My Yearly Vegas Trip (Sports Books) in January

[BettinBilly]

Aloha!

I trek to Vegas every January, mostly for the Sports Books. Unlike most Hawaiians, I don't stay at the California Hotel and Casino. I mix it up.

Oddly, I don't stay at the Wynn, although that is my favorite Sports Book. I tend to spend most of my time at that book. It's just done right IMO. I like Everything about Steve Wynn's hotels.

SWMBO loves the Luxor (she likes all things Egyptian), but this year wanted to stay at New York, New York. Meh, no biggie in my mind. I've stayed at everything from Hooters to Trump Tower. As long as I'm in Vegas I'm a Happy Horseplayer.

So this year I'll try and hang around the NY, NY Sports Book. It's relatively small. Something like 12 spots for Horseplayers? But what the heck. I love the Pizza at the Pizza Shop there (very close to the Sports Book) and if it's small there will be little competition at the betting windows. We'll see if I can deal with it long-term or if I migrate to the Wynn after the first day.

Anyone have any new tips on Sports Books in Vegas? Always open to suggestions.

Mahalo!

-Billy

[therussmeister]

Well I had to go to google to decipher your post. I had no idea what SWMBO meant, maybe because I'm not married.

Having accomplished that I have nothing to add, as usual.

[VigorsTheGrey]

Well I had to go to google to decipher your post. I had no idea what SWMBO meant, maybe because I'm not married.

Having accomplished that I have nothing to add, as usual.

Not knowing either (SWMBO) lets guess: Gee, I best look it up:lol:
I miss the humor, russmeister, where have you been lately?

By the way, that isn't a picture of you as a child is it...? He looks rather, well, skeptical already...

[SandyW]

SWMBO = She Who Must Be Obeyed

[olddaddy]

My favorite is South Point. Separate horse and sports books. Both books are nice size.

[cj]

Westgate was the best of those I visited in July, and it was ahead by many lengths.

[MonmouthParkJoe]

If you are at the NYNY book and plan on betting any kind of money, ask to be tracked. They literally give you anything you want with enough play compared to some of the other places.

Wynn I like but one thing I don't get is the drink coupon policy. You have to wait for a waitress even though there is a bar in the middle of the place. I always stayed and played at Bellagio.

[elhelmete]

Westgate was the best of those I visited in July, and it was ahead by many lengths.

That's my favorite one too BY FAR...but they desperately need to get their food situation squared away.

[HPFridays]

SWMBO = She Who Must Be Obeyed

Thanks, I didn't know that one either, sure is much better than Single White Male Body Odor.

[BettinBilly]

Westgate was the best of those I visited in July, and it was ahead by many lengths.

Thanks CJ. Oddly, I have never played the book at Westgate. I've been there of course, but just never sat down and played. I'll have to do that this trip. When I stayed at Trump Tower, I used to walk there. It's a bit far from NYNY Casino, but that's why Taxi Cabs were invented.

[BettinBilly]

If you are at the NYNY book and plan on betting any kind of money, ask to be tracked. They literally give you anything you want with enough play compared to some of the other places.

Wynn I like but one thing I don't get is the drink coupon policy. You have to wait for a waitress even though there is a bar in the middle of the place. I always stayed and played at Bellagio.

Thanks for the tip on NYNY. Will do.

[BettinBilly]

My favorite is South Point. Separate horse and sports books. Both books are nice size.

One year I went to South Point and spent almost my entire week there. The place is huge. They even have a full-on bowling alley and an AMC movie theater inside. The sports book is immense and certainly caters to horseplayers. It's not "Plush" like Wynn, but it's nice. And you can't beat the 50 cent hot dogs they sell at the stand near the sports book. Or are they 75 cents now? Either way, they are great for the price.

[BettinBilly]

WHOA! I just saw that Wynn totally renovated their Sports Book this last Summer. I viewed the pics of the new book and it's vastly different from what it was. Not my style.

I guess it's NYNY and Westgate this year.

