Need help on cheap gambling/eating

Hello WoV forum,

I need some help with suggestions.

Situation: I am going to be in Vegas in 2 weeks to meet up and spend some time with my awesome Uncle and Aunt. They are two sweet old-timers who get off on getting "steals" on killer breakfast deals and such. The last time I've been to Vegas with them was over 20 years ago, and they still talk about how fun it was to gamble $0.25 roulettes (max $1) and playing $1 blackjack. They're not rich, nor poor...just simple folks. Their jaws would drop if I suggest going to Bacchanal to pay $60 for a buffet. It would mean the world to me and them to spend a quality weekend with them doing the things they like (eating and gambling) on their level. Even as many times I've been to Vegas I am a bit limited on all the great cheap places to gamble, eat and drink. We will be spending 3 nights, so I'd love as many suggestions as possible to fill all those days! Location-wise, we will be staying at Tahiti Village (timeshare they received from their work) and will have a rental car.

Gambling: I'm looking for real cheap gambling even if the odds are not great. I read the Hooters hotel has $1 blackjack. Is this a video machine, or a live dealer? I bet BJ pays 1:1. Are there any cheap roulettes around Vegas? My aunt loves roulette and even $5 min table would probably scare her. Does Vegas have any old-school nickel slots anymore?

Food: The only thing I can think of is Ellis Island $6.99 steak and eggs. I really need help in this department because we need to fill 3 days. I am going to assume they would want to hit up a buffet and wont want to pay over $10.

I appreciate any help! Thank you.

Last I checked, Silver Sevens had a breakfast for $2.22 that is not listed on the menu. I believe it was two eggs, two bacon and two pancakes.

Sounds like we may be related!

On our annual pilgrimmage we always hit Jokers Wild in Henderson.
Weekdays, it's $1 craps with 10x odds, $1 roulette with 10-cent chips. I think blackjack is $3, though card games aren't my thing.

Hit that lucky number, win $3.50!

Quote: RogerKint

Last I checked, Silver Sevens had a breakfast for $2.22 that is not listed on the menu. I believe it was two eggs, two bacon and two pancakes.

Thank you, that's a steal!

Quote: Calder

Sounds like we may be related!

On our annual pilgrimmage we always hit Jokers Wild in Henderson.
Weekdays, it's $1 craps with 10x odds, $1 roulette with 10-cent chips. I think blackjack is $3, though card games aren't my thing.

Hit that lucky number, win $3.50!

You're right, that's amazing! My aunt will be thrilled to play $0.10 roulette. I went to the website and it says "Roulette 10¢ Weekdays and 25¢ on Weekends." Thanks for your help. We'll definitely be hitting Jokers.

Based on recent threads in this forum:
Longhorn's is good slot deals but not so much on live games. Cheap BJ but only one table I think.
Emerald Something in Hendertucky is cheap slots and good food.
Railroad Pass is 3 dollar BJ (pays 3:2), 3 dollar craps, .25 cent roulette. Cheap food. However its in the middle of nowhere so once you are there ... well, you gamble, you eat, you drink, you golf or you go to a car museum. Buffets at Railroad are usually Eight dollars, but TH, FRI, SA, SU will have add ons for certain hours of Prime Rib, Crab Legs, Champagne, etc., so it can range from 12 to 18.00.

SamsTown is supposed to have some older slot machines off in some alcove but I never found them.

Always check how many tables and which shifts.... Jokers Wild is great but I think its One Table for craps (afternoon only) and One table for BJ. Not sure.

If they'd like to have a drink, the last 3 times I went to Vegas, Casino Royale on the Strip had bottles of Budweiser advertised at their bar for $1.00. A casino on Freemont Street Experience whose name I can't remember was advertising and offering mixed drinks for $1.00. The main drag of Freemont Street is not that big and it's lots of fun so you should be able to find the place if they still offer it and they probably do. A couple of rolling carts on the strip were offering delicious street tacos for $2.00.

Quote: FleaStiff

Always check how many tables and which shifts.... Jokers Wild is great but I think its One Table for craps (afternoon only) and One table for BJ. Not sure.

Thank you Fleastiff, Railroad Pass may be an awesome place to stop if we decide to go to Hoover Dam!

Quote: lilredrooster

If they'd like to have a drink, the last 3 times I went to Vegas, Casino Royale on the Strip had bottles of Budweiser advertised at their bar for $1.00. A casino on Freemont Street Experience whose name I can't remember was advertising and offering mixed drinks for $1.00. The main drag of Freemont Street is not that big and it's lots of fun so you should be able to find the place if they still offer it and they probably do. A couple of rolling carts on the strip were offering delicious street tacos for $2.00.

hi lilredrooster. Yes, we'll definitely be drinking. I know my uncle will leave the hotel with two beers in his hands and will need refills in no time. I was thinking of hitting casino royale as they have some low limit tables. My aunt drinks margaritas. I wish buffalo bills was still around for their $1 margs.

