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Newbie Hits Vegas. Any tips?

Simmo!

Simmo!

Paleo Meister (means really, really old)
CM Veteran (10yr+)
Joined
May 29, 2004
Location
England
Hey Chaps

I'm off for my first ever visit to Vegas in September. So anyone got any tips, apart from leaving all my credit cards at home? I've not decided on a Hotel yet either. All I have on my agenda so far is to meet the Meister and to find Multi Strike VP!

Any tips on hotels/casinos/games/how to come home with money in my pocket? Hey...is the Thunderstruck "land slot" in the B&M's yet? Saw it at a show last year.

Simmo!

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UPDATE: I'm now back and written up the experience here:

https://sussexmskpartnershipeast.com/forums/threads/vegas-hits-newbie-my-experience.14156/
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Heading to The Borgata in Atlantic City myself this week! I always found the best machines at the entranceway for when I hit, I cash out and move on down to the next casino in Las vegas. Easy exit! In Atlantic City,I take the jitney to a cluster of casinos and then do the same....Run with the money while the running is good! :D Good Luck!
 
Yes, don't worry - I'll keep you out of trouble :thumbsup:

Read this if you plan on chillin' with me on the Multi Strike VP games:
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Lots of good info on how to tip/order etc.

Thunderstruck is at the Wynn BTW.
 
Simmo! said:
I'm more interested in seeing the paytable to compare it. It should be a good indication of just how different online payouts are to B&M slots payouts :) I'll jot them down and run them by Zoozies ER Calculator when I return :D
Click to expand...

Remember you need to write down the reels as well as they could be different.

Btw. The best 'chickenhouse' is located a bit outside central vegas. (So I hear...)

Zoozie
 
Zoozie said:
Remember you need to write down the reels as well as they could be different.

Btw. The best 'chickenhouse' is located a bit outside central vegas. (So I hear...)

Zoozie
Click to expand...

Ah writing down reels may be tricky but I can probably spot if they are different. That'll have to do :) Is a "chickenhouse" what I think it is?
 
Coupons are your best chance of leaving Vegas with a profit since they give you the edge.

The best coupons can be found at:

1. Casino Royale -- small little dive inbetween Harrah's and the Venetian. Sign up at the club booth and get a sheet of coupons which you can get every month. That $50 free slot play is a sucker coupon which you can only play on promotional machines that haven't hit since the Ice Age, but the other coupons are awesome.

2. Stratosphere -- to make up for being so out of the way on the Strip, they have to entice people to come with good odds and a coupon book you can get once a week.

In addition, if you can buy the 2006 American Casino Guidebook before your trip, they have some decent gambling coupons and a bunch of other good buffet coupons and other stuff.
 
If you want to see some of the "headliner" shows..book them now online! You can no longer expect to just walk in and get tickets. Some of the nicer dining is also a book 1 month in advance deal.. I used to use vegas.com for info, they had maps and list of attractions/hotels/shows ect. Have fun!
 
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is a very useful source of information about all sorts of things in Las Vegas.

The rooms are much more expensive on the week-ends (Friday, Saturday nights) than during the week.

The game rules are usually better in downtown or at the outlying casinos (Boulder Highway, Henderson, etc), than on the Strip, but you get hotter cocktail waitresses on the Strip.
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has information about blackjack, roulette and craps rules at various casinos.

Avoid the Gold Spike if you care about your lungs.

The Nextel store at the Convention Centre monorail stop has free internet access.
 
I have coupons!

Hey Simmo you will have a great time I'm sure!. First of all, do not miss Downtown. Obviously the strip is great but since I go to Atlantic city mostly, I love the gritty atmosphere of Downtown. It is cheaper and has better payback (IMHO) and you will be surrounded by real gamblers. When I am on the strip I am surrounded n by people who have no idea what they are doing. I'ts usually a bunch of kids who try to play slots or video poker but they don't know how to. It can be very annoying. Again, just my opinion.
 
Oops hit enter before I was done! Apparently I don't know what I'm doing either! I wanted to tell you that I subscribe to Casino Player magazine and every year thay give me a "Fun Book". I will not be using it this year:mad: so if you would like I can send you the coupons. I don't know how you feel about giving your address but if you want I will send them. Good Luck!!!
 
I've made a few trips to Vegas. My most recent one was over the Memorial Day holiday. Some things I learned are below:

1. During busier hours, driving and parking are difficult. It was far easier to use the Monorail or walk, depending on location.

2. There are many interesting and fun things to do when not gambling. I am a fan of the thrill rides. The roller coaster at NY/NY and the rides at the Stratosphere tower were excellent. My girlfriend prefers shows like Cirque de Soleil. The site Vegas.com has a good summary of attractions.

