Famously crowned as the entertainment capital of the world, Las Vegas draws millions of visitors from every corner of the globe \u2013 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]. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
With over 3.3M travelers visiting Vegas each month, we\u2019ve gone behind the scenes to uncover the ultimate jackpot \u2013 inside secrets to save you serious cash. We spoke with two Vegas veterans, who lives and breathes all-things Vegas and casinos: <\/p>\n\n\n\n
These pros dished out tips on how to play your (credit) cards right to keep your winnings where they belong: in your pocket. \u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Yep, you read that correctly. With the average cocktail costing anywhere from $15-30 (before tip), you might need to rethink where you\u2019re getting them. Besides, you didn\u2019t come all this way just to splurge on a single drink. Vital Vegas\u2019 Scott Roeben dropped this money-saving gem: <\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cIf 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<\/strong>, the same drink could be $12.\u201d Now that\u2019s a tip worth toasting to!\u00a0\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n Las Vegas has become a foodie paradise, drawing in 5-star chefs and culinary enthusiasts all over the world. But don\u2019t get sucked into the tourist trap of a mediocre $50 buffet.<\/strong> Instead, head over to the food trucks! <\/p>\n\n\n\n Vegas insider, Kevin Lentz, dishes<\/em> out a sizzlin\u2019 tip: food trucks can help you save big without sacrificing taste or quality.<\/strong> \u201cTrack 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?\u201d Talk about a unique and tasty twist! <\/p>\n\n\n\n If you\u2019re craving more of a sit-down experience, Letz suggests heading to Ellis Island Casino or Jerry\u2019s Nugget for some tasty deals on a budget. The Village Pub & Cafe inside Ellis Island offers a $9.99 steak and eggs special \u2013 locals even swear that their steaks rival any $200 steakhouse in town. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Over at Jerry\u2019s 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\u2019s a mouthwatering deal! <\/p>\n\n\n\n We\u2019ve all been there \u2013 packing for a big trip just to realize you\u2019ve 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<\/strong>. <\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cMany (casino gift shops) don\u2019t post prices anymore, which allows them to use surge pricing based on hotel occupancy,\u201d Roeben warns. \u201cYou\u2019re better off walking next door to a pharmacy like CVS or Walgreens, where the same items are half the price.\u201d <\/p>\n\n\n\n Don\u2019t let a forgotten tube of toothpaste break your bank! Shop smart and stick to pharmacies instead. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Craps is one of the most popular dice games in casinos, so make sure you know where to place your bets. Roeben\u2019s piece of advice? Avoid betting on large areas of the table felt, like the big 6\/8. <\/strong> <\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cAnything 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 \u201cplacing\u201d a 6 or 8 bet with e dealer, for the exact same roll result.\u201d\u00a0\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n Blackjack, another very popular and easy-to-learn (card) game, is a staple in Vegas. But if you\u2019re playing on the Strip, be prepared to pay more, as most tables require a $25 minimum bet. <\/p>\n\n\n\n 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\u2019ll find cheaper minimums<\/strong> \u2013 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\u2019ll find more $5 blackjack tables at other off-strip spots like Station Casinos like Palace Station or Sunset Station. \u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n When playing roulette, it\u2019s important to remember that roulette chips have no value once you leave the table. Unlike other casino chips with a fixed denomination \u2013 the amount of money a chip represents \u2013 roulette chips can represent any amount. <\/p>\n\n\n\n To make the most bang for your If you\u2019re new to the Vegas casino scene, it\u2019s 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.<\/strong> <\/p>\n\n\n\n Why? Dealers aren’t allowed to take cash directly from your hand as all transactions must be visible to the casino\u2019s 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. <\/p>\n\n\n\n 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.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n If you\u2019re planning to spend some quality time in Sin City, don\u2019t leave your freebies to chance \u2013 grab a casino loyalty card as soon as you arrive. Even if it\u2019s your one and only Vegas trip, these cards are your golden ticket to earning perks and tracking your play<\/strong>. Without one, you could end up shelling out cash on what could be a freebie. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Players card programs aren\u2019t exactly a secret, but according to Roeben, Vegas casinos are quite generous with their rewards. \u201cPlayers can get free flights, cruises, and often free suites<\/strong> \u2013 sometimes so exclusive, you can\u2019t even book them with money<\/strong>, they\u2019re reserved for the big players,\u201d Roeben reveals. \u201cPlus, loyalty club players can get goodies right out of the gate, like complimentary rooms, dining credits, and free slot play.\u201d <\/p>\n\n\n\n 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. <\/p>\n\n\n\n These same cards are also known to give new players free play once they sign up, <\/strong>as revealed by Lentz. While it\u2019s not actual cash, you can convert it into real money after a few rounds<\/strong>\u2013 a great way to stretch your budget while enjoying the games!\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n 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.<\/strong> <\/p>\n\n\n\n “If you already belong to, say, BetMGM\u2019s player club, check your offers,\u201d Lentz advises. \u201cYou may have free play or other comps available once the app realizes you\u2019re in Las Vegas.\u201d\u00a0\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\nFoodie Finds: Ditch the buffets, head to these budget-friendly hotspots instead<\/strong>\u00a0<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Essentials shopping: Avoid price traps by heading to these locations <\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Casino Money Savvy Tips<\/strong>\u00a0<\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Roll the dice, not your eyes: Avoid these rookie Craps traps <\/strong>\u00a0<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Don\u2019t let the Strip strip<\/em> your wallet: Find cheaper Blackjack and Craps<\/strong>\u00a0<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
A Roulette trick to keep your chips in check<\/em><\/strong>\u00a0<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
buck<\/s> chips, Roeben suggests always \u201ccoloring up\u201d your chips before leaving the table<\/strong>. Exchanging your smaller chips for larger ones ensures you\u2019re not left with a pocket full of worthless chips. <\/p>\n\n\n\nCasino Etiquette and Maximizing Benefits<\/strong>\u00a0<\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
The #1 rule you must remember when handling money\u00a0<\/strong>\u00a0<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Play your (loyalty) cards right for free flights, cruises, and more<\/strong>\u00a0<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
How to double-down on perks<\/strong>\u00a0<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Tip, tip, hooray! Get VIP service with this tipping trick<\/strong>\u00a0<\/h3>\n\n\n\n