Las Vegas 2021
May 5th, 2021 at 5:52:48 PM
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I'll be flying out to Vegas on Friday for a 7-night trip. All hotel rooms comped. I'll be staying at three properties, 2 on the strip and 1 downtown.
For the first time in these trip reports, my father will be joining for approximately half of the trip. He's been to Vegas roughly a dozen times since the late 70s. He used to primarily play roulette. Now he mostly likes to play poker and various carnival games (4 card poker, high card flush, etc).
I'll post regular updates. Mostly low-limit VP, craps and tiles. Some blackjack and poker as well. For the first time, I'll be trying the Las Vegas Advisor coupon book.
I enjoy buffets, but I'm thinking about skipping the Wicked Spoon this time. I've been before and felt it was underwhelming for the price. Too few options. I do plan to hit up the Ocean One lunch special for the first time. I was hoping more buffets would have opened, but doesn't seen to have happened just yet (I don't feel like trekking to South Point).
For the first time in these trip reports, my father will be joining for approximately half of the trip. He's been to Vegas roughly a dozen times since the late 70s. He used to primarily play roulette. Now he mostly likes to play poker and various carnival games (4 card poker, high card flush, etc).
I'll post regular updates. Mostly low-limit VP, craps and tiles. Some blackjack and poker as well. For the first time, I'll be trying the Las Vegas Advisor coupon book.
I enjoy buffets, but I'm thinking about skipping the Wicked Spoon this time. I've been before and felt it was underwhelming for the price. Too few options. I do plan to hit up the Ocean One lunch special for the first time. I was hoping more buffets would have opened, but doesn't seen to have happened just yet (I don't feel like trekking to South Point).
If anyone gives you 10,000 to 1 on anything, you take it. If John Mellencamp ever wins an Oscar, I am going to be a very rich dude.
May 6th, 2021 at 5:29:23 AM
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AGREED. I was there in April and it was definitely overpriced. Very very MEDIOCRE crab legs. They shells were "mushy".Quote: TinManI enjoy buffets, but I'm thinking about skipping the Wicked Spoon this time. I've been before and felt it was underwhelming for the price.
Last edited by: JohnnyQ on May 6, 2021
There's emptiness behind their eyes
There's dust in all their hearts
They just want to steal us all and take us all apart
May 8th, 2021 at 1:34:17 AM
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Day 0
Had a late flight on JetBlue. Uneventful. Got in 30 minutes early. That was a positive.
Unfortunately, the Uber/Lyft situation was as bad as I heard. Tried 3 times to book regular cars for ~$16 but each time the app stalled for a while and eventually said no cars. Finally ordered one of the larger sizes and got an Uber for $26. Driver was fine. Surprised at how little traffic there was for a Friday night.
Arrived at Linq (hotel 1 of 3). I’ve stayed here before and they comped me Friday and Saturday again. Check in was much faster than usual with the self-check in.
On net, I think I got into my room faster than in pre-COVID times when cars were more abundant but check in took absurdly long for no good reason.
Time to shower and head to bed. Real Vegas day 1 begins tomorrow.
Had a late flight on JetBlue. Uneventful. Got in 30 minutes early. That was a positive.
Unfortunately, the Uber/Lyft situation was as bad as I heard. Tried 3 times to book regular cars for ~$16 but each time the app stalled for a while and eventually said no cars. Finally ordered one of the larger sizes and got an Uber for $26. Driver was fine. Surprised at how little traffic there was for a Friday night.
Arrived at Linq (hotel 1 of 3). I’ve stayed here before and they comped me Friday and Saturday again. Check in was much faster than usual with the self-check in.
On net, I think I got into my room faster than in pre-COVID times when cars were more abundant but check in took absurdly long for no good reason.
Time to shower and head to bed. Real Vegas day 1 begins tomorrow.
If anyone gives you 10,000 to 1 on anything, you take it. If John Mellencamp ever wins an Oscar, I am going to be a very rich dude.
May 8th, 2021 at 1:10:14 PM
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Day 1A
Woke up early. Walked to La Salsa Cantina in PH. Never been there before. $4.79 breakfast was perfectly good for the price. Walked to Ellis Island. $10 slot play and $10 matchplay from LVA. Won on the matchplay but ultimately lost it all back. Played some 96 JOB. Was even on that. Dropped $275 at craps. $5 line and $25/$30 odds. Was up $200 to start and then all downhill.
Two of the large branded machines were down. One repair guy was very invested in fixing them. Kept saying “$1000 every day each one and it’s Saturday!” Repeated that for about an hour while working on the machines. Maybe he was part of the Ellis family.
Woke up early. Walked to La Salsa Cantina in PH. Never been there before. $4.79 breakfast was perfectly good for the price. Walked to Ellis Island. $10 slot play and $10 matchplay from LVA. Won on the matchplay but ultimately lost it all back. Played some 96 JOB. Was even on that. Dropped $275 at craps. $5 line and $25/$30 odds. Was up $200 to start and then all downhill.
Two of the large branded machines were down. One repair guy was very invested in fixing them. Kept saying “$1000 every day each one and it’s Saturday!” Repeated that for about an hour while working on the machines. Maybe he was part of the Ellis family.
If anyone gives you 10,000 to 1 on anything, you take it. If John Mellencamp ever wins an Oscar, I am going to be a very rich dude.
May 8th, 2021 at 1:59:35 PM
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Quote: TinManDay 1A
Woke up early. Walked to La Salsa Cantina in PH. Never been there before. $4.79 breakfast was perfectly good for the price. Walked to Ellis Island. $10 slot play and $10 matchplay from LVA. Won on the matchplay but ultimately lost it all back. Played some 96 JOB. Was even on that. Dropped $275 at craps. $5 line and $25/$30 odds. Was up $200 to start and then all downhill.
Two of the large branded machines were down. One repair guy was very invested in fixing them. Kept saying “$1000 every day each one and it’s Saturday!” Repeated that for about an hour while working on the machines. Maybe he was part of the Ellis family.
Why do these adventures seem more realistic and more entertaining than some other "Adventures of..." threads?
May 8th, 2021 at 2:13:08 PM
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Quote: mwalz9Why do these adventures seem more realistic and more entertaining than some other "Adventures of..." threads?
Thank you! I must have a way with words.
