas to see the lightshow and get a classic (if not touristy) taste of Vegas.

There are lots of free shows to catch; ask your concierge or check online for details. The fountains at Bellagio are a lot cooler than I thought they would be.

If you want cheap tickets to shows, there are outlets that will sell discounted tickets for day-of shows. You can find these places around town and can usually catch a good deal if your tickets are available; showing up early is recommended.

Don't take the little cards being handed out by the weirdos on the sidewalks. Unless, of course...you are looking for a good time, sailor.

When in doubt, ask your cab driver.

And if you go to bed before sunrise, you are doing it wrong.

Good advice all around from Dex. The Bellagio and/or Caesar's Palace are the ideal places to stay, both price wise and gambling/entertainment wise. If you really don't care where you stay, then Planet Hollywood is a good choice as well--their game setup is great (be sure to hit up the Pleasure Pit).

Now, if you're gonna gamble:

STAY AWAY FROM SLOTS--biggest bullshit games in any casino, and there's really no fun to them. Your wives and girlfriends will love slots though, so this gives you an opportunity to get away from them for awhile.

As for Blackjack, it's a sucker's game too but there's actually a couple tables at Caesar's Palace that are single-deck...look for those and play them--you'll have much better luck than the multi-deck tables.

If you wanna learn a new game (assuming you haven't played it before), play CRAPS--the most fun you can have gambling at a casino. The dealers, boxman, and stickman, will be happy to teach you the game, so don't feel intimidated. Once you learn it, you will fall in love with it. CRAPS is a game where you can play for multiple hours and only come away with $20--but still have a helluva time.

If you like Roulette let me know, I'll show you an easy system that'll have you winning 70-75% of the time.

Lastly, make sure you get a gaming card (most likely a Harrah's card), and give them to the dealer for whatever game you're playing. Whether you're winning or losing, if you spend money there it shows and you are more likely to get comps. Also, don't be afraid to ask for comps, because they are rarely given unless you are absolutely killing the house :lol


Don't pay one dime for alcohol, it's free if you're playing. Have fun bro, Vegas is my Graceland :lol

[Slomo]

http://www.spurstalk.com/forums/showpost.php?p=1891797&postcount=13

[leemajors]

I would have advised you to waste your money elsewhere and have something to show for it.

[coyotes_geek]

You'll find cheaper rooms at the kitschy resorts like NYNY, Excalibur, and Luxor, or further up the "top" of the strip at places like Stratosphere or Sahara. Sahara, in particular, had some cheap tables if you don't feel like going for broke.

The Sahara closed just a few weeks ago. :( I always seemed to end up there near the end of my trip when I was running low on funds.


Lastly, make sure you get a gaming card (most likely a Harrah's card), and give them to the dealer for whatever game you're playing. Whether you're winning or losing, if you spend money there it shows and you are more likely to get comps.

Had a pit boss tell me that if you're just an average joe tourist type playing for comps that it's all a computerized formula these days. Play "X" hours with an average bet of "Y" and you get a buffet. So on and so forth. Pit boss also told me that betting more than table min gets you points much quicker. I.e. playing $25/hand on a $10 table will get you points faster than playing $25/hand on a $25 table.

[SsKSpurs21]

Good advice all around from Dex. The Bellagio and/or Caesar's Palace are the ideal places to stay, both price wise and gambling/entertainment wise. If you really don't care where you stay, then Planet Hollywood is a good choice as well--their game setup is great (be sure to hit up the Pleasure Pit).

Now, if you're gonna gamble:

STAY AWAY FROM SLOTS--biggest bullshit games in any casino, and there's really no fun to them. Your wives and girlfriends will love slots though, so this gives you an opportunity to get away from them for awhile.

As for Blackjack, it's a sucker's game too but there's actually a couple tables at Caesar's Palace that are single-deck...look for those and play them--you'll have much better luck than the multi-deck tables.

If you wanna learn a new game (assuming you haven't played it before), play CRAPS--the most fun you can have gambling at a casino. The dealers, boxman, and stickman, will be happy to teach you the game, so don't feel intimidated. Once you learn it, you will fall in love with it. CRAPS is a game where you can play for multiple hours and only come away with $20--but still have a helluva time.

If you like Roulette let me know, I'll show you an easy system that'll have you winning 70-75% of the time.

