Vegas (1 Viewer)

[Softballguy]

Any thoughts on Lawry's The Prime Rib? Close to the Tuscany. Seems like a nice higher end spot for red meat and such. I can get reservations.

Tried to get a table for 2 to Herbs & Rye and the internet went "lolooloooloo" back at me.

Steak at Herbs & Rye is overrated anyway. Their cocktail menu is spectacular though. If you want a great steak, go to Bavette's at Park MGM, SW Steakhouse at Wynn or Bazaar Meat at Sahara. None are very far from Tuscany.

Bazaar Meat is arguably the best, but it's closing at the end of June. I would take advantage while you still can.
(it's reopening at Venetian, but no timeframe has been given)

 

[Brew Swillis]

I found the steak at Herbs & Rye to be nah-good. Cocktails were great though.

Went to the restaurant at the top of Binions last year and the steak was better than H&R (but I was a little high at the time). Golden Steer was better than either, but didn't blow me a way (aside from the price...)

I actually preferred my wife's linguine with clams to my steak when I last went to Herbs and Rye. I always tell people if they want to go there, just sit at the bar and order cocktails. I don't know that I've ever seen a better cocktail menu in my life.

 

[Brew Swillis]

Sorry if HONDA, but for those of which think that the table games in Vegas are all bad. The Palms just announced not long ago that all of their blackjack tables will pay 3 to 2 for blackjacks. They also guarantee that there will be at least one $5 blackjack table and one $5 craps table running 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

Getting a seat/spot is another story. South Point has. 3/2 $5 blackjack table 24/7 as well, but unless you go there at 4:30 AM on a Wednesday, you're going to stand around waiting to sit. Still a good thing though, even a 3/2 $10 is a rarity these days unless you haunt the lower-rent locals spots.

 

[General Malaise]

I've heard many of the BJ tables on the strip are $50 minimum now. Nuts to that. That's insanity.

 

[jvdesigns2002]

I've heard many of the BJ tables on the strip are $50 minimum now. Nuts to that. That's insanity.

That was not my experience and I was there a little over a month ago. There were plenty of $25 tables, and I even got onto a $15 table. Sure if you go into the Bellagio or the MGM the night of a big concert or an event I imagine the limits certainly go up—but there are several strip casinos where there plenty of tables for $25 or under minimums. Many of them will pay 6 to 5 though.

 

[General Malaise]

I've heard many of the BJ tables on the strip are $50 minimum now. Nuts to that. That's insanity.

That was not my experience and I was there a little over a month ago. There were plenty of $25 tables, and I even got onto a $15 table. Sure if you go into the Bellagio or the MGM the night of a big concert or an event I imagine the limits certainly go up—but there are several strip casinos where there plenty of tables for $25 or under minimums. Many of them will pay 6 to 5 though.

That's good to know, but I'll probably not be spending much if any time on the strip so I'm hoping to run into some lower-limit tables at The Tuscany or the spots around there. Plenty of college basketball to bet on too!

I better start reading up on college basketball......

 

[The Z Machine]

I've heard many of the BJ tables on the strip are $50 minimum now. Nuts to that. That's insanity.

That was not my experience and I was there a little over a month ago. There were plenty of $25 tables, and I even got onto a $15 table. Sure if you go into the Bellagio or the MGM the night of a big concert or an event I imagine the limits certainly go up—but there are several strip casinos where there plenty of tables for $25 or under minimums. Many of them will pay 6 to 5 though.

That's good to know, but I'll probably not be spending much if any time on the strip so I'm hoping to run into some lower-limit tables at The Tuscany or the spots around there. Plenty of college basketball to bet on too!

I better start reading up on college basketball......

If you're going to wager on sports then make sure you have the Nevada version of the sports book apps on your phone. I prefer MGM as it seems faster than Ceasars. Will Hill had a decent app but they got bought by Ceasars so not sure if they have an independent operation still. Silver 7s looks like it has a Will Hill book and that might be the closest to Tuscany.

I usually buy it at an MGM property and cash out there as well right before I leave vegas, but if you're at Tuscany Suites, then the closest BetMGM book is Bellagio, which is a ways away.

 

[General Malaise]

I've heard many of the BJ tables on the strip are $50 minimum now. Nuts to that. That's insanity.

That was not my experience and I was there a little over a month ago. There were plenty of $25 tables, and I even got onto a $15 table. Sure if you go into the Bellagio or the MGM the night of a big concert or an event I imagine the limits certainly go up—but there are several strip casinos where there plenty of tables for $25 or under minimums. Many of them will pay 6 to 5 though.

That's good to know, but I'll probably not be spending much if any time on the strip so I'm hoping to run into some lower-limit tables at The Tuscany or the spots around there. Plenty of college basketball to bet on too!

I better start reading up on college basketball......

If you're going to wager on sports then make sure you have the Nevada version of the sports book apps on your phone. I prefer MGM as it seems faster than Ceasars. Will Hill had a decent app but they got bought by Ceasars so not sure if they have an independent operation still. Silver 7s looks like it has a Will Hill book and that might be the closest to Tuscany.

I usually buy it at an MGM property and cash out there as well right before I leave vegas, but if you're at Tuscany Suites, then the closest BetMGM book is Bellagio, which is a ways away.

There's a sports betting kiosk at the Tuscany. Why wouldn't I just use that?

We have legal sports gambling where I live and use DK for it.....but we can't bet college. :(

 

[Bob Sacamano]

I've heard many of the BJ tables on the strip are $50 minimum now. Nuts to that. That's insanity.

That was not my experience and I was there a little over a month ago. There were plenty of $25 tables, and I even got onto a $15 table. Sure if you go into the Bellagio or the MGM the night of a big concert or an event I imagine the limits certainly go up—but there are several strip casinos where there plenty of tables for $25 or under minimums. Many of them will pay 6 to 5 though.

That's good to know, but I'll probably not be spending much if any time on the strip so I'm hoping to run into some lower-limit tables at The Tuscany or the spots around there. Plenty of college basketball to bet on too!

I better start reading up on college basketball......

