First Time Vegas
October 21st, 2012 at 4:50:11 PM
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Alright, so I just joined here and I need some help. Just turned 21 going to Vegas in a few months with my sister on a limited budget. Staying at the flamingo due to dirt cheap rates. I need some suggestions. What to do and where to play for a cheap budget. (Gambling losses wont exceed 150 a day) Please help!
October 21st, 2012 at 5:14:46 PM
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I'd try the search button... I'm sure we've seen this thread a few times before.
My recommendations:
1. Find a way to scrape together a little more cash, I completely understand if you can't (been there) but even at really low minimums you might bust out in 20 minutes.
2. Do a lot of walking, see every casino and get every player's card. The free slot/match play will help your budget go further. The lots of walking/sightseeing should be able to take a few hours out of your day.
2a. Don't forget about the off-strip walkable properties like Tuscany/Rio/Hard Rock.
3. When I need to blow some time and not lose a lot of cash I like playing VP. You can get a bunch of free drinks, play at your own own pace, have a solid return, and there's always a possibility of a royal.
Mainly:
Have fun and decide if Vegas/gambling is the kind of thing you want to spend your money on in the future. It's not a cheap hobby, but there's a reason it's such a popular destination...
My recommendations:
1. Find a way to scrape together a little more cash, I completely understand if you can't (been there) but even at really low minimums you might bust out in 20 minutes.
2. Do a lot of walking, see every casino and get every player's card. The free slot/match play will help your budget go further. The lots of walking/sightseeing should be able to take a few hours out of your day.
2a. Don't forget about the off-strip walkable properties like Tuscany/Rio/Hard Rock.
3. When I need to blow some time and not lose a lot of cash I like playing VP. You can get a bunch of free drinks, play at your own own pace, have a solid return, and there's always a possibility of a royal.
Mainly:
Have fun and decide if Vegas/gambling is the kind of thing you want to spend your money on in the future. It's not a cheap hobby, but there's a reason it's such a popular destination...
Its - Possessive; It's - "It is" / "It has"; There - Location; Their - Possessive; They're - "They are"
October 21st, 2012 at 5:21:30 PM
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Spend a goodly portion of your overall stay playing downtown. Go at night for the Fremont St. experience down there... Totally free. Gambling there is better than the Strip for lower min. players as well.
October 21st, 2012 at 5:25:12 PM
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Limit the amount of time you spend gambling,
Many other things to do as well.
Better to know a few games very well,
than many games only partially.
Do not exceed your daily loss limit.
Have great time
Many other things to do as well.
Better to know a few games very well,
than many games only partially.
Do not exceed your daily loss limit.
Have great time
In a bet, there is a fool and a thief.
- Proverb.
October 21st, 2012 at 5:51:51 PM
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And remember...
Drink water. Bring an extra pair of walking shoes.
Try to plan your activities by regions so as not to waste time with major treks.
Decide on viewing the glitz and glamor of the strip versus enjoying the lower key locals casinos that offer more modest fare but at markedly lower prices. Shows and ritzy restaurants will be wonderful memories but you can find expensive restaurants in your home town also.
Buffets at major properties are expensive and have long lines. Buffets at more distant properties tend to be cheaper and have shorter lines.
I usually recommend playing where you stay but many people like to casino hop particularly on their first trip. Either way get a players card at each and every casino you enter, even if you only enter it to get some free water bottles in the casino.
If you understand anything about Risk of Ruin you will know that 150.00 is probably too low a bankroll ... you can still win but it is also likely that you will lose your entire bankroll due to normal variation before you are able to hit some lucky streak of wins. Avoid slot machines entirely if at all possible they are usually at just too high a house edge to be sensible.
Drink water. Bring an extra pair of walking shoes.
Try to plan your activities by regions so as not to waste time with major treks.
Decide on viewing the glitz and glamor of the strip versus enjoying the lower key locals casinos that offer more modest fare but at markedly lower prices. Shows and ritzy restaurants will be wonderful memories but you can find expensive restaurants in your home town also.
Buffets at major properties are expensive and have long lines. Buffets at more distant properties tend to be cheaper and have shorter lines.