3. I've heard good things about the new Wynn Casino from several different people, but I haven't had a chance to check it out. Of the casinos I visited, I was most impressed with the Bellagio. I also won $750 on my only bet there -- $1 on a reel slot.

4. Hotel prices vary greatly depending on day of week, area events, location, and ammenities. I'd stay on the strip at least one night.
 
Speaking of monorail, if you know a local, they can get a 20-ride ticket for $20.

From their website:

A 20-ride pass may be purchased at the Downtown Transportation Center, located at 300 N. Casino Center Blvd; the South Strip Transfer Terminal, located at 6675 Gillespie Street; and at the Regional Transportation Commission of Southern Nevadas offices at 600 Grand Central Parkway. To obtain the tickets, residents must show a local or state government-issued identification card, a sheriffs card or a Nevada drivers license.

Other things to consider:

If you're going to play machines or table games, the locals casinos usually have better odds for you. Locals are usually smarter gamblers and these casinos cater to them.

If you're going to play poker, the Strip is the place to play. Tourists are more likely to be "fish" than locals . . . at least at lower limits. My friend was playing against really bad players at Venetian at the same time Jennifer Tilly, Antonio Esfandiari, Phil Laak, and Shannon Elizabeth were playing in a tournament in other tables in the poker room. At the Bellagio, my friend was playing again against bad players while Phil Ivey, Jennifer Harmon, Daniel Negreanu, and others were in the "special" poker room in the back. Weird experience.

You should always play with a club card so that you get rated and get comps.

Best free things to do in Vegas:

Bellagio fountain
Mirage Volcano
Treasure Island pirates show
Fremont Street Experience
Dueling Pianos at Harrah's (my favorite, these girls are good!)

There's so much to do at Vegas, it can boggle your mind.
 
Hey Simmo, the best advice is sign up for the players club and PLAY WHERE YOU STAY!! Get a host. You can call the hotel where you are staying and ask to speak to one. It is best to get a host of the opposite sex...flirting helps when asking for comps. Charge all your meals, shows etc on your credit card and then meet with your host just prior to checking out. Tell her you want to be comped for your play. There are many casinos that also give you cash back as well as comps. Make sure you leave time before you check out to go to the players club and get your $$. Of course I am partial to the Venetian and if you are not staying there you have to go see the Grand Hall. Beautiful. The Belagio water show is best at night and is also a must see. Ceasers has a cool free 'show' in the tundra at the far end of the Forum shops called Atlantis. Check show times but they are odd every 40 minutes or so. The most important are the Players Club and host. You will get tons of offers in the mail for free rooms and stot tournaments etc. for your next trip. About the coupons...when you check in ask them if they have one for their guests. Oh...and if you play a ton (which we know you will) you can ask your host to give you free tickets to shows and other cool things the casino has. That way it won't come off as a comp at the end. Don't rent a car it will just get in the way. I am sure I have more tips so I'll add more later. I know a few great hosts if you divulge where you're staying. They are guys but they will treat you VERY well.
 
Wow guys. Excellent stuff - thanks :thumbsup:

I'll be checking out some of these shows - and that website GM is tops :) Venetian - great advice - thankyou very much. I'm not sure I'll need a host first visit as I don't intend to highroll this trip - maybe dump $2,000 tops so it may be a waste of their time.


ballysdb said:
Oops hit enter before I was done! Apparently I don't know what I'm doing either! I wanted to tell you that I subscribe to Casino Player magazine and every year thay give me a "Fun Book". I will not be using it this year:mad: so if you would like I can send you the coupons. I don't know how you feel about giving your address but if you want I will send them. Good Luck!!!
Click to expand...

Thats very kind of you Ballys but don't worry - I think I have one already winging its way to me :)
 
This is the best thread I've seen in awhile...

I was thinking of a cruise in Oct, but may head out to Vegas.

Anyone know where to get good deals on an airfare/room package in the US? I'm on the opposite side of the continent, so local charters aren't an option. I checked Orbitz (Cheapest was ~$450 for 2 nights), but I'm sure there's better :thumbsup:
 
Winbig, Southwest Airlines is always a good source for travel deals. I saw some round trip airfares for around $300. That is not a package though. In my 'get a host & play where you stay' theory, you want to always book your room seperate. Rates during the week at some of the nicer hotels range from $79-99, so it's not a deal breaker. The rooms are the first thing they'll comp. So think about that.

