$5

ANTHONY CURTIS’ December 2017 Vol. 34 LasVegasAdvisor Issue 12

HOLIDAYS ARE HERE Trees, Santas, ice skating, and fireworks … pg. 9

ROOM RATES A barometer of the Vegas condition … pgs. 1, 2

BUFFET-POLL RESULTS Which buffet is best? … pg. 4

WINNING PICK THE PROS Hard to win, even when you win … pg. 10

UNLIMITED CAR WASHES Easy bonus from an unlikely source … pg. 11 CASINOS Local (702) Toll Free Numbers (800) († 855) (††866) (* 877) (**888) Local Toll Free Aliante Casino+Hotel+Spa...... 692-7777...... 477-7627* Aria...... 590-7111...... 359-7757†† Arizona Charlie’s Boulder...... 951-5800...... 362-4040 Arizona Charlie’s Decatur...... 258-5200...... 342-2695 Bally’s...... 739-4111...... 603-4390* ...... 693-7111...... 987-7111** Binion’s...... 382-1600...... 937-6537 ...... 432-7777...... 683-7777 ...... 731-7110...... 227-5938†† California...... 385-1222...... 634-6505 Cannery...... 507-5700...... 999-4899†† Casino Royale...... 737-3500...... 854-7666 Circus Circus...... 734-0410...... 634-3450 Cosmopolitan...... 698-7100...... 551-7772* Cromwell, The...... 777-3777...... 426-2766^ the D...... 388-2400...... 274-5825 ...... 719-5100...... 384-7263† ...... 507-5700...... 999-4899†† ...... 385-5200...... 634-6703 Ellis Island (Super 8)...... 733-8901...... 800-8000 Encore...... 770-7100...... 321-9966* Excalibur...... 597-7777...... 937-7777 ...... 558-7000...... 899-7770** ...... 631-7000...... 731-7333 Flamingo...... 733-3111...... 732-2111 ...... 385-4011...... 634-6045 Fremont...... 385-3232...... 634-6182 Gold Coast...... 367-7111...... 331-5334 Golden Gate...... 385-1906...... 426-1906 Golden Nugget...... 385-7111...... 846-5336 ...... 617-7777...... 782-9487†† Hard Rock Hotel...... 693-5000...... 473-7625 Harrah’s...... 369-5000...... 392-9002 ...... 739-9000...... 584-6687†† Klondike Sunset...... 826-3866 LINQ, The...... 328-1888†† Longhorn...... 435-9170...... 800-8000 Lucky Dragon...... 889-8018 Luxor...... 262-4000...... 288-1000 ...... 797-1000...... 673-7678* Main Street Station...... 387-1896...... 713-8933 ...... 632-7777...... 632-7800* Mandarin Oriental...... 590-8881...... 881-9578** MGM Grand...... 891-1111...... 929-1111 Mirage...... 791-7111...... 627-6667 Monte Carlo...... 730-7777...... 311-8999 -New York...... 740-6969...... 693-6763 Orleans...... 365-7111...... 675-3267 ...... 367-2411...... 634-3101 Palazzo...... 607-7777...... 263-3001†† Palms...... 942-7777...... 942-7770†† MEMBERSHIP OPTIONS: Paris...... 946-7000...... 266-5687** Planet Hollywood...... 785-5555...... 919-7472†† FULL MEMBERSHIP Las Vegas Advisor Plaza...... 386-2110...... 634-6575 : Includes 12 monthly issues of the newsletter, mailed first-class; the LVA Member Rewards book; plus 365 days of complete access to our website: www.LasVegasAdvisor.com Rampart ...... 507-5900...... 869-8777* Red Rock Resort...... 797-7777...... 767-7773†† U.S. Membership $50 Rio...... 252-7777...... 746-7482* (Includes shipping of newsletter. Member Rewards book is shipped Sam’s Town...... 456-7777...... 634-6371 at an additional $3.50, or can be picked up at our office.) ...... 658-4900...... 767-7771†† ...... 733-7000...... 640-9777 Canadian Membership $60us Silverton...... 263-7777...... 588-7711 Overseas Membership $70us Slots A Fun...... 734-0410...... 354-1232 (Includes shipping of newsletter. Member Rewards book is shipped SLS Las Vegas...... 737-2111...... 761-7757† at an additional $5us to Canada, $7us to Overseas, or can be picked up at our office.) Stratosphere...... 380-7777...... 998-6937 South Point...... 796-7111...... 791-7626†† ONLINE MEMBERSHIP: Includes 365 days of complete access to www.LasVegasAdvisor.com, the LVA Suncoast...... 636-7111...... 677-7111* Member Rewards book for only $37us.* (Member Rewards books can be picked up at the LVA office or shipped Sunset Station...... 547-7777...... 786-7389** to your home via coupon service for $3.50 to a U.S. address; $5us to Canadian and $7us to overseas addresses.) ...... 631-1000...... 654-8888 Treasure Island (TI)...... 894-7111...... 944-7444 SINGLE ISSUE: Call to order—$5us hard copy (First-class postage included. Current issue unless otherwise Tropicana...... 739-2222...... 634-4000 specified. Member Rewards book is not included.) Tuscany...... 893-8933...... 887-2261* Vdara...... 590-2767...... 745-7767†† * The LVA Member Rewards book is available ONLY with a paid one-year subscription to the Las Vegas Advisor Venetian...... 414-1000...... 883-6423* newsletter. No exceptions. Restricted to one per person and two per household, per year. Westin ...... 567-6000...... 563-9792†† ...... 836-5900...... 937-8461 ...... 732-5111...... 732-7117 To Order Your LVA Call: 1-800-244-2224 Wild Wild West (Days Inn)...... 740-0000...... 777-1514 Las Vegas Advisor • 3665 Procyon Street • Las Vegas, Nevada 89103 Wildfire...... 648-3801 ...... 770-7000...... 770-7077* December 2017 ANTHONY CURTIS’ $5 LasVegasAdvisor

