Hotels of Las Vegas

It used to be the only reason to go to Las Vegas was it was the only place you could legally gamble in the United States, and there wasn’t much else to do in Las Vegas anyway. Now, everything has changed, yet gambling is still the most popular activity in Las Vegas by far. Over 34 million people visited Las Vegas in 2007, and almost 90% of them gambled during their stay.

Types of gambling in Las Vegas

Slot machines

Decades ago these were there as much to decorate the Las Vegas casinos as they were there to make money, but they’ve long-ago passed table games as by far the biggest source of gaming revenue in the city, and now actually make up two-thirds of the total money won by casinos. They come in every imaginable shape and theme, and most no longer even have the handle on the side to activate the wheels spinning. The act of inserting and collecting coins is now mostly history too, as casinos realized this process takes up too much time, so they’ve now put most machines on credit and voucher systems.

Video poker

These games look like slot machines, but they involve some skill so they attract a different kind of player. They aren’t nearly as popular as their wheel-spinning brothers, but they are in every casino and are easy to find in large numbers.

Table games

Blackjack/Twenty-one – This is the largest in the table-games category by far. This is an easy game to learn and even master. Card-counting isn’t nearly as difficult as movies make it out to be, but winning consistently by doing so is nearly impossible anyway.

Roulette – This simple and historic game is easy to play because it’s impossible to be good or bad at it. Every spot on the table carries the same risk/return ratio. Casinos have installed boards that show all the recent numbers hit as a way to sucker naïve players who believe in streaks to bet even more.

Craps – Just behind roulette in popularity, this dice game is intimidating because it’s not easy to learn and the lingo can sound purposely confusing. This can be one of the most exciting of all table games since generally all the players win or lose together, unlike twenty-one or roulette.

Baccarat – This game isn’t found all over, and it’s almost always a high-minimum game in a special room when you do find it. Las Vegas casinos actually make more profit off baccarat than off craps and roulette combined, due to the high stakes.

Other table games

Most casinos offer a few additional table games for people who like something new and different. The most popular ones are:

• Mini-bacarrat
• 3-Card Poker
• Caribbean Stud poker
• Let It Ride
• Pai Gow
• Pai Gow Poker

Several of these games are similar to other games you know, but with slightly different rules. Asians in particular seem drawn to Pai Gow and Pai Gow Poker, but in general these games tend to have high profit margins for casinos because most players don’t know proper strategy.

Other games

Sports books

In Nevada you can bet on nearly any event that is contested on a field of play that is outside of Nevada. Football and basketball are the big two, but betting on baseball, hockey, golf, tennis, and other sports is also available in season. In spite of many people’s misconception, you can’t bet on Academy Award winners or American Idol winners or anything else that isn’t contested on a “field of play.” A few casinos put up odds for entertainment purposes, but don’t try actually betting on these things.

Race books

This declining sport of thoroughbred horse racing still has legions of fans among Las Vegas visitors. Most large casinos have a big race book facility inside them, where players can bet on every race at large tracks in the country, and even some smaller tracks when the big ones aren’t running. You can also bet on quarter horses, harness horses, and greyhounds in Las Vegas, though those tend to be popular in evenings and during off hours.

Poker

This is the only of the table games where players aren’t playing against the house, but are rather playing against each other. You are probably aware of the huge resurgence in poker due to Texas Hold ‘Em being on every other cable TV channel for a few years. The enormous World Series of Poker still packs them in to the Rio off the strip, and most casinos have poker rooms now here sharp locals can earn a living by fleecing hopeful tourists who’ve never played in a live game. The poker explosion might be declining, but for now you’ll have no problem finding a poker table.

Keno

This bingo-type game is a terrible bet for players, but it’s found all over and they make it easy to play while eating in a casino restaurant so it remains reasonably popular.

Source: http://www.lasvegaslogue.com

When you win at any casino in Las Vegas on the Gaza Strip or out of the way, it is a great feeling. But when you win big. . . Well, this is a different story! Now, you have to spend your winnings and if you’re not familiar with Las Vegas, you can end up in the wrong place. Here are our suggestions to celebrate your Las Vegas casino winnings.

