I’m a Vegas Insider – Here’s 11 Secret Money-Saving Tips You Need to Know
Famously crowned as the entertainment capital of the world, Las Vegas draws millions of visitors from every corner of the globe – about 21.09M this year alone. From wild bachelor and bachelorette parties, spur-of-the-moment weddings, and gourmet dining, to star-studded shows, Sin City offers something for everyone. But beneath the dazzling lights, lies a harsh reality: it’s one of the most expensive places to visit in the U.S. [Forbes Advisor].
With over 3.3M travelers visiting Vegas each month, we’ve gone behind the scenes to uncover the ultimate jackpot – inside secrets to save you serious cash. We spoke with two Vegas veterans, who lives and breathes all-things Vegas and casinos:
- Scott Roeben, Founder and voice of “Vital Vegas”: Your go-to source for insider news, tips, and secrets about Las Vegas – thanks to his 20 years of experience in entertainment, gaming, and hospitality. He’s accumulated over 205k+ X followers and received multiple brand awards, establishing his reputation as one of the most trusted and influential figures in Vegas media.
- Kevin Lentz: A seasoned casino management expert with 30+ years of experience, who’s managed table games, slots, poker rooms, and sportsbook from Reno to Las Vegas.
These pros dished out tips on how to play your (credit) cards right to keep your winnings where they belong: in your pocket.
Insider Money Moves
Craving a cocktail? Skip the bar and head to…the retail area?
Yep, you read that correctly. With the average cocktail costing anywhere from $15-30 (before tip), you might need to rethink where you’re getting them. Besides, you didn’t come all this way just to splurge on a single drink. Vital Vegas’ Scott Roeben dropped this money-saving gem:
“If you buy a drink outside the Paris (Las Vegas) Resort, it could be $24. If you head inside, the same drink could cost $18. If you go even further into the resort, back into the retail area, the same drink could be $12.” Now that’s a tip worth toasting to!
Foodie Finds: Ditch the buffets, head to these budget-friendly hotspots instead
Las Vegas has become a foodie paradise, drawing in 5-star chefs and culinary enthusiasts all over the world. But don’t get sucked into the tourist trap of a mediocre $50 buffet. Instead, head over to the food trucks!
Vegas insider, Kevin Lentz, dishes out a sizzlin’ tip: food trucks can help you save big without sacrificing taste or quality. “Track down the Hawaiian food at Antidote LV. I highly recommend the Poke nachos. Or get your carb overload at Endless Pastabilities. How often do you get five-star spaghetti and meatballs served in a cone?” Talk about a unique and tasty twist!
If you’re craving more of a sit-down experience, Letz suggests heading to Ellis Island Casino or Jerry’s Nugget for some tasty deals on a budget. The Village Pub & Cafe inside Ellis Island offers a $9.99 steak and eggs special – locals even swear that their steaks rival any $200 steakhouse in town.
Over at Jerry’s Nugget Casino, the dining experience is famous for its great food and value. Claiming to have the best prime rib in Vegas, you can savor their English Cut Prime Rib for just $22.99. Now that’s a mouthwatering deal!
Essentials shopping: Avoid price traps by heading to these locations
We’ve all been there – packing for a big trip just to realize you’ve left a toiletry or two behind. However, this small mistake can quite literally cost you in Vegas. Roeben left a crucial tip for anyone needing last-minute essentials: avoid the casino gift shops.
“Many (casino gift shops) don’t post prices anymore, which allows them to use surge pricing based on hotel occupancy,” Roeben warns. “You’re better off walking next door to a pharmacy like CVS or Walgreens, where the same items are half the price.”
Don’t let a forgotten tube of toothpaste break your bank! Shop smart and stick to pharmacies instead.
Casino Money Savvy Tips
Roll the dice, not your eyes: Avoid these rookie Craps traps
Craps is one of the most popular dice games in casinos, so make sure you know where to place your bets. Roeben’s piece of advice? Avoid betting on large areas of the table felt, like the big 6/8.
“Anything you see in the biggest print on the table felt (e.g. a big 6/8) is the worst bet to make. Betting on those 6/8 spaces pay less than “placing” a 6 or 8 bet with e dealer, for the exact same roll result.”
Don’t let the Strip strip your wallet: Find cheaper Blackjack and Craps
Blackjack, another very popular and easy-to-learn (card) game, is a staple in Vegas. But if you’re playing on the Strip, be prepared to pay more, as most tables require a $25 minimum bet.
However, Lentz reveals that you can still enjoy these same games without breaking the bank. Just walk a few blocks off the Strip, and you’ll find cheaper minimums – ultimately allowing you to stretch your gaming budget and still have a great time. Check out The Oyo Casino, where you can score $1 blackjack tables. Or head over to Ellis Island Casino for $5 blackjack and $5 craps games. You’ll find more $5 blackjack tables at other off-strip spots like Station Casinos like Palace Station or Sunset Station.