COUPONOMY NEWS

December Room Rates a Vegas Barometer Casinos Palms—Red Rock Resorts by Anthony Curtis has announced that it will embark on a $485 million renovation pro- Las Vegas is in a potentially transi- Other standout deals include the D gram at the Palms that’s aimed at tional period right now. The economy ($20), Hooters ($23), Rio and Harrah’s restoring the resort to its opening is good and visitation is strong, so it ($26), Flamingo ($27), Bally’s ($29), status as one of Vegas’ hippest seems like it should be a seller’s mar- Golden Nugget ($39), Palms ($49), and hangs. The project will include ket. But a number of factors are also Mirage ($55). room redesigns and renovations, working against that notion—parking It’s something of a mixed bag. several new celebrity-chef-led charges, escalating resort fees, and Here’s the list. restaurants, a nightclub and year- tighter comps, plus, of course, the Under $20 Club: Circus Circus round pool club operated by the unknown effect the Strip shootings ($19.80). Tao Group, a new wellness spa have had on bookings and will have in Under $30 Club: Arizona Charlie’s and salon, and a revamping of the the future. Hence, we’ve been looking Boulder, Bally’s, Boulder Station, Buf- Pearl Theater. This Phase 2 plan forward to the information that the De- falo Bill’s, the D, El Cortez, Ellis Island will follow the in-progress reno- cember AEOTYMRRRU—the “Annual Super 8, Excalibur, Fiesta Rancho, vation of the casino floor and the End-Of-The-Year Monster Room-Rate Flamingo, Golden Gate, Harrah’s, addition of bars and restaurants, Round-Up”—might yield. Hooters, Luxor, Palace Station, Plaza, including the new buffet opening This year’s total of 37 casinos Rio, Santa Fe Station, Silver Sevens, this month. quoting rates of less than $40 (40 if you Stratosphere, Wild Wild West. Caesars Palace—A $100 count the three casinos in Primm) is Under $40 Club: Cannery, Down- million renovation of the casino’s four below 2016’s, a significant drop- town Grand, Eastside Cannery, Fiesta 1,181-room Palace Tower has off of nearly 10%. The total below Henderson, Four Queens, Fremont, been completed. Ten new villas $30 is 22, three fewer than last year. Golden Nugget, Hard Rock, LINQ, ranging in size from 2,750 square And this year, only one casino made Monte Carlo, Primm Valley, Se- feet to 4,085 square feet were it into the “Under $20 Club,” Circus rene, Sunset Station, Texas Station, added, each with more than $1 Circus ($19.80), which is two fewer Tropicana, Tuscany, Westgate, Whis- million in exclusive furniture and than last year. key Pete’s. design. Caesars is listing them At first glance, it appears that these High End: Treasure Island $42, for rent starting at $3,109 per results point to the casinos being in Orleans $45, NY-NY $48, Palms $49, night (not including resort fee, we a comfortable position, one in which Paris $53, Planet Hollywood $53, presume). they’re willing to raise room rates, even MGM Grand $55, Mirage $55, Palms Sands Arena—After more while resort fees continue to go up, Place $59, Mandalay Bay $59, Red than a year of silence, new details right? Not necessarily. Rock $65, MGM Grand Signature about the joint-venture arena There were five casinos with base $71, Green Valley Ranch $74, Hilton between Sands Corp. and Madi- rates from $40-$42, so the total isn’t as Lake Las Vegas $74, Westin Lake Las son Square Garden have been far off from last year as it looks. There Vegas $75, SLS $77, Cromwell $89, disclosed. The size of the arena, are also some significant reductions Trump $97, Caesars Palace $98, M which will be located on Sands from last year’s rates on the “High Resort $105, Delano $109, Vdara $109, Ave. behind Venetian/Palazzo, End.” They include TI dropping from Cosmopolitan $113, Four Seasons has grown from 400,000 square $60 to $42, Red Rock from $80 to $123, Palazzo $127, Venetian $127, feet and 17,500 seats to almost $65, Cosmo from $150 to $113, and Aria $128, $129, Bellagio $149, 600,000 square feet and 18,500 Venetian/Palazzo from $159 to $127. continued on next page continued on next page Couponomy continued gamblers will yield the best results for more details about ELV 2018 and of all, so watch your mail and email. our publisher’s discount. Scanning newspaper specials, surfing Wynn $151, Nobu $159, Encore $159, the Internet, and monitoring various Holiday Catalog Mandarin Oriental $199. social media for last-minute deals Our holiday catalog has been These are base rates only and are also good strategies. Remember posted, with lots of choices for holiday resort fees come into play. By now, it that this study was conducted in mid- gifts and stocking stuffers to help al- should be understood that these fees November, so you can count on new leviate some of your gift-giving chal- are nearly (though not quite) universal deals popping up between now and lenges. This year, we’ve teamed up and in many cases, they significantly Christmas. with a new gambler’s market called increase costs and can exceed the CasinoMegaStore, which has a huge room rate itself. ELV 2018 selection of clothing, games, and just Remember to consider bundles, The 2018 edition of Eating Las about anything you can think of with add-ons, and other special promos. Vegas is at the printer and available a gambling theme. And as always, For example, all of the Boyd casinos for sale. This sixth edition of our city many of our products are available are offering $20 dining credits with dining guide is the first to be written for less than you’ll find from other a two-night stay. The lowest Boyd by a single author, as opposed to the sources. Order early to get your items rate is $39 per night at the Fremont, three-author format employed in the by Christmas. which is one of the few casino-hotels earlier editions. The first three editions, Here’s wishing everyone a great in town that doesn’t charge a resort teaming John Curtas, Al Mancini, holiday. n fee. Hence, it’s $78 - $20 (credit) = and Max Jacobsen, produced some $58 for two nights, or $29 per. That lively and competitive jousting that we News continued beats Circus Circus’ $19.80 + $27 (RF) couldn’t quite duplicate in the follow- = $46.80 per night. In fact, Fremont’s ing two editions without Al and Max. $39 per with no RF is also the best Hence, we unleashed John alone for seats. Sands says it will be the “world’s single-night rate, barely beating the this version. largest venue built specifically for rate-plus-RF deals at the Cannery John’s an opinionated guy who music and entertainment.” Originally ($39.89), the D ($40), and Golden Gate says what he thinks, so this book planned to be operating by 2018, ($41). And slightly better yet is a deal has plenty of punch. The main for- construction is now slated to begin at the Westgate, where a $33 rate and mat change is the addition of several next year and be completed in 2020. $29 RF add up to $62 per night, but dining-themed essays that take you Raiders Stadium—The ground- come with a breakfast buffet for two deep inside Las Vegas’ culinary culture, breaking for the Raiders stadium was worth $34, producing a bottom line of including “The Glories of Dining Alone,” held last month, with 600 invited guests $28 per night, a buck better than the “Chef Worship,” “Twenty Suggestions that included Las Vegas business, Fremont. Note that all of these bundled for Dining Out in Style,” John’s list political, and entertainment luminar- deals are at non-Strip casinos where of the city’s “Bottom 10,” and, after ies, along with former Oakland Raider parking is free. upwards of 12,000 Vegas restaurant greats. More ceremonial than anything This year’s study involved 91 ho- experiences in 25 years, his “Perfect else, the groundbreaking was heralded tels, for which we canvassed multiple Meal.” The dedicated sections on as the final confirmation that the NFL is sources, including direct-to-casino Chinatown, steakhouses, and French coming to Las Vegas, something that booking, third-party reselling websites, cuisine have all been updated, as have was considered a near impossibility and our codes at LasVegasAdvisor. the restaurants in the “Essential 52” only a few years ago. com. All listed rates were available and the back-of-the-book references. Strip Zip Line—It looks like Cae- at the time of our inquiries, but can This book remains one of my fa- sars Entertainment will beat Steve change at any time—we can’t guaran- vorites of all that we’ve published and Wynn’s Paradise Park in bringing the tee that you’ll get all of the listed prices. it makes a heck of a stocking stuffer for first zip line to the Strip. FLY LINQ will This year’s Golden Week—the period frequent (and even infrequent) Vegas travel the length of Prom- between the end of the National Finals visitors and locals. Check out the wrap continued on next page