I usually recommend playing where you stay but many people like to casino hop particularly on their first trip. Either way get a players card at each and every casino you enter, even if you only enter it to get some free water bottles in the casino.
If you understand anything about Risk of Ruin you will know that 150.00 is probably too low a bankroll ... you can still win but it is also likely that you will lose your entire bankroll due to normal variation before you are able to hit some lucky streak of wins. Avoid slot machines entirely if at all possible they are usually at just too high a house edge to be sensible.
October 21st, 2012 at 6:03:43 PM
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1) Buy Wizard's book Gambling 102. Read it on the plane.
2) Don't tip dealers.
2) Don't tip dealers.
"I am a man devoured by the passion for gambling." --Dostoevsky, 1871
October 21st, 2012 at 6:07:32 PM
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Thanks, what about cheap good food? I will have a little extra, but the gambling budget is 500 for 3 days. Mainly playing BJ, and craps if I get up much.
October 21st, 2012 at 6:15:40 PM
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Craps is probably the best game, with low minimums, a low edge, and no skill. Forget everything you've heard about taking odds - you can't afford the risk. Just bet one line or the other, maybe throw in a (don't) come bet if you get bored, or put up single or double odds once in a while. If the field pays triple for one number, the occasional bet there won't wreck you, either. If you know a little about poker, 2/4 could be fun - buy in for sixty and play very tight (i.e., under no circumstances play KTo or 88). You won't beat the rake (or the other players, most likely), but you should be there a while. Set a limit for each table and stick to it (where blackjack is concerned, don't play if you don't have a second unit to double or split with). Maybe put down a twenty on VP (make sure you know the strategy, and check the paytable!). Find a way to kill time in between games so you're not just rushing from one table to another. Stay far away from the slots, except maybe on the last day of your trip, or possibly find one you can play 1¢ at a time to cool off.
And of course, stay the hell away from the strip.
PS: You can afford to tip dealers. Most of them deserve it. A dollar an hour should do.
And of course, stay the hell away from the strip.
PS: You can afford to tip dealers. Most of them deserve it. A dollar an hour should do.
The trick to poker is learning not to beat yourself up for your mistakes too much, and certainly not too little, but just the right amount.
October 21st, 2012 at 6:16:31 PM
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Buy the American Casino Guide and use the coupons. Lots of 2 for 1 dinners can free up some more cash to game, plus there are many free play ($5/$10) when you join a slot club. I hit DDB aces w/kicker on a five dollar free play in the Las Vegas Club. It's worth the cost of the book.
"They who can give up essential liberty to obtain a little temporary safety deserve neither liberty nor safety."-Ben Franklin
October 21st, 2012 at 7:22:44 PM
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thanks, I'll look into the Casino Guide. Is there anything else to do to get small amounts of free play? Also whats the secret to getting good free drinks while not wagering big amounts?
October 21st, 2012 at 7:38:02 PM
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I'm not sure if this works in Vegas, but at both Foxwoods and Mohegan I've been able to get free drinks by playing the penny slots a cent at a time. Takes a while, though.
Good free drinks, you're gonna need more than $150.
Good free drinks, you're gonna need more than $150.
The trick to poker is learning not to beat yourself up for your mistakes too much, and certainly not too little, but just the right amount.
October 21st, 2012 at 7:44:40 PM
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Free Drinks...simple...tip the waitress generously for the first drink, $5 should do it...after that $1 per drink. Do that and they will usually take care of you.
October 21st, 2012 at 7:57:14 PM
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Quote: 24BingoI'm not sure if this works in Vegas, but at both Foxwoods and Mohegan I've been able to get free drinks by playing the penny slots a cent at a time. Takes a while, though.
Good free drinks, you're gonna need more than $150.
The ultimate cheapskate move is to grab an empty beer bottle or glass, sit down and throw a dollar in a machine and wait a row ahead of where the waitress is about to arrive.
Without a bottle or a glass in hand you might be mistaken for a freeloader who just sat down to get a drink.
Sanitized for Your Protection
October 21st, 2012 at 8:01:12 PM
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Ask for a buffet comp ... what do you really care if they say no.
Many places offer Buy One Get One deals on a buffet.
