Newbie Hits Vegas. Any tips?

[Simmo!]

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://www.casinomeister.com/forums/threads/vegas-hits-newbie-my-experience.14156/
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[silcnlayc]

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! Good Luck!

 

[The Dude]

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!

Yes, don't worry - I'll keep you out of trouble

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!]

Thunderstruck is at the Wynn BTW.

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

 

[Zoozie]

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

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

 

[Simmo!]

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

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?

 

[Macgyver]

Is a "chickenhouse" what I think it is?

Knowing you, Simmo, yes, it is.

 

[Lunkhead]

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.

 

[frufrugirl]

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!

 

[GrandMaster]

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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.

 

[ballysdb]

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.

 

[ballysdb]

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 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!!!

 

[aka23]

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!

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.

 

[Lunkhead]

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.

 

[venetian]

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.

 

[Simmo!]

Wow guys. Excellent stuff - thanks

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.

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 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!!!

Thats very kind of you Ballys but don't worry - I think I have one already winging its way to me

 

[winbig]

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

 

[venetian]

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.

 

[Simmo!]

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

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

 

[winbig]

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

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

 

[me_and_ed]

My only advice is to leave Mrs Simmo at home.

 

[Simmo!]

My only advice is to leave Mrs Simmo at home.

haha. Look at my avatar...do I look stupid?

 

[gfkostas]

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]

You don't need a wife there

Definately...you can find one for a nominal fee

 

[Macgyver]

haha. Look at my avatar...do I look stupid?

Do you really want an answer??