Vegas, Baby! Advice for a first timer?

[GimpedMaster]

Finally going to the Mecca of sportsbetting in mid-December. Never been to Vegas and need some advice!

I have a 4 day comped stay at the 'M Resort' from Penn who operates my local casino/Barstool sportsbook. Hope the resort/location doesn't suck? I have no frame of reference to figure that out.

So of course I'm checking out some beginner guides for first time visitors but I'm looking for some fellow sports degen first hand recommendations on must see things/experiences/restaurants.

Any hidden perks or deals out there that I should be aware of or look for?

Many of our fellow forum goers live out there these days?

[ChuckyTheGoat]

Props. M is a very nice resort. M is about 8 miles south of the Strip, so you'll be away from the super busy area.

Really, my advice for Vegas is ENJOY YOURSELF.
...Don't go crazy. Don't overdo it.
...Figure out what YOU enjoy doing. Vegas is place for great Entertainment options.
...Do you like Shows/Comedians? You should have options. Spend a little $$, enjoy it.
...Good dining options. You've earned it, treat yourself to a good steak.

I've only been to M once (I think). Walked in there. It's very nice.

As for Sports-betting in December, you'll be out there when there's a ton of action. Basketball, NFL, Coll FB might light b4 the Bowl season.

Props to you. Enjoy your trip. The entertainment options are all there for you.

[Mac4Lyfe]

M is probably more for locals and folks that don't want the hustle, bustle of the strip. I'm not sure I can recommend it for a first visit to Vegas. Too far from the strip and downtown. If you're staying for a week and want to spend the first half there, that would be okay but I would not want my entire vacation to be so far out. The hotel is not cheap, the sportsbook is tiny and the staff is hit or miss.

But it depends. If I'm an old fart with a wife that doesn't like crowds, I'd might stay there. If I'm young, I'd hang out on the strip. Too many sights (especially beautiful women), hotel swimming pools and clubs to hop. Plus better sportsbooks to relax and watch some games.

There's not shuttle to the strip, so you probably need a bunch of Ubers or a rental car as well.

[funnyb25]

Caesar's. It's close to everything. Best rooms for the price and great staff. Enjoy..

[unde0087]

People writing novels lol.

[unde0087]

3 steps:

fly there
gamble
get a whore or drugs
if you are bringing a family, go to a show.

all can be done in your town or city. this is 2023 pal.

[stevenash]

Finally going to the Mecca of sportsbetting in mid-December. Never been to Vegas and need some advice!

I have a 4 day comped stay at the 'M Resort' from Penn who operates my local casino/Barstool sportsbook. Hope the resort/location doesn't suck? I have no frame of reference to figure that out.

So of course I'm checking out some beginner guides for first time visitors but I'm looking for some fellow sports degen first hand recommendations on must see things/experiences/restaurants.

Any hidden perks or deals out there that I should be aware of or look for?

Many of our fellow forum goers live out there these days?

MJ is the guy to speak to.

[USCPHILLYGUY]

Avoid. Vegas for losers

[pavyracer]

If you want to enjoy Vegas don't go to the casinos or sportsbooks. Enjoy the nice restaurants and shows when you are there. Remember, with gambling allowed in most states and offshore spend your few days in Vegas doing the stuff that you couldn't do at home.

[Thefix13]

Avoid. Vegas for losers

QFT

[stevenash]

Avoid. Vegas for losers

Unless you're going out for a major poker tournament, or for business, or for a special event, yes, avoid.

I'm a friend of the band The Killers, I was invited out for this event, that was the last time I visited.



[IMG][/IMG]

[gauchojake]

Depends on what you like. For a show I'd recommend seeing Absinthe or Opium. See who is playing in concert. Visit the iconic hotels.

[Headsterx]

3 steps:

fly there
gamble
get a whore or drugs
if you are bringing a family, go to a show.

all can be done in your town or city. this is 2023 pal.

Whore or drugs?!? Hell no, gotta get both at the same time! Gotta hit a couple strips too so get $300 in dollar bills for one night and go strip hopping.

