175 Las Vegas Fun Facts

175 Las Vegas Fun Facts

When the Sundance opened in 1980, it was the tallest building downtown. Sundance became Fitzgeralds in 1987. The Flamingo was the 3rd casino/hotel to open on the Strip, behind the El Rancho (’41) and the Last Frontier (’42). Jay Sarno, who built Caesars Palace, left the apostrophe out of “Caesars” because he wanted everyone to feel(…)

Three Card Poker 101

Three Card Poker 101

Three Card Poker is a fairly slow-paced table game that is very simple to learn. The house edge isn’t as bad as some games (optimal strategy is around 3.4%), and it’s a good opportunity to sit down and drink for free. I’m not a huge fan of this game, yet I find myself playing it(…)

Tipping in Las Vegas

Tipping in Las Vegas

Tipping Etiquette Las Vegas is pretty much the service industry capital of the world. Everybody works in service in one way or another. The sooner you realize that, the sooner you’re going to be taken care of in Vegas, even with a modest tipping strategy. Everyone from cabbies to dealers to cocktail waitresses to maids(…)

Craps 101

Craps 101

“They say life’s a gamble, hit my joint and roll the dice. When you living this high, you can’t be afraid of heights.” – Wiz Khalifa I must admit that Craps is my favorite casino game other than poker. I learned how to play on my parents’ pool table, when my dad constructed the table(…)

Blackjack 101

Blackjack 101

“I like to play blackjack. I’m not addicted to gambling. I’m addicted to sitting in a semi-circle.” - Mitch Hedberg Blackjack is a terrific table game with some great fast-paced action and table camaraderie. It’s you vs. the house (the dealer).  To beat the dealer you must first not bust (go over 21) and second either outscore(…)

The “$20 Trick” is the best gamble in town

The “$20 Trick” is the best gamble in town

The $20 Trick has grown in popularity over the last several years as more people find out about its success rate online. That said, this is a technique that is as old as Vegas itself. And it still works. Let’s set it up. You just arrived at your Las Vegas Strip Hotel and you are(…)

Airport Transportation — Why not a limo?

Airport Transportation — Why not a limo?

You just got off the plane. You can already hear the sounds of slot machines and the Vegas fever is starting to hit you. And then you go wait for 30 minutes in a cab line. Bummer. Often, the only option available to you is a cab. If you’re traveling alone or with one or(…)

Welcome to Fabulous Las Vegas

Welcome to Fabulous Las Vegas

It is the most iconic sign in Las Vegas. Perhaps one of the most iconic signs in all of the world. The “Welcome to Fabulous Las Vegas, Nevada” sign is located inside the median at 5100 Las Vegas Boulevard South, across from the old Klondike Hotel & Casino. Let’s get into some fun facts, shall(…)

Remembering Sahara’s Pool

Remembering Sahara’s Pool

  Sahara Pool Vegas Fun Fact: The Sahara was the first Vegas hotel casino to have an “Olympic-Sized” swimming pool. Thanks to our friends over at inoldlasvegas.com, here is a picture of the original pool. One thing I noticed right away is the lush green grass, a thing of the past in the  Vegas pool scene.You’ll(…)

The International

The International

In 1967, Kirk Kerkorian bought 82 acres of land on Paradise Road in Las Vegas for $5 million and, with architect Martin Stern, built the International Hotel in 1969. It was then sold to Hilton Hotels in 1970, just a year after it opened. It became the Las Vegas Hilton in 1971. When it opened,(…)