You can generally get free drinks... top notch booze is perhaps more difficult to get but all you need do is remember free drinks when you are gambling can be very expensive no matter how cheap the booze is or how top notch it is.
Many casinos will let you use your points for a buffet but still keep them in your account. The M Resort does this but it is seven miles south of the strip and once you are there ... thats pretty much it, nothing else in the area.
The thing to do is check websites and specials ads and map out what is near you.
Tuscany is off the strip but not by all that great a distance. Its rooms are cheap, its comp system is fairly generous .. and its not that far to the strip when you want to do your "walking and gawking" or whatever.
You may have to decide to be satisfied with Downtown or Locals casinos and not really spend much time at the strip's massive resort casinos. Bellagio fountains and arboretums are great, Venetian pubs are impressive, but its a ritzy area and any bet below 25 is invisible, often any bet below 50 is invisible in those casinos.
Main Street Station has 20x at craps but your budget probably will keep you from getting anywhere near that, however, the Main Street Station also has great booze and fairly good food and nice decorations so you won't be unhappy there but you sure won't be on The Strip either and alot of first time visitors really do want to see The Strip. So budget your time and energy and good luck.
Many places offer Buy One Get One deals on a buffet.
You can generally get free drinks... top notch booze is perhaps more difficult to get but all you need do is remember free drinks when you are gambling can be very expensive no matter how cheap the booze is or how top notch it is.
Many casinos will let you use your points for a buffet but still keep them in your account. The M Resort does this but it is seven miles south of the strip and once you are there ... thats pretty much it, nothing else in the area.
The thing to do is check websites and specials ads and map out what is near you.
Tuscany is off the strip but not by all that great a distance. Its rooms are cheap, its comp system is fairly generous .. and its not that far to the strip when you want to do your "walking and gawking" or whatever.
You may have to decide to be satisfied with Downtown or Locals casinos and not really spend much time at the strip's massive resort casinos. Bellagio fountains and arboretums are great, Venetian pubs are impressive, but its a ritzy area and any bet below 25 is invisible, often any bet below 50 is invisible in those casinos.
Main Street Station has 20x at craps but your budget probably will keep you from getting anywhere near that, however, the Main Street Station also has great booze and fairly good food and nice decorations so you won't be unhappy there but you sure won't be on The Strip either and alot of first time visitors really do want to see The Strip. So budget your time and energy and good luck.
October 21st, 2012 at 8:04:27 PM
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Sigma Derby at the MGM or the D downtown. $.25 per race and all the drinks that your liver can handle. Not to mention, it's a blast to cheer on your little horses on sticks.
October 22nd, 2012 at 2:38:14 PM
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Quote: FleaStiffEither way get a players card at each and every casino you enter, even if you only enter it to get some free water bottles in the casino.
I'm not sure this is the best approach any longer. Definitely
go ahead and get a Player's card at the 2 or 3 places you
are going to do a fair amount of gambling at.
BUT one of the marketing strategies in place now is for a
Casino to offer a great promotion ( usually a Loss rebate )
but it is ONLY for NEW MEMBERS. So you don't want to
get a Player's Card on this trip and exclude yourself from
a good promo on your next trip.
Some other suggestions:
Try and find out where the Loss Rebate promotions
are. This site is a good source. COSMO had one.
Usually these are for Slots and VP only. The
TROP has/had one too.
Try VP. Depending on the table limits, it may not
take long to burn through a chunk of your daily
bankroll at Blackjack.
Take a walk over to Ellis Island. It is not too far
from the Flamingo. The Sirloin Steak special there
is excellent for $ 7.95. Ask for it, it is not on the
menu. They also have good VP paytables there.
And MICROBREWS they make on-site.
Go see MAC KING at Harrah's, using a coupon
from the American Casino Guide. Tip the
usher $ 5 and ask if there any seats a little
closer to the front. Offer the tip when you
walk in but do it discretely. The ACG is
also a good source of matter of fact
gambling info, sorting out myth vs
reality.
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
October 22nd, 2012 at 3:17:56 PM
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Don't pass, single odds. You'll have a blast with low variance.