[Headsterx]

M is great and it’s better playing tables there and downtown then in the strip. Roller hit fire bet on craps with one of the greatest rolls I won at M.

Hit downtown and check out mob museum and Fremont.

[Mac4Lyfe]

One thing to consider and maybe others can weigh in but just because your room is comped doesn't mean you won't pay with taxes and resort fees. It may be just as much as a place on the strip??? Unless they are comping everything.

[Mac4Lyfe]

Caesar's. It's close to everything. Best rooms for the price and great staff. Enjoy..

I like that area of the strip. I'll take Ceasars, Venetian, Paris, Bellagio, Mirage, Treasure Island. Mandalay if you want to party at the pool/beach.

[unde0087]

Finally going to the Mecca of sportsbetting in mid-December. Never been to Vegas and need some advice!

I have a 4 day comped stay at the 'M Resort' from Penn who operates my local casino/Barstool sportsbook. Hope the resort/location doesn't suck? I have no frame of reference to figure that out.

So of course I'm checking out some beginner guides for first time visitors but I'm looking for some fellow sports degen first hand recommendations on must see things/experiences/restaurants.

Any hidden perks or deals out there that I should be aware of or look for?

Many of our fellow forum goers live out there these days?

What forum members? We lost 98% of them in the last 2 years with the new owners that couldn't find their own ass with two hands. The new mods are taught to talk shit about everyone that left because the new owners are worthless and can't hold a member. You missed the boat guy.

[funnyb25]

I was just in Vegas a couple of months ago. It isn't nearly as bad as this forum makes it out to be. JJ talked shit and guys like Philly jumped on his wagon....It is still a good place to go...

[Headsterx]

One thing to consider and maybe others can weigh in but just because your room is comped doesn't mean you won't pay with taxes and resort fees. It may be just as much as a place on the strip??? Unless they are comping everything.

I don’t know about off the strip but on the strip you have to pay resort fee even if it’s comped.

[stevenash]

I don’t know about off the strip but on the strip you have to pay resort fee even if it’s comped.

And parking fees, and a bunch of other hidden fees that you don't realize until you get the bill.

These are the same folks that think they are doing you a favor by offering 6:5 on blackjacks instead of the standard 3:2

It's like getting held up without a gun.

[Mac4Lyfe]

And parking fees, and a bunch of other hidden fees that you don't realize until you get the bill.
These are the same folks that think they are doing you a favor by offering 6:5 on blackjacks instead of the standard 3:2
It's like getting held up without a gun.

Vegas is definitely not the bargain it used to be. Hotels and food are expensive. Parking should be free at M but you’re going to pay when you go anywhere else. 6-5 BJ is criminal. So is the continuous shuffle. Screw that.

but it’s a lot cheaper than the Bahamas. I stayed at SLA at Baha Mar and the rooms were $1,400 a night with taxes and fees. Food was outrageous and so were the drinks. Hell the Comfort Suites next to Atlantis was $800 a night. I have no idea if it was a special week or what. The water park and the beach are both epic though. But the prices are insane.

[hehfest]

Go to the Oyster Bar @ Palace Station. You will NOT regret it. Chow down. My opinion the best place to go in Vegas. Call about it in advance. It's not on the strip either.

[hehfest]

Go to the Oyster Bar @ Palace Station. You will NOT regret it. Chow down. My opinion the best place to go in Vegas. Call about it in advance. It's not on the strip either.

I used to live on the North side and went to Texas Station almost every day. It's away from all the hustle. Low key. Lots to do there too. If they are still open that is. Movie theater, bowling alley you name it all on site.

[mjsuax13]

Finally going to the Mecca of sportsbetting in mid-December. Never been to Vegas and need some advice!

I have a 4 day comped stay at the 'M Resort' from Penn who operates my local casino/Barstool sportsbook. Hope the resort/location doesn't suck? I have no frame of reference to figure that out.

So of course I'm checking out some beginner guides for first time visitors but I'm looking for some fellow sports degen first hand recommendations on must see things/experiences/restaurants.

Any hidden perks or deals out there that I should be aware of or look for?

Many of our fellow forum goers live out there these days?