I’ll tell you my one “high limit” Bacc story. I was 22 or so. In Vegas for the first time. Staying at Ballys with my dad. At like a $10 Bacc table (might have been $15 or $25, can’t remember). Kept betting banker and losing. Finally pulled out $100, frustrated. Banker lost again. I remember how sure i was banker would win and how quickly the hand ended. I just felt sick. At the time $100 was a very meaningful amount of cash. I was in college, and had a job through the school for like $8.50/hr. Anyway, that was it for high limit Bacc.
If anyone gives you 10,000 to 1 on anything, you take it. If John Mellencamp ever wins an Oscar, I am going to be a very rich dude.
May 8th, 2021 at 4:21:53 PM
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Day 1B
After craps, back to 96 JOB. Got down from $100 to $30 before making a comeback. Ultimately Hit a SF to get up to $140 ($40 profit). Cashed out.
Wanted to try the $7.99 steak at Ellis Island. Wasn’t expecting there to be a wait but it was about 35 minutes. Thankfully they have a texting system.
Back to JOB. Hit one 4OAK and boats and by the time the table was ready I was up $50.
Ordered the steak special. The salad was solid. Steak itself was really good. Mashed potatoes were good but the gravy was a little salty. Green beans were cold and blah.
Overall great meal for $8 plus tip.
Left Ellis Island. Walked through Ballys and Paris. Was about to play tiles at an empty table but before sitting down saw a bathroom like 10 feet away. Went to pee. By the time I was back table was closed/locked. Oh well.
Walked to Park MGM. Redeemed $25 & $15 MyVEGAS matchplay. Won the $15 bet and lost the $25 bet. Bc the $15 was a double hand, wound up $20 for the transaction.
After craps, back to 96 JOB. Got down from $100 to $30 before making a comeback. Ultimately Hit a SF to get up to $140 ($40 profit). Cashed out.
Wanted to try the $7.99 steak at Ellis Island. Wasn’t expecting there to be a wait but it was about 35 minutes. Thankfully they have a texting system.
Back to JOB. Hit one 4OAK and boats and by the time the table was ready I was up $50.
Ordered the steak special. The salad was solid. Steak itself was really good. Mashed potatoes were good but the gravy was a little salty. Green beans were cold and blah.
Overall great meal for $8 plus tip.
Left Ellis Island. Walked through Ballys and Paris. Was about to play tiles at an empty table but before sitting down saw a bathroom like 10 feet away. Went to pee. By the time I was back table was closed/locked. Oh well.
Walked to Park MGM. Redeemed $25 & $15 MyVEGAS matchplay. Won the $15 bet and lost the $25 bet. Bc the $15 was a double hand, wound up $20 for the transaction.
If anyone gives you 10,000 to 1 on anything, you take it. If John Mellencamp ever wins an Oscar, I am going to be a very rich dude.
May 8th, 2021 at 11:17:54 PM
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How come you did not get a comp? Usually you will get $12 comp.
May 9th, 2021 at 12:46:39 AM
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Quote: speedycrapHow come you did not get a comp? Usually you will get $12 comp.
I didn’t even think to ask for a comp for lunch. I did see that I had freeplay dollars when I was playing VP and I did use those, so perhaps I indirectly got the comp.
If anyone gives you 10,000 to 1 on anything, you take it. If John Mellencamp ever wins an Oscar, I am going to be a very rich dude.
May 9th, 2021 at 12:54:42 AM
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Rest of day 1
Walked back to Harrahs. Played 2 hours of tiles. Didn’t get to bank at all. There was a talkative guy who was tipping regularly for the dealer, betting around $50-$100. A few times he put out much larger bets—$300 and $500 and lost those. He finally called it quits and left for dinner but was surprisingly upbeat. I won $95.
Then grabbed 2 sandwiches from the LA subs in Flamingo. Used a 2020 ACG BOGO coupon. Italian sub was good. Turkey and Swiss was blah. I should have known better.
Went up to the room for a bit. watched a game I placed 2 bets on. The point spread bet won and I lost on the under/over. Net push, minus a few dollars in vig
Went back to Harrahs for more tiles. This time had the table to myself for 2 hours. Pleasant dealers. Got to bank every other hand. Net: lost $100
Total for the day: I think I’m down about $100 overall. Maybe $150.
Walked back to Harrahs. Played 2 hours of tiles. Didn’t get to bank at all. There was a talkative guy who was tipping regularly for the dealer, betting around $50-$100. A few times he put out much larger bets—$300 and $500 and lost those. He finally called it quits and left for dinner but was surprisingly upbeat. I won $95.
Then grabbed 2 sandwiches from the LA subs in Flamingo. Used a 2020 ACG BOGO coupon. Italian sub was good. Turkey and Swiss was blah. I should have known better.
Went up to the room for a bit. watched a game I placed 2 bets on. The point spread bet won and I lost on the under/over. Net push, minus a few dollars in vig
Went back to Harrahs for more tiles. This time had the table to myself for 2 hours. Pleasant dealers. Got to bank every other hand. Net: lost $100
Total for the day: I think I’m down about $100 overall. Maybe $150.
If anyone gives you 10,000 to 1 on anything, you take it. If John Mellencamp ever wins an Oscar, I am going to be a very rich dude.
May 9th, 2021 at 3:35:02 PM
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Day 2A
Played some bubble craps. Lost $40. Checked out of Linq and Uber downtown. Linq room was small but fine. Safe and useable fridge. No coffeemaker. Elevators were slow. View was blah. Could see part of Caesars.
This time it was pretty fast to get a car. I was able to check in at Fremont early. Room is very dated but it was comped so I don’t mind.
Used LVA coupons at Golden Gate. Won $65. Walked to Cal. $1 10/7 DB. Won $50. Played $10 craps for an hour and lost $100.
Played some bubble craps. Lost $40. Checked out of Linq and Uber downtown. Linq room was small but fine. Safe and useable fridge. No coffeemaker. Elevators were slow. View was blah. Could see part of Caesars.
This time it was pretty fast to get a car. I was able to check in at Fremont early. Room is very dated but it was comped so I don’t mind.
Used LVA coupons at Golden Gate. Won $65. Walked to Cal. $1 10/7 DB. Won $50. Played $10 craps for an hour and lost $100.