Its - Possessive; It's - "It is" / "It has"; There - Location; Their - Possessive; They're - "They are"
October 22nd, 2012 at 3:23:09 PM
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You are undercapitalized . Sorry. Minimum amount required $ 600 per day . Loss limit not to exceed 25 % of that amount.
October 22nd, 2012 at 3:37:52 PM
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In other words, you're good betting $150 a day, but you need another $450 in your wallet so it doesn't get lonely. (What?)
The trick to poker is learning not to beat yourself up for your mistakes too much, and certainly not too little, but just the right amount.
October 22nd, 2012 at 3:39:10 PM
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Quote: WASHOO2You are undercapitalized . Sorry. Minimum amount required $ 600 per day . Loss limit not to exceed 25 % of that amount.
That's crazy talk. Not if you are playing $5 BJ for just a couple of hours. Maybe you need $600 to play $15 for 5 or 6 hours.
Vote for Nobody 2020!
October 22nd, 2012 at 4:39:21 PM
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You're at The Flamingo!! That's a good first step. You can get a lot of value there. Catercorner from the Flamingo is The Bellagio, there are bridges, you don't even have to get hit be a car crossing the street. The fountains in front of the Bellagio (every half hour during the day and 15 minutes at night) are really impressive, videos can't do it justice and it's free.
Get the "Buffet of Buffets" deal. You can get a 10am breakfast at the Garden Buffet at the Flamingo and then you can saunter over to Spice Market buffet at Planet Hollywood and waddle back to Paris for their buffet for dinner and then for breakfast the next morning, you're still good before 10am.
If you're going to gamble, get a Player's Card at whatever casino you decide to give the business to. That way, you can get offers in the mail. At your age, Caesars will probably try to entice you with Planet Hollywood offers but that all comes later.
If you're going to rent a car, go see the Hoover Dam and Bypass Bridge. They are marvels of infrastructure. If you're driving, I also recommend a trip through the Valley of Fire state park just to the North of Las Vegas. Get out of the car there and walk around. It's like walking on Mars but with more plants.
Most of all, enjoy yourself. It's a fun town and will be overwhelming on your first trip. Be careful too, it will be easy to blow past any limits you may set for yourself in advance. Especially at 21.
Get the "Buffet of Buffets" deal. You can get a 10am breakfast at the Garden Buffet at the Flamingo and then you can saunter over to Spice Market buffet at Planet Hollywood and waddle back to Paris for their buffet for dinner and then for breakfast the next morning, you're still good before 10am.
If you're going to gamble, get a Player's Card at whatever casino you decide to give the business to. That way, you can get offers in the mail. At your age, Caesars will probably try to entice you with Planet Hollywood offers but that all comes later.
If you're going to rent a car, go see the Hoover Dam and Bypass Bridge. They are marvels of infrastructure. If you're driving, I also recommend a trip through the Valley of Fire state park just to the North of Las Vegas. Get out of the car there and walk around. It's like walking on Mars but with more plants.
Most of all, enjoy yourself. It's a fun town and will be overwhelming on your first trip. Be careful too, it will be easy to blow past any limits you may set for yourself in advance. Especially at 21.
Someday, joor goin' to see the name of Googie Gomez in lights and joor goin' to say to joorself, "Was that her?" and then joor goin' to answer to joorself, "That was her!" But you know somethin' mister? I was always her yuss nobody knows it! - Googie Gomez
October 22nd, 2012 at 4:46:27 PM
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Car vs No Car:
For your first trip to LV, I'd say skip the car
(assuming you are flying in). Just my 2
cents.
The Strip traffic can be a bear. And there's
plenty to see and do with-in walking distance
of your center strip location.
Getting a little exercise walking around is not
a bad idea to balance the buffets and/or
drinking.
For your first trip to LV, I'd say skip the car
(assuming you are flying in). Just my 2
cents.
The Strip traffic can be a bear. And there's
plenty to see and do with-in walking distance
of your center strip location.
Getting a little exercise walking around is not
a bad idea to balance the buffets and/or
drinking.
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
October 22nd, 2012 at 7:04:46 PM
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Thanks for the advice everyone, I will use it for sure. What kind of drinks are you able to order while playing 25 cent or penny slots.. or $5-10 table games.? Just well or Call drinks or can I get real things? (Margaritas, long islands) I will purchase the ACG. Any more advice?