What are your dates in December? Always a lot to do here and I can point you in the right direction. Hit a Knights game. One of the best sporting environments you will ever attend. Great time. I’ve lived between here and Scottsdale for 20+ years so I have the place clocked. Seen lots of growth and change, some good and some bad. Vegas is what you make it depending on what you are looking for. Something for everyone.

M is a top end hotel, resort with a few really great restaurants, nice deli, great gaming floor, outstanding rooms, official hotel of the Raiders, decent sportsbook with limited seating, kind of out there on an island but enjoyable. Direct shot up Las Vegas BLVD to all the main hotels. One of my favorite hotels is the M. Again- not near center strip but a $25 Uber ride gets you there.

In December you get a few bowl games mid to late, conference championship games early, holiday basketball showcases, National Finals Rodeo, UFC maybe and many great shows still going. A few shows go dark right before Christmas and open up the day after. It’s really quiet here after the first 10 days of December and then immediately on the 26th place is rocking for new years. Not surprised it’s comped, rates and occupancy hit a low number after rodeo. Happy to help.

[mjsuax13]

I was just in Vegas a couple of months ago. It isn't nearly as bad as this forum makes it out to be. JJ talked shit and guys like Philly jumped on his wagon....It is still a good place to go...

Totally agree. If you are rolling a $15 bankroll and hanging out at a Siegel Suites with JJ around toothless hookers then it probably sucks.

[mjsuax13]

And parking fees, and a bunch of other hidden fees that you don't realize until you get the bill.

These are the same folks that think they are doing you a favor by offering 6:5 on blackjacks instead of the standard 3:2

It's like getting held up without a gun.

Yes! Don’t look at the detail of all the taxes. How do you think we have no state tax and they build all these stadiums like it’s nothing! Crazy.

[stevenash]

Vegas is definitely not the bargain it used to be. Hotels and food are expensive. Parking should be free at M but you’re going to pay when you go anywhere else. 6-5 BJ is criminal. So is the continuous shuffle. Screw that.

but it’s a lot cheaper than the Bahamas. I stayed at SLA at Baha Mar and the rooms were $1,400 a night with taxes and fees. Food was outrageous and so were the drinks. Hell the Comfort Suites next to Atlantis was $800 a night. I have no idea if it was a special week or what. The water park and the beach are both epic though. But the prices are insane.

Three days/two nights at Atlantis cost me and the Mrs. six grand, and we had meal comps.
It's beautiful, but absolutely no value.

I'm, as you probably know in Connecticut, I'm an hour by car away from Mohegan Sun, and eighty minutes from Foxwoods.

I play a monthly guaranteed prize pool poker tourney at Mohegan Sun, voted second nicest brick and mortar hotel/casino in the US, and rightfully so, it's gorgeous.

I'm spoiled, the food is amazing at Mohegan Sun and reasonably priced, tons of variety, free general parking, valet parking is also reasonably priced, same with the room rates, sure prime weekend and holiday room rates will cost you, but that's the norm all over.

The tribes will let you gamble and the tables for the most part are card friendly.

3:2 payout for blackjack, unless you're playing at the five dollar tables then it's 6:5, which I'm OK with because I'm not going to be playing at a five dollar table, the max bet I believe they'll let you play a hand of blackjack for is 5,000.
I've never seen a higher limit than 5,000.

Foxwoods is almost as nice, the spent a ton of money renovating their poker room.

Now having said all that I love playing Omaha and Omaha high/low, and the casinos here just won't spread the mixed card games, except on weekends where you can find maybe four Omaha cash game tables.

I'm flying out to Las Vegas next summer for a couple of WSOP events, but that's a trip with a purpose.

I'm not a local, I'm in New England, but I've been to Las Vegas at least 20 plus times, I'm hardly a tourist either.
This much I can tell you, I love to gamble at Orleans, it's a locals joint, that gives you a great 2 deck blackjack game, 3:2 payout, no early shuffle, dealer must stand on soft 17, all the rules that benefit the player.

The poker room is big, and spreads just about every mixed card game imaginable.
It's not glitzy by any stretch, but ask yourself this, do you want a honest card friendly game, or do you want chandeliers hanging from the ceiling?