Quote: Calder

On our annual pilgrimmage we always hit Jokers Wild in Henderson.
Weekdays, it's $1 craps with 10x odds, $1 roulette with 10-cent chips.

Don't forget their $2.49 breakfast! We were there back in November on a Saturday. They had a $2 craps game that got going around 9 AM. I didn't notice the roulette.

Quote: SiegfriedRoy

Thank you Fleastiff, Railroad Pass may be an awesome place to stop if we decide to go to Hoover Dam!

Not gambling or food related, but if they like viewing "wildlife," you could stop at Hemenway Park in Boulder City and see the bighorn sheep that hang out there. That was one of our favorite free activities on our last visit.

There is also a zip line nearby.
Some articles from a few years ago by Mary Caperton Morton of Earth magazine emphasized the outdoor world in Nevada, camping, hiking, etc.
However retirees visiting Vegas probably want to view sheep only as symbols on their slot machines.

Quote: Joeman

Not gambling or food related, but if they like viewing "wildlife," you could stop at Hemenway Park in Boulder City and see the bighorn sheep that hang out there. That was one of our favorite free activities on our last visit.

Hi Joeman. Yes we intend to view "wildlife." We have plans to visit Redrock Canyon in the morning one of the days, but thanks for the suggetsion on Hemenway Park. That sounds like a fun detour. Is it pretty much a guarantee to see bighorn sheep? We are also hitting up Jokers Wild. I've been relaying a lot of this information to my Aunt and Uncle, and they are stoked. My uncle was sad to hear his "fancy" dinner he loved at Mr. Lucky's at the Hard Rock no longer sells the 7/7/7 special which is steak, shrimp, mashed potato and brocoli no longer sells it for $7.77. It's now $9.99 with a purchase of a drink ($2.49). LOL

Quote: SiegfriedRoy

Hi Joeman. Yes we intend to view "wildlife." We have plans to visit Redrock Canyon in the morning one of the days, but thanks for the suggestion on Hemenway Park. That sounds like a fun detour. Is it pretty much a guarantee to see bighorn sheep? We are also hitting up Jokers Wild.

If you are heading to Hoover Dam anyway, it's right on the way -- not even a half mile off of US-93. That's what we did one day when we were out there... JW early in the morning for cheap breakfast & craps, then out to Hoover Dam, then to Hemenway Park for a picnic lunch with the sheep, then back to Vegas.

I'm not sure about a "guarantee." :) I learned about the bighorns from teddys' review of the Hacienda here on the WoV site. They were there the day we went. Locals might know more about how often they are there. My guess is that they are there just about every day.

One other thing we were thinking about doing, but didn't have time for is the free lunch (with $20 coin-in) at the Crown & Anchor Pub. The pub is also just a block from the Pinball Hall of Fame on Tropicana, if that is any interest to your Aunt & Uncle.

BTW, the Las Vegas Advisor publishes a monthly Top 10 Values list you might want to check out.

Quote: lilredrooster

If they'd like to have a drink, the last 3 times I went to Vegas, Casino Royale on the Strip had bottles of Budweiser advertised at their bar for $1.00.

It's actually Michelob and Michelob Light, not flagship Bud for $1. Still a good deal and Casino Royals is the Number 1 seller of these 2 brands in the US.

Longhorns has 4 BJ tables, two open only at peak hours They are $2 minimums.
Emerald Island in Henderson has all penny slots, and very good video poker. They also have a sign up bonus that gets you two free meals with about 100 dollars of play. They also have a coupon in the Members Reward book. Great way to spend an afternoon.
South Point has a great happy hour mid afternoon at its eateries, including half price at Steak and Shake.
Station Casinos have breakfast and lunch buffets under $10 and on Wednesday, card holders over fifty eat half price.
Boyd has a similar program, but I don't know the details.
If you browse the glossy giveaway magazines, you can find a number of BOGOs for eating.

If by chance you're a diamond member with CET or someone you know around town is, you can go to the Diamond Lounges for decent free meals and drinks...

I'd also check out promotions. If I remember East Side Cannery had a sign up, get your standard like $10 FP then get like $10 discount on food (when the buffet is like $14). Thus you could all get FP then enjoy a $4 buffet =). Check promotions at other places that include food/etc and sign them up.

The buffet at Main Street Station is still a great bargain. Dinner runs 10.99 - 15.99 (Fri-Sat Seafood). Plus you are downtown, where cheap gambling can still be found. Get your picture taken with the Million dollars at Binion's (free), Check out the second floor at El Cortez edit: Ooops, The D and play some quarter droppers and Sigma Derby.