If you're going to wager on sports then make sure you have the Nevada version of the sports book apps on your phone. I prefer MGM as it seems faster than Ceasars. Will Hill had a decent app but they got bought by Ceasars so not sure if they have an independent operation still. Silver 7s looks like it has a Will Hill book and that might be the closest to Tuscany.

I usually buy it at an MGM property and cash out there as well right before I leave vegas, but if you're at Tuscany Suites, then the closest BetMGM book is Bellagio, which is a ways away.

The MGM app is all one app now. I only ever downloaded the NV version because I didn't want the ability/temptation in AZ. When we were there last year, I had to install the updated version. Yeah, it functions in all states where they're legal now.

 

[Bob Sacamano]

I've heard many of the BJ tables on the strip are $50 minimum now. Nuts to that. That's insanity.

That was not my experience and I was there a little over a month ago. There were plenty of $25 tables, and I even got onto a $15 table. Sure if you go into the Bellagio or the MGM the night of a big concert or an event I imagine the limits certainly go up—but there are several strip casinos where there plenty of tables for $25 or under minimums. Many of them will pay 6 to 5 though.

That's good to know, but I'll probably not be spending much if any time on the strip so I'm hoping to run into some lower-limit tables at The Tuscany or the spots around there. Plenty of college basketball to bet on too!

I better start reading up on college basketball......

If you're going to wager on sports then make sure you have the Nevada version of the sports book apps on your phone. I prefer MGM as it seems faster than Ceasars. Will Hill had a decent app but they got bought by Ceasars so not sure if they have an independent operation still. Silver 7s looks like it has a Will Hill book and that might be the closest to Tuscany.

I usually buy it at an MGM property and cash out there as well right before I leave vegas, but if you're at Tuscany Suites, then the closest BetMGM book is Bellagio, which is a ways away.

The MGM app is all one app now. I only ever downloaded the NV version because I didn't want the ability/temptation in AZ. When we were there last year, I had to install the updated version. Yeah, it functions in all states where they're legal now.

And yes, I now have a full-blown gambling problem.

Kinda kidding.

Mostly.

Pray for me.

 

[3 hour lunch]

Lawrys is very good, I had it years ago. I second the suggestions of SW (my all time fave) and Bavettes. Also highly highly recommend Mayfair and Delilah, the upscale supper clubs where you get some great entertainment with your meal

 

[General Malaise]

Lawry's is across the street from Tuscany AND had reservations for when we need to go. So that wins!

Convenience, the drug of choice for men my age and body size.

 

[Brew Swillis]

I've heard many of the BJ tables on the strip are $50 minimum now. Nuts to that. That's insanity.

At the nicer joints on a weekend night, sure. South strip or the more affordable mid-Strip properties, you'll find $15 tables, or maybe $25 on weekends. You'll have to accept 6/5 on blackjacks though.

 

[Brew Swillis]

I've heard many of the BJ tables on the strip are $50 minimum now. Nuts to that. That's insanity.

That was not my experience and I was there a little over a month ago. There were plenty of $25 tables, and I even got onto a $15 table. Sure if you go into the Bellagio or the MGM the night of a big concert or an event I imagine the limits certainly go up—but there are several strip casinos where there plenty of tables for $25 or under minimums. Many of them will pay 6 to 5 though.

That's good to know, but I'll probably not be spending much if any time on the strip so I'm hoping to run into some lower-limit tables at The Tuscany or the spots around there. Plenty of college basketball to bet on too!

I better start reading up on college basketball......

If you can't find a table under $50 a hand at the frigging Tuscany, I'll eat my shoe.

 

[General Malaise]

I've heard many of the BJ tables on the strip are $50 minimum now. Nuts to that. That's insanity.

That was not my experience and I was there a little over a month ago. There were plenty of $25 tables, and I even got onto a $15 table. Sure if you go into the Bellagio or the MGM the night of a big concert or an event I imagine the limits certainly go up—but there are several strip casinos where there plenty of tables for $25 or under minimums. Many of them will pay 6 to 5 though.

That's good to know, but I'll probably not be spending much if any time on the strip so I'm hoping to run into some lower-limit tables at The Tuscany or the spots around there. Plenty of college basketball to bet on too!

I better start reading up on college basketball......

If you can't find a table under $50 a hand at the frigging Tuscany, I'll eat my shoe.

I did my research on Reddit. That place has never let me down.

Close to the Spere? Check
Close to Airport? Check
Sports betting kiosk? Check
Low stakes, 3:2 BJ? Check
Burger bar brew pub with video poker? Check
Live music? Check
Fridge in room? Check
Liquor store nearby? Check

What else could I possibly want or need here?

 

[Brew Swillis]

I've heard many of the BJ tables on the strip are $50 minimum now. Nuts to that. That's insanity.

That was not my experience and I was there a little over a month ago. There were plenty of $25 tables, and I even got onto a $15 table. Sure if you go into the Bellagio or the MGM the night of a big concert or an event I imagine the limits certainly go up—but there are several strip casinos where there plenty of tables for $25 or under minimums. Many of them will pay 6 to 5 though.

That's good to know, but I'll probably not be spending much if any time on the strip so I'm hoping to run into some lower-limit tables at The Tuscany or the spots around there. Plenty of college basketball to bet on too!

I better start reading up on college basketball......

If you can't find a table under $50 a hand at the frigging Tuscany, I'll eat my shoe.

I did my research on Reddit. That place has never let me down.

Close to the Spere? Check
Close to Airport? Check
Sports betting kiosk? Check
Low stakes, 3:2 BJ? Check
Burger bar brew pub with video poker? Check
Live music? Check
Fridge in room? Check
Liquor store nearby? Check

What else could I possibly want or need here?

All personal preference there. Just saying, I don't think you need to worry about running into 50 dollar minimums, that's all.

 

[The Z Machine]

I've heard many of the BJ tables on the strip are $50 minimum now. Nuts to that. That's insanity.

