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View Full Version : Smallest Sportsbook in the history of Las Vegas Casinos


BettinBilly
10-14-2015, 11:06 PM
OK, so I am in Vegas on my yearly pilgrimage. Unfortunately, the last few years interfered with my annual trek to Saratoga, but that's another story.

I was very fortunate and got an incredible rate at Trump Tower for five nights starting TOMORROW (with lots of sports book action at Wynn), but today, after a VERY long day of travel, I just needed a cheap room. Hooters Casino Hotel had the best rate, so I figured, why not? For one night? And, they purportedly had a William Hill Sports Book. Not bad for a super cheap rate for one night.

The Hooters Casino if you have never been there is very small. Probably 1/20th the size of any of the other casinos, but if you are looking for inexpensive, easy to check in after a long flight, and an intimate casino atmosphere, it's not too bad. Just don't expect MGM Grand. That's across the street.

The William Hill Sports Book at Hooters Las Vegas without a doubt has to be the smallest sports book in Vegas history. Bar none. It's about three or four cocktail tables in a tiny room about the size of a large bathroom. No joke. A tiny counter with one agent manning the betting, and four or five large screens. That's it. 10 people in that room would be overwhelming.

The only saving grace is that it's right off the Hooters Bar, so you really can sit in the bar instead of the claustrophobic sports book.

Think I'm kidding?

Here you go. This is the entire book area;

https://irs1.4sqi.net/img/general/width960/E-YqLwLyUY_zKlG1apytRgGKxY-urbiZzdsh6PjSP8c.jpg

elhelmete
10-14-2015, 11:55 PM
Next time, get the old Hilton, now the Westgate, $40 rooms and one of the best sports and race books.

thaskalos
10-14-2015, 11:59 PM
How much did you pay for the "cheap room"?

BettinBilly
10-15-2015, 12:18 AM
$29 per night.

As I posted, it's just a one-nighter. My flight here was horribly re-routed, so I just wanted to check in and get to sleep after 12 hours in transit. I'm checking in to Trump Towers tomorrow and parking myself at Wynn's Sportsbook for a day or two, since it's basically across the street from Trump, and I happen to like the Book there.

I actually like Southpoint's Sportsbook as well. I will probably hit that one up later this weekend.

macguy
10-15-2015, 08:47 AM
How'd you manage to get it for $29?
Seems like that's almost half price.

upthecreek
10-15-2015, 09:15 AM
Next time, get the old Hilton, now the Westgate, $40 rooms and one of the best sports and race books.


I dont know how you got that this is the best i could find for BC wekennd

BettinBilly
10-15-2015, 09:57 AM
How'd you manage to get it for $29?
Seems like that's almost half price.

Found it on Hotels.com or cheaptickets. I use both and can't remember exactly which one.

Like all Vegas "Resorts" Hooters charges an additional "Resort Fee" when you check in of $18.00 a day. They all do that so it's no surprise, some are up to $25 a day.

You have to check Cheaptickets daily because the price fluctuates wildly. I have found Luxor and Excalibur (Usually the two cheapest semi-decent resort casinos) for as low as $29 a night. You have to jump on it when you find it because it can go up to $39 or $49 the next day. Those two resorts always send me email because I'm on their "Club" list. I often see $35.00 a night from one of them in an email offer. For this trip, I also found Circus Circus at $35.00 a night, but I wanted a small hotel cheap room for ONE night just to rest. I was too tired to deal with a huge resort check in and finding elevators in a huge casino after a long day of travel. Hooters is so small, you can walk from one end of the casino to the other in 2 minutes. The fact that Hoots has a tiny casino and the world's smallest sport book was just a plus for me for a few hours before I passed out from exhaustion.

Anyway, the point of the thread was not how cheap you can find a room, but the small size of the Sports Book at Hooters. This place is not really for me. If you like looking at 21 year old Hooters Girls then you'd like it. Surprisingly, the crowd here is not just young 20 year olds. Most of the guys are my age, 50 plus. Some businessmen too. I guess cheap rooms appeal to everyone. The rooms are "Marginal". They need a good cleaning and my floor's rug was not vacuumed. At least the beds were made with fresh linen. For the price, I'm not bitching. Hooters is the closest Casino to the airport by about 100 yards. MGM Grand is across the street. Cab ride was 15 bucks. I was at the hotel in under 10 minutes at 5:30 pm rush hour. The front desk was not busy. I was in my room in about 10 minutes from the time I walked in the casino door.