Quote: Ayecarumba

The buffet at Main Street Station is still a great bargain. Dinner runs 10.99 - 15.99 (Fri-Sat Seafood). Plus you are downtown, where cheap gambling can still be found. Get your picture taken with the Million dollars at Binion's (free), Check out the second floor at El Cortez and play some quarter droppers and Sigma Derby.

Where on the second floor? Is this something new?

Quote: billryan

Where on the second floor? Is this something new?

I assume he means at The D.

Quote: billryan

Where on the second floor? Is this something new?

Oops... Yes, at the D. But do check out the El Cortez for budget gambling.

Thanks. Thought I was missing something.

I would say Tacos El Gordo north of the Wynn/Encore for a cheap meal.

Ellis Island has $0.05 and $0.25 full pay Jacks or better if they like video poker.

Since you'll be in the Red Rock Canyon area then Red Rock Casino has full pay Deuces Wild for $0.25.

--helpmespock

If I were looking to save money eating, I'd purchase things like granola bars, cashews, sunflower seeds and skip a meal. Good travel food too. Might also consider beef jerky.

Quote: onenickelmiracle

If I were looking to save money eating, I'd purchase things like granola bars, cashews, sunflower seeds and skip a meal. Good travel food too. Might also consider beef jerky.

It's Vegas, baby! If I am looking to save money eating, I just drink more for free! JK

Quote: Mission146

It's Vegas, baby! If I am looking to save money eating, I just drink more for free! JK

That's the spirit! No one goes to Vegas to eat pumpkin seeds no matter how nutritious and cheap they may be. Drink pumpkin wine perhaps or something like that, but ...its Vegas, Baby! Vegas!

The Ethel M Chocolate factory has a free self-guided tour... with free samples. They also have a cactus garden. It's good for a few hours of bargain entertainment, if you can resist the gift shop that sells ice-cream. If they are really interested in seeing how the chocolates are made, go on a weekday. The factory is closed on weekends.

Quote: Romes

If by chance you're a diamond member with CET or someone you know around town is, you can go to the Diamond Lounges for decent free meals and drinks...

I am a diamond, but I can only bring one person. Last time I tried to bring two people, they were sticklers about it. I decided not to mention that I'm a Diamond member...it may raise suspicion that i may come to Vegas more often than they think. lol =)

Quote: Mission146

It's Vegas, baby! If I am looking to save money eating, I just drink more for free! JK

My Aunt and Uncle won't be happy eating granola bars in Vegas. They know there are plenty of value meals to be had. They also come to Vegas about once every 3-4 years. I really appreciate everybody's input. It REALLY was helpful. I have the tentative itinerary down and will share.

Day 1::
10:30AM Arrive at McCarren
11:45AM Get to the Rental Car Terminal and be on the road
12:00PM Arrive at El Gordo for some quick lunch (Where they're from, they don't have very good Mexican food and I know they'll enjoy it)
1:00PM Go to grocery store to pick up water, beer, small snacks, and ASPRIN
1:30PM Check in at Tahiti Village
2:00PM Freshen up and relax
4:00PM Put a couple of beers in the belly and call Uber to go out
4:30PM Get to Ellis Island and gamble
5:30PM Get their Steak Dinner and beer
7:00PM Get to Bellagio for some fountain view and conservatory and some beer
8:00PM Walk to Casino Royale for their $3 craps and $1 Michelobs
9:00PM Get back to the room and retire for the night

Day 2::
6:00AM Wake up! (They are early risers)
6:30AM arrive at Joker's Wild for their $2.49 breakfast and gamble for a few hours (my aunt will dig $0.25 roulette)
10:30AM Arrive at hoover dam, but just drive through (no park and walk)
11:00AM Arrive at Hemenway Park in Boulder City and look at some RAMS!
11:45AM I'll give them an option to either go to Rail Road Pass or Crowne and Anchor for lunch and gambling - I'll give them the quick and dirty for both places
2:00PM Come back to the room and nap for 1 hours
3:00PM Uber to Fremont Street and hit up all the usuals and play tourist (The D, El Cortez, Binions, Plaza)
5:30PM Eat/drink dinner at Mainstreet Buffet - Reviews seem pretty decent
7:00PM Enjoy the free shows (concerts, canopy, and freaks walking around) on Fremont while DRINKING of course
8:40PM Watch Defending the Caveman at The D while DRINKING- Not sure what to think...my aunt suggested it
10:00PM Head back to the tahiti Village

Day 3::
6:00AM Wake Up!
6:45AM Get to Red Rock Casino for their breakfast buffet
8:00AM Leave the hotel and head to red rock canyon
9:00AM Get done and depart with it and shoo over to the M for the chocolate factory tour - this sounds super interesting
9:40AM Arrive at M and on with the chocolate factory tour and cactus garden - this sounds super interesting
12:00PM I'll give them the choice of longhorns or south point for lunch and gamble
2:00PM Head back to the room for nap
4:00PM Let my uncle and aunt suggest what they want to do and eat for dinner (strip, fremont, henderson, etc)
9:00PM Call it a night

Day 4::
Hit up Silver 7 for their breakfast and head to the airport

This is the tentative schedule I put together...I know we will most likely deviate depending on energy level and how much funds left! I really appreciate ALL your suggestions. If you still have more please let me know so that I can tweak them (I still have plenty of time before our trip)

I'm exhausted just reading that itinerary. You sure you all want to run that hard?