That was not my experience and I was there a little over a month ago. There were plenty of $25 tables, and I even got onto a $15 table. Sure if you go into the Bellagio or the MGM the night of a big concert or an event I imagine the limits certainly go up—but there are several strip casinos where there plenty of tables for $25 or under minimums. Many of them will pay 6 to 5 though.

That's good to know, but I'll probably not be spending much if any time on the strip so I'm hoping to run into some lower-limit tables at The Tuscany or the spots around there. Plenty of college basketball to bet on too!

I better start reading up on college basketball......

If you're going to wager on sports then make sure you have the Nevada version of the sports book apps on your phone. I prefer MGM as it seems faster than Ceasars. Will Hill had a decent app but they got bought by Ceasars so not sure if they have an independent operation still. Silver 7s looks like it has a Will Hill book and that might be the closest to Tuscany.

I usually buy it at an MGM property and cash out there as well right before I leave vegas, but if you're at Tuscany Suites, then the closest BetMGM book is Bellagio, which is a ways away.

There's a sports betting kiosk at the Tuscany. Why wouldn't I just use that?

We have legal sports gambling where I live and use DK for it.....but we can't bet college. :(

It's sooooo much better on the app. Especially when there are multiple events going on simultaneously (like MM). Just so much more convenient and the ability to hedge, double down or lock in winnings during the event is great too.

I never want to use a kiosk again unless I'm putting money into my account.

 

[titusbramble]

Tuscany was where I stayed when I went (back in 2019) and offered pretty decent bang for the buck

 

[offdee]

Tried to get a table for 2 to Herbs & Rye and the internet went "lolooloooloo" back at me.

You can go around 5pm and get seats at the bar if you really want to go there.

 

[General Malaise]

Tried to get a table for 2 to Herbs & Rye and the internet went "lolooloooloo" back at me.

You can go around 5pm and get seats at the bar if you really want to go there.

I'm fine just eating where we're going. I'm not that into cocktails or high end restaurants that are "in".

I just mostly want to see my childhood buddy shred it with Walsh and Gil and Co.

 

[offdee]

Tried to get a table for 2 to Herbs & Rye and the internet went "lolooloooloo" back at me.

You can go around 5pm and get seats at the bar if you really want to go there.

I'm fine just eating where we're going. I'm not that into cocktails or high end restaurants that are "in".

I just mostly want to see my childhood buddy shred it with Walsh and Gil and Co.

Herbs and Rye isn’t really hip or “in”. More of a staple. It’s not all modern and cool looking…it’s a dark old school steakhouse. As some others have said I think it’s overrated.

 

[TripItUp]

best singles bar wednesday/thursday/friday for guys in their 40s?

there's a disco show at the linq and yach rock show at the ventian but not sure what the scene is like at either...could be 1/2 generation above us.

 

[The Z Machine]

best singles bar wednesday/thursday/friday for guys in their 40s?

there's a disco show at the linq and yach rock show at the ventian but not sure what the scene is like at either...could be 1/2 generation above us.

Don't bother during MM. 100% sausage everywhere

 

[nirad3]

I've heard many of the BJ tables on the strip are $50 minimum now. Nuts to that. That's insanity.

That was not my experience and I was there a little over a month ago. There were plenty of $25 tables, and I even got onto a $15 table. Sure if you go into the Bellagio or the MGM the night of a big concert or an event I imagine the limits certainly go up—but there are several strip casinos where there plenty of tables for $25 or under minimums. Many of them will pay 6 to 5 though.

That's good to know, but I'll probably not be spending much if any time on the strip so I'm hoping to run into some lower-limit tables at The Tuscany or the spots around there. Plenty of college basketball to bet on too!

I better start reading up on college basketball......

If you're going to wager on sports then make sure you have the Nevada version of the sports book apps on your phone. I prefer MGM as it seems faster than Ceasars. Will Hill had a decent app but they got bought by Ceasars so not sure if they have an independent operation still. Silver 7s looks like it has a Will Hill book and that might be the closest to Tuscany.

I usually buy it at an MGM property and cash out there as well right before I leave vegas, but if you're at Tuscany Suites, then the closest BetMGM book is Bellagio, which is a ways away.

There's a sports betting kiosk at the Tuscany. Why wouldn't I just use that?

We have legal sports gambling where I live and use DK for it.....but we can't bet college. :(

It's sooooo much better on the app. Especially when there are multiple events going on simultaneously (like MM). Just so much more convenient and the ability to hedge, double down or lock in winnings during the event is great too.

I never want to use a kiosk again unless I'm putting money into my account.

I will go one step further and say I don't even want to use the app. Too much temptation to throw in more bets than I really need. Me? I go to the counter, put in some parlays and watch the games... and I like having the ticket on me. That's the Vegas I know and love.

 

[Scoresman]

Is there any way at all to make bets before I land in Vegas? I arrive tomorrow night but would like to put some cash down on the Thursday NCAA games if I can.

 

[Terminalxylem]

Tried to get a table for 2 to Herbs & Rye and the internet went "lolooloooloo" back at me.

You can go around 5pm and get seats at the bar if you really want to go there.

I'm fine just eating where we're going. I'm not that into cocktails or high end restaurants that are "in".

I just mostly want to see my childhood buddy shred it with Walsh and Gil and Co.

Herbs and Rye isn’t really hip or “in”. More of a staple. It’s not all modern and cool looking…it’s a dark old school steakhouse. As some others have said I think it’s overrated.

Hey, what are the best places in Summerlin for seafood and vegetarian stuff? Doesn’t have to be “hip”. Actually less hip as better. Just good food.

 

[Cowboysfan8]

Is there any way at all to make bets before I land in Vegas?

Online sportsbooks?

 

[Scoresman]

Is there any way at all to make bets before I land in Vegas?

Online sportsbooks?

Last time I tried, it was tied to Bitcoin and such a huge PITA. I meant more putting a bet in and collecting at the sportsbook later which I think is impossible but thought I'd ask. Like nirad3, I like going to the sportsbook counters.

 

[Willie Neslon]

best singles bar wednesday/thursday/friday for guys in their 40s?

there's a disco show at the linq and yach rock show at the ventian but not sure what the scene is like at either...could be 1/2 generation above us.

