Living in Las Vegas

As my final post on the Superbowl, I thought I would post a quick list of the casinos I could find that are doing something for the Big Game.  If you are staying home, but still want to bet on the game, check out LasVegasSportsBetting.com .

The sports books that are doing something a little extra are:

Wynn Las Vegas  - This is the Wynn’s  first Superbowl party so it should be nice,
Ballys - Has a nice sized sports book and easy access from the parking lot right out back.
Las Vegas Hilton - Has tons of big screen TV’s and there are lots of slot machines inside the book.
Caesars Palace - The sports book is huge.
MGM Grand  -  Also has a huge sports book
Imperial Palace - Their sports books may not be as fancy as some, but they will treat you right.

The places to party at are:

Luxor - you can win jerseys, footballs and other memorabilia in their Gridiron Giveaway.
Wynn Las Vegas - Blush is having a big game party
New York New York - ESPN Zone is having a party
Imperial Palace - Rockhouse’s all you can eat/drink from kickoff till midnight.
Monte Carlo - invitation only Superbowl party, contact casino marketing for info.
Treasure Island - Super Sunday party at Kahunaville
Las Vegas Hilton - Sunday Football Central party - FREE
South Point - free big game party, domestic beer & Jager shots $3
Hard Rock - Big game day giveaways
The Orleans - Tailgate Party
Jerry’s Nugget - Make any Super Sunday $20 bet and receive special access to the Super Sunday Big Game Party
Hofbräuhaus Las Vegas  party in the ‘Beer Garden’
Palace Station  - win  free food, win party gifts, and all the Bud/ Bud Lights Drafts you can drink”
Santa Fe Station  - Tailgate Party

Not all of the parties are free, so make sure to check ahead.

And just for fun, since there has been all the controversy about the banned PETA Superbowl commercial, I thought I would post it here.

‘Veggie Love’: PETA’s Banned Super Bowl Ad
Happy Superbowl!!

If hosting a Superbowl party at your house on Sunday isn’t your idea of a party, there are lots of places in Vegas you can go to have a great time.   The Las Vegas Sun has a great list of Superbowl parties in Las Vegas , including pre-game and post-game Superbowl parties.

Personally, as you know, I am a fan of PT’s Pub , and it looks like they are throwing a great party. No cover charge, $10 buffet and lots of beer.  What else do you need?

Now, if you are looking for something geared specifically towards your team, there are going to be more places for Steelers fans to choose from, but it looks like Cardinal’s fans are hanging out at Timbers Bar & Grill on Maryland and Wigwam. Timbers is a PT’s style place and lots of fun.  According to the sports books, it looks like so many people are betting on Arizona, that the odds might change!  Same thing happened last year with the Giants, and it was only 2nd time in 18 years that the casinos actually lost money on the Superbowl.

Most of the hotels and casinos will be showing the Big Game in their sports books, and that’s always free to just stop by.  I know there are some rules now related to the NFL and Superbowl parties, so I don’t know if the casinos are toning it down or not.  And it’s usually one of the biggest days of the year for strip clubs, so if that’s your thing, you can probably get some good deals. The bottom line is pretty much where ever you end up on Sunday, the game will be on and people will be having a good time.

My favorite part about Superbowl is the prop bets.  They are so much more fun then just regular bets.

To start with, Arizona is getting 7 points. That seems like a lot to me for a Superbowl, but I’m no bookie, so maybe that’s normal.  Anyway, some of the fun stuff you can bet on this year is:

Will the Pittsburgh Steelers or the Arizona cardinals be the team to kickoff first?
Will the team that scores first, win?
Will the first score of the game be a touchdown, field goal or safety?
Will Arizona ever have the lead?
Will the largest lead by either team be over 14 ½ points or under?
Will the longest touchdown scored by either team be over 45 yards or under?
Will the shortest touchdown scored by either team be over 1 yard under?
Will either team attempt a 2-point conversion?
Will the total number of first downs (both teams combined) be over 35 or under?
Will the longest field goal will be over 43 yards or under?
Will the total punts (both teams combined) be over 9 or under?
Will there be at least one defensive or special teams TD?
Will the total sacks (both teams combined) be over 4 or under?
Which player will score the first TD?
Which player will score the last TD?
Will the jersey number of the first player to score the first touchdown be odd or even? Will the number of completions by Ben Roethlisberger be over 17 or under?
Will the number of gross passing yards by Ben Roethlisberger be over 218 or under?
Will the total number of TD passes thrown by Ben Roethlisberger be over 1 or under?
Will the number of completions by Kurt Warner be over 23 or under?
Will the number of gross passing yards by Kurt Warner be over 268 or under?
Will the total number of touchdown passes thrown by Kurt Warner be over 1 or under?
Will Superbowl XLIII go into overtime?

Even if you aren’t in Las Vegas, making a few fun bets at your own Superbowl party always adds to the entertainment!

Two cool things about Vegas were in the Review Journal today.

Gaming Commission lifts ban on cell phones in sports books

The long standing law banning the use of cell phones in Nevada sports books has been temporarily lifted.  For the next year, you will be able use your cell phone, but usage will be monitored closely for illegal betting.

I have not spent a lot of time inside sports books except to maybe watch a game while waiting around, but I can imagine how annoying it would be to not be able to use your phone.  Usually what happens to me is that I need to call someone who is in the sports book. So I would say this is good news all around for me.

$1 million cash display returns to Las Vegas

To be honest, I didn’t even know it was gone from Binion’s Hotel and Gambling Hall.  But seeing this headline reminds me of pictures of family members in front of the stack of cash.  I think this display has been around for a little over 50 years.  So even though I didn’t know it had left, I am glad its back.  And thinking of those old family photos definitely makes me want to take my husband downtown for our own photo!

With today being the official opening day of the 2008 NFL Preseason, I thought I would check out which football contests were voted Best Of Las Vegas 2008 by the Las Vegas Review Journal.

Reader Pick:  Station Casinos

Now, being a local, I naturally love the Station Casinos.  I would have to say, along with PT’s Pub, the Station Casinos are pretty much a Las Vegas staple for residents. For the last 21 years the Station Casinos have featured the $1 Million Great Giveaway Football Contest.  Last year the buy in was $25.  They also host Football Frenzy, The Challenge and Last Man Standing.

Staff Pick:  Cannery Casino Resorts

This is the second year for the Cannery Resorts Fantasy Football Contest.  It is also a $25 buy in.  This contest is not just the regular pick your teams contest, but more like fantasy football.

I have never actually entered a football contest, but I am a big football fan.  So I’m thinking maybe this year I will enter one and let you know how it goes.

P.S. I am a huge Brett Favre/Packers fan, any thoughts?