There's magic in Vegas if you know where to look!

There are many, many different articles on how to get the most out of gambling in Las Vegas casinos. As a VegasMaster, I've written my fair share of them, we all have here; in all 12 languages we cover. While passing our expertise on helps our readers (YOU!)  and gives us all a warm feeling inside, very few people go to Vegas just to gamble 24/7 and there is a lot more to the city. Whilst I know only too well that it IS entirely possible to lose yourself at the tables or on the slot machines and forget our old friend time, Vegas holds plenty of other attractions and there are many insider Las Vegas tips and tricks for getting the most out of your holiday and stay in Las Vegas.

Walking Around Las Vegas

Las Vegas is surrounded by desert, mainly because it was built in the middle of nowhere amongst sand, rocks and, well, more sand. It's basically just a big desert, with bright lights, fun and gambling.

Simply Scrumptious, No Sand For Me Please! 

The picture of those sumptuous desserts is just to tease you and a nod to a Geography essay in which I proudly discussed how a lot of Earth's surface was covered with chocolate gooey delights, ice cream and apple pie. As afters are off the menu for now, there are some essential tricks and tips you do not want to miss out on when you spend time in Las Vegas. It is important to take breaks from the casino and go outside for some sunlight which contains Vitamin D, so will boost your immune system and give you added energy for long nights gambling at the Craps Table. The following are basic essentials for anyone in the desert climate:

  • Comfortable Shoes
  • Sun Lotion
  • Chap Stick
  • Hair Conditioner
  • Sunhat
  • Sunglasses
  • Nasal Spray
  • Eye Drops

Despite this reading like your grandmothers shopping list, you really don't want to end up with sore feet and sunburn, or straw like hair that you can't get a brush near. Chapped lips and a stuffy nose, along with dried out eyes will also be no fun and can seriously ruin your trip and anything you had planned to do that wasn't sitting in your room getting to know exactly how long an ice cube takes to melt on your body. While it can be great fun dolling yourselves up for the evening's entertainment, if you've worn your feet out in fashion shoes, or not protected your skin and hair from the dryness of desert heat, you aren't going to be able to elegantly place yourself at the Blackjack Table or Roulette Wheel and strike that Marilyn Monroe pose. Red, screaming eyes and what may feel like half the Sahara up your nostrils is also likely to make your mascara smudge and relegate your hard work blending that eyeshadow to perfection into a big colourful mess running down your cheeks. Besides, we should save those charming pictures for later on, when you are telling the croupier you love him and betting your shoes on black.

You've Been Served.

Las Eating, Drinking & Shopping

Stars do it, gamblers do it and even casino croupiers do it. That's right. It's eating. Along with the healthy tan you are getting from all those shining vitamins the sun is sharing with you, you are going to want to nourish your body as well. After all, you are on holiday and that means it's time to reward yourself and treat yourself well. Not everyone can be a high roller and stay in Las Vegas hotels for free, but there is always a likelihood of receiving more than just free tickets to shows and entertainment from the casino hotel you are staying in, such as comps in the form of food and drink. Whether that is in the form of a free seafood dinner, or some blackjack tips, or even a treat for whichever special occasion you are celebrating. (Your own shotgun wedding during that very trip to Vegas counts). Even if you don't manage to sweet talk some free food, you can still practise your schmoozing over the buffet, while you stuff your face with all that good, good extravagant food that any place worth its salt in Vegas offers for less than a price of a round of drinks in a London Nightclub. Remember:

  • Fil up on all that free grub BEFORE you go shopping to give you energy. 
  • Shop til you drop with spectacularly priced Las Vegas shopping available. 
  • Don't forget to carry a bottle of water with you and fill up regularly. 
  • If you haven't bought your comfy shoes yet, make that the first thing you shop for. 

Shaken or Stirred?

Just A Small One For Me

Cocktail waitresses. Not only are they the goddesses responsible for ensuring your glass is always kept more than half full, but they are also some of the most interesting people you will ever meet. I don't know if it is part of the application process, but every cocktail waitress I have ever spoken to has had a backstory that wouldn't be out of place in a Hollywood film. With all the free booze they keep flowing through your veins, always make sure to tip well and ask how her night is going.  Cocktail waitresses are the ones in the middle of all the action and, even if there is no tragic or funny story on offer, there's more than a fair chance of hearing some interesting casino gossip, or some crazy escapade that will have you laughing like old friends in no time. When your new friend has finished her shift, she is bound to know some of the coolest places to go in Las Vegas. One Vegas trick to keep in mind is to keep track of where you end up, so next time you are there you can find that magical place once again and your friends won't think you made up the stories of dancing with a tame bear while sipping champagne that flowed freely from the crystal chandelier fountain. Las Vegas is a place full of life and you will no doubt meet all sorts of queer old folk and even, perhaps, a tame bear or two. What is for sure is that while you may not quite remember where you ended up, who you were with or what you did, you will know you had fun. Just try not to wake up with a tiger in your bathroom.

  • Always remember to tip your waitress well! 
  • Don't drink too much if you want to win at the tables or on the machines.
  • Hanging out with casino staff after their shift's over can be a lot of fun. 

"Here, Smell My Foot" Bisping vs Belfort 2013.

Box Clever - Your Inner Winner

Boxing matches might not be everybody's cup of tea, but don't knock it 'til you've tried it! Vegas is THE place to see some of the best boxing matches on offer. Don't wear your good clothes though, especially if you are sitting ringside as you may end up washing blood out of your favourite blouse. That being said, there is something truly wondrous about having a small bet on boxing and actually being there to see the match in the flesh. It's a heady, giddy experience and you will most likely find yourself transfixed. To be honest, watching Bambi had me more upset and kept me up with nightmares more so than seeing two consenting, grown men knocking seven bells out of each other. Another adrenalin pumping treat in Vegas is the UFC. Yes, that's right - The Ultimate Fighting Championship is regularly hosted in the City of Sin and I highly recommend this marital arts fest, even above boxing. The UFC is so popular that it even featured on Friends, when Monica's millionaire boyfriend decided that proving his strength to himself was more important to him than their relationship. There's something animalistic that ties in with our primal natures, much like gambling in the Vegas casinos feels, when we watch two men really go at it to prove a pointless point. No matter what your view on violence, or men fighting, the UFC is indeed something special. It is an exercise and study in human nature and explores our baser desires. It goes hand in hand with the thrills of the bright lights of Vegas.

That's all from this Looney VegasMaster for now!

That's All Folks

Now you know what to pack, who to speak to when you arrive and some of the top things to do in Vegas, you have every tip and trick you need. Have a good trip, and remember to always be prepared so you can let loose and enjoy yourself fully. Never judge a book by its cover, the waitress might hold the key information to you hitting the casino jackpot and, last but not least, remember that items of clothing cannot be bet instead of casino chips! If you want more information about how to effectively win at casino tables, check out our comprehensive Casino Guide.