Just wait outside the doors until Thunder Down Under lets out.

 

[offdee]

Hey, what are the best places in Summerlin for seafood and vegetarian stuff? Doesn’t have to be “hip”. Actually less hip as better. Just good food.

I have no idea about vegetarian stuff (not my jam). But best seafood I've had are at the steakhouses actually. TBones inside Red Rock Casino has some good seafood stuff. Crab Cakes are great. La Strega is a good spot with good fish selection. Harlo Steakhouse is another good spot.

 

[Cowboysfan8]

Is there any way at all to make bets before I land in Vegas?

Online sportsbooks?

Last time I tried, it was tied to Bitcoin and such a huge PITA. I meant more putting a bet in and collecting at the sportsbook later which I think is impossible but thought I'd ask. Like nirad3, I like going to the sportsbook counters.

Ah ok. Sorry, I can’t help you there

Depending on which state you are in you may be able to legally use the online books and deposit/withdraw with a debit card. I get that’s not exactly what you were hoping for but if you’re in a legal state I would highly recommend taking advantage of every apps free $/bets that are offered

 

[offdee]

best singles bar wednesday/thursday/friday for guys in their 40s?

there's a disco show at the linq and yach rock show at the ventian but not sure what the scene is like at either...could be 1/2 generation above us.

Just wait outside the doors until Thunder Down Under lets out.

I've never tried this, but have heard that in Excalibur there's a lounge/bar right outside the doors of the Magic Mike show. Get lots of horn'd up cougars having drinks there before and after shows.

Also the Chandelier Bar in Cosmopolitan (the 3rd Floor bar area) is where a lot of lifestyle swinger types frequent and meet up.

 

[Schmeabs]

Is there any way at all to make bets before I land in Vegas? I arrive tomorrow night but would like to put some cash down on the Thursday NCAA games if I can.

Where are you planning to be to watch games? I fly in tonight and will be joining my brother and a few of his friends to watch games Thursday-Saturday. We used to go to Mandalay but I think we may end up at Treasure Island as we found better seating options there last time.

 

[The Z Machine]

Also the Chandelier Bar in Cosmopolitan (the 3rd Floor bar area) is where a lot of lifestyle swinger types frequent and meet up.

That place has sooooooooooo many good looking people in it.

 

[Snotbubbles]

Just got back from Vegas. Underwhelmed. Did have a nice dinner at STK in the Cosmo. The cost of food and drink is outrageous though. 20 years ago, you could go out for a beer and some food and not feel like you were getting ripped off. I really see no reason to go back to Vegas ever again.

 

[The Z Machine]

Just got back from Vegas. Underwhelmed. Did have a nice dinner at STK in the Cosmo. The cost of food and drink is outrageous though. 20 years ago, you could go out for a beer and some food and not feel like you were getting ripped off. I really see no reason to go back to Vegas ever again.

Did you go downtown? Off strip anywhere?

Vegas isn't the cheap fun destination it used to be, that's for sure. I wonder if that will ever happen again.

 

[Brew Swillis]

Just got back from Vegas. Underwhelmed. Did have a nice dinner at STK in the Cosmo. The cost of food and drink is outrageous though. 20 years ago, you could go out for a beer and some food and not feel like you were getting ripped off. I really see no reason to go back to Vegas ever again.

Did you go downtown? Off strip anywhere?

Vegas isn't the cheap fun destination it used to be, that's for sure. I wonder if that will ever happen again.

They're kind of stuck. If people stop paying the sky-high prices, then they're forced to start cutting rates to avoid empty casinos. But when they did that to some extent during COVID, the place was overrun by wanna-be gangsters (and some actual gangsters) from LA renting mobility assistance scooters and popping wheelies up and down the Strip, congregating in packs and smoking blunts in the open, starting huge fights, etc. I don't know what they do. People are and have been getting fed up with being extorted where they were once treated or found great value. With the recent abundance of legalized gambling and local options, people are going to feel far less compelled to fly long distances to the middle of the desert where it's 119 degrees in summer when they have a casino they can drive to and get the same action.

Vegas is still unique inasmuch as no other destination offers the variety of properties, pools, restaurants, shows, gambling, etc. There are always going to be first-timers who want to ball TF out in Vegas, but repeat business from people who are sick of the pricing shift and the nickel and diming is falling off. I don't bet all that much (and often play with an edge) and I can get free rooms up and down the Strip any night I want these days. Not dumps either, I'm talking weekend nights at Bellagio, Aria, Caesars Palace, Cosmo, Venetian, etc. Plus freeplay, F&B credits, free or discounted attraction/show tickets etc. They're catering to whales, but are desperate to keep low to mid-stakes veterans like me who show up and play without causing trouble. At least until/if they figure out that I'm beating them, then they'll show me the door.

 

[Snotbubbles]

Just got back from Vegas. Underwhelmed. Did have a nice dinner at STK in the Cosmo. The cost of food and drink is outrageous though. 20 years ago, you could go out for a beer and some food and not feel like you were getting ripped off. I really see no reason to go back to Vegas ever again.

Did you go downtown? Off strip anywhere?

Vegas isn't the cheap fun destination it used to be, that's for sure. I wonder if that will ever happen again.

They're kind of stuck. If people stop paying the sky-high prices, then they're forced to start cutting rates to avoid empty casinos. But when they did that to some extent during COVID, the place was overrun by wanna-be gangsters (and some actual gangsters) from LA renting mobility assistance scooters and popping wheelies up and down the Strip, congregating in packs and smoking blunts in the open, starting huge fights, etc. I don't know what they do. People are and have been getting fed up with being extorted where they were once treated or found great value. With the recent abundance of legalized gambling and local options, people are going to feel far less compelled to fly long distances to the middle of the desert where it's 119 degrees in summer when they have a casino they can drive to and get the same action.