If anyone gives you 10,000 to 1 on anything, you take it. If John Mellencamp ever wins an Oscar, I am going to be a very rich dude.
May 9th, 2021 at 4:44:43 PM
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Quote: mwalz9Why do these adventures seem more realistic and more entertaining than some other "Adventures of..." threads?
Hell yeah. You mean he didn’t win every session? And when he was actually down he always came back and won back what was lost?...and then some. Next up...he’s also winning on every stock trade.
This trip report is relatable.
Quote: TinManRest of day 1
Walked back to Harrahs. Played 2 hours of tiles. Didn’t get to bank at all. There was a talkative guy who was tipping regularly for the dealer, betting around $50-$100. A few times he put out much larger bets—$300 and $500 and lost those. He finally called it quits and left for dinner but was surprisingly upbeat. I won $95.
Then grabbed 2 sandwiches from the LA subs in Flamingo. Used a 2020 ACG BOGO coupon. Italian sub was good. Turkey and Swiss was blah. I should have known better.
Went up to the room for a bit. watched a game I placed 2 bets on. The point spread bet won and I lost on the under/over. Net push, minus a few dollars in vig
Went back to Harrahs for more tiles. This time had the table to myself for 2 hours. Pleasant dealers. Got to bank every other hand. Net: lost $100
Total for the day: I think I’m down about $100 overall. Maybe $150.
Nice report. Appreciate the detail and the every man aspect to it. Not sure why, but I appreciate reading these reports 10 times in 10. Not only relatable, but credible.
May 9th, 2021 at 6:16:13 PM
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Thanks for posting, great trip report in progress.
How does Vegas feel in 2021 compared to previous visits?
How does Vegas feel in 2021 compared to previous visits?
May 9th, 2021 at 7:17:16 PM
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Quote: KeeneoneThanks for posting, great trip report in progress.
How does Vegas feel in 2021 compared to previous visits?
Thank you.
Compared to pre-COVID, it’s not nearly as fun. Most buffets closed, no Cirque shows, masks. Plus downtown is more expensive. Damn Fremont is $15 for a 3/2 8 deck BJ game. $25 for a double deck 3/2 game. Fremont! That used to be $5 3/2 all day. It’s offensive that Fremont has a $15 min for a 3/2 game.
Compared to Oct 2020 trip, it’s a little better. No temperature checks or ID checks at the door Downtown.
If anyone gives you 10,000 to 1 on anything, you take it. If John Mellencamp ever wins an Oscar, I am going to be a very rich dude.
May 9th, 2021 at 7:41:09 PM
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Quote: TinManThank you.
Compared to pre-COVID, it’s not nearly as fun. Most buffets closed, no Cirque shows, masks. Plus downtown is more expensive. Damn Fremont is $15 for a 3/2 8 deck BJ game. $25 for a double deck 3/2 game. Fremont! That used to be $5 3/2 all day. It’s offensive that Fremont has a $15 min for a 3/2 game.
Compared to Oct 2020 trip, it’s a little better. No temperature checks or ID checks at the door Downtown.
Thanks for the detailed response. Hopefully the limits improve during the week.
I have not been downtown in some time.
I wonder what it is like talking (yelling?) through a mask to order a drink in The D party pit... :)
May 10th, 2021 at 1:47:22 AM
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Rest of Day 2
Walked to 4 Queens. Played two sessions of quarter 10/7 DB. Up $60 one session and down $20 the next. Hit 2 4 OAKs. In between played $10 PGP at Fremont. At one point a guy sits down and has really no idea what the game is. Bought in for $10 and asked what the game was. Dealer offered to set his hand. Guy kept getting absolutely terrible hands. Kept pulling out $10-$11 at a time ($1 for the progressive). Kept losing. Finally had a winning hand and the dealer had a Q-high. This was EZ version and guy didn’t get paid. He didn’t understand why. Dealer tried to explain and eventually said “it’s a long story”. Guy says to me “this game doesn’t give you much of a chance.” He probably lost $60 or so before leaving. Dealers were patient and set his hand but I don’t think he ever really understood what was happening.
Walked to Magnolias. Used a BOGO from LVA. Got the chicken piccata and chicken fried steak. Soup (split pea) was excellent. Server was friendly. Chicken piccata wasn’t what I was expecting—like a fried cutlet with a heavy sauce. Still, pretty tasty. Chicken fried steak was good but Heavy.
Also, 4 queens seems to be very generous with comps. I was just playing the quarter VP and I had $10 comp dollars (used for dinner) and $20 freeplay. Maybe some of this was carry over from my last trip but still seemed pretty good based on what I play. The 10/7 DB is +100% return
Back to Fremont and felt really tired so turned in early to bed.
Walked to 4 Queens. Played two sessions of quarter 10/7 DB. Up $60 one session and down $20 the next. Hit 2 4 OAKs. In between played $10 PGP at Fremont. At one point a guy sits down and has really no idea what the game is. Bought in for $10 and asked what the game was. Dealer offered to set his hand. Guy kept getting absolutely terrible hands. Kept pulling out $10-$11 at a time ($1 for the progressive). Kept losing. Finally had a winning hand and the dealer had a Q-high. This was EZ version and guy didn’t get paid. He didn’t understand why. Dealer tried to explain and eventually said “it’s a long story”. Guy says to me “this game doesn’t give you much of a chance.” He probably lost $60 or so before leaving. Dealers were patient and set his hand but I don’t think he ever really understood what was happening.
Walked to Magnolias. Used a BOGO from LVA. Got the chicken piccata and chicken fried steak. Soup (split pea) was excellent. Server was friendly. Chicken piccata wasn’t what I was expecting—like a fried cutlet with a heavy sauce. Still, pretty tasty. Chicken fried steak was good but Heavy.
Also, 4 queens seems to be very generous with comps. I was just playing the quarter VP and I had $10 comp dollars (used for dinner) and $20 freeplay. Maybe some of this was carry over from my last trip but still seemed pretty good based on what I play. The 10/7 DB is +100% return
Back to Fremont and felt really tired so turned in early to bed.
If anyone gives you 10,000 to 1 on anything, you take it. If John Mellencamp ever wins an Oscar, I am going to be a very rich dude.
May 10th, 2021 at 12:44:44 PM
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Day 3
Last night went to bed at like 9pm. Time zone change finally hit me. Woke up early and walked to Binions. Breakfast at the coffee shop. It was ok. Prompt coffee refills.