Edit. I take it back. You've programmed some down time/nap into each afternoon, so it should be more relaxed than it first seemed. Have fun!

Red Rock Canyon has a visitor center. The scenic loop road is one way , there are places to stop and take some photos, short and long hikes, and a peek at some waterfalls and petroglyphs, It may take longer than what you've allotted. There's a per car fee to get in the park. If someone has an "America the Beautiful" National Park member's discount card, it covers entrance into the park (and a couple thousand other national parks). Free/Discount membership cards for military, seniors 62+, 4th graders, and others are available, but you have to apply for it ahead of time.

The rest sounds like a blast. Have fun, and let us know how it goes.

Quote: SiegfriedRoy

Ellis Island $6.99 steak and eggs.

Price went up slowly over the years to $11.99. $9.99 if you get a players card...and -$2 discount if you play $5.

However, the $6 taco bowl is huge. Not sure which hours the Taco stand is open, but it was good stuff (and 1/3 the price on the strip).

----
At $9.99 for steak, I would suggest Orleans of Main St buffet...or off-strip local buffets & restaurants.

----
Free chocolate at HEXX (Paris Las Vegas)
Reserve a time in advance.
http://www.hexxchocolate.com/chocolate-tours/

I think the graveyard steak n eggs at south point is still $3-$4, although it's essentially the same thing as taking your belt off, cutting it into pieces and eating it.

Quote: beachbumbabs

I'm exhausted just reading that itinerary. You sure you all want to run that hard?

Edit. I take it back. You've programmed some down time/nap into each afternoon, so it should be more relaxed than it first seemed. Have fun!

BBB, I did program some downtime, but I'm not sure how much more or less we'll need. However, I know they are troopers. Uncle was a marine and aunt was a school teacher.

Quote: mamat

Price went up slowly over the years to $11.99. $9.99 if you get a players card...and -$2 discount if you play $5.

However, the $6 taco bowl is huge. Not sure which hours the Taco stand is open, but it was good stuff (and 1/3 the price on the strip).

----
At $9.99 for steak, I would suggest Orleans of Main St buffet...or off-strip local buffets & restaurants.

I will check Orleans. Thanks for the suggestions

Quote: mcallister3200

I think the graveyard steak n eggs at south point is still $3-$4, although it's essentially the same thing as taking your belt off, cutting it into pieces and eating it.

I don't think we'll last until those hours!

Sounds like a great trip!

Quote: SiegfriedRoy

Day 2::
6:00AM Wake up! (They are early risers)
6:30AM arrive at Joker's Wild for their $2.49 breakfast and gamble for a few hours (my aunt will dig $0.25 roulette)

You may want to check with JW as to how early they open their roulette table. When I went, we got there early in the morning, but they didn't open the craps table until 9. However, I did make good use of my time while I was waiting!

Purchase LVA and or ACG for great BOGO buffet coupons and free slot play. 6 free drinks at Ellis Island.

If you want a good, nice, not too-smokey and near strip area with 5$ 3:2 blackjack, go to Palms! Amazing casino, good employes, location is not perfect but there are free shuttles(to anyone) from ballys to Rio, which is few hundred meters from Palms. I know that Gold coast(near Palms) also have 5$ 3:2 games but I didn't try.

*They changed ownership recently to Maybe this information is dated.

For other cheap blackjack, there are video 6:5 blackjack with 3$ minimum in MGM and Excalibur(probably more), few 3:2 5$ machines at Venetian, and something new(I haven't try it on my trip...) in Venetain: stadium gaming, hybrid of live and machine, 5$ 6:5 blackjack.
There are also 5$ (6:5) in many place-I saw in New York, Excalibur, Linq and Circus-Circus. I think I saw 2$(maybe even 1$) machines of 1:1 blackjack but I don't remember if it was Excalibur or Monte Carlo.

Many places have on the video poker or multi-game machine, under dollar(even 0.25$) "blackjack" with no doubling or splitting and 1:1 odds(but few bonuses). I guess the house edge is very high though, and the game is head-up vs the machine(very fast...).

Quote: Mission146

It's Vegas, baby! If I am looking to save money eating, I just drink more for free! JK

Amen brother.

I remember talking to Mrs. Q on the ol' cell phone once, and she said as long as I wasn't drinking and gambling, then that's fine. I'm still confused about that concept.