JRodgA2k8 542 Posted August 25, 2012 Share Posted August 25, 2012 Alrighty guys!So I've returned from Las Vegas and managed to survive 2 weeks in Gambling Heaven without having to drag my feet for the last couple due to going over the top. Since we all enjoy a wee flutter in this section I thought I would give a wee write up of my experience this year in Las Vegas and just a few hints and tips about how to go about things should any of you venture over there in the future. First things first, I had an absolutely awesome time over there...gambled plenty, bought plenty of stuff, partied plenty and had a hell of a lot of fun. As most of you know I decided to stop gambling close SPL/EPL seasons and I did that until I got to Vegas on August 3rd, I did really well, certainly noticed the benefits but I was gutted I missed on Murray e/w at 12/1 for Wimbledon as I would normally definitely have backed that...and heavily, but I stuck to the plan.When you arrive at your hotel in Las Vegas (Planet Hollywood for me) the first thing you MUST do is get yourself one of the reward cards for the casino group you're gambling in. Total Rewards and M-Life are the two main groups and it is worthwhile picking up both as you will no doubt gamble in each casino while you're over there which is what I done. You can walk into any casino and get the groups card, you don't have to have stayed there. There are a few who have a single casino card however, Treasure Island (used to be M-Life), Cosmopolitan and Wynn. Why is this important you may ask. Well simply with each group you accumulate points based on the amount you gamble through Slots, time you play on table games and spend in certain retailers backed by the scheme. These points can be used to then purchase goods or services for the room and is essentially considered a 'comp' balance. Alternatively to these points there are tier points, this is tracking the level of spend you're gambling and when you spend enough you go up a tier and your card is upgraded with extra benefits, these can be accelerated earning in points and other benefits. It is also important as it gives the Casino's an idea of HOW MUCH you're gambling, HOW LONG you stay for and HOW FREQUENTLY you visit. Now the reasons for this are pretty obvious, if the casino knows you gamble a lot then they can offer you FREE STAY, heavily DISCOUNTED RATES and UPGRADES on arrival. I took $5000.00 with me and I managed to gamble through whopping total of >$15000.00!!!! That's in one stay for 2 weeks, essentially playing slot machines are the best way to get your points as you will make small wins and larger wins but you'll keep gambling it, it would not be too unrealistic to say $50.00 in a slot machine ends up being around $100.00 in play through normal patterns of gambling. I'm really happy with the amount I've managed to accumulate over the 2 cards as it essentially means I have a very good chance of getting a comped room. An example of this was a girl that my brother knows who was out there at the same time, she got a comped stay at Ballys in their better than normal rooms at $80 for 6 nights! That is a fantastic deal and what you'll find is with these deals you may only pay for your Saturday so it's pretty good. I'm heading back in June, much cheaper to go and hoping for a good deal for 2 weeks (Hopefully an upgrade too), the problem with it is you have to hope an offers there but you're booking 3 months and less before you leave. (Not a problem, Thousands upon Thousands of rooms in Vegas). It's funny because when I'm over here I wouldn't bother with slot machines usually but over in Vegas they're a hell of a lot more fun, loads of variety and loads of recognisable movies/tv shows/characters that you kinda want to go play.Biggest single win on a Slot Machine goes to my brother @ $1200+ on Wizard of OZ in the Aria, he had to provide his Passport (Yes to claim his winnings and stop it being taxed)to recieve the win but didn't have any other really decent wins, $200 I think was next largest total. Myself on the other hand hit $930 on Wizard of Oz in The Mirage and had countless $300-$400 wins on several machines...Super Team and Lord of the Rings being personal favourites of mines...plus special mention to Ghostbusters .That's where the Vegas slots get you, there is always something new yet familiar, something that is popular or you yourself will find popular. Last year you had The Hangover slots which were exclusive to the Total rewards group for a year, those things were mobbed all the time...this year not as busy however due to the fact they are now everywhere. This year you have the Dark Knight, a new Lord of the Rings and also Ghostbusters, both based on the films. Again two favourite movies of mines, soundtracks and sound bytes blasting into your ears from the in seat speakers and well it sucks you in. However this is also a good thing, you'll tend to enjoy it a lot more if it's recognisable.I should also mention Table Play, so obviously it's got the normal variety of games...Blackjack, Roulette, Craps, Poker (Plenty of tournaments also) and the dealers are all very friendly and if you're new to the games they will recommend making certain plays. However even if they do recommend it isn't always the right thing to do, hitting an extra card which they say you should isn't always the best move. Of course they're working for the house but they can't mislead you.Tables are also a good place to meet people and get involved in crazy conversations for hours as you play with people from all over the world. However I won't deny that I wasn't jealous while gambling the table min and people are playing $1000 a hand...they either have a lot of cash or a massive problem!!! Most surreal part for me is seeing people come into