Stay off the Boulevard for the love of God is my best advice.

[Mac4Lyfe]

^ good stuff Nasher.

[sjm5122]

And parking fees, and a bunch of other hidden fees that you don't realize until you get the bill.

These are the same folks that think they are doing you a favor by offering 6:5 on blackjacks instead of the standard 3:2

It's like getting held up without a gun.

They even have 000 roulette now.

[USCPHILLYGUY]

I was just in Vegas a couple of months ago. It isn't nearly as bad as this forum makes it out to be. JJ talked shit and guys like Philly jumped on his wagon....It is still a good place to go...

Not jumping on anyone’s wagon Funny. Other than the golf I see no reason in going to Vegas.

Am curious to see what state the OP lives in

[DrunkHorseplayer]

I used to live on the North side and went to Texas Station almost every day. It's away from all the hustle. Low key. Lots to do there too. If they are still open that is. Movie theater, bowling alley you name it all on site.

Texas Station has been torn down.

[mjsuax13]

Three days/two nights at Atlantis cost me and the Mrs. six grand, and we had meal comps.
It's beautiful, but absolutely no value.

I'm, as you probably know in Connecticut, I'm an hour by car away from Mohegan Sun, and eighty minutes from Foxwoods.

I play a monthly guaranteed prize pool poker tourney at Mohegan Sun, voted second nicest brick and mortar hotel/casino in the US, and rightfully so, it's gorgeous.

I'm spoiled, the food is amazing at Mohegan Sun and reasonably priced, tons of variety, free general parking, valet parking is also reasonably priced, same with the room rates, sure prime weekend and holiday room rates will cost you, but that's the norm all over.

The tribes will let you gamble and the tables for the most part are card friendly.

3:2 payout for blackjack, unless you're playing at the five dollar tables then it's 6:5, which I'm OK with because I'm not going to be playing at a five dollar table, the max bet I believe they'll let you play a hand of blackjack for is 5,000.
I've never seen a higher limit than 5,000.

Foxwoods is almost as nice, the spent a ton of money renovating their poker room.

Now having said all that I love playing Omaha and Omaha high/low, and the casinos here just won't spread the mixed card games, except on weekends where you can find maybe four Omaha cash game tables.

I'm flying out to Las Vegas next summer for a couple of WSOP events, but that's a trip with a purpose.

I'm not a local, I'm in New England, but I've been to Las Vegas at least 20 plus times, I'm hardly a tourist either.
This much I can tell you, I love to gamble at Orleans, it's a locals joint, that gives you a great 2 deck blackjack game, 3:2 payout, no early shuffle, dealer must stand on soft 17, all the rules that benefit the player.

The poker room is big, and spreads just about every mixed card game imaginable.
It's not glitzy by any stretch, but ask yourself this, do you want a honest card friendly game, or do you want chandeliers hanging from the ceiling?

Stay off the Boulevard for the love of God is my best advice.

Orleans HIGHLY underrated. I used to go to Las Vegas Wranglers games and watch my buddy Deryk, long before he became a penguin and knight. Our kids play hockey together now. Love the Orleans. Always some hoops tournaments there that are fun. $10 tickets! I’m all about a family event for a $100 bill.

[mjsuax13]

Not jumping on anyone’s wagon Funny. Other than the golf I see no reason in going to Vegas.

Am curious to see what state the OP lives in

I don’t disagree with this. Depends on what he’s looking for. I live wedged between Angel Park, TPC Summerlin/Las Vegas and love it. Once you’ve done the strip shit the golf is outstanding. Was hard to get to it in my 20’s and 30’s because the hangovers and debaucherie were quite impressive and painful.

At 43, I prefer less chaos, golf and better food!

[mjsuax13]

As I’ve said before- any posters visiting please let me know. Happy to help point you to the right places, meet for drinks, see if I can get comped tickets, etc…Vegas has a little bit of everything. We have a great life here in our little bubble.

[mjsuax13]

Texas Station has been torn down.

They ripped down a bunch of those station spots. Durango opens 11.20. 215/Durango.