Vegas is still unique inasmuch as no other destination offers the variety of properties, pools, restaurants, shows, gambling, etc. There are always going to be first-timers who want to ball TF out in Vegas, but repeat business from people who are sick of the pricing shift and the nickel and diming is falling off. I don't bet all that much (and often play with an edge) and I can get free rooms up and down the Strip any night I want these days. Not dumps either, I'm talking weekend nights at Bellagio, Aria, Caesars Palace, Cosmo, Venetian, etc. Plus freeplay, F&B credits, free or discounted attraction/show tickets etc. They're catering to whales, but are desperate to keep low to mid-stakes veterans like me who show up and play without causing trouble. At least until/if they figure out that I'm beating them, then they'll show me the door.

I went to Freemont Street one night. But I didn't do much else, I barely gambled. Spent most of my time drinking in bars and restaurants.

 

[Bossman]

Just got back from Vegas. Underwhelmed. Did have a nice dinner at STK in the Cosmo. The cost of food and drink is outrageous though. 20 years ago, you could go out for a beer and some food and not feel like you were getting ripped off. I really see no reason to go back to Vegas ever again.

Did you go downtown? Off strip anywhere?

Vegas isn't the cheap fun destination it used to be, that's for sure. I wonder if that will ever happen again.

They're kind of stuck. If people stop paying the sky-high prices, then they're forced to start cutting rates to avoid empty casinos. But when they did that to some extent during COVID, the place was overrun by wanna-be gangsters (and some actual gangsters) from LA renting mobility assistance scooters and popping wheelies up and down the Strip, congregating in packs and smoking blunts in the open, starting huge fights, etc. I don't know what they do. People are and have been getting fed up with being extorted where they were once treated or found great value. With the recent abundance of legalized gambling and local options, people are going to feel far less compelled to fly long distances to the middle of the desert where it's 119 degrees in summer when they have a casino they can drive to and get the same action.

Vegas is still unique inasmuch as no other destination offers the variety of properties, pools, restaurants, shows, gambling, etc. There are always going to be first-timers who want to ball TF out in Vegas, but repeat business from people who are sick of the pricing shift and the nickel and diming is falling off. I don't bet all that much (and often play with an edge) and I can get free rooms up and down the Strip any night I want these days. Not dumps either, I'm talking weekend nights at Bellagio, Aria, Caesars Palace, Cosmo, Venetian, etc. Plus freeplay, F&B credits, free or discounted attraction/show tickets etc. They're catering to whales, but are desperate to keep low to mid-stakes veterans like me who show up and play without causing trouble. At least until/if they figure out that I'm beating them, then they'll show me the door.

I went to Freemont Street one night. But I didn't do much else, I barely gambled. Spent most of my time drinking in bars and restaurants.

Sounds like you could have just gone to Key West or Nashville and done that.
I would take either over Vegas ... every time (and I DO like to gamble).

 

[Snotbubbles]

Just got back from Vegas. Underwhelmed. Did have a nice dinner at STK in the Cosmo. The cost of food and drink is outrageous though. 20 years ago, you could go out for a beer and some food and not feel like you were getting ripped off. I really see no reason to go back to Vegas ever again.

Did you go downtown? Off strip anywhere?

Vegas isn't the cheap fun destination it used to be, that's for sure. I wonder if that will ever happen again.

They're kind of stuck. If people stop paying the sky-high prices, then they're forced to start cutting rates to avoid empty casinos. But when they did that to some extent during COVID, the place was overrun by wanna-be gangsters (and some actual gangsters) from LA renting mobility assistance scooters and popping wheelies up and down the Strip, congregating in packs and smoking blunts in the open, starting huge fights, etc. I don't know what they do. People are and have been getting fed up with being extorted where they were once treated or found great value. With the recent abundance of legalized gambling and local options, people are going to feel far less compelled to fly long distances to the middle of the desert where it's 119 degrees in summer when they have a casino they can drive to and get the same action.

Vegas is still unique inasmuch as no other destination offers the variety of properties, pools, restaurants, shows, gambling, etc. There are always going to be first-timers who want to ball TF out in Vegas, but repeat business from people who are sick of the pricing shift and the nickel and diming is falling off. I don't bet all that much (and often play with an edge) and I can get free rooms up and down the Strip any night I want these days. Not dumps either, I'm talking weekend nights at Bellagio, Aria, Caesars Palace, Cosmo, Venetian, etc. Plus freeplay, F&B credits, free or discounted attraction/show tickets etc. They're catering to whales, but are desperate to keep low to mid-stakes veterans like me who show up and play without causing trouble. At least until/if they figure out that I'm beating them, then they'll show me the door.

I went to Freemont Street one night. But I didn't do much else, I barely gambled. Spent most of my time drinking in bars and restaurants.

Sounds like you could have just gone to Key West or Nashville and done that.
I would take either over Vegas ... every time (and I DO like to gamble).

Went with my son, brother and uncle. My uncle spent the whole trip gambling.

 

[Scoresman]

Is there any way at all to make bets before I land in Vegas? I arrive tomorrow night but would like to put some cash down on the Thursday NCAA games if I can.

Where are you planning to be to watch games? I fly in tonight and will be joining my brother and a few of his friends to watch games Thursday-Saturday. We used to go to Mandalay but I think we may end up at Treasure Island as we found better seating options there last time.

I go with my wife as we are both into betting the games. We used to sit in the sports books themselves but since they have crazy minimums to sit there now, we honestly watch from our room most of the time.

Our routine is go downstairs to make bets in the morning, and emerge later for a nice dinner each night. Maybe a show.

 

[The Z Machine]

At least until/if they figure out that I'm beating them, then they'll show me the door.

Wait, wut? What are you playing where you're beating the house? The only games where this is possible statistically are poker, sports wagers, and counting cards in blackjack.

 

[General Malaise]

Vegas trip report - Mar 14-16:

Landed 5pm Friday, met my buddy at the gate, grabbed a cab immediately. No line at all to get into one. That was a nice surprise as I remember long lines in the past.

Cab driver - a kind Ethiopian man - took us first to a weed store and then to CVS for some room beers, then to the Tuscany Suites. I had to navigate the app on the back seat of the cab to figure out how to pay, but once I got it, no problem and that came in handy for future rides.