[olddaddy]

One year I went to South Point and spent almost my entire week there. The place is huge. They even have a full-on bowling alley and an AMC movie theater inside. The sports book is immense and certainly caters to horseplayers. It's not "Plush" like Wynn, but it's nice. And you can't beat the 50 cent hot dogs they sell at the stand near the sports book. Or are they 75 cents now? Either way, they are great for the price.


The hot dogs are up a 1.25, still dont think thats a deal breaker.

[TheGarMan]

Westgate was the best of those I visited in July, and it was ahead by many lengths.

Another vote here for the Westgate...

I was out again 3 weeks ago, and spent time in about 5-6 different sportsbooks...

The nickname at the Westgate is the "Superbook" and rightly so...

As an FYI, you will get 1 free drink ticket at the Westgate with every $50 spent on football , but that jumps to a free drink for every $10 wagered on the horses! :ThmbUp:

I watched many football guys regularly play a horse favorite to "show" simply to collect their free drink... LOL

Enjoy!

Gar

[cj]

WHOA! I just saw that Wynn totally renovated their Sports Book this last Summer. I viewed the pics of the new book and it's vastly different from what it was. Not my style.

I guess it's NYNY and Westgate this year.

I did pass through NYNY and frankly it looked awful. Maybe they treat you well though and that does count for a lot.

[RunForTheRoses]

I did pass through NYNY and frankly it looked awful. Maybe they treat you well though and that does count for a lot.

I went there a couple of years ago and overall liked it. Got all racing forms free, got a food comp, drinks were plentiful. Wasn't very crowded for getting bets in, tellers were kinda bored and helpful. The negatives are that it is small. If you bet sports you had to crane your neck to watch certain games. If it is crowded and you sit in the back row (there are only two rows) touristy folks passing by, waiting for people using the restrooms or just having a look, will be RIGHT on top of you. I liked it overall and would go again.

[BettinBilly]

The hot dogs are up a 1.25, still dont think thats a deal breaker.

Definitely not a deal breaker but that's a huge jump over 50 cents. Must be a change in thinking. They used to use the cheap hot dogs as a lost leader as a way to keep you in the casino gambling without having to go get food. Some floor manager probably realized, "HEY! There are hundreds of people lining up for these dogs. Let's hike the price 150 percent and actually make money on them."

I do like the race book at South Point, but it's a bit too "bright" for me. Like being in a large office. My favorite books have a "Clubby" feel to them. That's why I really LOVED Wynn. It was like a supper club in New York. Unfortunately, that's shot to heck now with their remodel. Westgate is a bit clubby (although larger than Wynn) so I'll probably hang there quite a bit.

[BettinBilly]

I did pass through NYNY and frankly it looked awful. Maybe they treat you well though and that does count for a lot.

Thanks CJ. I agree, it's not "pretty" by any stretch of the imagination, but the comps are decent and because it's relatively small the windows are usually open with no issues placing bets. And I'm staying at NYNY so it's convenient.

Based on your recommendation and others, I see myself hanging at Westgate most of the time this trip. As I posted earlier, I really like "Club" atmosphere books and even though Westgate is big, it has the clubby atmosphere I like.

-Billy

PS, one year I stayed at Hooters during a trip I now call "Super Budget". I think I got the room for $29 a night. Something like that. Anyway, I tried playing Hooters book. TINY! ONE betting window and two tables crammed into a room about 15 x 15 feet. I posted a thread about it and took a few pics two or three years ago here on PA. So NYNY (compared to Hooters) is actually not a bad book. ;)

[olddaddy]

Another book is Eastside Cannery. Its not the cleanest but lots of seats available on a sunday. I got a DRF for free which is unusual now a days for a nickel and dimer. Im not one for ambiance since I go way back to playing at the Rose Bowl and Churchill in vegas.

[MonmouthParkJoe]

Thanks CJ. I agree, it's not "pretty" by any stretch of the imagination, but the comps are decent and because it's relatively small the windows are usually open with no issues placing bets. And I'm staying at NYNY so it's convenient.