Another amusing side-bit. When you sign up for the "Hooters Play Club" or whatever they call it, they give you a whopping $5.00 in match play for your first $5.00 gambled on casino tables, no slots. Five bucks. Well, I guess it's better than nothing.

Also, Hooters purportedly has a 50 cent Roulette table. I'll have to check that out before I leave for Trump Towers today. I did notice the Roulette table was uncommonly busy compared to the rest of the gaming tables.

bello
10-15-2015, 10:29 AM
Looks like some f the early NYC OTBs. BTW, they can be more fun than isolating yourself at a Carrel. Get to mingle with fellow degenerates. No offense of course, I don't know you, speaking about myself.

BettinBilly
10-15-2015, 11:18 AM
Looks like some f the early NYC OTBs. BTW, they can be more fun than isolating yourself at a Carrel. Get to mingle with fellow degenerates. No offense of course, I don't know you, speaking about myself.

Good point, Bello. Yes, you have no choice BUT to mingle when you are sitting shoulder to shoulder with the other player. I'm not anti-social so it's all good.

I have to check out at 11:00 AM today and can't check in to Trump until 3:00 PM at the earliest, so I'll check my bags, play the 50 cent Roulette, and then hit the tiny Sports Book until 3 PM.

Thanks for the post. I now have a new attitude of this tiny Sports Book

PICSIX
10-15-2015, 03:53 PM
https://www.westgatedestinations.com/images/westgate-las-vegas-resort-casino/Race-Superbook_740x498.jpg

From Website:

Race Book Features
Home of "Pick the Ponies" horse handicapping tournaments
LED screens at every seat
Enhanced VIP section with upgraded amenities, including 15" LCD screens at every VIP seat, spacious desk space, and comfortable seating
Expanded track menu including Thoroughbreds, Greyhounds, and Harness racing
A fully stocked bar, cocktail service, and convenient food options at the SuperBookŪ Deli
Multiple big-screens, with a massive 15' x 20' screen
Friendly professional staff prepared to explain all betting combinations
Liberal comp system
IPT terminals available to wager from your seat
Convenient parking right outside the door, including reserved, covered parking for VIP Race & Sports players

Red Knave
10-15-2015, 05:13 PM
The Hooters Casino
This is the entire book area;
That hotel has changed hands a few times in the last 20 years. I stayed there in the early 90's when it was the San Remo and I don't remember there being a sports book at all.
That one is small but there are a few that rival it still. Try Casino Royale or Ellis Island. O'Shea's had a pretty small one before the refurb to the Linq.

Anyway, how long are you in Vegas? I'll be there Tuesday for a couple weeks.

horses4courses
10-15-2015, 08:18 PM
I'm checking in to Trump Towers tomorrow and parking myself at Wynn's Sportsbook for a day or two

You know, some have said similar to that and ended up making Vegas home.

Like the Don Henley song You can check out any time you like, but you can never leave

Good luck ;)

tanner12oz
10-15-2015, 09:16 PM
Can trade in your comp points for smokes,beer and a steak there. My dad liked it there I thought it was kinda tired.

macguy
10-15-2015, 10:32 PM
Found it on Hotels.com or cheaptickets. I use both and can't remember exactly which one.

Like all Vegas "Resorts" Hooters charges an additional "Resort Fee" when you check in of $18.00 a day. They all do that so it's no surprise, some are up to $25 a day.

You have to check Cheaptickets daily because the price fluctuates wildly. I have found Luxor and Excalibur (Usually the two cheapest semi-decent resort casinos) for as low as $29 a night. You have to jump on it when you find it because it can go up to $39 or $49 the next day. Those two resorts always send me email because I'm on their "Club" list. I often see $35.00 a night from one of them in an email offer. For this trip, I also found Circus Circus at $35.00 a night, but I wanted a small hotel cheap room for ONE night just to rest. I was too tired to deal with a huge resort check in and finding elevators in a huge casino after a long day of travel. Hooters is so small, you can walk from one end of the casino to the other in 2 minutes. The fact that Hoots has a tiny casino and the world's smallest sport book was just a plus for me for a few hours before I passed out from exhaustion.