Lastly, make sure you get a gaming card (most likely a Harrah's card), and give them to the dealer for whatever game you're playing. Whether you're winning or losing, if you spend money there it shows and you are more likely to get comps. Also, don't be afraid to ask for comps, because they are rarely given unless you are absolutely killing the house :lol


Don't pay one dime for alcohol, it's free if you're playing. Have fun bro, Vegas is my Graceland :lol

great stuff.

treasure island has cheap rooms and its a good hotel.

craps is definitely the funnest game to play once you learn it. its the game that you always see in casino movies where the guy says "daddy needs a new pair of shoes" and rolls the dice. once you learn it, you wont play anything else. most casinos have $5 tables...start with those.

(dont forget to set a gambling budget)

some free things to definitely check out...
1) fountains at bellagio
2) pirate show outside treasure island
3) fire show outside mirage
(those three are all next to each other)
4) MGM lions
5) inside luxor (if you like egyptian type stuff)

since you are going for your anniversary you should definitely try to do the gandola ride at the venetian! (its not free but its still romantic)

best buffet
planet hollywood or wynn by far, the rest of the casino buffets are trash.

there are also multiple In N Out locations too.

[The Gemini Method]

The best pool would be Mandalay Bay with the Venetian/Palazzo being a close second. That is, if you're younger and want to enjoy the scenery. But, if you're married the Bay Beach is definitely the one to go to.

XS and Surrender are hot right now...but if you're willing to catch some trendy electronica act and like partying with a little more ethnic flavoring, Marquee @ The Cosmopolitan is en fuego at the moment. I enjoyed that one because they had an opening DJ that played excellent electronica. Paul Van Dyk almost ruined it for me, but I was already deep into inebriation that it wasn't all that hard to tune out.

Most have mentioned the cool free things to do--sometimes they have an impromptu magic show in TI...

If you're into pool parties, then I'd recommend Ditch Fridays and Wet Republic. Ditch Fridays is lesser known, but they had some well-known live acts and is less packed than Wet Republic or Rehab (those two are for the upper echalon and the douchey types, but I've met some real cool people there as well.)

If you're into fine dining: The Wynn hotels have a cadre of higher end eats and they have some of the best cuisine I've tasted--now, I only use those if I bring my gf or if I'm trying to impress. But, there is alot of mid to lower restaurants that are quality. For cheap drinks--go the casion route or, you can go to Fat Tuesday and buy like a gargatuan blended drink in like yardlong flask. That is something I do at least once a trip to Vegas.

[clambake]

XS and Surrender are hot right now...but if you're willing to catch some trendy electronica act and like partying with a little more ethnic flavoring, Marquee @ The Cosmopolitan is en fuego at the moment. I enjoyed that one because they had an opening DJ that played excellent electronica. Paul Van Dyk almost ruined it for me, but I was already deep into inebriation that it wasn't all that hard to tune out.

i'm too old for it and my kid is too young, but he sure had a good time watching and listening from the terrace........all night looooong!

[The Gemini Method]

i'm too old for it and my kid is too young, but he sure had a good time watching and listening from the terrace........all night looooong!

Nice! I would like to stay at the City Center one of these days--I really liked the Cosmo for it's overdone(ss) lol--it's like a cliche! But, I was staying at the Hard Rock...which, in itself, is a cliche too!

[clambake]

Nice! I would like to stay at the City Center one of these days--I really liked the Cosmo for it's overdone(ss) lol--it's like a cliche! But, I was staying at the Hard Rock...which, in itself, is a cliche too!

those wrap around suites are sweet. big, have kitchens, huge balconies, and everything is controlled by remote. they also have washer/dryer. for the rooms overlooking the marquee, they even have binoculars. the fridge comes stocked with amazing liquor choices. they really planned ahead.

[SourCandy]

I would have advised you to waste your money elsewhere and have something to show for it.

pictures and memories is not enough is it :depressed

[BlackSwordsMan]

Try out a tranny. What happens in vegas
etc

[Dex]

4) MGM lions


Last time we were at MGM, the lion trainers were just like chilling out, shooting the breeze in the lion cages. Not even paying attention to these half-ton man killers as they were playing with their phones and such.

Just a few weeks later, this happened:

gW_x-2MXrkI


there are also multiple In N Out locations too.

:tu

[Dex]

Also, we went to a Penn & Teller show while we were there. This is a video that was taken on some guys (Bob) phone who was part of one of the magic tricks that he uploaded to youtube. Ended up being from the very same show that I attended; I'm somewhere in the left side of the audience but not clear enough to make anything out.

iuLy0x9hekc

[DMC]

I don't like the Excalibur. It takes a year and a day to get out of the fucker from your room. I was going to walk to the MGM, hell it's right there... so 30 minutes later I am still walking.