Based on your recommendation and others, I see myself hanging at Westgate most of the time this trip. As I posted earlier, I really like "Club" atmosphere books and even though Westgate is big, it has the clubby atmosphere I like.

-Billy

PS, one year I stayed at Hooters during a trip I now call "Super Budget". I think I got the room for $29 a night. Something like that. Anyway, I tried playing Hooters book. TINY! ONE betting window and two tables crammed into a room about 15 x 15 feet. I posted a thread about it and took a few pics two or three years ago here on PA. So NYNY (compared to Hooters) is actually not a bad book. ;)

Hooters is miserable haha. I used to get comped rooms there when I decided to play blackjack one night after grabbing some wings. Definitely not my first choice.

Only thing I disliked about the vegas books was the time difference from the east coast and the tracks i like to play. Once I settle in and start to imbibe, my day is basically over by 5pm :D

[Hambletonian]

Download the William Hill Sports app on your smart phone, fund the account when you arrive, and then you will be able to bet whatever you want, whenever you want from wherever you happen to be. First half, second half, in game, parlays, round robins, you name it.

No need to plan your trip around being in a sports book.

Frankly, the books don't want you there either. Went to the Westgate to bet the women's NCAA tournament and the two mile long line to the window featured a sign ever ten feet advertising their app.

If they can get everyone to use the apps, no need to have tellers--and people will make more impulse bets.

[BettinBilly]

I understand that the William Hill app is convenient. I've been an avid ADW Wagering guy since the inception of them. I'll consider the App, however most ADW apps would work, as most do not actively read IP address to verify your location.

And even if they did, if you are technically savvy enough, you can ghost an IP address to another state. Based on this, you can just sit in a Vegas Book and use many ADW services on your phone or tablet. I sometimes do this when I'm at the track if the lines are long at the windows or if my capping takes too long and I am in a rush to place a bet at the last minute.

But the magic of being at a Vegas Book to me and the reason I like to go to a Vegas Sports Book in the first place is because it is a real place where I can interact with real people in a very nice atmosphere. I have the opportunity to physically place bets and get drinks and food and enjoy myself in a nice public betting location where other Horseplayers (hopefully) will be doing the same.

We seem to be a dwindling crowd, so being among my brethren is appealing to me. As is actually being in a nice sports book. Variety is the spice of life.

[SandyW]

I understand that the William Hill app is convenient. I've been an avid ADW Wagering guy since the inception of them. I'll consider the App, however most ADW apps would work, as most do not actively read IP address to verify your location.

And even if they did, if you are technically savvy enough, you can ghost an IP address to another state. Based on this, you can just sit in a Vegas Book and use many ADW services on your phone or tablet. I sometimes do this when I'm at the track if the lines are long at the windows or if my capping takes too long and I am in a rush to place a bet at the last minute.

But the magic of being at a Vegas Book to me and the reason I like to go to a Vegas Sports Book in the first place is because it is a real place where I can interact with real people in a very nice atmosphere. I have the opportunity to physically place bets and get drinks and food and enjoy myself in a nice public betting location where other Horseplayers (hopefully) will be doing the same.

We seem to be a dwindling crowd, so being among my brethren is appealing to me. As is actually being in a nice sports book. Variety is the spice of life.
Racebook ADW"S in the state of Nevada use a GPS locator to verify that the phone you are using is in the state of Nevada.
The phone must physical be in Nevada or the ADW will not work.

[LemonSoupKid]

Can you play pick 4s or higher at Vegas race books and get the track odds? Or are they capped?

[SandyW]

Can you play pick 4s or higher at Vegas race books and get the track odds? Or are they capped?

No caps, all bets are pari-mutual and are comingled with the track pools.
Just like you are going to the window at your favorite track.

[BettinBilly]

Racebook ADW"S in the state of Nevada use a GPS locator to verify that the phone you are using is in the state of Nevada.
The phone must physical be in Nevada or the ADW will not work.