Anyway, the point of the thread was not how cheap you can find a room, but the small size of the Sports Book at Hooters. This place is not really for me. If you like looking at 21 year old Hooters Girls then you'd like it. Surprisingly, the crowd here is not just young 20 year olds. Most of the guys are my age, 50 plus. Some businessmen too. I guess cheap rooms appeal to everyone. The rooms are "Marginal". They need a good cleaning and my floor's rug was not vacuumed. At least the beds were made with fresh linen. For the price, I'm not bitching. Hooters is the closest Casino to the airport by about 100 yards. MGM Grand is across the street. Cab ride was 15 bucks. I was at the hotel in under 10 minutes at 5:30 pm rush hour. The front desk was not busy. I was in my room in about 10 minutes from the time I walked in the casino door.

Another amusing side-bit. When you sign up for the "Hooters Play Club" or whatever they call it, they give you a whopping $5.00 in match play for your first $5.00 gambled on casino tables, no slots. Five bucks. Well, I guess it's better than nothing.

Also, Hooters purportedly has a 50 cent Roulette table. I'll have to check that out before I leave for Trump Towers today. I did notice the Roulette table was uncommonly busy compared to the rest of the gaming tables.

Thanks for all the good info. :ThmbUp:

Hambletonian
10-16-2015, 09:24 PM
Westgate and William Hill have the most games on the board, and generally offer game, first half and second half wagering for every game in the board.

for a betting person, they are the best by far.

i also recommend opening an account with William Hill or Cantor Gaming so you can make bets inside of Nevada with your smart phone. It is very very very convenient, you can go have dinner and not miss out on a bet.

tanner12oz
10-16-2015, 09:28 PM
Thanks for all the good info. :ThmbUp:

low blackjack minimum compared to the rest if the strip

Hoofless_Wonder
10-17-2015, 05:48 AM
Little Caesar's sportsbook was about the same size as Hooter's, with fewer TVs. They would take HUGE bets though. Used to pop in there in the late 1980s now and then shopping for lines on a football weekend. My buddy from Chicago LOVED to play the don't come line on their craps table, 'cause he thought the dice were loaded. And based on his results, I think he was right.....

TheGarMan
10-17-2015, 09:08 AM
Kind of nice to see so many young guys hanging in that Sportsbook... :)

BettinBilly
10-17-2015, 06:23 PM
That hotel has changed hands a few times in the last 20 years. I stayed there in the early 90's when it was the San Remo and I don't remember there being a sports book at all.
That one is small but there are a few that rival it still. Try Casino Royale or Ellis Island. O'Shea's had a pretty small one before the refurb to the Linq.

Anyway, how long are you in Vegas? I'll be there Tuesday for a couple weeks.

Hey Red. Thanks.

I'm headed to Lake Havasu, AZ on Tuesday. Too bad we could not link up. I'm coming back to Vegas on Friday, but only for one night to catch my return flight.

Enjoy your Vegas Trip! Mine has been incredibly good so far! It cooled off here for the weekend, highs now only in mid to upper 70's. When I arrived it was in the 90's. They are saying outstanding weather through the next couple of weeks with highs back in the 80's.

Pensacola Pete
10-17-2015, 06:34 PM
Many of the Leroy's franchise outlets are as small. I haven't been to Vegas in a few years, but two that come to mind are in the 4 Queens and Fitzgerald's (now "The D").

Like Hooters, those are service books and only there to encourage people who want to get a bet down to stay at that hotel and patronize the rest of the casino and various "amenities."

BettinBilly
10-17-2015, 06:41 PM
Thanks for all the good tips and responses on Vegas Books, guys. Much appreciated.

I spent a little bit of time at the Books in Caesars Palace, Venetian, Cosmopolitan, and a few others on this trip this time just to "REVISIT" the scene and see how they all might have changed. They all have pluses and minuses, and very little changes from year to year. For me, I just happen to really like Wynn's Book. It's laid out nicely for a Horseplayer, and well appointed with a bit of an "Executive Board Room" appeal to it. Plus, it's an easy walk from Trump if you stay there. If you are a Hilton Vacation Club member, or are "considering" it, you can get into Trump for peanuts. I mean pennies on the dollar. It's why I'm staying here. It's an amazing suite that I have for less than I could get a standard room for elsewhere on the strip.

