It's the world's most famous gambling destination, in fact coming to Vegas and not having a flutter is probably against the Rules of the Stag Do (subsection VII paragraph 4). Here's everything you need to know about getting started in Vegas.
Game On! - Best Las Vegas casino for...
Sports Betting
Caesars Palace
All the big casinos have an area dedicated to sports betting where you can have a flutter on live sports events. The Sports Book in Caesars Palace has an 138ft LED screen and the 15,580sq ft area is often packed by fans and sports gamblers during major events. The giant screen shows dozens of different events at a time with live odds at the side of the screen. There's even 140 seats and you can order food from a (limited) menu and have it brought to your seat. Make yourself at home why don't you?
| Overall size | 130,000sq/ft |
|---|---|
| No of Slot Machines | 1,324 |
| Tables | 169 Blackjack, Craps, Roulette, Free Bet Blackjack, Baccarat, Pai Gow Tiles, Pai Gow Poker, High Card Flush, Three Card Poker, Crazy Four Poker. Video poker is also available. |
| Minimum Bet | $0.01 (slots), £10 (tables) |
| Maximum Bet | $50,000 |
| Restaurants | Rao's, Nobu, Old Homestead Steakhouse, Payard Patisserie & Bistro, Mesa Grill, Gordon Ramsay Pub & Grill, Mr Chow, Bacchanal Buffet, Forum Food Court, Restaurant Guy Savoy, Beijing Noodle No. 9, Searsucker |
Poker
The Bellagio
With 40 tables dedicated purely to poker, the Bellagio is a big favourite with poker players across the board, from professional gamblers to online amateurs and Vegas virgins. Hold 'em is the main game with a daily tournament taking place at 2pm. In a quiet corner you'll find Bobby's Room, named after the 1978 World Series Poker Champ (who won so big he's now an exec at the MGM Resort). This is for the big boys and late-night games can see the pros playing for millions.
| Overall size | 155,000sq/ft |
|---|---|
| No of Slot Machines | 2,300 |
| Tables | 136 Blackjack, Roulette, Craps, Baccarat, Three Card Poker, Pai Glow Poker, Let it Ride, Pai Glow. Video poker is also available. |
| Minimum Bet | $0.01 (slots), $5 (tables) |
| Maximum Bet | Undisclosed |
| Restaurants | Jasmine, Le Cirque, Michael Mina, Picasso, Prime Steakhouse, The Buffet, Café Bellagio, Lago, Harvest, Todd English's Olives, Quick Eats |
Good Times
Planet Hollywood
This amazing casino really is all kinds of Hollywood and adds a different spin to your average casino. As well as the usual serious games for serious gamblers, you'll find the good stuff, like the 'Pleasure Pit' where the all-female croupiers are dressed in lingerie. There are also other non-gambling distractions with the whole atmosphere having more of a buzz than larger casinos on the Strip. The venue is also packed with cool movie memorabilia.
| Overall size | 100,000sq/ft |
|---|---|
| No of Slot Machines | 2,100 |
| Tables | 95 Big Six Wheel, Blackjack, Casino War, Crazy Four Poker, High Card Flush, Let It Ride, Mississippi Stud, Pai Glow, Roulette, Three Card Poker, Ultimate Texas Hold 'em |
| Minimum Bet | $0.01 (slots), £5 (tables) |
| Maximum Bet | $50,000 |
| Restaurants | Gordon Ramsay BurGR, Strip House, Koi Las Vegas, Earl of Sandwich, YOLÖS, Planet Dailies, P.F. Chang's, Pink's Hot Dogs, Spice Market Buffet |
Classic Vegas
The Golden Nugget
Located a short taxi ride from The Strip lies Fremont Street, which is old style Vegas, with street entertainment, dancing girls, hustles, muscles, good food, cheap drinks and good times. The gambling is also cheaper. It doesn't have the huge scale you find in the super resorts, but The Golden Nugget is still vast by British standards (56,000sq/ft) with a great array of games and being slightly smaller doesn't feel quite as vast and intimidating as the bigger venues. A good place for newbies to try their hands.
| Overall size | 56,000sq/ft |
|---|---|
| No of Slot Machines | 1,400 |
| Tables | 13 Baccarat, Big Wheel Six, Blackjack, Caribbean Stud, Craps, Let It Ride, Mississippi Stud, Pai Gow, Roulette, Three Card Poker, Ultimate Texas Hold 'em |
| Minimum Bet | $0.01 (slots), £5 (tables) |
| Maximum Bet | Undisclosed |
| Restaurants | Vic & Anthony's, Chart House, Grotto, Lillie's Asian Cuisine, Red Sushi, Buffet, Starbucks, The Grille |
Play Nicely! - Tips for beginners
1. The House Always Wins
It's the first and oldest rule of gambling. Make sure you keep it fun, never chase losses.
2. 21
No, it's not just the target in blackjack, it's also the age you have to be to gamble. Many casinos will ask for ID before exchanging chips.
3. Set a Limit
Decide on the amount you're winning to lose before you play. Once it's gone it's gone. Don't go get more, you'll end up with empty pockets and the bitter taste of regret.
4. You're Welcome
All casinos are open to the public, you don't need to be a guest in a particular resort to play in its casino.
5. Just the Tip
Dealers and waitresses will expect tips. The old adage is; 'Look after your waitress and they'll look after you'. Tipping can get confusing in Vegas so check bills in restaurants to see if service fees have been added so you don't tip twice.
6. Ask For Comps
Comps (complimentaries) are freebies casinos offer gamblers, comps differ between venues with things like buffet, drinks, show tickets or restaurant discounts up for grabs. If you don't ask, you don't get.
7. Walk It Off
The whole strip is just four miles long. You can walk that in an hour so if you need to get away from the tables, go for a stroll. It's also a good way to walk off the complimentary buffet.
8. Beware of Bandits
You can play slot machines or just throw your money into a shredder. Why do you think casinos are so rich? Remember tip No 1, the house always wins and slot machines are their biggest earners.
9. Know When to Walk Away.
If you're on a winning streak it could be time to cut and run. Always stop playing A) While you're having fun. B) While you have the casino's money in your pocket.
10. Cash Cow
Never carry more cash than you need. Vegas is a tourist city and relatively safe but don't make yourself an obvious target by flashing cash. There's certainly safety in numbers so stick to the more popular areas and stick with the rest of the guys.