LVA coupon for $10 slot play turned into $7.50. Fremont craps all $15 so instead Played some of the $3 small bubble craps. Won $40 or so.
4 Queens 10/7 turned Into $70 profit. At one point I was down $100. Put In a new $100 bill and first hand dealt 2222A. I looked at it for a second. I held all 5 (to avoid any chance of a machine issue) and bingo got the $100 back. Kind of startling right after losing $100 and first hand back.
Walk to Cal and they had a $10 DD BJ game. Sat for 2 hours and won $175. I think I’m up for the trip now.
Last night went to bed at like 9pm. Time zone change finally hit me. Woke up early and walked to Binions. Breakfast at the coffee shop. It was ok. Prompt coffee refills.
LVA coupon for $10 slot play turned into $7.50. Fremont craps all $15 so instead Played some of the $3 small bubble craps. Won $40 or so.
4 Queens 10/7 turned Into $70 profit. At one point I was down $100. Put In a new $100 bill and first hand dealt 2222A. I looked at it for a second. I held all 5 (to avoid any chance of a machine issue) and bingo got the $100 back. Kind of startling right after losing $100 and first hand back.
Walk to Cal and they had a $10 DD BJ game. Sat for 2 hours and won $175. I think I’m up for the trip now.
If anyone gives you 10,000 to 1 on anything, you take it. If John Mellencamp ever wins an Oscar, I am going to be a very rich dude.
May 10th, 2021 at 3:58:15 PM
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Four queens and binions have triple zero roulette. Saw one guy playing.
The D has a bank of prog VP. Quarter games with just over $2k progressive. JoB was 7/5. DB was 9/6. Not sure if either over 100% with the prog but prob not.
The D has a bank of prog VP. Quarter games with just over $2k progressive. JoB was 7/5. DB was 9/6. Not sure if either over 100% with the prog but prob not.
If anyone gives you 10,000 to 1 on anything, you take it. If John Mellencamp ever wins an Oscar, I am going to be a very rich dude.
May 11th, 2021 at 12:57:08 AM
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Walked to ElCortez. $10 LVA slot play turned into nothing.
Headed Golden Nugget poker. Sat for about 3 hours and won about $100. Biggest hand was a more than double up with AK vs a stubborn K10 and another player. That took me from $130 to a little over $300
I haven’t seen any $5 craps downtown. Really disappointing. Last time I was here 4Q had it but haven’t seen it yet.
Walked to plaza. Got pop up pizza. 20% off with LVA. That was a first. It was better than average/very good. Got the supreme slice—pepperoni, some other meat, mushrooms and bell peppers (I think?). I expected to find some Bingo matchplay on my card but no luck.
Back to Fremont. Had a good session at $10 craps. Turned $300 in $630. Nothing remarkable just a lot of points hit. The dealers were competent but they did one of my major pet peeves. Player gives them $15 and says “6”. Dealer sets it up as a $15 bet. One guy was annoyed by it (rightfully so) after one roll went by. Told the dealer he wanted a $12 6. Note: no one said “$15 on the 6 (or8).” They’d just throw in $15 and ask for a 6/8. I that case I really think it’s proper form for the dealer to set it up as a $12 bet.
Back to quarter 10:7 at 4Q. Lost $220 over about 2 hours. Finally quit after hitting a SF. If you’re not hitting 4OAK or better, you’ll just get drained at that game.
Time to call it a night. I think I’m now up about $400 for the trip.
Headed Golden Nugget poker. Sat for about 3 hours and won about $100. Biggest hand was a more than double up with AK vs a stubborn K10 and another player. That took me from $130 to a little over $300
I haven’t seen any $5 craps downtown. Really disappointing. Last time I was here 4Q had it but haven’t seen it yet.
Walked to plaza. Got pop up pizza. 20% off with LVA. That was a first. It was better than average/very good. Got the supreme slice—pepperoni, some other meat, mushrooms and bell peppers (I think?). I expected to find some Bingo matchplay on my card but no luck.
Back to Fremont. Had a good session at $10 craps. Turned $300 in $630. Nothing remarkable just a lot of points hit. The dealers were competent but they did one of my major pet peeves. Player gives them $15 and says “6”. Dealer sets it up as a $15 bet. One guy was annoyed by it (rightfully so) after one roll went by. Told the dealer he wanted a $12 6. Note: no one said “$15 on the 6 (or8).” They’d just throw in $15 and ask for a 6/8. I that case I really think it’s proper form for the dealer to set it up as a $12 bet.
Back to quarter 10:7 at 4Q. Lost $220 over about 2 hours. Finally quit after hitting a SF. If you’re not hitting 4OAK or better, you’ll just get drained at that game.
Time to call it a night. I think I’m now up about $400 for the trip.
If anyone gives you 10,000 to 1 on anything, you take it. If John Mellencamp ever wins an Oscar, I am going to be a very rich dude.
May 11th, 2021 at 5:11:44 AM
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Well done !Quote: TinManI think I’m now up about $400 for the trip.
I try to keep accurate win/loss records during a trip, but writing every cash-in / cash-out down is an inconvenience. So I have found the easiest way for me is to put my "gambling only" money on one side of my wallet. So if I start with X, it is easy to know where I am when I count what is actually still there.
There's emptiness behind their eyes
There's dust in all their hearts
They just want to steal us all and take us all apart
May 12th, 2021 at 8:53:38 AM
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Day 4
Won $55 on craps. One guy betting all the hard ways for $25 each, plus dealer bets. Never hit it once. Either had them off or number came up easy first and he didn’t replace. Must have dropped $800 just on hard ways. Never collected.
Dad arrived before noon. Got him settled in the room and then did a coupon run. First for him. He won $150 or so total. I won maybe $80 or so. Downtown grand doesn’t have table games open midweek so we need to go back. He was amused by the process.
Magnolias for lunch. Open faced turkey was excellent. He got the burger and was very happy. The fries that came with the burger were terrible.
Played some PGP and 3CP together. Down $40 for me.
He’s a big soccer fan. Showed him how to use kiosk to place a bet. $25 on Milan to win $19.25. It was amusing that he refused to bet several games because he disliked both teams. Also refused to bet heavy favorites.