Tuscany was fine - definitely a different experience than staying in a traditional casino, but I liked it. We had a short walk from the casino and activity to our unit, went by the pool, some nice palm trees, nice to be outdoors vs inside a stuffy casino waiting on elevators, etc. Room was fine - king bed and a sofa, fridge, little kitchen area, HUGE bathroom. Would have been nice if the room had a bottle opener - we didn't have a lighter and I tried opening the beer with various room surfaces and finally had some luck with the metal door latch. Unfortunately, I didn't realize when I opened it that I had broken the glass at the top, so that first swig cut my lip badly and I think I drank some glass. Sweet start to the night.

Hit some nondescript casino bar that was setting up for live music. Played a little video poker, started getting our drink on. Night got a little fuzzy after that because we thought it might be a good idea to eat a magical mushroom chocolate bar. That.....that might have been a mistake.

Got our player cards and started playing some blackjack. Was delighted to see $10 tables with open seats and for a while, I was kicking butt, but boy, once the shrooms kicked in, things got a little wonky. I was pretty sure I spotted the GM of the Portland Trailblazers at one of the bars and decided I'd go up and tell him how great of a job he was doing. If that wasn't him, man....talk about awkward.

At some point, my buddy left for some sleep. I decided to stay up and party. That might not have been wise. I didn't stumble back to our room until 6am and the cash I brought to gamble with was mostly gone. I say 'mostly' because I forgot I gave my buddy a few hundred to gamble with since he misplaced his debit card and had no cash. That was a nice surprise in the morning to learn I had some more bullets to use. There are some super hazy memories of my time on the floor - pretty sure I was playing slots with a hooker at one point. That's as far as that went. I recall stumbling around outside wandering aimlessly just looking at lights and stars and trying to find interesting things, but nothing too nefarious.

Saturday was rough as I was operating on 3-4 hours of sleep. We woke up and grabbed some lunch at Ellis Island, which was the hardest entrance in the world to find. Found some really cool open air beer garden, sat at the bar and ordered grub and drinks. I asked for a mimosa and the guy asked if I wanted the big size, and I said of course! Well, this was a giant fishbowl with an ENTIRE bottle of champagne in it. I'm not kidding. Challenge accepted. And the chicken sandwich? 10/10 would eat again with glee.

From there, we walked to Sphere to see how far it was from our hotel - felt a lot longer than the 0.7 miles listed, but we were also struggling. At that point, I shut the drinking down and went 100% water for the next several hours. Maybe the only good decision I made. We walked and walked and walked and I'm not kidding, when I checked my Google Fit on Sunday morning, I hit 25,000 steps on Saturday. I'm sure part of that was wandering around aimlessly at 2am the evening before. Hit various casino bars along the way, but nothing memorable here. I was just trying to rejoin the living and the water diet was helping.

Rested up a little in the room before our 6pm dinner at Lawry's Prime Rib. That was a really nice experience. I don't eat a lot of prime rib, so this was a treat. Meat was so tender they don't even provide steak knives. The spinning salad was cool, the sides were delicious, the service was great. I know there's better and cooler places to eat, but I'm giving mighty high marks to Lawry's. After that heavy meal, it was back on our feet walking to The Sphere.

I lack the words to describe The Sphere in full, other than to say it's one of the most incredible man-made attractions I've seen in my life. It's gigantic. It's pumping with lights and sounds and the visuals and the people and the action, man. Grabbed some drinks, found our seats and made friends all around us. Quite nice to be in company with a lot of tamer folks who just wanted to take in a good show and relax.

The concert started right on time and from our floor seats, we had a perfect sightline to our friend who is The Eagles newest member - Chris Holt. We both got goosebumps when we saw Chris strap on the double-neck guitar and lead the band with the intro to Hotel California. The sights, the sounds, everything was perfect. The Eagles played every hit and the crowd was just loving every second of it. Vince Gill sang a few of their country sounding songs and man, that guy is terrific. I never really listened to him before, but I'm digging into his catalog now.

Sometime during the show, Don Henley came out to tell us about all the lights and speakers and things that made The Sphere such a marvel of technology and innovation. He's a hell of an entertainer. Then during another quick break, he introduced Chris Holt to the crowd. My buddy and I went NUTS. In the video my friend took, you can hear me yell out loudly "I LOVE YOU CHRIS" and I'm pretty sure most of the place heard it. No regerts! They also filmed the Fri/Sat shows for an upcoming Eagles movie so I'm hopeful that makes the cut and I can show my kids how much of a dork their dad is.

They played for 2 hour solid and just sounded incredible. Worth every penny I paid to see them. I kind of tired of The Eagles by HS but man, it's been fun getting back into them again and introducing my kids to them.

After the show, Chris texted us and told us to meet him at the Mandalay Bay where he's staying at the Four Seasons. He got whisked away immediately after the concert with the rest of the band from a back entrance. We had a different experience. Getting out of The Sphere is TORTURE. Funneling out thousands of people at the same time is not very efficient and all we wanted to do was find a cab and get to the Mandalay Bay to see our friend. When we did get to the cab stand, there were a billion people there waiting. It was chaos. I pulled my friend outside to a different exit and said we'd find a cab on the street. I somehow managed to make eye contact with a man in a black SUV and gave him the "Can we ride with you?" panicked look and he beckoned us in. Tito! My man. Took us to Mandalay Bay immediately, gave us a card and told us to call when we needed a ride back.

Met Chris at some bar in the MB, I ordered us three Titos and Soda ($60....SIXTY!) and we just drank and laughed and thought we were the coolest guys in the world when people recognized Chris and came up to him. Eventually, Chris took us to a hidden speakeasy where he knew the staff and we were treated like celebs. It was awesome! We caught up and stayed up until at least 3 or 4 am before we realized we needed to get back.