October 22nd, 2012 at 7:17:14 PM
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Quote: JohnnyQGetting a little exercise walking around is not a bad idea to balance the buffets and/or drinking.
But like Fleastiff said, have good walking shoes; all the walking can give you blisters. And you will walk...a LOT. You'll prolly find yourself sitting at a slot machine just to take a rest. Waitresses are hip to the practice of you sticking in a dollar just as they walk up to take your order, and they're okay with that as long as you tip. No tip, they'll never come back. Mixed drinks are watered down, so you can't go wrong with a beer. $1 tip for that beer that'll cost you up to $9 at the bar. But of course, sometimes that 'free' beer can cost you $50+ at the games.
"Poker sure is an easy game to beat if you have the roll to keep rebuying."
October 22nd, 2012 at 7:29:00 PM
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Quote: s2dbaker....you don't even have to get hit be a car crossing the street....
No, you don't HAVE to, but people do, all the time. Don't be one of the hundreds of drunken stupid tourists who obliviously wander into the street to cross against the light. Taxis vs. tourists is a great game to watch. Taxi drivers get a slap on the wrist for hitting a tourist because police assume the ped was an sloppy-drunk idiot, and they're right. Taxis drive fast and honk loudly and don't particularly care if there's a ped in their way when their light is green.
Quote: s2dbakerGet the "Buffet of Buffets" deal. You can get a 10am breakfast at the Garden Buffet at the Flamingo and then you can saunter over to Spice Market buffet at Planet Hollywood and waddle back to Paris for their buffet for dinner and then for breakfast the next morning, you're still good before 10am.
And don't forget the Rio (also part of the CET one-price deal) which is one of the best in town for the money. Free shuttles run to the Rio from the back of Harrahs and the side door of Ballys (on Flamingo side).
"Poker sure is an easy game to beat if you have the roll to keep rebuying."
October 22nd, 2012 at 7:38:26 PM
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Quote: Steve16I need some suggestions.
Be bold.
Oh, bring condoms.
"What, me worry?"
October 22nd, 2012 at 8:06:13 PM
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Drink services will vary from casino to casino, this even applies within a company like Caesars. I get decent well rum from the Flamingo but at Paris, it may as well be paint thinner. By the way, the waitress doesn't look at what you're betting at slots when she wanders the floor. She's more interested in your tip. Tip her well and she'll take care of you even if you're just watching the football game in the sports book and not betting on anything (at least in some casinos).
Someday, joor goin' to see the name of Googie Gomez in lights and joor goin' to say to joorself, "Was that her?" and then joor goin' to answer to joorself, "That was her!" But you know somethin' mister? I was always her yuss nobody knows it! - Googie Gomez
October 22nd, 2012 at 8:28:45 PM
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Walk down to Venetian to see the fantastic paintings
on the ceiling. It's almost eerie to see that and then
to look down and see row after row of slot machines.
Also, gotta see the Conservatory at the Bellagio.
Definitely one of the top 10 free things to see in
LV.
on the ceiling. It's almost eerie to see that and then
to look down and see row after row of slot machines.
Also, gotta see the Conservatory at the Bellagio.
Definitely one of the top 10 free things to see in
LV.
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
October 22nd, 2012 at 10:30:15 PM
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Quote: Steve16Thanks for the advice everyone, I will use it for sure. What kind of drinks are you able to order while playing 25 cent or penny slots.. or $5-10 table games.? Just well or Call drinks or can I get real things? (Margaritas, long islands) I will purchase the ACG. Any more advice?
You can certainly get a long island, and at least a rocks margarita - a frozen one is iffier. (Although they might be those weak ones from a 40 proof premixed base.) Call drinks depend on the venue.
The trick to poker is learning not to beat yourself up for your mistakes too much, and certainly not too little, but just the right amount.
October 22nd, 2012 at 10:58:14 PM
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A few walking guide tips. Theres free trams connecting mandalay bay/luxor/excalabur, monte carlo/aria-city center/bellagio, and mirage/ti. That can cut out a lot of walking if you can find them. If you don't need to revisit a casino walking will be much faster out on the sidewalk than inside the casino/shops etc. It's so easy to get turned around and lost in them.