a casino, cash in their pay cheques and gamble it straight off...madness! Other than the gambling it's cheap when you're over there in terms of food etc, Clubbing is amazing as well (drinks are damn strong), the women are beautiful and they love the Scottish Accent Clubbing in itself is an interesting proposition over there, massive variety out there but they all cater for the same kind of music, anything popular, r'n'b/hip hop and some dance, it's always a good mix. If you are into the more rock scene then your best bet is the variety of themed bars littered all over the strip and in the various casinos. Girls get in first, that's how it works, fill your club with beautiful girls and guys will be falling over themselves to get in. They'll spend money on tables (which are damn expensive $400 upwards from my experience) simply to get notice and sometimes you may even have to "tip" a doorman to ensure you don't wait around for ages. (this happened in 1OAK, reduced cover essentially became full cover). Best thing to do is check out the various websites and find out what's good on a Monday-Thursday, Fri-Sunday you can hit anywhere for a good time. The streets are also littered with reps dishing out free passes etc but for a price. What I found to be the best approach is to simple walk down the strip in the afternoon, have an idea of where you're going and either outside the hotel/club you will find the official reps where you can get on the guestlists(sometimes only if you have a girl) or at least Free entry/Reduced cover passes, cutting out the 'tip' you'd have to pay the reps. One of the best taglines on the free passes I've seen read "We will check your ID but if you paid for this pass we'll also check your IQ". Once in it's a wild time, americans love their grinding...which is usually front to back and descends into a bit of 'doggy style' on the dancefloor...always a good time and the drinks are STRONG and EXPENSIVE. Two vodka mixes will set you anything from $28 to $40 depending on night and location. But believe me, since they don't have measures per se you will get awfully drunk quickly.It's just a brief write up and a Mod can feel free to move this however since it was based on Gambling over there well it should stay here.You'll probably find me back in the Season Betting Thread now...if I can try and resist a bit longer.Any Questions...go ahead Quote Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
mrwin 393 Posted August 25, 2012 Share Posted August 25, 2012 Sounds like you got what you wanted from a fantastic holiday. Welcome back Quote Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
JRodgA2k8 542 Posted August 25, 2012 Author Share Posted August 25, 2012 Sounds like you got what you wanted from a fantastic holiday. Welcome back Cheers mate Certainly did enjoy myself...will all be worthwhile if I'm comped next Summer Quote Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jamie29 764 Posted August 25, 2012 Share Posted August 25, 2012 Enjoyed reading that, would love to go to Vegas one day. Quote Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
RoyCropper 574 Posted August 25, 2012 Share Posted August 25, 2012 To only spend that much is good tbh am the kinda cunt that would be down to about 100 dollars on the first day Quote Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
AW-WATP 112 Posted August 25, 2012 Share Posted August 25, 2012 Welcome back mate!!Glad you had a good time! Quote Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
JRodgA2k8 542 Posted August 25, 2012 Author Share Posted August 25, 2012 Enjoyed reading that, would love to go to Vegas one day.You definitely should mate...anyone can enjoy it, should be on everyones list! To only spend that much is good tbh am the kinda cunt that would be down to about 100 dollars on the first dayYeah I had a $5000 budget mate, was still fairly flush come the end of the holiday so got myself a nice watch and gambled the rest away Welcome back mate!!Glad you had a good time!Cheers mate...although my return to the betting thread was full of fail Quote Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Boab 73 Posted August 25, 2012 Share Posted August 25, 2012 A superb read, just tweeted it too, hope you don't mind! Quote Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
JRodgA2k8 542 Posted August 25, 2012 Author Share Posted August 25, 2012 A superb read, just tweeted it too, hope you don't mind!Thanks, and not at all mate, just a few need to know things and a bit of my experience on there so happy to share!Will probably add a bit on how the clubs operate as well, few tips there. Quote Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Boab 73 Posted August 25, 2012 Share Posted August 25, 2012 Thanks, and not at all mate, just a few need to know things and a bit of my experience on there so happy to share!Will probably add a bit on how the clubs operate as well, few tips there.Very welcome, (had to do again there as noticed an error) but aye, superb, and please do too! Visit any Rangers places or meet any bears at all? Quote Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
JRodgA2k8 542 Posted August 26, 2012 Author Share Posted August 26, 2012 Very welcome, (had to do again there as noticed an error) but aye, superb, and please do too! Visit any Rangers places or meet any bears at all?Didn't visit any Rangers places mate but that's on the agenda for next year...I'm heading back in June so will make a point of doing so. Will need to put a bit of research and planning to do so. Added an extra bit about the clubs last night and how they tend to operate, with some tips about how to approach that area. Quote Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
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