I dropped $120 on quarter 10/7 DB plus another $160 on the dollar game. That sucked. Picked up $40 or so on JOB.
Late dinner at Tony Roma’s. Steak was good. Lobster was tiny. About what I expected but glad we went.
Won $55 on craps. One guy betting all the hard ways for $25 each, plus dealer bets. Never hit it once. Either had them off or number came up easy first and he didn’t replace. Must have dropped $800 just on hard ways. Never collected.
Dad arrived before noon. Got him settled in the room and then did a coupon run. First for him. He won $150 or so total. I won maybe $80 or so. Downtown grand doesn’t have table games open midweek so we need to go back. He was amused by the process.
Magnolias for lunch. Open faced turkey was excellent. He got the burger and was very happy. The fries that came with the burger were terrible.
Played some PGP and 3CP together. Down $40 for me.
He’s a big soccer fan. Showed him how to use kiosk to place a bet. $25 on Milan to win $19.25. It was amusing that he refused to bet several games because he disliked both teams. Also refused to bet heavy favorites.
I dropped $120 on quarter 10/7 DB plus another $160 on the dollar game. That sucked. Picked up $40 or so on JOB.
Late dinner at Tony Roma’s. Steak was good. Lobster was tiny. About what I expected but glad we went.
If anyone gives you 10,000 to 1 on anything, you take it. If John Mellencamp ever wins an Oscar, I am going to be a very rich dude.
May 12th, 2021 at 10:53:46 AM
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Enjoying your trip report very much. If you have a chance to go to the Cromwell I would be interested in the craps minimums.
May 12th, 2021 at 11:02:11 AM
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Quote: HeadlockEnjoying your trip report very much. If you have a chance to go to the Cromwell I would be interested in the craps minimums.
I briefly walked through the Cromwell when I was staying at Linq at the start of the trip. I’m pretty sure craps was $15 at the time. This would have been like 8am on Saturday. I did see that the good 96 JOB games were gone.
If anyone gives you 10,000 to 1 on anything, you take it. If John Mellencamp ever wins an Oscar, I am going to be a very rich dude.
May 12th, 2021 at 12:31:04 PM
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I noticed that too in April. Oh well.....Quote: TinManI did see that the good 96 JOB games were gone.
There's emptiness behind their eyes
There's dust in all their hearts
They just want to steal us all and take us all apart
May 12th, 2021 at 5:06:30 PM
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day 5A
Holy sh*t. It happened.
Woke up and dad and I got breakfast the Magnolias. We were both happy with the meal and especially happy at the service.
Afterwards I headed to the 10\7 DB quarter game. After 5 minutes got a 3 to a Royal in hearts. Didn’t think much of it and then, boom. Royal flush. $1000. Wow. First ever Royal. When I get home I’ll see if I can figure out how to post the photo.
Locked up the cash and eventually headed to the cal. Played craps for 3.5 hours and picked up $330 more. Some good long rolls. A few people hit 3 or 4 numbers. Then dropped $100 on dollar 10/7 DB.
Holy sh*t. It happened.
Woke up and dad and I got breakfast the Magnolias. We were both happy with the meal and especially happy at the service.
Afterwards I headed to the 10\7 DB quarter game. After 5 minutes got a 3 to a Royal in hearts. Didn’t think much of it and then, boom. Royal flush. $1000. Wow. First ever Royal. When I get home I’ll see if I can figure out how to post the photo.
Locked up the cash and eventually headed to the cal. Played craps for 3.5 hours and picked up $330 more. Some good long rolls. A few people hit 3 or 4 numbers. Then dropped $100 on dollar 10/7 DB.
If anyone gives you 10,000 to 1 on anything, you take it. If John Mellencamp ever wins an Oscar, I am going to be a very rich dude.
May 12th, 2021 at 5:51:00 PM
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Quote: TinManday 5A
Holy sh*t. It happened.
Woke up and dad and I got breakfast the Magnolias. We were both happy with the meal and especially happy at the service.
Afterwards I headed to the 10\7 DB quarter game. After 5 minutes got a 3 to a Royal in hearts. Didn’t think much of it and then, boom. Royal flush. $1000. Wow. First ever Royal. When I get home I’ll see if I can figure out how to post the photo.
Locked up the cash and eventually headed to the cal. Played craps for 3.5 hours and picked up $330 more. Some good long rolls. A few people hit 3 or 4 numbers. Then dropped $100 on dollar 10/7 DB.
Congrats on first Royal Flush. Hopefully many more to come. You beat the odds, the odds of getting a royal when holding three is 1081 to 1.
You can't know everything, but you can know anything.
May 12th, 2021 at 10:41:01 PM
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Quote: TinManday 5A
Holy sh*t. It happened.
Woke up and dad and I got breakfast the Magnolias. We were both happy with the meal and especially happy at the service.
Afterwards I headed to the 10\7 DB quarter game. After 5 minutes got a 3 to a Royal in hearts. Didn’t think much of it and then, boom. Royal flush. $1000. Wow. First ever Royal. When I get home I’ll see if I can figure out how to post the photo.
Locked up the cash and eventually headed to the cal. Played craps for 3.5 hours and picked up $330 more. Some good long rolls. A few people hit 3 or 4 numbers. Then dropped $100 on dollar 10/7 DB.
Congrats that’s awesome. First time or two someone hits a royal is a hell of a rush like not much else, gotta be one of the biggest thrills in gaming. I believe most royals are holding three? Long shot but just because it’s such a common hand. But the 1/47 chance you’re always hoping/anticipating with 4 to, 3 to never expecting it with less than 1 in 1k shot always a nice surprise.
May 13th, 2021 at 6:55:35 AM
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Congrats on the RF.
It is certainly frustrating to get dealt 4 to a RF and then come up empty handed, but the math is the math, eh ? Fortunately, my last 4 to a RF was on a Dollar machine and I hit it. That was my first RF at that denom, woot woot. We had a rental car and I headed down Flamingo to get to my bank to deposit most of it.
It is certainly frustrating to get dealt 4 to a RF and then come up empty handed, but the math is the math, eh ? Fortunately, my last 4 to a RF was on a Dollar machine and I hit it. That was my first RF at that denom, woot woot. We had a rental car and I headed down Flamingo to get to my bank to deposit most of it.