[DMC]

Last time we were at MGM, the lion trainers were just like chilling out, shooting the breeze in the lion cages. Not even paying attention to these half-ton man killers as they were playing with their phones and such.

Just a few weeks later, this happened:

gW_x-2MXrkI


:tu

Wow.. that dude was food. The lioness was like "wtf... chill sweetie.. they feed us"

[DMC]

Good advice all around from Dex. The Bellagio and/or Caesar's Palace are the ideal places to stay, both price wise and gambling/entertainment wise. If you really don't care where you stay, then Planet Hollywood is a good choice as well--their game setup is great (be sure to hit up the Pleasure Pit).

Now, if you're gonna gamble:

STAY AWAY FROM SLOTS--biggest bullshit games in any casino, and there's really no fun to them. Your wives and girlfriends will love slots though, so this gives you an opportunity to get away from them for awhile.

As for Blackjack, it's a sucker's game too but there's actually a couple tables at Caesar's Palace that are single-deck...look for those and play them--you'll have much better luck than the multi-deck tables.

If you wanna learn a new game (assuming you haven't played it before), play CRAPS--the most fun you can have gambling at a casino. The dealers, boxman, and stickman, will be happy to teach you the game, so don't feel intimidated. Once you learn it, you will fall in love with it. CRAPS is a game where you can play for multiple hours and only come away with $20--but still have a helluva time.

If you like Roulette let me know, I'll show you an easy system that'll have you winning 70-75% of the time.

Lastly, make sure you get a gaming card (most likely a Harrah's card), and give them to the dealer for whatever game you're playing. Whether you're winning or losing, if you spend money there it shows and you are more likely to get comps. Also, don't be afraid to ask for comps, because they are rarely given unless you are absolutely killing the house :lol


Don't pay one dime for alcohol, it's free if you're playing. Have fun bro, Vegas is my Graceland :lol

Bullshit.

If you could win 75% of the time in Roulette, you would be a millionaire by now. It's not even 50%, even if you watch where the ball is released and time the speed of the wheel. Yeah that narrows the odds but be real, those casinos aren't so fucking rich by losing 75% of the time or even half of the time.

[Ryan Fitzpatrick]

gW_x-2MXrkI

I just can't envision any scenario where I'd be lackadaisical enough to whip out my phone and update my facebook status in a lion cage.

[Dr. Gonzo]

Fuck a lot. A LOT.

[baseline bum]

Also, we went to a Penn & Teller show while we were there. This is a video that was taken on some guys (Bob) phone who was part of one of the magic tricks that he uploaded to youtube. Ended up being from the very same show that I attended; I'm somewhere in the left side of the audience but not clear enough to make anything out.

iuLy0x9hekc

That is an awesome show; seen it twice.

[The Gemini Method]

I wonder how that George Wallace show is. I see his mug all over the streets of LV...

[ChumpDumper]

lol roulette

Too bad about the Sahara. It was fun for low rolling.

[resistanze]

Last time we were at MGM, the lion trainers were just like chilling out, shooting the breeze in the lion cages. Not even paying attention to these half-ton man killers as they were playing with their phones and such.

Just a few weeks later, this happened:

gW_x-2MXrkI


lol, this happened less than a month after I returned. That same guy was smacking around the lionesses like a pimp.

[resistanze]

Also check online first for coupons if you wanna see a show. I know that for the Lion King, the retail price for my tickets were $130 - the discount booths in Vegas were $100 but I got mine online for $75.

[gospursgojas]

Thanks for all the tips guys. Anyone made the drive before?

[Soul_Patch]

Good advice all around from Dex. The Bellagio and/or Caesar's Palace are the ideal places to stay, both price wise and gambling/entertainment wise. If you really don't care where you stay, then Planet Hollywood is a good choice as well--their game setup is great (be sure to hit up the Pleasure Pit).

Now, if you're gonna gamble:

STAY AWAY FROM SLOTS--biggest bullshit games in any casino, and there's really no fun to them. Your wives and girlfriends will love slots though, so this gives you an opportunity to get away from them for awhile.

As for Blackjack, it's a sucker's game too but there's actually a couple tables at Caesar's Palace that are single-deck...look for those and play them--you'll have much better luck than the multi-deck tables.