Rodeo and Christmas—is truncated 3665 Procyon St. • Las Vegas, NV 89103 • (702) 252-0655 • (702) 252-0675 Fax (due to changed rodeo dates) and runs LAS VEGAS ADVISOR e-mail: [email protected] • Internet: LasVegasAdvisor.com December 17 through December 24. Publisher: Anthony Curtis Research Assistant: Brenda Stewart Scot Krause, Bradley Peterson, This is when you’ll find the best deals. Senior Editor: Deke Castleman Customer Service: Danielle Molette Blair Rodman, Jean Scott, Michael Accounting: John Leitner Shipping & Receiving: Scotch Henderson Shackleford Opportunities will also be available dur- Production Manager: Laurie Cabot Contributing Writers: Jeffrey Compton, Cover: Fremont Street Experience ing the first week of December before Web Manager: Tanya Maynard Bob Dancer, Stewart Ethier, Bob Fuss, LAS VEGAS ADVISOR (ISSN 1064-167X USPS 008602) is published monthly and is available for $50 per year ($60 Canadian; $70 foreign purchasers) and $5 per single the rodeo begins. issue at 3665 Procyon St., Las Vegas, NV, 89103. POSTMASTER: Send address changes to Las Vegas Advisor, 3665 Procyon St., Las Vegas, NV 89103. All information is As always, players-club offers for current at press time. Listed offerings are subject to change at any time. Huntington Press ©2017

2 • LAS VEGAS ADVISOR • DECEMBER 2017 LAS VEGAS’ TOP TEN VALUES

The complete steak dinner at Ellis Island remains at #1 1. Steak Dinner • Ellis Island • 24 hours • $7.99 this month. The filet-cut sirloin comes with soup or salad, choice of potato, and green beans and is served 24/7 for 2. Shrimp Cocktail • Skyline • 24 hours • $1.49 $7.99. To get that price you have to print out two coupons 3. Breakfast • Klondike Sunset • Daily • $1.49 from an EI kiosk, the second after playing at least $5 in any slot machine with your club card inserted. We tried it 4. Draft Beer • Flamingo • Daily • 5¢ again this month and discovered a good new wrinkle that 5. Mac King • Harrah’s • Tues.–Sat. • $14.98 you can read about in Dining. On the other side of the coin, an institution ended last 6. Hot Dog • South Point • Daily • $1.25 month with the price of a Michelob in the bottle at Casino 7. Beer • Stage Door • 24 hours • $1 Royale rising 100% to $2. Not to worry, there’s another 8. $1 Blackjack • Hooters • 24 hours • $1.20 dollar-beer deal right around the corner. Pabst Blue Ribbon in the bottle is available for a buck 24/7 at the Stage Door 9. Lunch Comp • Crown & Anchor • Daily • $20 buy-in slot house on Flamingo, just a stone’s throw from the Strip. 10. Football Contest • Boyd Casinos • Weekly • Free We break down the differences for you in Entertainment. You have one more month to play the free “Pick the Pros” football contest (#10). We’ve called it the best gambling freeroll in town and this month Anthony Curtis shows you exactly why (see Gambling). Swipe your B Connected card on a kiosk at Gold Coast, Suncoast, Orleans, Sam’s Town, Fremont, California, or Main Street Station before the kick-off of each week’s first Sunday game and get three contest cards for a shot at the $30,000 first prize. Notes: The shrimp cocktail at Skyline (#2) is served at the main bar. The $1.49 bacon or sausage & eggs breakfast at Klondike Sunset (#3) is served every day in Sarah’s Kitchen from 7 to 11 am. The 5¢ beers (#4) at the Flamingo are served in the Margaritaville Casino area’s 5 O’Clock Somewhere Bar from 5 to 6 pm. Get a ticket to the Mac King Comedy Magic Show and a drink for $14.98 by asking at the players club booth (#5). The hot dogs at South Point (#6) are sold from a cart in the sports book from 10 am until they close down the cart around 5 pm. Hooters’ $1-minimum blackjack game (#8) runs 24/7 in the pit; naturals pay even money on bets of $1-$4. The Crown & Anchor bars’ lunch comp (#9) runs daily from 8 am to 2:30 pm at the east location and 11 am to 3 pm at the west, and is good for an appetizer until 6 pm on the east and 7 pm on the west.

News continued cel near the site of the former Riviera. permissions, and financing—it’s ex- Triple Five says that it has plans for a pected to take up to two years before 35- to 40-story hotel in the space that the extension is completed. enade, a distance in-between the might include a casino. There’s been Enclave—The 75,000-square- lengths of Fremont Street’s SlotZilla no announcement about plans for the foot events venue, Enclave, has zip and zoom lines, and will have a Vegas Indoor Skydiving facility that opened at 5810 S. Eastern Avenue. top height of 122 feet compared to 77 was part of the purchase. Featuring a 5,000-square-foot rooftop feet downtown. FLY LINQ is expected Virgin Casino—It’s only talk at space and 22 rooms ranging from 147 to be completed by “late next year.” this point, but Richard Branson’s Virgin square feet to 9,000 square feet, En- Moulin Rouge—The sale of the Group announced that it’s explor- clave is designed specifically to handle Moulin Rouge site to Clark County is ing opportunities in Las Vegas and special events of all sizes. off. Public pushback against plans to is specifically interested in acquiring Pot Lounges—The ongoing co- build a government building on the site an existing property. It makes sense nundrum concerning the consump- led to the county pulling out of the pur- given the business that Virgin’s airline tion of legally purchased marijuana in chase. An alternate bidder has agreed and other hospitality arms already do Nevada has led to a debate over the to meet the purchase price; however, in Las Vegas. legalization of “pot lounges.” Several it’s not known what that buyer has in Monorail—As expected, approval lawmakers are pushing for the estab- mind for the property. has been granted for an extension of lishment of these legal consumption North Strip Hotel—A 4.5-acre the Las Vegas Monorail from MGM areas, but smoking or ingesting can- parcel just off the Strip has been pur- Grand to Mandalay Bay. Given the nabis continues to be against the law. chased by Triple Five, a company that many details that still need to be ironed In a related matter, Oasis Cannabis has already owns an adjacent 5.4-acre par- out—including particulars of design, continued on next page

DECEMBER 2017 • LAS VEGAS ADVISOR • 3 News continued passengers set in 2007. and other outlets has exceeded the win from casinos. In the most recent Gambling in the U.S. fiscal year, the state made $296 million opened near the Stratosphere as the and Beyond in taxes from the machines compared first 24-hour marijuana dispensary in Atlantic City—It looks like the to $270 million from its 10 casinos. At Las Vegas. Up to now, the dispensaries days are numbered for the former last count there were 27,681 machines (except those in North Las Vegas) had Trump Plaza on the Atlantic City in 6,249 businesses statewide. That’s to close between 3 and 6 am. Boardwalk. Indications are that the 4.43 per establishment, indicating that Revenues—Nevada’s statewide former casino will be demolished early almost all of them are rocking the five- gambling win was up 3.25% in Septem- next year. The resort opened in 1984 machine limit. ber compared to the same month last as Harrah’s at Trump Plaza, but the Indiana—Caesars Entertainment year. The Strip win was up 4.7% and name was changed within the year to has acquired Centaur Holdings LLC downtown was flat. The win was down simply Trump Plaza. It closed in 2014 for $1.7 billion. Centaur is a racing in North Las Vegas (-8.3%) and on the and did not reopen. company that owns the Hoosier Park Boulder Strip (-6.2%), but up in the Bal- Pennsylvania—As expected, and Indiana Grand Racinos. ance of County (+1.0%). Sports betting Pennsylvania Gov. Tom Wolf has Online—New Jersey’s online gam- was the story again, with the books signed legislation allowing an expan- bling win continues to soar, up 23.4% taking in a record handle of $558.4 sion of gambling in the state. Gambling in October and surpassing $200 million million and winning $44.4 million, the will now be allowed in truck stops, for the year for the first time. And it’s fifth highest monthly sports win. airports, at several new casinos, and not just New Jersey. A report by Global Visitor volume was down 2.5% in online. It joins Nevada and Puerto Rico Online Gambling Market puts the 2016 September, making it four consecutive as the only jurisdictions with airport worldwide online win at $44.2 billion months of declines. Convention traffic gambling. A timetable for the imple- and estimates that number will hit $81.7 was down 24.6% mentation of the new options hasn’t billion by 2022. Pennsylvania is up next Airline traffic was up again, though been presented. in the U.S., becoming the fourth state by just .4%. McCarran remains on Illinois—For the first time ever, with online gambling and the first to pace to break the record of 47.8 million revenue from video gambling in bars have both casinos and lottery online. n