Nothing much to report on Sunday; just killed time until my flight playing low-stakes BJ and nursing some drinks. I was glad to be leaving Las Vegas. It's fine, but it's a younger man's city and not a good place for a person like me who easily succumbs to temptation. It had been 20 years since I was last there and I think this will be the final time I ever go. I like tranquility and outdoors and trees that are natural to their surroundings. Vegas is just so artificial and I feel like the city wants to extract money from you with great velocity. Like....slow down, man. I'm going to spend here, just stop yanking it out like a bad tooth.

Sphere 10/10
Leaving the Sphere 0/10
Lawry's Prime Rib 8/10
Tuscany Suites 6.5/10
Eagles 10/10
Hanging with an Eagle 20/10
Beer selection 6/10

This has been General Malaise for Youtube Vegas.

 

[kevzilla]

I'm glad GM got to Ellis Island, love that place. Solo travelers know they can just step over the chairs they're using to block the entrance to the karoake bar. That bartender is serving the diner already, and you can have a pleasant breakfast, video poker and great service, without waiting in line with all the people who have friends

 

[FreeBaGeL]

Just got back from Vegas. Underwhelmed. Did have a nice dinner at STK in the Cosmo. The cost of food and drink is outrageous though. 20 years ago, you could go out for a beer and some food and not feel like you were getting ripped off. I really see no reason to go back to Vegas ever again.

Did you go downtown? Off strip anywhere?

Vegas isn't the cheap fun destination it used to be, that's for sure. I wonder if that will ever happen again.

They're kind of stuck. If people stop paying the sky-high prices, then they're forced to start cutting rates to avoid empty casinos. But when they did that to some extent during COVID, the place was overrun by wanna-be gangsters (and some actual gangsters) from LA renting mobility assistance scooters and popping wheelies up and down the Strip, congregating in packs and smoking blunts in the open, starting huge fights, etc. I don't know what they do. People are and have been getting fed up with being extorted where they were once treated or found great value. With the recent abundance of legalized gambling and local options, people are going to feel far less compelled to fly long distances to the middle of the desert where it's 119 degrees in summer when they have a casino they can drive to and get the same action.

Vegas is still unique inasmuch as no other destination offers the variety of properties, pools, restaurants, shows, gambling, etc. There are always going to be first-timers who want to ball TF out in Vegas, but repeat business from people who are sick of the pricing shift and the nickel and diming is falling off. I don't bet all that much (and often play with an edge) and I can get free rooms up and down the Strip any night I want these days. Not dumps either, I'm talking weekend nights at Bellagio, Aria, Caesars Palace, Cosmo, Venetian, etc. Plus freeplay, F&B credits, free or discounted attraction/show tickets etc. They're catering to whales, but are desperate to keep low to mid-stakes veterans like me who show up and play without causing trouble. At least until/if they figure out that I'm beating them, then they'll show me the door.

It's just travel now. Travel has simply exploded, and there are plenty of people willing to pay high prices to be a part of it.

Any popular travel destination is way more expensive now. Especially in the heart of that destination (IE the strip in Vegas).

Those of us that traveled a lot in the past didn't know how good we had it. Not just Vegas. Everywhere. We told everyone it's awesome and they should come join us, and too many of them did.

 

[The Z Machine]

Vegas trip report - Mar 14-16:

Landed 5pm Friday, met my buddy at the gate, grabbed a cab immediately. No line at all to get into one. That was a nice surprise as I remember long lines in the past.

Cab driver - a kind Ethiopian man - took us first to a weed store and then to CVS for some room beers, then to the Tuscany Suites. I had to navigate the app on the back seat of the cab to figure out how to pay, but once I got it, no problem and that came in handy for future rides.

Tuscany was fine - definitely a different experience than staying in a traditional casino, but I liked it. We had a short walk from the casino and activity to our unit, went by the pool, some nice palm trees, nice to be outdoors vs inside a stuffy casino waiting on elevators, etc. Room was fine - king bed and a sofa, fridge, little kitchen area, HUGE bathroom. Would have been nice if the room had a bottle opener - we didn't have a lighter and I tried opening the beer with various room surfaces and finally had some luck with the metal door latch. Unfortunately, I didn't realize when I opened it that I had broken the glass at the top, so that first swig cut my lip badly and I think I drank some glass. Sweet start to the night.

Hit some nondescript casino bar that was setting up for live music. Played a little video poker, started getting our drink on. Night got a little fuzzy after that because we thought it might be a good idea to eat a magical mushroom chocolate bar. That.....that might have been a mistake.

Got our player cards and started playing some blackjack. Was delighted to see $10 tables with open seats and for a while, I was kicking butt, but boy, once the shrooms kicked in, things got a little wonky. I was pretty sure I spotted the GM of the Portland Trailblazers at one of the bars and decided I'd go up and tell him how great of a job he was doing. If that wasn't him, man....talk about awkward.

At some point, my buddy left for some sleep. I decided to stay up and party. That might not have been wise. I didn't stumble back to our room until 6am and the cash I brought to gamble with was mostly gone. I say 'mostly' because I forgot I gave my buddy a few hundred to gamble with since he misplaced his debit card and had no cash. That was a nice surprise in the morning to learn I had some more bullets to use. There are some super hazy memories of my time on the floor - pretty sure I was playing slots with a hooker at one point. That's as far as that went. I recall stumbling around outside wandering aimlessly just looking at lights and stars and trying to find interesting things, but nothing too nefarious.

Saturday was rough as I was operating on 3-4 hours of sleep. We woke up and grabbed some lunch at Ellis Island, which was the hardest entrance in the world to find. Found some really cool open air beer garden, sat at the bar and ordered grub and drinks. I asked for a mimosa and the guy asked if I wanted the big size, and I said of course! Well, this was a giant fishbowl with an ENTIRE bottle of champagne in it. I'm not kidding. Challenge accepted. And the chicken sandwich? 10/10 would eat again with glee.

From there, we walked to Sphere to see how far it was from our hotel - felt a lot longer than the 0.7 miles listed, but we were also struggling. At that point, I shut the drinking down and went 100% water for the next several hours. Maybe the only good decision I made. We walked and walked and walked and I'm not kidding, when I checked my Google Fit on Sunday morning, I hit 25,000 steps on Saturday. I'm sure part of that was wandering around aimlessly at 2am the evening before. Hit various casino bars along the way, but nothing memorable here. I was just trying to rejoin the living and the water diet was helping.