For the Horseplayer at Wynn:
A bulk of the main book area screens are dedicated to track coverage. If you open a Wynn Red Card Account for comps, they do comp you back 3% of your bets. I know that's not huge, but why not take it? You just have to remember to give the teller your Red Card when you place the bet or you are out. I sometimes forget, and it's usually on the large bets. Like other sports books, the DRF's are always free and the cocktail waitresses are friendly and easy on the eyes. Wynn just does a nice job. I happen to be a fan of Steve Wynn. I like the way he runs his business and his employees convey that professional attitude to the players in his casino and book. It's my home away from home I guess.

As Horses4Courses eluded to earlier in this thread;
Easy to check in, hard to leave at Wynn for me. ;)

thespaah
10-17-2015, 11:46 PM
Little Caesar's sportsbook was about the same size as Hooter's, with fewer TVs. They would take HUGE bets though. Used to pop in there in the late 1980s now and then shopping for lines on a football weekend. My buddy from Chicago LOVED to play the don't come line on their craps table, 'cause he thought the dice were loaded. And based on his results, I think he was right.....
I saw a guy play this bet. I was a rank novice at craps and was trying to learn the basics before playing.
The guy placing the don't come bet got some dirty looks from the other players.
I asked my friend what the deal was..He said maybe they don't like it when someone is betting against the shooter. He also said people don't like it when someone plays "any seven"....Odd lot, these gamblers.

MonmouthParkJoe
10-18-2015, 03:17 PM
Just booked a five night comped stay at Paris in January. Looking forward to playing at the Wynn. I haven't been to Vegas in a couple years so I was still surprised to see I was even able to get a comp room let alone five nights

I had the options of Paris, Harrahs, Ballys, Linq, and Rio all comped in upgraded rooms for the time I am going. I think I made the right choice by selecting Paris. Some King minisuite there. Anyone else think I should be at any of the other properties?

SandyW
10-18-2015, 05:30 PM
Just booked a five night comped stay at Paris in January. Looking forward to playing at the Wynn. I haven't been to Vegas in a couple years so I was still surprised to see I was even able to get a comp room let alone five nights

I had the options of Paris, Harrahs, Ballys, Linq, and Rio all comped in upgraded rooms for the time I am going. I think I made the right choice by selecting Paris. Some King minisuite there. Anyone else think I should be at any of the other properties?

Good choice, connects with Bally's, walking distance to many of Las Vegas's top casino's, great buffet at Paris.


https://www.caesars.com/paris-las-vegas/restaurants/le-village-buffet#.ViQRtiuaWBU

tanner12oz
10-18-2015, 08:26 PM
Just booked a five night comped stay at Paris in January. Looking forward to playing at the Wynn. I haven't been to Vegas in a couple years so I was still surprised to see I was even able to get a comp room let alone five nights

I had the options of Paris, Harrahs, Ballys, Linq, and Rio all comped in upgraded rooms for the time I am going. I think I made the right choice by selecting Paris. Some King minisuite there. Anyone else think I should be at any of the other properties?

Paris breakfast Buffett is excellent

MonmouthParkJoe
10-18-2015, 10:30 PM
Considering I normally just get bacon and a couple juice eggs, im pretty easy to please.

BettinBilly
10-22-2015, 05:40 PM
I really like Paris, Monmoth. Great choice. Nice and convenient, and really close to Wynn. I'm into swimming for exercise in the mornings before I head to the Sports Books and they have a nice pool area there. Also, I really like the bar in the mini Eiffel Tower. I'm not much of a drinker, but I'll go there and have a Martini after a day of racing. I typically don't eat there because it's too expensive, but if you do eat in the Eiffel Tower Restaurant, sit at the window overlooking the Bellagio Fountains. Best view of the Fountain Show in Vegas.

I sometimes head to New York, New York casino for dinner. Their Sports Book is nothing to get too excited about, but it's workable. It's very near that casino's "restaurant row" and as a former New Yorker I can testify that the Pizza is right up to our standards. I usually get a slice and a salad for dinner.

Just for kicks, I checked Hotels.com and today they are featuring Circus Circus at $25 a night. I went to just about every major casino's Book this trip and still prefer Wynn the best. I stayed at Trump this time (great pool there too) but walked to Wynn every day. I had a GREAT time. Hope you do too.

ENJOY!

MonmouthParkJoe
10-22-2015, 11:14 PM
I used to be big into power lifting. I promise this is going somewhere relevant. Competed for many years coming out of college where I started doing strong man competitions. Fast forward to the present. I am 33, and have a ton of injuries from doing it. This past August since coming to Arizona, ive gotten back into it. Dropped like 55 pounds, but everyday is a struggle in terms of recuperating.