Las Vegas Casino celebration

Take a Champagne Tour Grand Canyon. If you’re looking for an elegant way to celebrate your Las Vegas casino earnings, which could be more beautiful than a helicopter tour of the Grand Canyon and drinking champagne along the shore of the Colorado River?

Go skipping nightclub. Not so in the peaceful scenery? Then you need a night on the bottom, drink margaritas and Black Russians celebrate! Take a few friends with you to make a really good night and a customer VIP stand with free alcohol to celebrate the casinos of Las Vegas like never before.

Rocket through the desert in a Hummer. If your secret desire has always been to drive a Hummer, your casino in Las Vegas success can make that possible. At the head in the desert in your own Hummer and realize your dreams.

Las Vegas casinos are attractive, there is no doubt about that. All lights flashing and bells ringing appeal to you, promising huge payments. But if you want to go beyond the slots and get a real taste of Thursday, you’ll need to click on the table games.

The blackjack or craps tables might be a little intimidating for new players, but they are also a lot of fun once you understand what’s happening. Many Las Vegas casinos offer free classes Thursday so you can get the blocking things without losing your money. It is a good idea to take advantage of these classes so free, you can build your confidence level a bit. Just ask any staff if they offer casino gambling course, they should be happy you in the right direction.

Once you hang the game of your choice, blackjack, craps or anything else available in the casinos of Las Vegas, you’re ready to play for real.

Choose a game table that is not full, because it gives you more chance to ask questions if you need it. The majority of casinos of Las Vegas dealers are more than willing to help you with your questions and give directions to make sure you understand the rules of the game If you feel uncomfortable, simply changing tables, as every dealer is different.

Gambling in casinos of Las Vegas may be lots of fun and once you have a few wins under your belt, you’ll no doubt want to move to more and better things, so start looking for tables that require greater participation. And, most importantly, have fun!

In any given Las Vegas casino, there are hundreds of different types of bets that you can make. Although you may love your slots, step outside your comfort zone and take a chance at a new game! It is all too easy to sit down at a one-armed bandit and pull (push, these days) away until your funds are depleted.

While it may be an incredibly simple “game” to play, it comes at a hefty price. Slot machines have some of the worst odds in the house, and can eat you away faster than you may think. Even if a machine pays out over 90%, you should never expect to only lose 10% of your bets in any given session. Keep in mind that the payout percentage includes jackpots, and you’ll have to sit there for awhile before your volatility settles into that 90% figure.

Are you ready to get away from the slots? Great! Here’s your first game to try: mini-baccarat. Mini-baccarat is just a slot machine played with a deck of cards. There is absolutely no strategy involved. None. Zip. Nada. The dealer deals out the cards, and you win or lose. Sure there is a methodology behind it, but the only decision you’ll need to make is choosing your bet.

Ready for something a little more involved? Try blackjack. One popular reason people shy away from blackjack is intimidation. This is nonsense. There is absolutely no need to ever feel intimidated at a table game. Read a quick rundown of the basic strategy, sit on the dealer’s right side (this gives you the maximum time to think about your hand before it’s your turn to play), and enjoy yourself! You’ll pick up on it faster than you think.

If you think table games are too complicated, you’re fooling yourself. Most games are incredibly easy to play. Take craps for example. If you’re not in the know, the game looks daunting! From the betting lingo, to the confusing table layout, to the dice, it seems like a foreign language. But, this game is way too much fun to pass up. Spend five minutes reading up on craps rules, and you’ll be good to go. Jump onto the rail and start with a simple pass bet. From there, slowly expand your arsenal of bets as you watch and learn from others. All in all, craps is extremely social. Not only will your bankroll rise and fall with those around you, 90% of them will be more than willing to teach you a few things as you play the game.

The final step is to go out and explore all the other games that a casino has to offer. Believe it or not, casinos have much more to offer than slots, blackjack, craps, and roulette. Here is an extensive list of Las Vegas casino games. Try something new. You might just find your new favorite game!