Rested up a little in the room before our 6pm dinner at Lawry's Prime Rib. That was a really nice experience. I don't eat a lot of prime rib, so this was a treat. Meat was so tender they don't even provide steak knives. The spinning salad was cool, the sides were delicious, the service was great. I know there's better and cooler places to eat, but I'm giving mighty high marks to Lawry's. After that heavy meal, it was back on our feet walking to The Sphere.

I lack the words to describe The Sphere in full, other than to say it's one of the most incredible man-made attractions I've seen in my life. It's gigantic. It's pumping with lights and sounds and the visuals and the people and the action, man. Grabbed some drinks, found our seats and made friends all around us. Quite nice to be in company with a lot of tamer folks who just wanted to take in a good show and relax.

The concert started right on time and from our floor seats, we had a perfect sightline to our friend who is The Eagles newest member - Chris Holt. We both got goosebumps when we saw Chris strap on the double-neck guitar and lead the band with the intro to Hotel California. The sights, the sounds, everything was perfect. The Eagles played every hit and the crowd was just loving every second of it. Vince Gill sang a few of their country sounding songs and man, that guy is terrific. I never really listened to him before, but I'm digging into his catalog now.

Sometime during the show, Don Henley came out to tell us about all the lights and speakers and things that made The Sphere such a marvel of technology and innovation. He's a hell of an entertainer. Then during another quick break, he introduced Chris Holt to the crowd. My buddy and I went NUTS. In the video my friend took, you can hear me yell out loudly "I LOVE YOU CHRIS" and I'm pretty sure most of the place heard it. No regerts! They also filmed the Fri/Sat shows for an upcoming Eagles movie so I'm hopeful that makes the cut and I can show my kids how much of a dork their dad is.

They played for 2 hour solid and just sounded incredible. Worth every penny I paid to see them. I kind of tired of The Eagles by HS but man, it's been fun getting back into them again and introducing my kids to them.

After the show, Chris texted us and told us to meet him at the Mandalay Bay where he's staying at the Four Seasons. He got whisked away immediately after the concert with the rest of the band from a back entrance. We had a different experience. Getting out of The Sphere is TORTURE. Funneling out thousands of people at the same time is not very efficient and all we wanted to do was find a cab and get to the Mandalay Bay to see our friend. When we did get to the cab stand, there were a billion people there waiting. It was chaos. I pulled my friend outside to a different exit and said we'd find a cab on the street. I somehow managed to make eye contact with a man in a black SUV and gave him the "Can we ride with you?" panicked look and he beckoned us in. Tito! My man. Took us to Mandalay Bay immediately, gave us a card and told us to call when we needed a ride back.

Met Chris at some bar in the MB, I ordered us three Titos and Soda ($60....SIXTY!) and we just drank and laughed and thought we were the coolest guys in the world when people recognized Chris and came up to him. Eventually, Chris took us to a hidden speakeasy where he knew the staff and we were treated like celebs. It was awesome! We caught up and stayed up until at least 3 or 4 am before we realized we needed to get back.

Nothing much to report on Sunday; just killed time until my flight playing low-stakes BJ and nursing some drinks. I was glad to be leaving Las Vegas. It's fine, but it's a younger man's city and not a good place for a person like me who easily succumbs to temptation. It had been 20 years since I was last there and I think this will be the final time I ever go. I like tranquility and outdoors and trees that are natural to their surroundings. Vegas is just so artificial and I feel like the city wants to extract money from you with great velocity. Like....slow down, man. I'm going to spend here, just stop yanking it out like a bad tooth.

Sphere 10/10
Leaving the Sphere 0/10
Lawry's Prime Rib 8/10
Tuscany Suites 6.5/10
Eagles 10/10
Hanging with an Eagle 20/10
Beer selection 6/10

This has been General Malaise for Youtube Vegas.

Such a great write-up, GM. Thanks for sharing. Glad you made it to EI. Love that place.

 

[Brew Swillis]

At least until/if they figure out that I'm beating them, then they'll show me the door.

Wait, wut? What are you playing where you're beating the house? The only games where this is possible statistically are poker, sports wagers, and counting cards in blackjack.

Those things you mentioned are the bulk of it, but there are a couple of other ways as well.

 

[The Z Machine]

At least until/if they figure out that I'm beating them, then they'll show me the door.

Wait, wut? What are you playing where you're beating the house? The only games where this is possible statistically are poker, sports wagers, and counting cards in blackjack.

Those things you mentioned are the bulk of it, but there are a couple of other ways as well.

I would like to subscribe to your newsletter.

 

[General Malaise]

Took a few videos of the show and nobody will ever accuse me of being a great cinematographer, but here's our buddy Chris opening up the concert with the intro to Hotel California:

- YouTube

Enjoy the videos and music you love, upload original content, and share it all with friends, family, and the world on YouTube.

youtu.be

 

[Brew Swillis]

At least until/if they figure out that I'm beating them, then they'll show me the door.

Wait, wut? What are you playing where you're beating the house? The only games where this is possible statistically are poker, sports wagers, and counting cards in blackjack.

Those things you mentioned are the bulk of it, but there are a couple of other ways as well.

I would like to subscribe to your newsletter.

Honestly, it's getting so much harder. Most card counters and other APs don't give a damn, they go into casinos trying to hit them as hard and fast as possible (that's what she said) and expect backoffs or trespasses within an hour. They do this for a living and their only real concern is maximizing EV. I have a full-time job and do this for fun, so my main concern is staying under the radar. Thus far, I've only been barred from one casino, widely known as the sweatiest in town (IYKYK) but the rest roll out the welcome mat. I need that to continue, so I put 99% of my effort into disguising what I am doing. Makes it a lot harder to have a big windfall, but I'm happy to break even or turn a small profit long term and take my wins from comped rooms, shows, food, etc.