Understood. I was talking about using nationwide ADW services not Vegas book ADWs. Many have tried using some of the popular nationwide ADWs in non-ADW states with success as some do not check the ip address or use gps to verify your state.... yet. One popular ADW simply asks you what state you are currently in, but many have tested it in non-ADW states with success.

Meh, no biggie to me anyway. I'm not going to Vegas and using an ADW. That's not my style. Part of the charm of a Vegas book for me is walking up to the betting window and keeping my Bet-Placement-Vernacular (BPV) up to snuff. :ThmbUp: I'll save the ADW for when I'm home.

[Inner Dirt]

I did pass through NYNY and frankly it looked awful. Maybe they treat you well though and that does count for a lot.

Back when I was going every weekend from Southern California during football season and pushing a decent amount of money through the windows (average $10k a day) my friends and I never gave a crap about atmosphere, it was all about the perks. We usually went to Laughlin instead of Vegas, a dozen years ago that play got my friends and I royal treatment in Laughlin, in Vegas we were just peons.

[ldiatone]

Westgate was the best of those I visited in July, and it was ahead by many lengths.

agree:ThmbUp:

[MonmouthParkJoe]

Back when I was going every weekend from Southern California during football season and pushing a decent amount of money through the windows (average $10k a day) my friends and I never gave a crap about atmosphere, it was all about the perks. We usually went to Laughlin instead of Vegas, a dozen years ago that play got my friends and I royal treatment in Laughlin, in Vegas we were just peons.


$10k a day at the Bellagio on horses will get you a room for the weekend, unlimited drinks at the book bar, and usually dinner spend up to around $300 a night.

$10k a day at NYNY or hooters and they would name a floor of the hotel after you haha.

[Inner Dirt]

$10k a day at the Bellagio on horses will get you a room for the weekend, unlimited drinks at the book bar, and usually dinner spend up to around $300 a night.

$10k a day at NYNY or hooters and they would name a floor of the hotel after you haha.


When? Maybe we picked the wrong sportsbook. It was pre-recession during the So-Cal real estate boom. I am sure casinos are a lot more desperate now to attract players. I don't remember all the sportsbooks we were in, we hopped around. It was the first time I ever heard of drink coupons. I only went to Vegas a couple times in the early 2,000s for some bachelor parties.
I had been a Vegas regular from 1979-1986 till I discovered Laughlin. Only went back to Vegas a couple times after that.

[MonmouthParkJoe]

When? Maybe we picked the wrong sportsbook. It was pre-recession during the So-Cal real estate boom. I am sure casinos are a lot more desperate now to attract players. I don't remember all the sportsbooks we were in, we hopped around. It was the first time I ever heard of drink coupons. I only went to Vegas a couple times in the early 2,000s for some bachelor parties.
I had been a Vegas regular from 1979-1986 till I discovered Laughlin. Only went back to Vegas a couple times after that.

Before I left Arizona this past May I was there just about every other weekend. Quick 6.5 hours from Old Pueblo. Now that I am back east I wont go for a while.

I really just shopped around between books. Some will rate you and work with you, others wont. Told them if I did $10k in handle per day what could I expect. Even at a 20% blended take, and say a 7 % average host fee, they are still making risk free money. Perks go up with each milestone.

Caesars properties could care less. Bellagio, Wynn will treat you good. I think a lot depends on how their comps roll up in expense reporting. drink tickets or comped dinners in some places hit the F&B line for the casino, so any additional cash the book can make just makes them look better.

[BettinBilly]

When? Maybe we picked the wrong sportsbook. It was pre-recession during the So-Cal real estate boom. I am sure casinos are a lot more desperate now to attract players. I don't remember all the sportsbooks we were in, we hopped around. It was the first time I ever heard of drink coupons. I only went to Vegas a couple times in the early 2,000s for some bachelor parties.
I had been a Vegas regular from 1979-1986 till I discovered Laughlin. Only went back to Vegas a couple times after that.

