The Ultimate Casino Lover's Travel Guide To Las Vegas

Over 42 million people visited Las Vegas in 2018 and it’s no surprise if you’re a gambling fan. Vegas has the glitz, the glamour, and the games – and everything in between – making it the perfect travel destination for casino lovers.

Below we’ve covered off all you need to know before you take the plunge and book your flights to Vegas. 

Which Vegas casinos should you go to? 

First things first, Las Vegas is the mecca of gambling and the reason for this is its incredible casinos. This means that before you do anything, you have to decide which casinos to visit – and there is a lot for you to choose from! 

The table below lists some of the best for specific types of gambler:

Depending on what games you like best and the casino you choose to bet at, there’s often the chance you’ll bump into a professional gambler or celebrity betting fan – for example, the Bellagio is renowned for being a hotspot for poker pros. 

Best gambling spots in Vegas for film & TV fans 

If you fell in love with the idea of Las Vegas after seeing its casinos on TV and film, part of your trip must involve heading these gambling spots. From The Hangover to Ocean’s Eleven, these are the Vegas locations that have light up the big and small screens:

• Caesars Palace: This is the setting for some great moments in The Hangover, Iron Man, Rocky III, Rain Man, Sopranos, Friends, and The Simpsons.

• Flamingo: Nicolas Cage doesn’t make it inside, but Leaving Las Vegas features exterior shots of Flamingo. 

• The Peppermill: known for its oversized egg platters, this cafe features in Martin Scorsese’s Casino.

• MGM Grand: Vegas’ biggest hotel/casino stars in Ocean’s Eleven.

• Mirage: Rounders is universally considered the best poker film, and the Mirage is the scene of some high stakes gambling from Matt Damon’s character 

How much money should you take to Vegas?

One of the most important questions to answer before you head off to Vegas is how much money you need to bring with you. There’s no one-size-fits-all figure to answer this question. It depends on whether you’re going purely to gamble, what your financial position is, and how long you plan on staying. However, there is a simple answer to your question – follow a sensible bankroll management plan. 

Bankroll management is essential in gambling. It’s the thing that makes sure you gamble only what you can afford and what you feel comfortable spending. There are some important points to bankroll management that you should never forget: 

• Don’t chase your losses 

• Place limits on your gambling sessions 

• Keep to the budget you set

Which games should you play in Las Vegas casinos?

If there’s one thing Vegas can’t be beaten on it’s the sheer number of casinos it has.

Macau now might be the preferred destination of high-rolling gamblers, but its 38 casinos pale in comparison to Vegas’ 104. 

With so many casinos, it’s no surprise that there’s a game to cater to everyone’s tastes – all you have to do is ask yourself “what type of gambler am I?”

Gamblers who love chance-based casino games 

Craps is a fast-paced game that’s pure chance. However, if you want something a little different then give the chance-based lottery game keno a try. 

Gamblers who adore skill-based casino games 

While there’s certainly an element of skill to blackjack (choosing when to hit or stand) there can be only one game for those who prioritise skill over luck – poker. All you need to decide is which of the many different types of poker you want to play. 

Gamblers who live for the classic casino games 

Think of casino gambling and two games immediately spring to mind – slots and roulette. These are the two classic casino games, the ones that even people with the most casual interest in gambling are aware of. 

Where to stay while you’re in Las Vegas 

As anyone who’s ever travelled anywhere knows, where you stay has a big impact on how much you enjoy your holiday – find yourself in a dank or dangerous part of town and your fun levels will take a nosedive. Luckily, Las Vegas has so much great accommodation that it’s easy to find a good place to stay: 

These are just a few of the highlights you can select from when choosing where to stay in Las Vegas. Our recommendation? Pick the best value hotel you can find that’s close to the action – after all, you’re in Las Vegas to drink in the culture! 

What’s the best non-gambling entertainment in Vegas? 

While gambling is the first thing many people think of when they hear the name Las Vegas, it’s a city that’s renowned across the world for offering great entertainment. 

Vegas is where Elvis Pressley had a residency, where David Copperfield cemented his position as the world’s premier celebrity magician, and where Siegfried & Roy made their names. Some of Las Vegas’ best ever shows include:  

• Mystère

• The Beatles — Love (Cirque du Soleil)

• Absinthe

• Phantom — The Las Vegas Spectacular

• Jersey Boys

But the entertainment doesn’t begin and end with the great shows you can watch in Las Vegas – there are some incredible sights and classic attractions to see while you’re in town, including: 

• The “Welcome to Fabulous Las Vegas, Nevada” sign

• Venetian's canals

• Adventuredome

• Bellagio fountains 

• LINQ Promenade

• The Park

• Flamingo Las Vegas 

Las Vegas is on the bucket list of every casino lover and with good reason. It has the history, the attractions, the shows, the games, and the celebrities. Now that you know what to add to your list of things to do while you’re in Las Vegas, don’t waste another minute – book your ticket now and head over to the mecca of gambling!