And Simmo even though you think it will be a waste of time getting a host it really is not. I am NOT a high roller at all, I just play a lot. The casinos like to see you play about 4 hours a day. I play about 8 hours or more a day. But I only play .25 VP. I have NEVER paid for a hotel room (check out the rates at the Venetian) or food, I get show tickets, limo to and from the airport, invitations for tournaments and special events and cash offers to come back. I usually take under $2000 to gamble. So in the end the only thing it costs me is the airfare...and of course my spending money. I would rather play with it than give it to the hotel and restaurants.
 
winbig said:
This is the best thread I've seen in awhile...

I was thinking of a cruise in Oct, but may head out to Vegas.

Anyone know where to get good deals on an airfare/room package in the US? I'm on the opposite side of the continent, so local charters aren't an option. I checked Orbitz (Cheapest was ~$450 for 2 nights), but I'm sure there's better :thumbsup:
Click to expand...

I've been using Sidestep for flights - very impressed actually.
 
Thanks....


I'm just so used to Atlantic City and their shitty comps. You'll do good to get a meal there (other than the noodle bar) unless you're playing long, and for more than the average player :eek2:

I can relate to the 8 hour sessions though...lol...have had some 16 hour ones myself :D
 
As far as I know Ladyluck has single zero roulette, single deck BJ, craps with favourable rules etc. It has the best odds in town. By the way me_and_ed said well. You don't need a wife there ;)
 
winbig said:
Thanks....


I'm just so used to Atlantic City and their shitty comps. You'll do good to get a meal there (other than the noodle bar) unless you're playing long, and for more than the average player :eek2:

I can relate to the 8 hour sessions though...lol...have had some 16 hour ones myself :D
Click to expand...

My longest session was 17 hours and I guess I have to confess that when I go to Vegas 90% of the time I am playing. There is nothing better than enjoying an adult beverage, smoking my brains out and playing video poker. I have been so many times that I rarley leave the casino any more. I especially love playing between 2am and 6am. It's quiet, there is no fighting for your favorite machine...but usually the cocktail waitress is hard to find. Oh yeah...take a coat and sweater the casinos are ICE cold! 115 outside and 50 degrees inside.
 
venetian said:
Oh yeah...take a coat and sweater the casinos are ICE cold! 115 outside and 50 degrees inside.
Click to expand...

lol, that's for sure in any casino that I've noticed. Seems they like to do that, and pump extra O2 in to keep people awake. :lolup:

I think I've been to AC about 100 times over the years, but yet have NEVER been on the boardwalk there, even though I hear it's quite nice :rolleyes:
 
Each Vegas Hotel/Casino is like a world unto itself, and I like staying at different ones all the time.

Some are more entertaining, some are more luxurious, I like strolling around and exploring.

The Wynn wins on comfort, but not on entertainment.
 
dominique said:
Each Vegas Hotel/Casino is like a world unto itself, and I like staying at different ones all the time.

Some are more entertaining, some are more luxurious, I like strolling around and exploring.

The Wynn wins on comfort, but not on entertainment.
Click to expand...

Do you know if the MGM Grand still has the "Star Trek Experience", or am I way behind in the times?
 
I was thinking about this thread, and one thing jumped out at me. Vegas is so big, that everyone has a different experience there.

My cousin goes there to party and go clubbing. We're walking by a place I've walked by dozens of times, and she tells me that there's a really cool club nearby. Really?!?

Another friend of mine knows all the best local restaurants. It's a nice break from the casino restaurants and buffets.

And I know a guy that gets comped big at Venetian, Bellagio, and Wynn. The suites he gets are NICE. He knows a lot of tricks with getting pampered. Actually, the only trick is to gamble big.

I guess my specialty with Vegas is coupons, free rooms, and cheap, but decent, buffets. I play low stakes, but my winnings and coupon wins are way more than all my trip expenses. Makes Vegas a great mini vacation for me every month.

From what I can tell, Vegas is also a great place for:
Adult stuff -- Strip clubs, topless pools, etc.
Shows and entertainment -- Way too many from Blue Man Group, Cirque du Soleil, to magicians like Penn and Teller, to performers like Barry Manilow and Celine Dion . . . not sure if she's still doing it, and musicals like Phantom and Mamma Mia
Fine dining -- It boggles my mind that some of best restaurants in this country can be found in the middle of the desert?

Whatever your experience, you have to tell us all about it. I think we're all going to live vicariously through you. Good luck.
 
LOL...well I only have 4 days to cram it all in. Its a reconnaisance trip ;) Chose the Golden Nugget (4* at decent prices) downtown to stay at in the end.