Funny you should mention Laughlin. I've never stayed there, although I have driven through many times as I sometimes drive from Vegas to Lake Havasu and back, and Laughlin can be on the way depending on which route you take.

This trip, I'm meeting friends in Laughlin and staying for one night, at Harrah's. It will be interesting to play Harrash's book while there just as a change of pace from Vegas. One of the guy's I'm meeting is a highly functional Aspergers-Savant. Blackjack is his game. I've tried to get him to consider handicapping horses but he has no interest whatsoever. Darn shame. I could use his computer-like brain to help me crunch PPs.

[Inner Dirt]

Funny you should mention Laughlin. I've never stayed there, although I have driven through many times as I sometimes drive from Vegas to Lake Havasu and back, and Laughlin can be on the way depending on which route you take.

This trip, I'm meeting friends in Laughlin and staying for one night, at Harrah's. It will be interesting to play Harrash's book while there just as a change of pace from Vegas. One of the guy's I'm meeting is a highly functional Aspergers-Savant. Blackjack is his game. I've tried to get him to consider handicapping horses but he has no interest whatsoever. Darn shame. I could use his computer-like brain to help me crunch PPs.


I stayed mostly at the Edgewater, most people think it is a dump. I loved the Hickory Pit restaurant, and they have high end rooms that are pretty much reserved for comps, and they are very nice. Maybe things have changed since I was last there about 8 years ago. Back then if you were unaware of the perks of higher end play, the staff would actually seek you out.
I guess I played the big fish in the small pond there and enjoyed it.

[BettinBilly]

I stayed mostly at the Edgewater, most people think it is a dump. I loved the Hickory Pit restaurant, and they have high end rooms that are pretty much reserved for comps, and they are very nice. Maybe things have changed since I was last there about 8 years ago. Back then if you were unaware of the perks of higher end play, the staff would actually seek you out.
I guess I played the big fish in the small pond there and enjoyed it.

Mahalo for the tip! I'll probably check out The Hickory Pit Steakhouse. I haven't had a steak in a long time, so I'll put it on the agenda.

I'm staying at Harrah's Laughlin because SWMBO booked it. She likes to stay at the nicest hotels she can find in an area.... within reason. She's not crazy. If she can get a Hilton for $199 a night she's not paying $299 for a Crown Plaza, but she does like a luxury hotel/room. She'd probably not like the Edgewater, but if I were there alone, I'd check it out. I like to sleep cheap. Heck, I have stayed at Hooters in Vegas in rooms with missing wallpaper and stains on the bead spread and rugs. I've also stayed at the Luxor BEFORE they renovated the rooms. Broken shower stalls, busted furniture, filthy rugs. I've seen it all. The Edgewater would probably not be much worse. All I do is sleep in my room, I don't hang there. My time in Vegas is out and about when I'm awake, so as long as the room is reasonably clean with a working toilet and shower, I'm OK with it.

[elhelmete]

Mahalo for the tip! I'll probably check out The Hickory Pit Steakhouse. I haven't had a steak in a long time, so I'll put it on the agenda.

I'm staying at Harrah's Laughlin because SWMBO booked it. She likes to stay at the nicest hotels she can find in an area.... within reason. She's not crazy. If she can get a Hilton for $199 a night she's not paying $299 for a Crown Plaza, but she does like a luxury hotel/room. She'd probably not like the Edgewater, but if I were there alone, I'd check it out. I like to sleep cheap. Heck, I have stayed at Hooters in Vegas in rooms with missing wallpaper and stains on the bead spread and rugs. I've also stayed at the Luxor BEFORE they renovated the rooms. Broken shower stalls, busted furniture, filthy rugs. I've seen it all. The Edgewater would probably not be much worse. All I do is sleep in my room, I don't hang there. My time in Vegas is out and about when I'm awake, so as long as the room is reasonably clean with a working toilet and shower, I'm OK with it.

I have mostly similar feelings about Vegas hotels. Accordingly, the Westgate (nee' Hilton) is my go-to. Why?

