Did you know Las Vegas allows legal gambling? Crazy, right? There are a ton of things to do in Vegas, beyond gambling, but today I’m going to talk about ways that you can make gambling in Vegas a fun experience. Be mindful that it’s likely you will lose the money you gamble, but that’s why I’m going to share some ways where you can burn a few hours playing games and not keep needing to go to the ATM.
Play a Poker Tournament!
Most people at some point have played a basement game of No Limit Texas Holdem Poker. If not, here’s an overview for you. On most days, most poker rooms in Las Vegas hold a tournament format game (or two) of No Limit Holdem. Playing in a tournament is a great way to play poker for a few hours (especially if you limit yourself to playing premium hands like pocket pairs, Ace-King, or King-Queen Suited). You can sit in a tournament for as little as $60 depending on the venue and the time of day (morning tournaments are cheaper). And, while seated at a tournament, you’ll get free drinks! Be sure to tip your server!
Watch a Sports Ball!
Most big casinos have a sports book where you can wager on pretty much any sport in existence. At the sports book, you’ll often find walls of TVs and banks of chairs for you to hang out at. Making a bet on a game you want to watch anyways is a great way to get a little gambling in without needing to blow a ton of money. Usually, a minimum bet will be $20. Each game has its own odds, so if your team is a huge favorite, you make a $20 and they win, you’ll only win a small amount, say, $25 on a $20 bet. Sometimes I’ll make games I’m watching a bit more interesting and wager on the team I want to LOSE. This way, if my team wins, I’m happy, but if my team loses, I’m not as upset. And, while seated at the sports book and making bets, you’ll get free drinks! Be sure to tip your server!
Head to Fremont Street!
Fremont street is “Old Vegas” and is worth going to see itself. You’ll probably be staying on Las Vegas Boulevard (“The Strip”) so you’ll need to take a cab (yes, you can walk, it is about 5 miles, but you’ll hate yourself). Fremont street is where you’ll see all of the old casinos that you might see in movies and all of the classic neon lights and it’s also worth seeing the “Fremont Street Experience”, a pretty cool light show over the pedestrian street and they’ll have concerts there on the regular. But I digress! If you’re looking for “cheap gambling” – Fremont street is where to do it. Fremont street is a good place to play traditional table games (e.g. Blackjack, Roulette, Craps), if you’re into that, because the minimum bets are lower than on The Strip. At a big casino on the strip a minimum wager on a hand of blackjack might be $15, whereas on Fremont Street, some casinos may only charge $5. And, while seated at the tables and playing, you’ll get free drinks! Be sure to tip your server!
In Conclusion…
There are some fun ways to gamble without breaking the bank, but the most important thing is to focus on the experience – not the gambling. One final tip if you’re going to gamble: set a budget of what you’re willing to lose and leave your ATM card in the hotel! Save yourself from any temptation to keep going back!
Also, remember to tip your server.