DINING

Buffet Polls quality at any of these six, and as good in the mid-range, only M Resort is not Over the past two months, we’ve as Wynn and Bellagio are, significant part of Member Rewards. run four polls on buffets, one for the discounts in the Member Rewards The bargain-buffet poll drew high-enders (regular dinner priced Book for the other four make them 2,430 votes, with Main Street Station, more than $30), one for the mid-range the best overall deals. Note that what a perennial favorite in this category, ($20-$29.99), one for the low end may be the city’s most opulent spread, winning even more dominantly than (under $20), and a final poll to pick the Bally’s Sterling Brunch, is offered M Resort, with 26% of the vote. Main the best of the best. Following are Sundays only and wasn’t included in Street was followed by Silverton (13%), synopses of each. the voting. Gold Coast (11%), and Sam’s Town With 1,860 votes cast for the The mid-range poll received about (9%). Silverton’s finish is amazing high-end buffets, Wynn placed first 9% more votes at 2,025, which was given that we made an error in leav- with 17% of the vote, followed by to be expected, since the lower price ing it (and Palace Station) off the list Bellagio (15%), Caesars’ Bacchanal point makes these buffets accessible early and had to add it in after much and Cosmo’s Wicked Spoon (tied at to more diners. The result here was of the voting had taken place. Almost 14%), and Rio’s Carnival World and a decisive win for M’s Studio B Buf- all of the buffets in this category (not Mirage’s Cravings (tied at 10%). It’s fet, which took 21% of the vote. The just the leaders) have discounts in the pretty much agreed that Las Vegas’ M was followed by Red Rock (15%), MRB and most are 2-for-1s. “Big 4” for high-end buffets are Wynn, Orleans (14%), Green Valley Ranch Finally, we ran the best-of poll ask- Bellagio, Caesars, and Cosmo (in any (13%), and Planet Hollywood (11%). ing “If you could eat at only one buffet given order), so the result was expect- A surprise was a relatively low 7% for in Las Vegas on a trip, which would it ed, with Rio and Mirage making good the Golden Nugget, a buffet that we be”? Participants could choose only showings to get into the mix. Bottom feel matches up favorably with those one, so the 1,543 votes provided line: You won’t be disappointed for finishing above it. Of the high finishers continued on next page

4 • LAS VEGAS ADVISOR • DECEMBER 2017 Dining continued Steak Special (Ellis Island)—It’s cioppino) running $29-$60, fish $31- No. 1 in the Top Ten, so we have to $47, and steaks up into the high $70s. try it from time to time. But how do Three of us had an 8-ounce filet ($48) some interesting results. For starters, you find new things to say? Usually we and a 12-ounce grass-fed New York the anticipated showdown between don’t—the filet-cut sirloin with salad, ($78), which two split for a $5 charge. runaway winners Main Street Station green beans, and choice of potato is Prices get adjusted when you use and M Resort didn’t materialize. MSS amazing for $7.99. Period. But this the 20% auto-discount described in th finished 7 , indicating that low price time we did learn something new. You Couponomy (that $78 steak is just $62 alone isn’t the primary consideration. can request that the steak be served now). There’s also a prix fixe option, It came down to a shoot-out between already sliced, as you might order it in with soup or salad, choice of four en- M and Wynn Las Vegas, with the two a fancy steakhouse like Carnevino. We trées, and a cappuccino crème brulée virtually tied throughout the voting. M rate it the best deal in town whichever for dessert that gets the raves, for $45 eventually won by only three votes. way you slice it. per person. There’s also a coupon for Close behind were Bellagio, Caesars, hotel guests good for an eight-ounce Bally’s Sterling Brunch, and Cosmo, blackened “butcher’s-cut” steak and in that order. mashed potatoes in a shrimp-creole In the end, while the gourmet buf- sauce for $25 per person. Our bill for fets are clearly the top choices, M’s three, with a salad, two entrées, two perfect balance of quality and price sides, a beer, and a glass of wine ($27!) win out overall. Check out all of the came to $217 with tax. results at LasVegasAdvisor.com. Hugo’s Cellar (Four Queens)— In other buffet news, the new And then there’s Hugo’s Cellar, which buffet at the Trop is called “Savor”; might be the best high-end dining value breakfast is $21, lunch $27, and din- in town. Hugo’s is located in a sunken ner $35. Cravings at has room off the main casino floor of the added a chef’s table (a la Bellagio), at Four Queens. It’s dark and intimate. Ellis Island (sliced) steak special which diners get additional gourmet Ladies are handed a rose upon arrival fare for $50, $63 on weekends. And (when you see a woman walking in the dinner is now served on weekends Phil’s Italian Steakhouse (TI)— casino with a rose, you’ll know she just only at the Westgate, with a $5 drop Like everything else at TI, Phil’s seems came from Hugo’s). At first glance, you in price to $20. to keep a low profile, so you don’t might wonder where the value is—the hear much about this old-Vegas-style least expensive entrée is chicken for Reviews gourmet room/classic steakhouse, $40 and salmon is $47, then it’s $50s Silverton Buffet (Dinner)—After with its red ceiling, red-velvet booths, and $60s for the steaks. But meals we inadvertently left out Silverton’s dark-wood trim, and subdued service. come complete with a bread basket, buffet in the low-end poll, we were Buying retail, there are no real deals vegetable, choice of potatoes or wild contacted by several customers here, unless you count another good rice, Hugo’s famous salad, a selection wondering why. It wasn’t by design, French onion soup, served in a cast- of chocolate-dipped fruit for dessert, as we rate Silverton’s Seasons as iron crock with a chewy mix of Swiss and even an intermezzo sorbet. The one of the top-value buffets in town, and Gruyere for $10. salad, mixed tableside with your choice and after going back last month, we of a dozen items added “garbage- found it as recommendable as ever. style,” is almost a meal in itself, and The room is spacious, clean, quiet, everything else is included (there’s a and nicely decorated and the service full selection of appetizers and sides, is responsive. The standout here is but you don’t need them). Hugo’s has the soups, five kinds on our last visit, always been known for its rack of lamb plus made-to-order pasta, peel-and- and it’s as impressive as ever, both eat shrimp, a big selection of Chinese, in portion and quality ($59). Prepared Mexican, and barbecue, including ham perfectly with no overwhelming sauces hocks and greens, and a big station of added, it’s our favorite lamb dish in Las roasted vegetables. For dessert, the Vegas. We also had scallops in lemon make-your-own strawberry shortcake Phil’s French onion soup butter for $52. As mentioned, you won’t is a local favorite. After a $2 discount need more, but if you want to splurge, with the club card, the price is a rock- this is one of the few restaurants that bottom $14.95; get 2-for-1 or 50% off Entrées are big-ticket, with Ital- still does flambéed desserts. The with your MRB voucher. ian (pasta, osso buco, lobster risotto, continued on page 8