*rooms any night of the year under $100. I can often get under $50.
*clean...though not luxe
*sport/race book is awesome
*off-strip appeals to me for traffic and parking reasons (I drive in from SoCal)

[BettinBilly]

I have mostly similar feelings about Vegas hotels. Accordingly, the Westgate (nee' Hilton) is my go-to. Why?

*rooms any night of the year under $100. I can often get under $50.
*clean...though not luxe
*sport/race book is awesome
*off-strip appeals to me for traffic and parking reasons (I drive in from SoCal)

Thanks.

Yes, I'll probably hang at the Westgate extensively this trip. SWMBO is flying back home early, I'm staying a few extra days. I am probably going to book the Westgate for after she leaves. I've looked at the rates and they are very reasonable.

I hear you on staying off strip. We have typically stayed at Trump Tower for the same reasons. It's quiet and luxurious. We've book a corner suite for under $200. This is a three room suite with full kitchen, dining, living room bedroom and washer/dryer - and a huge hot tub. Off strip, yet it was super close to Wynn where my favorite book was until this recent remodel. It's across from the Mall (Nordstrom entrance) so if you need to shop for something it's a 2 minute walk. I also like eating at Nordstrom Cafe. And parking is easy. On the strip, the easiest parking I remember having is Luxor. Large garage behind the casino with a skyway to walk to the Luxor with your luggage.

We've never stayed at New York New York before and the rooms actually look good (on paper). So when she leaves, I'll move to the Westgate and spend my entire day at the book there. Bathroom breaks and lunch/dinner excluding.

[elhelmete]

Thanks.

Yes, I'll probably hang at the Westgate extensively this trip. SWMBO is flying back home early, I'm staying a few extra days. I am probably going to book the Westgate for after she leaves. I've looked at the rates and they are very reasonable.

I hear you on staying off strip. We have typically stayed at Trump Tower for the same reasons. It's quiet and luxurious. We've book a corner suite for under $200. This is a three room suite with full kitchen, dining, living room bedroom and washer/dryer - and a huge hot tub. Off strip, yet it was super close to Wynn where my favorite book was until this recent remodel. It's across from the Mall (Nordstrom entrance) so if you need to shop for something it's a 2 minute walk. I also like eating at Nordstrom Cafe. And parking is easy. On the strip, the easiest parking I remember having is Luxor. Large garage behind the casino with a skyway to walk to the Luxor with your luggage.

We've never stayed at New York New York before and the rooms actually look good (on paper). So when she leaves, I'll move to the Westgate and spend my entire day at the book there. Bathroom breaks and lunch/dinner excluding.

Food at the Westgate isn't great. There used to be a deli in the book that was actually decent but it's been gone or under renovation that last couple times I've been there.

[Inner Dirt]

Broken shower stalls, busted furniture, filthy rugs. I've seen it all. The Edgewater would probably not be much worse. All I do is sleep in my room, I don't hang there. My time in Vegas is out and about when I'm awake, so as long as the room is reasonably clean with a working toilet and shower, I'm OK with it.

I have only been in the low end rooms at the Edgewater a couple times, I would say they are Motel 6 level, and they all smell like they have been smoked in. I had an elderly friend who was a penny slot player and whenever he was comped a room he insisted the room was on him. He was a good guy and wanted to contribute anyway he could so if I got him a steak and lobster dinner, next day's breakfast was the two free Egg Mcmuffins he scored. Like I said the high end comped rooms are very nice, two bedrooms, huge shower, jacuzzi tubs that could hold 4 people, big sofa and love seat, flat screen TV,
kitchen, stocked bar, etc,etc.

If your SWMBO is like my long term girlfriend she probably wouldn't even walk through the Edgewater, last I was there in 2010 nothing about the place other that the high end comped suites were passed low end. My girlfriend (she is a food snob) even said the Hickory Pit was nothing special, the only person I ever took there that wasn't impressed. We didn't stay there just passed through on the way to a Boulder Dam tour. Girlfriend doesn't gamble, and she hates cigarette smoke. That is fine with me, next trip to a gambling establishment I will go solo. I never fared well trying to entertain females when gambling was handy.