If you wanna learn a new game (assuming you haven't played it before), play CRAPS--the most fun you can have gambling at a casino. The dealers, boxman, and stickman, will be happy to teach you the game, so don't feel intimidated. Once you learn it, you will fall in love with it. CRAPS is a game where you can play for multiple hours and only come away with $20--but still have a helluva time.

If you like Roulette let me know, I'll show you an easy system that'll have you winning 70-75% of the time.

Lastly, make sure you get a gaming card (most likely a Harrah's card), and give them to the dealer for whatever game you're playing. Whether you're winning or losing, if you spend money there it shows and you are more likely to get comps. Also, don't be afraid to ask for comps, because they are rarely given unless you are absolutely killing the house :lol


Don't pay one dime for alcohol, it's free if you're playing. Have fun bro, Vegas is my Graceland :lol

Were you being sarcastic?

Calling blackjack a sucker game, and advocating a winning system for roulette? lol....really?

[Soul_Patch]

Thanks for all the tips guys. Anyone made the drive before?

I've done it a few times. Drive from SA to Albuquerque in day 1 and the rest in day two. It's a push, but doable.

[Dex]

Thanks for all the tips guys. Anyone made the drive before?

Done it as well. Went out the north way from Austin, through the Texas fan fields, and up through Albuquerque.

Made it in one trip on the way there, but we were just about dying by the time we rolled into Las Vegas at 7 in the morning.

Driving through Hoover Dam was cool, getting absolutely stuck in construction traffic for nearly 2 solid hours on the way back (at the very beginning of a 23 hour drive), not so much.

On the way back, we, too, stopped in Albuquerque, at some Motel 6, which ended up getting raided by the cops right after we paid for our room and parked the car. Not the most comfortable stay in the world, I'll tell you that.

Other than that, though, pretty city.

[pawe]

Done it as well. Went out the north way from Austin, through the Texas fan fields, and up through Albuquerque.

Made it in one trip on the way there, but we were just about dying by the time we rolled into Las Vegas at 7 in the morning.

Driving through Hoover Dam was cool, getting absolutely stuck in construction traffic for nearly 2 solid hours on the way back (at the very beginning of a 23 hour drive), not so much.

On the way back, we, too, stopped in Albuquerque, at some Motel 6, which ended up getting raided by the cops right after we paid for our room and parked the car. Not the most comfortable stay in the world, I'll tell you that.

Other than that, though, pretty city.

The bridge over Hoover Dam is completed and opened so it will save you 20 minutes now. Drive safe.


-Go to RIO for the seafood buffet.
-Look for the $2 steak and eggs meals.
-Get one of those football plastic cups and take it home with you so you'll have something to show off to your friends on monday night football.

[DeadlyDynasty]

Bullshit.

If you could win 75% of the time in Roulette, you would be a millionaire by now. It's not even 50%, even if you watch where the ball is released and time the speed of the wheel. Yeah that narrows the odds but be real, those casinos aren't so fucking rich by losing 75% of the time or even half of the time.

Ultimately, you are correct. The odds never change, and technically the best odds you will get are 48.6% or something around there. That being said, I've found a betting system that works well for me. It requires a ton of patience, as well as alertness of the other roulette wheels/boards around you. Those aren't 2 qualities people usually have at a casino, especially when they're shitfaced.

This is going to be a convoluted description of the strategy--and it might not work for you--but this has been quite successful for me at all casinos that I've implemented it, including: Caesar's Palace, Bellagio, Planet Hollywood (huge winnings), Rivers Casino in Pittsburgh, Meadows Track and Casino in Washington, PA (big winnings), and the Borgata in AC.

Here's what is needed:

-A casino with multiple roulette wheels (preferably in close proximity, and the more the merrier).
-Roulette Wheels/tables with working electronic boards (showing the last 10-15 winning numbers). Be sure to watch a few spins to make sure the board is listing each winning #, because sometimes they omit some.

If the casino only has one wheel, then you'll be waiting a long time, and it will be frustrating (especially if you lose the first bet). Likewise, if the electronic boards aren't working, then you'll have to eyeball and remember the last several #'s chosen--also no fun.

However, if the place you're betting at meets those two original criteria, then game on. On to the betting...

-Do NOT play the middle, you will not win...Play the outside, as this gives you the best odds. It only pays out 1:1, but you'll win here with a lot more frequency than you'll ever win on the inside.

-I play by the Rule of Five, where trending is the name of the game. This refers to betting Red/Black, High/Low, Odd/Even. Look at the board, and if you see a run of at least 5 straight of one of those categories (be it Red, Odd, Low, etc.), then bet the opposite on the next roll.