DECEMBER 2017 • LAS VEGAS ADVISOR • 5 ADVANCE PLANNER HEADLINERS AND EVENTS

DECEMBER 12/8–12/10 • Reba, Brooks & Dunn 12/23 • Persian Stars 12/1 • Grass Roots Caesars Palace • $59.50–$205 MGM Grand • $85.75–$167.50 Golden Nugget • $20.71–$140.61 12/9 • Frankie Moreno 12/24 • Louis Yan • Cosmo • $68–$168 12/1 • Jack & Jack • Brooklyn Bowl • $20/$25 Suncoast • $190.95–$39.95 12/28 • Frankie Moreno • South Point • $25 12/1 • Syd • Hard Rock • $25 12/9 • Pam Tillis and Lorrie Morgan 12/28 • Original Misfits 12/1 • Ultimate Fighter Finale Golden Nugget • $31.61–$140.61 MGM Grand • $64.75–$255 Monte Carlo • $51–$321 12/10 • Charlie Daniels Band 12/28–12/30 • Allan Stephan 12/1 • UFC TUF Finale Golden Nugget • $31.61–$195.11 Hard Rock Live • $15/$60 Monte Carlo • $51–$321 12/10 • Dustin Lynch • Cosmo • $29–$246.75 12/28–12/30 • Matt Goss • Mirage • $54.49–$87.19 12/1 • Vegas Strong Benefit Concert 12/11 • Ronnie Milsap 12/29 • Dizzy Wright • Brooklyn Bowl • $22/$25 T– Mobile • $75–$125 Golden Nugget • $31.61–$195.11 12/29 • Joe Rogan • Mirage • $80.99 12/1–12/2 • Harry Connick Jr 12/11 • Sunny Turner • Aliante • $30.50–$40.50 12/29 • Loverboy Wynn LV • $59.50–$300 12/11 • The Killers • Palms • $40–$155 Golden Nugget • $42.51–$162.41 12/1–12/2 • Neil Diamond Tribute w/Rob Garrett 12/12 • Tanya Tucker 12/29 • Original Wailers • MBay • $22 South Point • $20–$30 Golden Nugget • $31.61–$162.41 12/29 • Zac Brown Band • Cosmo • $100–$401 12/1–12/2 • Ray Romano & David Spade 12/13 • Dwight Yoakam • Cosmo • $29–$195 12/30 • Duran Duran • Cosmo • $100–$792 Mirage • $90–$120 12/13 • Lonestar 12/30 • UFC 219 • T– Mobile • tba 12/1–12/2 • Reba, Brooks & Dunn Golden Nugget • $31.61–$118.81 12/30–12/31 • Céline Dion Caesars Palace • $59.50–$205 12/13–12/16 • Alabama • Wynn LV • $59.50–$250 Caesars Palace • $95–$500 12/1–12/15 • Steel Panther • MBay • $22/$32 12/14 • Clint Black 12/30–12/31 • Maroon 5 • MBay • $90–$250 12/2 • Carpenters Christmas Golden Nugget • $31.61–$195.11 12/30–2/19 • Bruno Mars Aliante • $25/$35 12/14 • Mariah Carey Monte Carlo • $284–$1385 12/2 • Patton Oswalt Caesars Palace • $55–$250 12/30–5/4 • Jay Leno • Mirage • $70.04–$90.04 Hard Rock • $39.95–$109.95 12/15 • Bill Engvall • Treasure Island • $59.95 12/31 • Bonkerz Comedy Show 12/2–12/3 • Matt Goss • Mirage • $54.49–$87.19 12/15 • Bill O’Reilly, Dennis Miller, & Jesse Hard Rock Live • $120 12/3 • Kelly Clarkson Watters • Caesars Palace • $86–$501 12/31 • Foo Fighters • Cosmo • $349/$400 Hard Rock • $35.80–$255.80 12/15 • Jamey Johnson 12/31 • Groove Martini & DJ Jewel Pearson 12/3 • Shaggy • Brooklyn Bowl • $28–$45 Golden Nugget • $53.41–$216.91 Hard Rock Live • $195 12/4–12/7 • Mosconi Cup • MBay • $48–$266 12/15–12/16 • All–4–One • Aliante • $30–$40 12/31 • In-A-Fect—New Years Eve 12/5 • Matt Goss • Mirage • $54.49–$87.19 12/15–12/16 • Dierks Bentley • Cosmo • $49–$79 Cannery • $50/$75 12/5 • Reba, Brooks & Dunn 12/15–12/16 • Ron White • Mirage • $70.04–$92 12/31 • Ja Rule & Ashanti’s Caesars Palace • $59.50–$205 12/16 • 26 th LV Bowl Brooklyn Bowl • $75–$328.13 12/6 • Jeff Dunham Sam Boyd Stadium • $35–$110 12/31 • Pennywise • MBay • $30/$33 Caesars Palace • $49.50–$79.50 12/16 • Descendents 12/31 • Travis Barker • Hard Rock • $50–$125 12/6 • Rise Against • Hard Rock • $49.95–$250 Brooklyn Bowl • $29.50–$40 12/31 • Vegas Super Band 12/7 • Chris Robinson Brotherhood 12/16 • Lady GaGa • T– Mobile • $45–$275 Suncoast • $32/$46 Brooklyn Bowl • $23/$25 12/16–12/17 • Mariah Carey JANUARY 12/7 • John Michael Montgomery Caesars Palace • $55–$250 1/2–1/3 • Céline Dion Golden Nugget • $42.51–$195.11 12/16–12/17 • Martin Nievera Caesars Palace • $95–$500 12/7–12/9 • Matt Goss • Mirage • $54.49–$87.19 Suncoast • $19.95–$39.95 1/5 • Lita Ford 12/7–12/16 • Bobby Wayne Stauts 12/20 • Mariah Carey Golden Nugget • $31.61–$107.91 Hard Rock Live • $15/$60 Caesars Palace • $55–$250 1/5–1/6 • Céline Dion 12/7–12/16 • National Finals Rodeo 12/21 • Lil Pump • Brooklyn Bowl • $30–$45 Caesars Palace • $95–$500 T&M • $268/$402 12/21–12/23 • Tony Orlando • South Point • $50–$60 1/5–1/6 • Ice Vegas Invitational 12/7–12/16 • Rodney Carrington 12/21–1/6 • Paul Shaffer & The Shaf–Shifters T– Mobile • $30–$100 MGM Grand • $59.99–$89.99 Caesars Palace • $49–$149 1/6 • Colin Quinn • Cannery • $29.95–$39.95 12/8 • Brenda Lee 12/22 • Drag Queen Christmas 1/7 • Markiplier’s • Hard Rock • $41.50–$125 Golden Nugget • $31.61–$140.61 MBay • $23–$153 1/9 • Céline Dion 12/8 • Cole Swindell • Cosmo • $29–$59 12/22 • Lindsey Stirling Caesars Palace • $95–$500 12/8–12/9 • Gary Allan • Hard Rock • $39.50–$125 Cosmo • $29.50/$39.50 1/10–1/20 • John Fogerty 12/8–12/9 • George Strait • T– Mobile • $75–$200 12/22 • Mariah Carey Wynn LV • $59.50–$1,100 12/8–12/9 • Robert Irvine Caesars Palace • $55–$250 1/11–1/14 • Disney On Ice • T&M • $18–$93 Hard Rock • $39.50–$125 12/22–12/23 • Under the Streetlamp 1/12 • Tracy Morgan 12/8–12/9 • Ron White • Mirage • $70.04–$92 Orleans • $33–$53 Hard Rock • $49.95–$109.95