A Roulette trick to keep your chips in check
When playing roulette, it’s important to remember that roulette chips have no value once you leave the table. Unlike other casino chips with a fixed denomination – the amount of money a chip represents – roulette chips can represent any amount.
To make the most bang for your buck chips, Roeben suggests always “coloring up” your chips before leaving the table. Exchanging your smaller chips for larger ones ensures you’re not left with a pocket full of worthless chips.
Casino Etiquette and Maximizing Benefits
The #1 rule you must remember when handling money
If you’re new to the Vegas casino scene, it’s important to know some basic protocols. Keep in mind this one crucial tip when exchanging cash for chips: never hand cash directly to the dealer. Instead, place it on the table.
Why? Dealers aren’t allowed to take cash directly from your hand as all transactions must be visible to the casino’s surveillance cameras. By laying your cash on the table, the cameras can record the amount exchanged, reducing the risk of any disputes or misunderstandings between you and the dealer.
Once you place your cash on the table, the dealer will spread it out for the cameras to see, announce the amount, then exchange it for chips.
Play your (loyalty) cards right for free flights, cruises, and more
If you’re planning to spend some quality time in Sin City, don’t leave your freebies to chance – grab a casino loyalty card as soon as you arrive. Even if it’s your one and only Vegas trip, these cards are your golden ticket to earning perks and tracking your play. Without one, you could end up shelling out cash on what could be a freebie.
Players card programs aren’t exactly a secret, but according to Roeben, Vegas casinos are quite generous with their rewards. “Players can get free flights, cruises, and often free suites – sometimes so exclusive, you can’t even book them with money, they’re reserved for the big players,” Roeben reveals. “Plus, loyalty club players can get goodies right out of the gate, like complimentary rooms, dining credits, and free slot play.”
While the exact formula on how to earn these perks is a well-guarded secret, Roeben notes that there are plenty of online resources that give players an idea of how to make the most of their gambling dollars for maximum rewards. There are even conferences where hosts and guests try to crack the system! Play your (loyalty) cards right, and you might just hit the perks jackpot.
These same cards are also known to give new players free play once they sign up, as revealed by Lentz. While it’s not actual cash, you can convert it into real money after a few rounds– a great way to stretch your budget while enjoying the games!
How to double-down on perks
Online casinos are well-known for their eye-catching sign-up bonuses, but Lentz points out that Vegas casinos offer competitive deals too! He suggests comparing the sign-up bonuses and comp perks from Vegas casinos and online platforms to see where you can score the most perks for your buck.
“If you already belong to, say, BetMGM’s player club, check your offers,” Lentz advises. “You may have free play or other comps available once the app realizes you’re in Las Vegas.”
Tip, tip, hooray! Get VIP service with this tipping trick
Tipping isn’t an afterthought in Vegas – it’s a power move. While most wait until the end of their service to tip, Vegas insiders know that a generous tip upfront is the ultimate game-changer. Roeben crowns “the power of tipping” as the #1 money secret in Vegas.
Get free drinks with this Vegas bar machine trick
If you’re gambling at a bar, there’s a sneaky way to earn yourself a drink. Look for the red light/green light monitoring system on the back of the machine. According to Roeben, all you need to do is play at a steady pace. Do that, and you’ll get the green light to your comped drink – which in most cases, would cost $25-$30 otherwise!
Red light! There is a catch, however. If you get caught in a conversation and stop playing for too long, the system resets, and you’ll have to start all over again. Less yapping, more spinning folks!
Jackpot! You’re ready to conquer Vegas like a pro
With insider tips from Vital Vegas’ Scott Roeben and casino expert Kevin Lentz, you’re ready to take on Las Vegas like a true local. From sipping cheaper cocktails, utilizing the best gaming strategies, or unlocking VIP-like perks, you’ve got the winning hand for an epic Vegas trip – without breaking the bank. To really maximize your luck, take these tips to the luckiest casinos in Vegas!
Biography: A closer look at Vegas insiders
Scott Roeben is the founder and primary voice behind Vital Vegas, a popular blog that has become a go-to source for insider news, tips, and updates about Las Vegas. With over 20 years of experience in the Las Vegas scene, Scott combines his deep knowledge of the city’s entertainment, gaming, and hospitality industries to provide readers with valuable insights. His work has earned him a reputation as one of the most trusted and influential figures in Vegas media.
Kevin Lentz has over 30 years of experience in land-based casino management, where he has overseen table games, slot departments, sportsbooks, and poker rooms. He began his career as an Advantage and Blackjack tournament player but has spent the past three decades on the management side of the industry, working in and managing various departments from Reno to Las Vegas. Today, Kevin writes extensively about casino-related topics, with a particular focus on blackjack, card counting, and game protection. In his free time, he continues to share his insights and expertise through his writing.
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