-- I would bet at least $25-50 on each bet. Whatever you decide, stick with that same bet. If you're winning a lot and want to up your bets, that's your prerogative, but never double up after a loss to try and recoup your winnings in one shot (gambler's fallacy).

-Never sit down at the table, because you are one-and-done after your bet unless another run of 5 is immediately present. Look at the other boards around you and see if you spot a run. If so, then hit and run that table as well. Keep your eye on the boards constantly and look for imminent runs.

-Because of all the inside bettors, the time between each spin can seem like an eternity, so if you don't feel like playing the waiting game, then just don't play.

Technically, you're facing the same odds as the last 5 rolls (between 48-49%), but I've found this method to be highly successful for me at every place I've played. I highly recommend trying it. People will blindly hate it and that's fine, but give it a shot and if you have the patience for it then i think you will find my method successful.

Another method is betting thirds. Bet 2/3 of the outside, for example: put $50 on the 1st 12 and $50 on the 3rd 12. The payoff on this bet is 2-1, so although you are automatically conceding one of those bets, you could still come out ahead +50. This is risky, but with 24 of the 38 #'s on the wheel covered, it's not a bad bet.

Planet Hollywood in LV and Meadows in Wash, PA were my most successful times because there were multiple wheels with working boards within a stone's throw of each other.

People will bash this, but try it first.


Were you being sarcastic?

Calling blackjack a sucker game, and advocating a winning system for roulette? lol....really?

I absolutely despise multi-deck blackjack...it's legal robbery. If you've had success then congratulations to you.

[ChumpDumper]

So how much money have you won at roulette?

[clambake]

what does that mean "do not play the middle, just the outside"?

[DeadlyDynasty]

what does that mean "do not play the middle, just the outside"?

Don't bet individual #'s. Bet high/low, odd/even, red/black

[clambake]

Don't bet individual #'s. Bet high/low, odd/even, red/black

ok i get it. going back to vegas in a month, then going again in august.

[DeadlyDynasty]

ok i get it. going back to vegas in a month, then going again in august.

You lucky bastard

[clambake]

You lucky bastard

its starting to wear on me. we were there a month ago.

[DeadlyDynasty]

its starting to wear on me. we were there a month ago.

You must live close by...

Why so often, personal or business?

[clambake]

ventura county. just for personal. the wife and kid love it.

[resistanze]

You bastard.

I've gone the past 2 summers, but my internship my throw a wrench into my plans this year. Been playing some NL Hold Em at Niagara recently.

[DeadlyDynasty]

The only thing I don't like about Vegas is all those mexicans on the strip with the escort cards doing that "click-clack" sound with them. Had that sound in my head for like a week after I left.

[clambake]

The only thing I don't like about Vegas is all those mexicans on the strip with the escort cards doing that "click-clack" sound with them. Had that sound in my head for like a week after I left.

i don't get hassled by them anymore. i have a special look that i give them.

[baseline bum]

Thanks for all the tips guys. Anyone made the drive before?

I-40 is way more interesting than I-10, since you can stop at the Petrified Forest/Painted Desert, Meteor Crater, and or the Grand Canyon on the way. If you go up to around Amarillo and before turning west there is also Palo Duro Canyon. I-10 just sucks the entire way between San Antonio and Palm Springs, CA. Not that there aren't some really boring parts of I-40 too, but at least there are reasonable things to stop at. Seriously the only interesting stop on I-10 (without making big detours to Big Bend or Guadalupe Mtns) is In N Out in Phoenix.

[DeadlyDynasty]

i don't get hassled by them anymore. i have a special look that i give them.

:lol I'll have to learn that.

I was a Vegas noob when I went last summer, and those cats can smell fresh blood.

[baseline bum]

The only thing I don't like about Vegas is all those mexicans on the strip with the escort cards doing that "click-clack" sound with them. Had that sound in my head for like a week after I left.

I just walk into them and push them out of the way when they step in front of me to hand me that shit. Much better to just pick your hooker in the casino tbh.

[DeadlyDynasty]

I just walk into them and push them out of the way when they step in front of me to hand me that shit. Much better to just pick your hooker in the casino tbh.

Spoken like a Vegas vet :lol

[Dex]

I just walk into them and push them out of the way when they step in front of me to hand me that shit. Much better to just pick your hooker in the casino tbh.

:tu

[pawe]

I just walk into them and push them out of the way when they step in front of me to hand me that shit. Much better to just pick your hooker in the casino tbh.

How'd you know they're hookers?