Which leads me into the vegas pool situation. I know most are outdoors, but in January it should be pretty brisk there if I remember correctly. Are the paris pools heated or have a hot tub? Helps take stress off my joints, especially when I plan to be at the Wynn for hours on end.

I always loved the hard rock for atmosphere but Wynn seems like the place to play, so I am in there like swim wear. Good tip on the pizza, severely lacking here in AZ. Looking forward to it

Red Knave
10-23-2015, 11:09 AM
I promise this is going somewhere relevant. :)
Are the paris pools heated or have a hot tub? Helps take stress off my joints, especially when I plan to be at the Wynn for hours on end. THe pool at Paris is on the rooftop. It's open all year but probably just daytime when you are there. It's heated to 83F according to someone that works there.

elhelmete
10-23-2015, 11:17 AM
I always loved the hard rock for atmosphere but Wynn seems like the place to play, so I am in there like swim wear. Good tip on the pizza, severely lacking here in AZ. Looking forward to it

If you're wandering around and hungry for NY pizza, check out the "secret" pizzeria in the Cosmo. It's not hard to find in this Google age.

olddaddy
10-23-2015, 12:11 PM
I go back to playing horses at the rosebowl and churchill downs in vegas, I remember the so called sports book at the landmark which was literally a hole in the wall. This looks nice compared to that.

I just remembered the castaways also which was another hole in the wall but had nickel lines on baseball games.

tanner12oz
10-23-2015, 12:12 PM
Considering I normally just get bacon and a couple juice eggs, im pretty easy to please.

the breads and pastries were excellent..also had some eggs with smoked salmon lox that was superb.

tanner12oz
10-23-2015, 12:14 PM
I really like Paris, Monmoth. Great choice. Nice and convenient, and really close to Wynn. I'm into swimming for exercise in the mornings before I head to the Sports Books and they have a nice pool area there. Also, I really like the bar in the mini Eiffel Tower. I'm not much of a drinker, but I'll go there and have a Martini after a day of racing. I typically don't eat there because it's too expensive, but if you do eat in the Eiffel Tower Restaurant, sit at the window overlooking the Bellagio Fountains. Best view of the Fountain Show in Vegas.

I sometimes head to New York, New York casino for dinner. Their Sports Book is nothing to get too excited about, but it's workable. It's very near that casino's "restaurant row" and as a former New Yorker I can testify that the Pizza is right up to our standards. I usually get a slice and a salad for dinner.

Just for kicks, I checked Hotels.com and today they are featuring Circus Circus at $25 a night. I went to just about every major casino's Book this trip and still prefer Wynn the best. I stayed at Trump this time (great pool there too) but walked to Wynn every day. I had a GREAT time. Hope you do too.

ENJOY!

circus circus is kinda in no mans land

BettinBilly
10-23-2015, 03:01 PM
I used to be big into power lifting. I promise this is going somewhere relevant. Competed for many years coming out of college where I started doing strong man competitions. Fast forward to the present. I am 33, and have a ton of injuries from doing it. This past August since coming to Arizona, ive gotten back into it. Dropped like 55 pounds, but everyday is a struggle in terms of recuperating.

Which leads me into the vegas pool situation. I know most are outdoors, but in January it should be pretty brisk there if I remember correctly. Are the paris pools heated or have a hot tub? Helps take stress off my joints, especially when I plan to be at the Wynn for hours on end.

I always loved the hard rock for atmosphere but Wynn seems like the place to play, so I am in there like swim wear. Good tip on the pizza, severely lacking here in AZ. Looking forward to it

All the pools I have been in are heated. Always above 81 degrees. Trump's pool was 83, and I know Paris is heated as well. There is a hot tub. Most resorts have them. My S.O. loves to go for a swim, then she loves to get in the Hot Tub, so I always know where there is a Hot Tub.

The Pizza I enjoyed was at New York, New York in restaurant row right by the Sports Book. It's SIRRICO'S PIZZA. Cafeteria style. You grab a tray, order a slice or two and proceed down the counter for salad and drinks. They are more than happy to re-heat any pie for you, but it's always hot enough for me.

You can actually sit at the Sports Book and eat if you want since it's right there, but they have lots of tables in the NY, NY back alley section as if you were sitting behind the restaurant in NY. New York New York's Sports Book is not bad, it's just narrow and rather small. But it's workable.