There's emptiness behind their eyes
There's dust in all their hearts
They just want to steal us all and take us all apart
May 13th, 2021 at 7:46:53 AM
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TinMan:
Given the resort fees, parking fees, lack of shows and the covid-19 restrictions / requirements, why do you choose go to Las Vegas to gamble if you have other more convenient options close by?
Maybe you don't have other casinos near by?
Me, I find it tougher and tougher to justify the expense of air fare, room / fees and rental car just so I can gamble, which I can do anytime at nearby tribal casinos without incurring any of those expenses.
Hello, cost / benefit analysis.
Given the resort fees, parking fees, lack of shows and the covid-19 restrictions / requirements, why do you choose go to Las Vegas to gamble if you have other more convenient options close by?
Maybe you don't have other casinos near by?
Me, I find it tougher and tougher to justify the expense of air fare, room / fees and rental car just so I can gamble, which I can do anytime at nearby tribal casinos without incurring any of those expenses.
Hello, cost / benefit analysis.
"What, me worry?"
May 13th, 2021 at 9:24:12 AM
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YES, it would be nice if VEGAS wakes up to this. But I won't hold my breath.Quote: MrVTinMan:
Given the resort fees, parking fees, lack of shows and the covid-19 restrictions / requirements, why do you choose go to Las Vegas to gamble if you have other more convenient options close by?
Hello, cost / benefit analysis.
There's emptiness behind their eyes
There's dust in all their hearts
They just want to steal us all and take us all apart
May 14th, 2021 at 1:15:32 AM
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Quote: MrVTinMan:
Given the resort fees, parking fees, lack of shows and the covid-19 restrictions / requirements, why do you choose go to Las Vegas to gamble if you have other more convenient options close by?
Maybe you don't have other casinos near by?
Me, I find it tougher and tougher to justify the expense of air fare, room / fees and rental car just so I can gamble, which I can do anytime at nearby tribal casinos without incurring any of those expenses.
Hello, cost / benefit analysis.
The cost/benefit works out well for me. The flights were paid for with miles (that were free to generate) and the hotels are all comped. I pay $120 in resort fees for 7 nights. Plus my alternative is Atlantic City, which is a depressing dump. No car rental or parking fees for me. Maybe $75 in Ubers in total for the trip. I do wish there were shows and more buffets. But overall, it’s a solid trip when I can’t go abroad.
If anyone gives you 10,000 to 1 on anything, you take it. If John Mellencamp ever wins an Oscar, I am going to be a very rich dude.
May 14th, 2021 at 1:27:08 AM
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Rest of day 5 and day 6
dad and I went to dinner at Siegal’s 1941. Used an LVA BOGO. We got to El Cortez an hour early. Played some $10 Bacc. We each won about $25. Dinner was solid. He got the prime rib and was very happy. I got the salmon. If it were full price I’d feel like we overpaid but for BOGO it was worth it.
Afterwards I went back to 10/7 DB. I was down $170 at one point and then crawled my way back with 2 4OAKs (including a 2222). Left losing only $80.
Woke up Thursday and got breakfast at Magnolias. Again, very good meal. 4 Queens seems to comp VP very well. I had another $18 in comps. This was all generated on a +EV machine. Boyd doesn’t comp or give tier credits for any VP that I play.
Went to Downtown grand. Had a $50 LVA matchplay and dad had $10 ACG. They advertised tables open at 11 but it was about 11:30 before they were operational. We both doubled down and won at BJ. Nice $150 profit for me.
Checked out of frement and headed to Mirage for our last night. Check in was a pain. I’m all for kiosk checkin but this was unnecessarily complicated. The Linq had a very easy process. Mirage was way too complicated. Anyway, eventually checked in.
I went to Harrahs for Tiles. Met up with dad later and we walked to Ellis Island. He was a new member and got $60 freeplay (converted to $40 cash). I lost $100 and he lost $200. Got dinner at the cafe with another BOGO. Both got the steak and shrimp. Really solid meal. They let us carry in beer from the waitress. Some places seem to allow it and others don’t
Headed back to Ballys and he stayed there for 3CP. I wanted to pick up $1 chips from different casinos. Got $1 from Ballys, Bellagio, Caesars, Flamingo, Linq, Mirage and Harrahs. At Linq played $5 3CP. Lost $100 just betting ante and play. Oh well. Back to Harrahs for another 90 mins of tiles. Lost $50 there. Picked up some cash betting one bet at various of the casinos to get the $1 chips.
I think I’m up around $1000 for the trip. Flying back home tomorrow late.
dad and I went to dinner at Siegal’s 1941. Used an LVA BOGO. We got to El Cortez an hour early. Played some $10 Bacc. We each won about $25. Dinner was solid. He got the prime rib and was very happy. I got the salmon. If it were full price I’d feel like we overpaid but for BOGO it was worth it.
Afterwards I went back to 10/7 DB. I was down $170 at one point and then crawled my way back with 2 4OAKs (including a 2222). Left losing only $80.
Woke up Thursday and got breakfast at Magnolias. Again, very good meal. 4 Queens seems to comp VP very well. I had another $18 in comps. This was all generated on a +EV machine. Boyd doesn’t comp or give tier credits for any VP that I play.
Went to Downtown grand. Had a $50 LVA matchplay and dad had $10 ACG. They advertised tables open at 11 but it was about 11:30 before they were operational. We both doubled down and won at BJ. Nice $150 profit for me.
Checked out of frement and headed to Mirage for our last night. Check in was a pain. I’m all for kiosk checkin but this was unnecessarily complicated. The Linq had a very easy process. Mirage was way too complicated. Anyway, eventually checked in.
I went to Harrahs for Tiles. Met up with dad later and we walked to Ellis Island. He was a new member and got $60 freeplay (converted to $40 cash). I lost $100 and he lost $200. Got dinner at the cafe with another BOGO. Both got the steak and shrimp. Really solid meal. They let us carry in beer from the waitress. Some places seem to allow it and others don’t
Headed back to Ballys and he stayed there for 3CP. I wanted to pick up $1 chips from different casinos. Got $1 from Ballys, Bellagio, Caesars, Flamingo, Linq, Mirage and Harrahs. At Linq played $5 3CP. Lost $100 just betting ante and play. Oh well. Back to Harrahs for another 90 mins of tiles. Lost $50 there. Picked up some cash betting one bet at various of the casinos to get the $1 chips.