[BettinBilly]

I have only been in the low end rooms at the Edgewater a couple times, I would say they are Motel 6 level, and they all smell like they have been smoked in. I had an elderly friend who was a penny slot player and whenever he was comped a room he insisted the room was on him. He was a good guy and wanted to contribute anyway he could so if I got him a steak and lobster dinner, next day's breakfast was the two free Egg Mcmuffins he scored. Like I said the high end comped rooms are very nice, two bedrooms, huge shower, jacuzzi tubs that could hold 4 people, big sofa and love seat, flat screen TV,
kitchen, stocked bar, etc,etc.

If your SWMBO is like my long term girlfriend she probably wouldn't even walk through the Edgewater, last I was there in 2010 nothing about the place other that the high end comped suites were passed low end. My girlfriend (she is a food snob) even said the Hickory Pit was nothing special, the only person I ever took there that wasn't impressed. We didn't stay there just passed through on the way to a Boulder Dam tour. Girlfriend doesn't gamble, and she hates cigarette smoke. That is fine with me, next trip to a gambling establishment I will go solo. I never fared well trying to entertain females when gambling was handy.

Our girlfriends sound identical. Except mine (who hates cigarette smoke with a passion) ignores it completely in Vegas, because unlike yours, she LOVES playing the slots. Big time. She does budget herself to $100 a day, and typically, she's lucky and plays all week on a C note. I go for horseplaying mostly. I'm not much into cards, Roulette is too random, and I don't understand the strategy of Craps enough to play with intelligence. But as a horseplayer, it's no loss to me. I'm there for food, drink, shows and playing the ponies. Nothing more. Although a few years ago during my BUDGET trip to Hooters, they gave me a $10 Roulette play card. I blindly put $10 on something (as a true beginner) and won a few hundred on one spin. I took the winnings and walked away. I'm smart enough to know it was pure beginners luck, and I had no interest in staying and letting the house win it all back.

But when it comes to hotels, SWMBO likes luxury big time. That's why we typically stay a Trump. We always get a luxury suite (usually a corner suite) consisting of three large rooms and two bathrooms with all the perks. I'm surprised she opted for New York New York this trip, but as I said, the rooms actually look very good on paper. I'm anxious to see if they are that nice when we actually get there.

[clicknow]

Another vote here for the Westgate...

I was out again 3 weeks ago, and spent time in about 5-6 different sportsbooks...

The nickname at the Westgate is the "Superbook" and rightly so...

As an FYI, you will get 1 free drink ticket at the Westgate with every $50 spent on football , but that jumps to a free drink for every $10 wagered on the horses! :ThmbUp:

I watched many football guys regularly play a horse favorite to "show" simply to collect their free drink... LOL

Enjoy!

Gar

This sounds great. I would have no idea whatsoever where to go in Las Vegas.

I do appreciate good fresh healthy food, and most casinos have excellent food.

Which place has the best food, by the way?

Off topic but trying to raise awareness: I can't eat steak or pork now that I have Alpha Gal. (Yeah, it's a real thing, got it from a chigger bite but it may have been a tick. No more hamburgers, no more brisket, no more barbeques unless it's chicken or fish, no butter, cheese, etc.) Expect to hear more about Alpha Gal which is spreading across the U.S. according the the ER docs I talk to.

[BettinBilly]

Aloha gents.

Just got back from Vegas (and Laughlin). For the first time I trekked to Laughlin to check it out. NICE area (IMO). I stayed at Harrahs, but next time I'd do the Aquarius. I think it's a better resort than Harrahs and the Sports book is actually QUITE NICE. Certainly the best of all the Laughlin resorts. The entire Aquarius resort seemed to me to be the most upscale in Laughlin. YMMV. Everyone has different tastes. But I did get a quick tour of the rooms and I have to say the rooms at Aquarius were WAY better than my room at Harrahs. The room at Harrahs looked worn out and tired with decor that was right out of the 90s and had not been updated since. The locals told me that Harrahs is among the best in Laughlin. I disagree. I think it's Aquarius for the win, especially with their Sports Book.