6 • LAS VEGAS ADVISOR • DECEMBER 2017 ADVANCE PLANNER HEADLINERS AND EVENTS SHOW NOTES

1/12–1/13 • Céline Dion 2/7–2/24 • • Venetian • $52–$289 • BAZ—Star Crossed Love at Palazzo has Caesars Palace • $95–$500 2/7–2/24 • Diana Ross • Wynn LV • $60.50–$301 changed its name to BAZ—A Musical Mash- 1/12–1/13 • Frankie Valli & The Four Seasons 2/9 • Lights • Hard Rock • $21 Up. Monte Carlo • $35–$143 2/9 • Stick Figure and Twiddle w/Iya Terra • Ticket prices for Mystere at TI have been 1/12–1/13 • Marilyn Manson Brooklyn Bowl • $20–$40 increased from $71.91-$120.14 to $95.16- MBay • $59.50–$73.50 2/9–2/10 • Ron White • Mirage • $68–$88 $156.20. 1/12–1/13 • Willie Nelson w/Lukas Nelson 2/9–2/11 • Atlantic City Boys Cosmo • $20/$45 South Point • $25–$35 • Ticket prices for Tenors of Rock at Harrah’s 1/12–1/14 • Gabriel Iglesias • Mirage • $100 2/9–2/11 • Elton John • Caesars Palace • $55–$500 have been increased from $48.90-$125.16 to 1/13 • Deon Cole • Cannery • $29.95–$39.95 2/10 • Judah & The Lion • MBay • $22 $70.51-$131.43. 1/13 • Naturally 7 • M Resort • $21–$41 2/10 • Shakira • Ticket prices for Dirk Arthur Wild Magic at 1/14 • The Minimalists • MBay • $36/$96 MGM Grand • $50.50–$140.50 Westgate Las Vegas have been increased 1/14 • Katt Williams 2/13 • Lettuce • Brooklyn Bowl • $27/$32 from $29-$69 to $42.77-$86.37. Monte Carlo • $52/$72/$93 2/14 • Elton John • Caesars Palace • $55–$500 • Vinnie Favorito Unfiltered will close at the 1/16 • K. Flay • Brooklyn Bowl • $21–$89 2/16 • Lana Del Rey • MBay • $39.50–$125 Westgate Dec 3. 1/16–1/17 • Céline Dion 2/16 • Queens of the Stone Age Caesars Palace • $95–$500 w/Royal Blood • Cosmo • $49/$69 1/17 • G3 2018 2/16 • Tribal Seeds • Brooklyn Bowl • $25–$35 Brooklyn Bowl • $49.50–$99 2/16–2/18 • Herman’s Hermits w/Peter Noone 1/17–1/30 • Classic Cher • Monte Carlo • $55–$475 South Point • $50–$60 1/19 • Dave Coulier • Sunset Station • $35 2/16–2/18 • Elton John • Caesars Palace • $55–$500 1/19–1/20 • Céline Dion 2/17 • Beth Hart • MBay • $30–$55 Caesars Palace • $95–$500 2/17 • CAKE • Cosmo • $25/$45 1/19–1/20 • Norm MacDonald 2/18 • Tiffany Haddish South Point • $35–$45 Mirage • $37.20/$43.60 1/19–1/21 • John Mulaney 2/21–2/22 • Elton John • Caesars Palace • $55–$500 Mirage • $60.99–$80.99 2/22 • Dark Star Orchestra 1/20 • Katy Perry • T– Mobile • $50.59–$200.59 Brooklyn Bowl • $25/$30 1/20 • Lil Duval • Orleans • $30–$46 2/23 • Black Label Society • MBay • $29.50 1/20 • National • Hard Rock • $50.50/$126 2/23 • Felipe Esparza 1/20 • Spoon • Cosmo • $29.50/$38 Treasure Island • $39.19/$54.45 1/24–1/25 • Jeff Foxworthy • Venetian • $56–$159 2/23–3/3 • Nickelback • Hard Rock • $50.50–$251 1/24–2/3 • Carlos Santana • MBay • $99.50–$300 2/23–2/24 • Ray Romano & David Spade 1/26–1/28 • Capitol Steps • South Point • $25–$35 Mirage • $90–$120 1/26–1/31 • Moody Blues • Wynn LV • $59.50–$275 2/25 • Elton John • Caesars Palace • $55–$500 1/26–2/3 • Styx & Don Felder 2/27 • Celebrating David Bowie Venetian • $71.50–$324.50 Brooklyn Bowl • $32/$35 1/27 • Adam Sandler • Cosmo • $49–$640 2/27 • Elton John • Caesars Palace • $55–$500 1/27 • Calibash 2018 • T– Mobile • $28–$158 2/28–3/10 • Elvis Costello and The Imposters 1/27 • Tommy Davidson Wynn LV • $59.50–$150 Cannery • $32.95/$39.95 1/27 • Tim Allen • Mirage • $65.39–$87.19 1/28 • Sommore • Suncoast • $30–$46 1/31–2/3 • Van Morrison Caesars Palace • $59.50–$250 FEBRUARY 2/1 • Rebel SoulJahz Brooklyn Bowl • $22–$40 2/2–2/3 • Classic Cher • Monte Carlo • $55–$475 2/2–3/31 • Incubus • Hard Rock • $50.50–$176 2/2–5/12 • Daniel Tosh • Mirage • $70.99–$106.99 2/3 • Killers • MGM Grand • $40.25–$69.50 See inside wrap (pg. 13) for 2/3 • Tonight Alive & Silverstein “Weather,” “Room Rates,” and Hard Rock • $19/$36 “Key Dates.”