Hopefully by now you’re over your fear of table games. If you still don’t feel comfortable, attend a free gambling lesson offered by the casinos. Ask your hotel’s front desk for daily schedules when you check in (they’re usually offered mid-day). In the end, just make sure you don’t miss out on the fun because you were too afraid to give table games shot. Not only are they often a better bet than slot machines, they’re social, and that will only add to your gambling entertainment!

Source: lasvegas hotel hunt

We have rustled up the top spots where you can shoot the breeze or dance up a storm.

Q: Where can I stay to be close to the gay scene?

A: If it’s proximity you’re after, you’ve got a few options. You can stay at the Hard Rock Hotel - it’s just across the street from the gay club loop. If spacious suites are your bag, the Alexis Park Resort is a short stroll from that loop. For variety, try the Sahara or Circus Circus. They’re both a short cab ride or a healthy walk to Commercial Center, another popular bar circuit. And if you’re looking for a resort that caters to the gay scene, we hear the Blue Moon is fabulous.

Q: What are the best gay clubs?

A:Gipsy is one of Vegas’ best dance clubs no matter what your persuasion, rivaled only by the massive Krave, the only “alternative” club on the Strip. They also tell us that Goodtimes and Free Zone are friendly, low-key spots. Plus, the scene is always kicking at Flex on the weekends.And we couldn’t not mention 8 1/2 and Piranha, which boasts a great crowd and great service.

Q: What shows/attractions should I see while I’m here?

A: Everything! But, for starters, check out An Evening at La Cage, it’s no drag. (Wait, yes it is.) Frank Marino and the boys are fabulous. If you like your acrobatics, music and dance colored with a healthy dose of uninhibited eroticism, then Zumanity should be right up your alley. Broadway-type show lovers should be pleased with imports like Mamma Mia! or Phantom - The Las Vegas Spectacular. And to get a behind-the-scenes look at Liberace, stop at the Liberace museum. We’ve never seen so many furs and rhinestones.

Q: What about bars and restaurants?

A: Good question - everyone needs to eat and drink every now and then. For dinner or a drink, Suede Restaurant & Lounge is not to be missed. Free Zone serves up dinner after 6 p.m., and the bar’s open 24 hours. There’s a variety of watering holes catering to different tastes, but some of the favorites are Buffalo,Backdoor Lounge and Spotlight. And word has it Ramrod offers top-notch drinks, music and gaming.

The 4 to 7 a.m. period seems to be a great time to hit the casinos. You have your choice of machines or games, and more personalized attention from the staff. Also you get to see some of the more hard core Vegas characters. I distinctly remember two topless Vegas showgirls walking casually through the casino and sitting down at the bar, laughing and chatting and drinking like any two regular friends, except topless. Don’t know if they forgot they were topless, or just didn’t care. Funny part was that the handful of gamblers at that hour were so hard core and intense that most of them didn’t even look up.

• Spend some time learning about the games you intend to play. If you are willing to blow a $1000, wouldn’t it be a decent idea to spend $10 on a book to learn the basic rules and strategy?
• There is a different angle to every game in the casino. Even with slot machines, a few little tips can go a long way toward helping you hold on to your money longer.
• If you play games of skill such as Blackjack or Video Poker, try to learn at least a basic form of strategy for your game. It can make all the difference between having money to gamble all vacation or busting out on your first night.
• You can purchase simple strategy cards at most casino gift shops. For a more extensive selection, check out Shop LVA or Gambler’s General Store. Don’t feel intimidated about using them at the tables; most places don’t care, especially at low stakes.
• Games to avoid… Casino War, the Big Six wheel and crazy bets at the Craps table like hard-ways. These bets have a very high house edge and will kill you fast.
• Always sign up for the slot club or ask to be “rated” at the tables. The worst thing that can happen is the casinos will give you free stuff. I often receive offers in the mail for cheap or free rooms after playing a little while years ago.
• If possible, consolidate your gambling to just a few casinos. It is better to play $100 at a single casino than to play $20 at 5 casinos.