I think I’m up around $1000 for the trip. Flying back home tomorrow late.
If anyone gives you 10,000 to 1 on anything, you take it. If John Mellencamp ever wins an Oscar, I am going to be a very rich dude.
May 14th, 2021 at 1:44:03 AM
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Sounds like you had a fun trip, thanks for sharing!
You can shear a sheep a hundred times, but you can skin it only once. — Amarillo Slim Preston
May 14th, 2021 at 9:42:02 PM
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Day 7
We have a late flight out so had almost a full day in Vegas. Tried to use MyVEGAS “snacks” reward at Mirage. After waiting in mlife line for 30 minutes was told that was only good M-Thur. I checked the app and it first prominently includes the hours of the place, which includes Friday hours. Then in the middle of a massive amount of boilerplate it says Mon-Thurs.
Overall I was not thrilled with Mirage. Check in was way too complicated. The in room TV didn’t work (it was scratchy, like satellite TV In a storm, on every channel). No usable fridge. The bed was comfortable though. The 30 min MLife desk wait was too long. I did like that it was a short walk to the strip and across the street to Harrahs.
Ubered to Orleans. We each used $10 match plays and I had $10 slot play. We both lost the match play. I turned the slot play into $15.
Headed to poker room. I played Omaha and my dad likes hold em. After several hours I was up like $10. He said that he was +/-$50.
Dinner at Balliwick. $15 off from LVA. I got the chicken sandwich. It was excellent. Dad got the fried fish platter with fries. Personally I don’t like when literally everything in a meal is fried, but he liked it. Restaurant is modern and clean and service is excellent. I had Ice cream for dessert.
Uber to airport. I’ll do a final count when I get home, but I think I’m up +$900 or so. Dad thinks he’s down $200-$300 or so.
Amusing note—I keep track of all out of pocket costs in order to get a better tab on gambling losses. For this trip, $57 in drink tips. They weren’t all alcoholic (and many of the “alcoholic” ones really aren’t alcoholic), but still. That’s a lot of drinks. Basically 8 per day on average. It would have been higher but I only ordered one drink today.
Random story I forgot to mention before—playing craps at the Cal there was a guy who had his chips all over the rail. I didn’t see the full history of what he did or if they warned him, but the pit boss comes over 3 minutes after I got to the table. Tells the guy he’s disrespecting the game and everyone there and he must organize his rail or else. I couldn’t quite make out if he said he’d pass the dice or kick the guy out of the casino. The guy organized his rail. He was shooting and everyone waited like 3 full minutes as he organized $700 or so in chips.
We have a late flight out so had almost a full day in Vegas. Tried to use MyVEGAS “snacks” reward at Mirage. After waiting in mlife line for 30 minutes was told that was only good M-Thur. I checked the app and it first prominently includes the hours of the place, which includes Friday hours. Then in the middle of a massive amount of boilerplate it says Mon-Thurs.
Overall I was not thrilled with Mirage. Check in was way too complicated. The in room TV didn’t work (it was scratchy, like satellite TV In a storm, on every channel). No usable fridge. The bed was comfortable though. The 30 min MLife desk wait was too long. I did like that it was a short walk to the strip and across the street to Harrahs.
Ubered to Orleans. We each used $10 match plays and I had $10 slot play. We both lost the match play. I turned the slot play into $15.
Headed to poker room. I played Omaha and my dad likes hold em. After several hours I was up like $10. He said that he was +/-$50.
Dinner at Balliwick. $15 off from LVA. I got the chicken sandwich. It was excellent. Dad got the fried fish platter with fries. Personally I don’t like when literally everything in a meal is fried, but he liked it. Restaurant is modern and clean and service is excellent. I had Ice cream for dessert.
Uber to airport. I’ll do a final count when I get home, but I think I’m up +$900 or so. Dad thinks he’s down $200-$300 or so.
Amusing note—I keep track of all out of pocket costs in order to get a better tab on gambling losses. For this trip, $57 in drink tips. They weren’t all alcoholic (and many of the “alcoholic” ones really aren’t alcoholic), but still. That’s a lot of drinks. Basically 8 per day on average. It would have been higher but I only ordered one drink today.
Random story I forgot to mention before—playing craps at the Cal there was a guy who had his chips all over the rail. I didn’t see the full history of what he did or if they warned him, but the pit boss comes over 3 minutes after I got to the table. Tells the guy he’s disrespecting the game and everyone there and he must organize his rail or else. I couldn’t quite make out if he said he’d pass the dice or kick the guy out of the casino. The guy organized his rail. He was shooting and everyone waited like 3 full minutes as he organized $700 or so in chips.
If anyone gives you 10,000 to 1 on anything, you take it. If John Mellencamp ever wins an Oscar, I am going to be a very rich dude.
May 15th, 2021 at 12:08:11 AM
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Quote: TinMan
Random story I forgot to mention before—playing craps at the Cal there was a guy who had his chips all over the rail.
Sounds like the aloha spirit was missing.
May 15th, 2021 at 4:24:46 AM
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Great report Tin! I am guessing your lifestyle won’t change due to your 3 figure win, but how great does it FEEL! I rarely use cash for anything other than casino gambling, so after a win like yours I have a drawer that is overflowing in the stake plus that win! And it sits there until my next casino trip!
I hope I make it to Vegas in the fall....
I hope I make it to Vegas in the fall....
May 15th, 2021 at 12:19:50 PM
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I hope the shows come back in full force sooner than later.Quote: SOOPOOI hope I make it to Vegas in the fall....
Mrs Q is looking forward to the Buffet at PARIS, I think it is just OK.
Next trip is this summer.
There's emptiness behind their eyes
There's dust in all their hearts
They just want to steal us all and take us all apart
May 15th, 2021 at 1:07:22 PM
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Booked my first trip to Vegas in a year and a half for July 5. Very very excited!
May 15th, 2021 at 2:47:41 PM
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Frankly I'm a bit surprised that the old girl is still struttin' her stuff, given the plethora of other gambling choices and the ascent of Macao which now seems to attract the Asian whales.
Obviously gambling itself is not a good reason to visit Las Vegas, given choices elsewhere; I suppose that it must be the "glitz" i.e. dining and entertainment choices not available to Ma and Pa Kettle in Bumfoot, Iowa.