DECEMBER 2017 • LAS VEGAS ADVISOR • 7 Dining continued 6375 S. Rainbow. AYCE sushi is $21.99 at discounted prices is no more. Pho for lunch and $26.99 for dinner. D’licious on Spring Mountain has Jake & Eli will open this month closed. It’s been replaced by Yasik Bananas Foster or Cherries Jubilee at the Westin, joining the recently Nara, a Korean restaurant out of Los is flamed tableside and feeds two for reopened Savona Bistro. Angeles. $19. Our bill for two was $198 with tax, Naked City Pizza is opening an Salute Trattoria Italiana at Red but that’s because we went for $60 in outlet at the El Cortez in the space for- Rock is closing in December. appetizers. The value play is to stick merly occupied by Pizza Lotto. After 16 years, Alizé will close at with two entrées. If you want, lean on Osteria Costa, an Italian restaurant the Palms on New Year’s Eve. long-tenured sommelier Jon Simmons featuring the cuisine of the Amalfi Country Club steakhouse at Wynn for a perfect wine recommendation—a Coast, is set to open at the Mirage Las Vegas will close on January 14 glass of Shiraz was just $10—and you’ll early next year. to make way for construction on the have one of the best dining experiences Palace Station has announced Paradise Park resort. in Vegas, while getting out for under the coming of the gastropub BBD’s Diablo’s Cantina and 800 Degrees $150. (Note: This is also the place to (beers, burgers, and desserts) and the Neapolitan Pizzeria have closed at go if you want to incorporate some Boathouse Asian Eatery. Monte Carlo in preparation for the video poker before or after dinner; Although we reported last month transformation to Park MGM. see Gambling.) that the new location of Lotus of Siam Both Papaya King locations have had opened at 620 E. Flamingo, that abruptly closed (see “Local Corner” for announcement was premature. The a new NYC hot dog source). new restaurant still hasn’t opened Las Vegas’ last Joe’s Crab Shack and the original at Commercial Center has closed. remains closed after roof damage was After operating for many years sustained last summer. across from Palace Station, Landry’s The latest restaurant to offer pho Seafood House has closed. n

Local Corner—New York Street Dogs 300 Stewart Ave., 702-930-9540

We’ve been roamin’ these streets for decades and have made a lot of culinary discoveries, but one thing we’ve never come across is a street cart selling -style hot dogs topped with kraut and red-onion sauce. Sure, the dog itself has made its way to town, but Vegas has never had one of those carts that you find on every second street corner in NYC. It has one now. Easily spotted by its blue-and-yellow umbrella, New York Street Dogs is positioned in front of the entrance to downtown’s Mob Museum. The classic Dining Notes hot dog with toppings is just $3, well under current NYC prices ($5-$6). There’s For the fourth year in a row, Tao also hot sausage (it has a kick) for $7, Asian Bistro at the Venetian was the nachos that they’ll top with the hot top-grossing independent restaurant dog fixins for $5, and some combo in the U.S., according to Restaurant deals if you want a drink. The dogs and Business Magazine. Its $42 million in red-onion sauce are the Real McCoy, sales topped runner-up Joe’s Stone both Sabrett products shipped in Crab (Miami Beach) by $5 million. Joe’s from Brooklyn. Order up and eat on Seafood, Prime Steak & Stone Crab in the museum steps or across Ogden the Forum Shops at Caesars Palace, on the street-side picnic tables (be ranking 17th, was the only other Las sure to grab some napkins). Vegas restaurant in the Top 20. An interesting aside: Operators Peng Zu Asian Cuisine has opened Luis and Elizabeth Diaz support at Suncoast. S.N.E.A.K.E.R.S., a charity that pro- Café Sanuki Japanese Noodle vides shoes to the needy; a portion Bar, specializing in authentic udon, of their proceeds is donated to that has opened at 4821 Spring Mountain. cause. Pretty cool. The stand is open BF Sushi (same owners as Blue Fin Mon.-Sat. from 11 am to 7 pm. Sushi on the east side) has opened at

8 • LAS VEGAS ADVISOR • DECEMBER 2017 ENTERTAINMENT

Two-Dollar Beer the Park” in The Park at NY-NY, which, Many productions are on hiatus One of Las Vegas’ longest-running for the second year in a row, boasts this month. Following is a list of dark deals has finally sustained a price the city’s tallest tree, at 80 feet (20 feet days (no performances) for the major increase. After many years of selling more than last year). Other places to productions. All dates are in December: bottled Michelob (and before that, take in free holiday events, Christmas Bally’s Bronx Wanderers 8, 24; Tom Beck’s) for $1, Casino Royale has trees, Santas, etc. include the LINQ Green 14-31; Wayne Newton 14-31; doubled the price to $2. Promenade (nightly snow), Green Val- Bellagio O 1-12; Excalibur Thunder A bartender told us it was the first ley Ranch (“Winter’s Village”), Sam’s From Down Under 24, 25, 31; Flamingo price increase in 25 years. Maybe, but Town’s Mystic Falls (holiday laser show Donny & Marie 1-31; Legends in Con- the deal first hit our radar in September and “Cowboy Santa”), Silverton (“Un- cert 16-23, 25, 31; Hard Rock Raiding 2001, when Beck’s was introduced derwater Santa”), Bellagio Conserva- the Rock Vault 1-16, 24, 31; Harrah’s for a buck. We’d received a tip from tory & Botanical Gardens, Venetian/ Righteous Brothers 5-7, 12-14, 19-21, a distributor that CR had made a big Palazzo, Ethel M Cactus Garden, 26; Tenors of Rock 25; X Country 13, Beck’s buy and the bartenders were Fremont Street Experience (50-foot- 25, 31; Hooters Gordie Brown 13, 25, calling it a “limited special.” Still, it tall Christmas tree, see the cover), 31; Mat Franco 4-12, 18-18, 31; Luxor lasted until 2003, when Beck’s was Fashion Show Mall, the Town Square Carrot Top 6-10, 23-25, 31; Criss An- replaced by Michelob. Back then, there and Tivoli Village shopping districts, gel 13-17, 24, 31; MGM Grand “Brad were quite a few $1-beer specials, even Wet ‘n’ Wild (“Las Vegas Christmas Garrett’s Comedy Club” 25; David on the Strip, so the “downgrade” to Town”), and Downtown Summerlin. Copperfield 7-16; Mirage LOVE 1-12; Michelob kept the deal off the Top Ten No longer a rare attraction, ice-skating Palazzo Baz 24; Paris Anthony Cools until we added it again in 2006. Since rinks have been announced this year at 10, 12, 14-17, 19, 31; Sex Tips 7-16, then, it’s been a constant on the list, Cosmopolitan, Green Valley Ranch, the 25, 31; Planet Hollywood Crazy Girls except when replaced by an occasional Park, Downtown Summerlin, Wet ’n’ 24-26, 31; Murray: Celebrity Magi- short-term beer deal. Wild, the Ethel M Chocolate Factory, cian 1-15; Rio Chippendales 24-31; Two bucks for a bottle is still an and Lake Las Vegas. Penn & Teller 11-21, 31; Eddie Grif- excellent 24/7 bargain, considering the Admission to the “Downtown fin 21-31; WOW 18-20; Tropicana location at center Strip, but it’s not the Countdown” New Year’s Eve party is David Goldrake—Imaginarium 5-18, best anymore. Within walking distance $35 (plus taxes & fees) if you purchase 31; “Laugh Factory” 25; Purple Reign is the Stage Door on E. Flamingo across by Dec. 25, $40 till the 30th, then $45 on 6-9, 13-16, 31; Rich Little Live 25, 31; from Bally’s (LVA 7/15), where PBR in the 31st. Details about the New Year’s Tuscany The Rat Pack is Back 30; Ve- the bottle is $1 around the clock. The Eve Strip fireworks display aren’t netian Human Nature Jukebox 12-16, Stage Door is a slots-only casino that announced till mid-December, but 26; Westgate Dirk Arthur 7-10, 14-17, attracts a rougher crowd, but it now another elaborate “America’s Party” 31; Sexxy 6-9, 13-16. has the best 24-hour beer deal in town, show is expected. continued on next page along with cheap shots and an excel- lent hot dog-and-beer special to boot. Notes Holidays • Gordie Brown has moved from Planet Hollywood to Hooters. The National Finals Rodeo (NFR) • A new revue called The Cocktail Cabaret has opened in Cleopatra’s Barge comes to town a week later this year, at Caesars Palace. It plays at 5 pm and there’s a deal in December for Dec. 7-16. During this period, several 2-for-1 tickets for locals with the code CKLOCAL. casinos host country & western acts • Additional dates have been added for Rod Stewart: The HIts at Caesars in their lounges and showrooms (see Palace. The new dates are June 12, 15-16, 19, 22-23. Tickets start at $49 the Advance Planner). Many run special base. parties and promotions to draw rodeo • Additional dates have been added for Reba, Brooks & Dunn at Caesars business, but those that tradition- Palace. The new dates are March 14, 16-17, 21, 23-24; Aug. 15, 17-18, 22, ally promote vigorously, often airing 24-25. Tickets start at $59.50 base. telecasts of the events, include Gold • Joey Scinta, eldest of the Scinta’s performing family, passed away last Coast, Orleans, the D, Hard Rock, month after suffering a series of strokes. While less focal than brother South Point, TI, and Silverton. Frankie, Joey was a masterful impersonator and musician and a key cog in Lots of spots will be sponsoring the show. holiday festivities, including “Holiday at See the Advance Planner for dates, prices, and additional show updates.

