OK, so you've read all of the prior posts up to this point and, as a gambler looking to reduce your losses, you're feeling pretty low. The Strip is bad and getting worse, Downtown is showing signs of becoming Strip lite. Gambling, as a form of entertainment, is dwindling on the vine.
Or is it?
As a last option I want to discuss the locals casinos in Las Vegas, and elsewhere, and whether or not they are a viable option, and their potential pitfalls.
Vegas local casinos are great, at taking money. In fact, ALL casinos are great at taking your money or they wouldn't be in business. Everything in a casino, from the time you enter to the time you leave, is focused on taking every last cent from you that you're willing to spend.
That said, locals casinos are a better option for gambling than tourist-centric casinos because they have to continue to compete to draw in repeat, local business. Because of this their odds tend to be slightly better, the comps tend to be a little more generous, and their loyalty plans tend to be more robust.
The problem? They're usually not located near the tourist areas and you don't want to stay there because, unlike the Strip and Downtown, they're decidedly not in walkable areas.
Enter ride-sharing, the BEST way in Las Vegas to get to the casinos on the Boulder Highway, or South of town, or to any of the other casinos you hear about, have heard about, but might not have visited. Amazingly, not all of these are sawdust joints, and most of them have outstanding entertainment and food included on-site. I'm going to focus on four main areas, and some of the casinos in them just to provide you a picture of what's available.
Far South
Way South, passed the outlet mall and well beyond LAS, are three casinos worth a trip. The Silverton, with a Bass Pro Shops attached and "free" Mermaid shows, South Point, with a bowling alley, an equestrian ring and some of the best video poker in the city, and The M Resort, which is s Strip-style resort with Strip-Level amenities and some of the best food in the area.
Odds at table games here tend to be a little better, the slots tend to be a little looser, and the video poker pay tables are more generous. Don't think that means you're going to win more however. They are still set firmly in a negative expectation range and you're still going to lose money here. Maybe you lose it a little slower here than elsewhere, but ultimately it's going to go away.
My favorite place to STAY in this area is The M Resort. The rooms are nice, the restaurants and bars are outstanding (try the Wicked Grape wine lounge and the Pappradelle Osso Bucco at the Italian joint) and the drink comps policy is much better than you find on the strip, especially when it comes to craft beers. Customer service is fine, and the casino itself has a warm, friendly vibe.
My favorite place to PLAY in this area is South Point. They have the best locals sports book hands down, their video poker odds are top notch, and they have a wide selection. They're a little light on table games and their slot selection is not the most current, but plonk me down at the center bar, give me a vodka soda and a shot at a progressive royal flush? Hours of fun provided my luck doesn't go ice cold.
Boulder Highway
"Mystic Falls"
This is an animatronic display at Sam's Town that has wolves howling, eagles screeching, and is one of the best things about off-Strip, locals Vegas that I've found. The actual casino itself feels old, but not in a bad way, more in a vintage way. The Angry butcher there is top notch, and again you might find the slot selection to be aged, but the Video Poker is pretty good.
My favorite casino in this area is, hands down, the Eastside Cannery. They have the best video poker in the area, their slots are relatively fresh, and their table games offer solid rules. They also have a decent local sports book and some good bar side VP with nice pay tables.
The only problem with this area is that it is a LONG way away from everything else. Still, if you have the time give it a whirl.
Stations Casinos
Most of you know Main Street Station, but Palace Station, Red Rock, Green Valley Ranch Texas Station et al are good local options. Red Rock is the nicest, and has the most dining options and better slots, the other Stations casinos are pretty much interchangeable, except that there's a BBQ restaurant now at Texas.
Most of these casinos offer a pretty good variety of slots, good table games, and good bar seating for video poker, but seats can be hard to come by at times. I've found the holds and rules here to be just fair, but the video poker odds are much better than the strip, although about on par with downtown.
Near Strip
Food deals can still be found at Ellis Island, Silver Sevens is a sawdust joint that provides some options, Tuscany is a resort hideaway with a smallish casino offering so-so odds.
The Palms just underwent a massive renovation, and the Rio and Gold Coast are on their last legs.
The point is there are a ton of ways for you to 1. Visit Vegas and 2. Spend time doing things other than gambling, or shopping, or clubbing on the Strip. Take some time on your next gambling trip and get away.
Your bankroll will be glad you did.
Finally, I want to address the increasing number of local gaming options.
These are OK for diversions but should be treated with extreme care. The thing bout Las Vegas is that you have several diversions during your gaming day. This is usually not the case at a local casino where you either gamble, drink, or sit around doing nothing.
IF you are finding that you have trouble setting, and sticking to a budget, you should avoid these at all costs.
Next up, ending the introduction by putting a bow around all of this.
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