In Vegas, I played Wynn (mostly), Westgate and New York New York. NYNY does offer a 4 percent rebate on bets, but as you gents know, it is small. Although unlike Wynn or Westgate, being small you can get to the betting window easily - or at least I could. Although Wynn allows Horseplayers to just cut the line for sports betting and walk right up to the first available window. Westgate had no waiting when I was there so no issues. NYNY is nice because the rest room is 10 feet away, and drinks are easy to get because you only have about 30 betting desks VS 100 or more at Wynn and Westgate. Plus there are food options within a 30 second walk at NYNY. BUT you are going to watch races on small TV screens at NYNY. Even the Aquarius in Laughlin had maga screens in their Sports Book.

I kind of fell in love with the weather and surroundings in Laughlin (Bullhead City). I'd live there in a heartbeat. Compared to Hawaii and Florida, the weather is so much nicer. I don't mind the heat, but when you put the tropical humidity on top of that in HI or FL, it kills me. Temps when I was there were about 72 ish and obviously no humidity.

I did extremely well this year. Way better than any of my previous years. Had a few big long shots come in for me on WIN bets and hit a big Trifecta in the first couple of days that set me up for relaxing wagering from then on.

Can't wait for next January!

-Billy

[oughtoh]

When we go to Laughlin we stay at the Aquarius. Always have been treated well. As soon as my youngest daughter graduates from college we are hoping to move to Bullhead on the other side of Laughlin. We love it there and don't go to Las Vegas anymore. Happy to hear you had a good time.

[BettinBilly]

When we go to Laughlin we stay at the Aquarius. Always have been treated well. As soon as my youngest daughter graduates from college we are hoping to move to Bullhead on the other side of Laughlin. We love it there and don't go to Las Vegas anymore. Happy to hear you had a good time.

I agree with you, sir. I truly fell in love with the climate and the scenery in Bullhead/Laughlin. And the traffic is not bad at all compared to Honolulu or Jacksonville in Hawaii or Florida. I can see myself putting retirement in full-gear there. You spend a week or two in Hawaii in the summer when the trade winds stop with no AC in your condo and it quickly turns from paradise to hell. Same with Florida. I'm south of Jacksonville, north of Palm Coast, but in July you bake with high humidity. Getting out of that tropical air would not be a bad thing for me.

I may sanction a mini-trip to Laughlin in the Fall as I may not be able to wait until next January to go back. In fact, after seeing the "quite acceptable" sports book in the Aquarius, I may forego a trip to Vegas altogether and just fly into Bullhead City from now on. It would sure beat the crowds and cost of flying into Vegas.

[TonOfTrot]

the MGM sports book is pretty good. for every $10 bet on horses you get a free drink ticket. I had a million of those things each day but you can only use them that day.

I haven't seen the other sports books but always looking for good ones.

[oughtoh]

I agree with you, sir. I truly fell in love with the climate and the scenery in Bullhead/Laughlin. And the traffic is not bad at all compared to Honolulu or Jacksonville in Hawaii or Florida. I can see myself putting retirement in full-gear there. You spend a week or two in Hawaii in the summer when the trade winds stop with no AC in your condo and it quickly turns from paradise to hell. Same with Florida. I'm south of Jacksonville, north of Palm Coast, but in July you bake with high humidity. Getting out of that tropical air would not be a bad thing for me.

I may sanction a mini-trip to Laughlin in the Fall as I may not be able to wait until next January to go back. In fact, after seeing the "quite acceptable" sports book in the Aquarius, I may forego a trip to Vegas altogether and just fly into Bullhead City from now on. It would sure beat the crowds and cost of flying into Vegas.

We are lucky, it is only a 3 1/2 hour drive and there usually isn't much traffic.