If you don't have a car and it's just the 2 of you I recommend a shuttle bus from the airport. They can take awhile to get you to your hotel, but should be cheaper if its just the 2 of you. Shop around at the airport curb because there are a couple/few companies that run them and their prices vary by a couple of dollars. I usually cab it back to the airport because I don't like waiting to be picked up at the hotel. Cabs from the airport to strip are more expensive than the other way around because of a $3 airport fee that gets tacked onto airport pickups and the cab may longhaul you on the freeway to increase their fare.
To go downtown to see the Fremont st experience etc I would take the bus. Theres the duece and downtown express. Prices were $3 per ride or $7 for a 24 hr pass. Express picks up outside of Paris and has much less stops.
If you are looking for a nice sitdown dinner I like Mon Abi Gabi. It's around ?$20-30 for an entree and if you can get a seat outside so you can see the Bellagio fountains directly across the street while you eat. I'd recommend making reservations. Everything it Vegas is fairly casual. I ate here and at Luxor's steak house wearing a t-shirt.
If you don't have a car and it's just the 2 of you I recommend a shuttle bus from the airport. They can take awhile to get you to your hotel, but should be cheaper if its just the 2 of you. Shop around at the airport curb because there are a couple/few companies that run them and their prices vary by a couple of dollars. I usually cab it back to the airport because I don't like waiting to be picked up at the hotel. Cabs from the airport to strip are more expensive than the other way around because of a $3 airport fee that gets tacked onto airport pickups and the cab may longhaul you on the freeway to increase their fare.
To go downtown to see the Fremont st experience etc I would take the bus. Theres the duece and downtown express. Prices were $3 per ride or $7 for a 24 hr pass. Express picks up outside of Paris and has much less stops.
If you are looking for a nice sitdown dinner I like Mon Abi Gabi. It's around ?$20-30 for an entree and if you can get a seat outside so you can see the Bellagio fountains directly across the street while you eat. I'd recommend making reservations. Everything it Vegas is fairly casual. I ate here and at Luxor's steak house wearing a t-shirt.
October 23rd, 2012 at 5:00:13 PM
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Another cool but relaxed thing to do is head over to the Stratosphere
at night and go up to the bar at the top of the tower. It doesn't rotate
or anything, but the city lights are fun to look at, trying to figure out which
lights are which casino. The last couple of times I was there it was
upscale and laid back.
The ride up the elevator is free and drinks are "reasonable" considering
the atmosphere.
at night and go up to the bar at the top of the tower. It doesn't rotate
or anything, but the city lights are fun to look at, trying to figure out which
lights are which casino. The last couple of times I was there it was
upscale and laid back.
The ride up the elevator is free and drinks are "reasonable" considering
the atmosphere.
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
October 23rd, 2012 at 5:00:52 PM
permalink
Another cool but relaxed thing to do is head over to the Stratosphere
at night and go up to the bar at the top of the tower. It doesn't rotate
or anything, but the city lights are fun to look at, trying to figure out which
lights are which casino. The last couple of times I was there it was
upscale and laid back.
The ride up the elevator is free and drinks are "reasonable" considering
the atmosphere.
at night and go up to the bar at the top of the tower. It doesn't rotate
or anything, but the city lights are fun to look at, trying to figure out which
lights are which casino. The last couple of times I was there it was
upscale and laid back.
The ride up the elevator is free and drinks are "reasonable" considering
the atmosphere.
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
October 23rd, 2012 at 5:01:35 PM
permalink
Another cool but relaxed thing to do is head over to the Stratosphere
at night and go up to the bar at the top of the tower. It doesn't rotate
or anything, but the city lights are fun to look at, trying to figure out which
lights are which casino. The last couple of times I was there it was
upscale and laid back.
The ride up the elevator is free and drinks are "reasonable" considering
the atmosphere.
at night and go up to the bar at the top of the tower. It doesn't rotate
or anything, but the city lights are fun to look at, trying to figure out which
lights are which casino. The last couple of times I was there it was
upscale and laid back.
The ride up the elevator is free and drinks are "reasonable" considering
the atmosphere.
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