Obviously gambling itself is not a good reason to visit Las Vegas, given choices elsewhere; I suppose that it must be the "glitz" i.e. dining and entertainment choices not available to Ma and Pa Kettle in Bumfoot, Iowa.
"What, me worry?"
May 15th, 2021 at 3:16:39 PM
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Quote: MrVFrankly I'm a bit surprised that the old girl is still struttin' her stuff, given the plethora of other gambling choices and the ascent of Macao which now seems to attract the Asian whales.
Obviously gambling itself is not a good reason to visit Las Vegas, given choices elsewhere; I suppose that it must be the "glitz" i.e. dining and entertainment choices not available to Ma and Pa Kettle in Bumfoot, Iowa.
Nobody goes to Vegas anymore. It's too crowded.
The older I get, the better I recall things that never happened
May 15th, 2021 at 10:03:58 PM
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Very nice trip report. Relatable. Sincere.
May 16th, 2021 at 4:45:44 PM
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Attempting to upload some photos
I had ordered a drink and the waitress came just as the royal was paying out. Hence the $1 in one photo but not the other.
I had wanted to get enough $1 chips to shuffle them at home. In previous trips I either forgot or was losing and couldn't justify "spending" money on chips. This time I won and picked up 14.
I use these for blackjack. They're double sided, so you're seeing 2 sides of the same cards. I made these based on WOO BJ strategy calculator, then laminated them. I used to just print them out, but then they'd get destroyed each trip.
I had ordered a drink and the waitress came just as the royal was paying out. Hence the $1 in one photo but not the other.
I had wanted to get enough $1 chips to shuffle them at home. In previous trips I either forgot or was losing and couldn't justify "spending" money on chips. This time I won and picked up 14.
I use these for blackjack. They're double sided, so you're seeing 2 sides of the same cards. I made these based on WOO BJ strategy calculator, then laminated them. I used to just print them out, but then they'd get destroyed each trip.
If anyone gives you 10,000 to 1 on anything, you take it. If John Mellencamp ever wins an Oscar, I am going to be a very rich dude.
May 16th, 2021 at 5:26:06 PM
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I talked today with a lady who spent some time recently at South Point, arriving on Mother's Day.
She said the restaurants all had lines on Sunday (no surprise) so she ordered a tuna sandwich from room service.
The good: she was told it would arrive in 40 minutes, but it only took ten.
The bad / the ugly: She said it was without doubt the worst sandwich she'd ever had; there was literally only some flecks of tuna.
Most of it was mayo: ugodly gobs of it, so much that she couldn't eat the lettuce and tomato, they were too slathered in mayo.
She said the restaurants all had lines on Sunday (no surprise) so she ordered a tuna sandwich from room service.
The good: she was told it would arrive in 40 minutes, but it only took ten.
The bad / the ugly: She said it was without doubt the worst sandwich she'd ever had; there was literally only some flecks of tuna.
Most of it was mayo: ugodly gobs of it, so much that she couldn't eat the lettuce and tomato, they were too slathered in mayo.
"What, me worry?"
May 16th, 2021 at 5:47:07 PM
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I would like to go on record as concurring with TDVegas above. This was a outstanding trip report, relatable to everyone, at any level. Winning and losing, just the way real gambling works. Thank you tinman.
June 7th, 2021 at 11:49:16 AM
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Apologies if this is old news, but for those of you making Vegas plans for October, EDC has announced October 22-24 as this year's dates.
June 7th, 2021 at 8:28:46 PM
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I was in Vegas a week ago for Memorial Day Weekend.
Craps table minimums were far higher than I've ever seen...at the Cosmopolitan, nothing below $50 in the day and $100 at night. They also had $300 tables. Aria minimums were similar but seemed slightly lower. The holiday is probably part of the reason but that was not my first holiday weekend there
I always bet max 3/4/5 odds and doing that with $100 flat bets can get kind of hefty. You can go up or down $thousands in minutes.
Craps table minimums were far higher than I've ever seen...at the Cosmopolitan, nothing below $50 in the day and $100 at night. They also had $300 tables. Aria minimums were similar but seemed slightly lower. The holiday is probably part of the reason but that was not my first holiday weekend there
I always bet max 3/4/5 odds and doing that with $100 flat bets can get kind of hefty. You can go up or down $thousands in minutes.
It’s all about making that GTA
June 7th, 2021 at 8:43:55 PM
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Too high for me. Cosmo and Aria are both fancier casinos and clearly demand is there (combo of holiday weekend and generally people who haven’t been to a casino in some time with pent up gambling desire), but glad my trip was just before this surge/reopening. Unrelated, but from what I’ve seen online the revamped Caesars Bacchanal looks good. I hope to go during my 2022 trip.
If anyone gives you 10,000 to 1 on anything, you take it. If John Mellencamp ever wins an Oscar, I am going to be a very rich dude.
June 8th, 2021 at 3:17:11 AM
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Tinman:
Did you also get 10,000 to 1 on Cher winning an Oscar ?
Did you also get 10,000 to 1 on Cher winning an Oscar ?
There's emptiness behind their eyes
There's dust in all their hearts
They just want to steal us all and take us all apart
June 8th, 2021 at 5:27:50 AM
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Quote: JohnnyQTinman:
Did you also get 10,000 to 1 on Cher winning an Oscar ?
The John Mellancamp line is a quote from the Office. For whatever it’s worth, if that were a real bet, I think it would be a great bet. There’s an Oscar for best original song. Even if you put aside all other Oscar categories, I’d think John Mellancamp’s lifetime true odds to ever win the Oscar for best original song are much better than 10,000 to 1.
If anyone gives you 10,000 to 1 on anything, you take it. If John Mellencamp ever wins an Oscar, I am going to be a very rich dude.
June 8th, 2021 at 6:54:48 AM
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Quote: TinManThe John Mellancamp line is a quote from the Office. For whatever it’s worth, if that were a real bet, I think it would be a great bet. There’s an Oscar for best original song. Even if you put aside all other Oscar categories, I’d think John Mellancamp’s lifetime true odds to ever win the Oscar for best original song are much better than 10,000 to 1.
I know that Vegas sportsbooks are allowed to take bets on Oscar categories, but do any actually do it? It seems to me that this is just asking to be taken advantage of by insiders at AMPAS or PriceWaterhouseCoopers.