OKAY - I need a decent restaurant anyone? I'm being treated ;)
 
[QUOTEI think I've been to AC about 100 times over the years, but yet have NEVER been on the boardwalk there, even though I hear it's quite nice :rolleyes:[/QUOTE]

:lolup: I have been going to A/C since I was 18 starting in 1982. I always plan my trip with thoughts of walking the boardwalk etc. Yet, the last thing I want to do when I am there is go outside! I only discovered the wonderful spa at Ballys in 1997. Yes, it is funny, but I get so mad at myself when I don't go out of the casino and enjoy the other things A/C has to offer.
 
"Whatever your experience, you have to tell us all about it. I think we're all going to live vicariously through you. Good luck." Great idea, Lunkhead!

My fave is the Venetian, where we first stayed right after 9/11 when the planes were half full and the hotels were battling. We had a luxurious suite way up high with great views, and the restaurants, casino and reception areas of the hotel are beautifully crafted - the place is like a Venetian palace.. We just keep going back there, although it's a helluva lot busier now!

The mall is something else and a must-see in Vegas imo - canals, gondoliers and upmarket shops - they really have captured the feel of Venice in the early evening - all under one massive roof.

When it comes to restaurants you really are spoiled for choice no matter what you fancy. One of the nicest we have used is just near the Paris complex, with a sidewalk cafe atmosphere where you can enjoy great food and watch the crowd pass by.

And don't forget the helicopter tours to the Grand Canyon - awe-inspiring!
 
jetset said:
My fave is the Venetian...The mall is something else and a must-see in Vegas imo - canals, gondoliers and upmarket shops...
Click to expand...

I saw a documentary a few years back on the making of the Venetian - its definately on my list :)

jetset said:
And don't forget the helicopter tours to the Grand Canyon - awe-inspiring!
Click to expand...

had my eye on that one but not sure I'll have time this trip...one for when I go back probably.
 
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jetset said:
And don't forget the helicopter tours to the Grand Canyon - awe-inspiring!
Click to expand...

I can also really recommend trekking up/down the canyon (takes 10+ hours).
Walking down to Phatom Range and taking a very relaxing and well deserved
dip in the Colorado River. Then you can feel on yourself how big Grand Canyon is.

But that depends if you can spare a whole day and be warned that is is not a walk in the park :)

And I garantie that all you are capable of doing the next day is pressing the *spin* button.
 
jetset said:
And don't forget the helicopter tours to the Grand Canyon - awe-inspiring!
Click to expand...

Helicopters and plane make a lot of noise and destroy the peace and quiet of the Grand Canyon.

Zoozie said:
I can also really recommend trekking up/down the canyon (takes 10+ hours).
Walking down to Phatom Range and taking a very relaxing and well deserved
dip in the Colorado River. Then you can feel on yourself how big Grand Canyon is.

But that depends if you can spare a whole day and be warned that is is not a walk in the park :)

And I garantie that all you are capable of doing the next day is pressing the *spin* button.
Click to expand...

I am very much with Zoozie here, the only way really to experience the Canyon is on foot, or on a mule if you are unable to walk.

If you only have four days, then it is better to spend the time in Vegas.

One more tip: use SPF 30 sunscreen even in September, if you go outside.
 
Hello Simmo!,

You asked about restaurants, so here are a couple of gourmet restaurant ideas, based mostly on your downtown location:

  • GN just opened a new Vic and Anthony's Steakhouse that looks really good.
  • Hugo's Cellar at the Four Queens is a gourmet restaurant with a good reputation. Good wine list, and each lady gets a rose.

You might want to be aware, the north tower rooms at the Golden Nugget are much closer to the casino than the south tower rooms.

Here are some of my favorite Las Vegas websites. All contain hotel and restaurant reviews and info:

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My top advice would be to enjoy the amenities and ambiance of Las Vegas first, and let the gambling be secondary. After all, you gamble (online) every day, don't you? :)
 
winbig said:
Anyone ever stay here? Good? Great? Bad?

I just saw they have $80 rooms avail for Sun-Thurs stays....great deal!
Click to expand...

The Las Vegas Hilton is my home away from home. Keep in mind, it's NOT the Wynn or Bellagio, but they are good. I like them because they have good gambling (full pay video poker), and they send me lots of marketing offers. The offers, like slot tournaments, concerts, and vouchers redeemable for cash, keep me coming back.
 
Simmo! said:
Is that a bad thing? Should I email ahead and ask for one or the other towers Weedlayer do you think?
Click to expand...

I should have said the north tower is more convenient to the casino. It's a bit of a long walk back to the south tower elevators from the casino. Still not a huge deal at all though. I wouldn't email ahead, I'd just try asking for north tower at check-in.
 


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