Going to Vegas, any suggestions for a first-timer?

[yankees4ever31]

I'm going to Las Vegas in March (first time ever) and I need some pointers, tips, help. I've narrowed it down to Bellagio, Venetian/Palazzo, or Wynn/Encore.

Also, where is the best VP play?

Thanks for your help in advance,

yankees4ever31

[BillyJoe]

I know that you will have a great time, Yankee. All of the properties that you mentioned are beautiful.
With regard to VP, you may need to set your expectations properly. You will see a variety of the newest games on the Strip, but the pay tables are not very friendly.
I, personally, prefer Bellagio among the properties that you mentioned. I have had good luck playing there, and while their VP selection is not very large, they do have a good mix of the latest games sprinkled around the casino.

[yankees4ever31]

Thanks for the advice billyjoe. I figured as long as I stick to the best paytables, I'll be able to ride it out. Hopefully I can get lucky.

I usually play at Borgata and stay at The Water Club in AC (about twice a month). I'm hoping the hotels I mentioned are much nicer.

Thanks again,

yankees4ever31

[BobDancer]

The best vp in Vegas won't be found at the casinos you mentioned --- unless you're a very high stakes player. For $5-a-hand-and-under players, the local casinos offer much better odds.The casinos you are choosing from are among the ones with the nicest restaurants and ambience --- but not the best gamble. Your first time to Vegas is probably best spent sight-seeing rather than gambling. You have gambling back in New Jersey that is roughly comparable to what you have in those particular casinos in Vegas. But the sightseeing in Vegas is spectactularly different. Bob

[yankees4ever31]

Would you recommend any of the "strip" casinos? If not, how about a local one? I wanted to spend a day playing at a favorable video poker casino to try and pay for my trip

Thanks,

yankees4ever31

[BillyJoe]

The best vp in Vegas won't be found at the casinos you mentioned --- unless you're a very high stakes player. For $5-a-hand-and-under players, the local casinos offer much better odds.

The casinos you are choosing from are among the ones with the nicest restaurants and ambience --- but not the best gamble.

Your first time to Vegas is probably best spent sight-seeing rather than gambling. You have gambling back in New Jersey that is roughly comparable to what you have in those particular casinos in Vegas. But the sightseeing in Vegas is spectactularly different.

Bob

Bob is right, Yankee. I do not know the denoms or games that you play at, but on The Strip you would have to play $1 denom VP or above to even begin to find a close to positive EV paytable. I can recommend Aria, right outside of their High Limit area, for some reasonable TDB pay table Multi-line machines at the $1 level, if that is your game.

[BobDancer]

The website www.vpfree2.com lists the best games by denomination for basically all casinos in the country. It's not a perfect list, but it's pretty good.South Point and the Palms both are sponsors for my radio show and both have good games for many denominations. In addition, of course, the South Point is where I teach classes on Tuesday afternoons from February 5 through April 9. A lot of players try to catch a class or two when they are in town.Bob

[yankees4ever31]

Hi Everyone,

I really appreciate the great advice. I decided to stay at Encore and play at Palms (for the most part). I'm definitely going to try to attend one of your classes Bob.

One more question:

Do you think it would benefit me to contact a host at Encore or are they only catering to "High-Rollers"? I sure would like to see if I can get some comps from Encore because I'm looking to return to Vegas at least twice a year if I can swing it.

Thanks,

yankees4ever31

[BillyJoe]

Hi Everyone,

I really appreciate the great advice. I decided to stay at Encore and play at Palms (for the most part). I'm definitely going to try to attend one of your classes Bob.

One more question:

Do you think it would benefit me to contact a host at Encore or are they only catering to "High-Rollers"? I sure would like to see if I can get some comps from Encore because I'm looking to return to Vegas at least twice a year if I can swing it.

Thanks,

yankees 4ever31
At a minimum, Yankee, get a player's card, which I believe is called The Red Card @ Wynn/Encore. It never hurts to ask regarding comps from a host, but most places will base it on your play during the trip, perhaps taking some charges off of your room when you depart. You will probably get some offers in the mail going forward for future trips.  Using the player's card will allow them to evaluate your play.

[OTABILL]

[QUOTE=yankees 4ever31]Hi Everyone, I really appreciate the great advice. I decided to stay at Encore and play at Palms (for the most part). I'm definitely going to try to attend one of your classes Bob. One more question: Do you think it would benefit me to contact a host at Encore or are they only catering to "High-Rollers"? I sure would like to see if I can get some comps from Encore because I'm looking to return to Vegas at least twice a year if I can swing it. Thanks, yankees 4ever31
At a minimum, Yankee, get a player's card, which I believe is called The Red Card @ Wynn/Encore. It never hurts to ask regarding comps from a host, but most places will base it on your play during the trip, perhaps taking some charges off of your room when you depart. You will probably get some offers in the mail going forward for future trips.  Using the player's card will allow them to evaluate your play. [/QUOTE]
 Definely get the players card and make sure you leave an email address. We have never stayed at Wynn or Encore. Got the card a number of tears ago and played for about 15 minutes. Didn't hit anything. Spent more time/money at their breakfast buffet! To this day, I get emails with offers from Wynn. I'm confident that after you stay there, get a players card nad play minimally, you will get offers for a long time -- and better then I get.