DECEMBER 2017 • LAS VEGAS ADVISOR • 9 Entertainment continued happy hour Mon.-Fri. from 4 to 7 pm, and a Heineken is $8.66. At Honey Pig, with $4 draft beer and well drinks and a bottle of makgeolli is $13.99. In the $7 appetizers. Downtown Events Center at the D, a Bars and Happy Hours For the 15th straight year, Ellis vodka is $11 and a Corona is $7. At (Note: These types of deals can Island is serving its homemade egg The Black Sheep, a Green Lightning change . Call to verify.) nog (contains alcohol). Get it at the bar is $9.75 and a Firestone 805 is $7.58. Todd English Pub at CityCenter for the same price as last year: $6 per At Morton’s. a Heineken is $9.20. At has daily happy hours from 3 to 6 pm glass and $30 per bottle. El Dorado Cantina, a Victoria beer is and 10 pm to close. It no longer offers A new cocktail lounge called Ro- $8.66. At Sporting Life Bar, an 1800 $2 oysters, but appetizers, beer, well sina is scheduled to open this month Silver tequila is $7. At Bandito, a drinks, and wine by the glass are $6. at the Venetian. draft Modelo Especial is $5.41. In the McMullen’s has happy hours daily Troy Liquor Bar out of NYC has Grandview Lounge at South Point, a from 3 to 6 pm and 11 pm to 2 am, opened at the Golden Nugget, taking draft Dos Equis is $5. At BF Sushi, a with half-price appetizers, plus $1 off over the spot formerly occupied by draft Asahi is $4.87. At Wildfire Valley pints during the early HH. Gold Diggers. Open Thursday-Sunday, View, a Heineken is $4, a Bud Light is Bandito has $5 margaritas on it’s billed as the “only nightclub under $3.75, and a Miller Lite is $3.50. Mondays and half-price bottles of wine the Fremont Street Canopy.” Note: Makgeolli is a Korean alcohol on Wednesdays. In Phil’s Italian Steakhouse at TI, beverage usually made from rice and Mickie Finnz downtown has a a glass of Hanna Cabernet is $27.05 referred to as “farmer liquor.” n

GAMBLING

“Winning” Pick the Pros perfect card through the morning. That the favorite, because you can hedge (Editor’s Note: After nearly a de- always makes for a fun time sweating by taking the points with the dog and cade of playing, Anthony Curtis finally the afternoon games and sweat we hoping for a middle. Sounds good in cashed in the free Pick the Pros con- did, with a couple going down to the practice, but going against just the one test. He describes the process here.) last seconds. But they went our way, player on the other side would have Back in 2008, we published an as did the Sunday-night game. been far preferable. article titled “17 Long Weeks.” It was With a perfect card, only Monday All of a sudden, things weren’t a realistic look at the tough task you night remained. Working in our favor looking so rosy. There’s $30,000 in face when playing the high-variance was that one of the wins, the Red- prize money each week. A single football contests. These contests are skins over the Seahawks, was a big winner scoops it all, but with multiple often excellent values, especially when upset with Seattle going off as 9-point winners a tiebreaker decides, with they’re free. But they not only require a favorites. That’s good—you always $10,000 going to first and the remaining major time commitment, you can play want to pick a fairly big underdog or $20,000 split among the others. Hence, the big ones forever and never cash. A two to reduce the chances of having if the Packers won, the dude on the good example is our favorite contest, to split winnings with several other other side would get it all. If the Lions Boyd’s “Pick the Pros,” which has been players. Our guy also called a 6-point won, one player would get $10K and in the Top Ten during football season dog in the Colts over the Texans and the other 12 would get $1,667 each. for several years running. It has a lot a 3-point dog in the Panthers over the The first tiebreaker is the game going for it in terms of entertainment Falcons. A card with three big upsets total: Whoever’s closest (over or un- value (it’s free), but winning it is difficult. is strong and we had the Lions, who der doesn’t matter) wins. If that ties, In fact, we’ve made it clear that you were 2-point favorites over the Pack- whoever posted their picks earliest almost have to have a perfect card to ers, to close it out. We didn’t expect gets the win. Our guy had posted on get into the money. I did last month. a lot of matchers. Friday, really early for our group, so Here are the particulars. Surprise—there were 13 other we had that going for us, but we knew A good way to play any of the big perfect cards going into Monday night. we’d have to get lucky with the total. football contests is to split with friends. THIRTEEN! We had 41. Get a group together, let everyone I’d be lying if I didn’t admit that I The Lions were in control most make their picks, and split the winnings was shocked, and it got worse. Twelve of the game and it was clear late that if you hit. I split with four of my friends on of the 13 were also on the Lions. Les- they’d win. So we’d get something, a weekly basis. This season on Week son learned: Don’t pick favorites in but how much depended on the final 9 of the NFL, one in our group had a the MNF game. Everyone likes to pick continued on next page

10 • LAS VEGAS ADVISOR • DECEMBER 2017 Gambling continued Video Poker Lost and Found score. With 10 seconds left, the score In the review of Hugo’s Cellar in pretty good. On a recent visit, the was 30-10. The Packers had the ball Dining, we reference the good video 8/5 Bonus Poker progressive at the and threw into the end zone trying for poker options at the Four Queens. D’s Vue Bar was returning 101.3%. a meaningless (to them) last TD as Good schedules throughout the ca- The Triple Double Bonus Spin time ran out. The pass was incomplete. sino include dollar 10/7 Double Bo- Poker that was the likely game played The total fell 40, one away from our nus (100.17%), 10/6 Double Double by Strip shooter Stephen Paddock at number—certainly no guarantee, but Bonus for 50¢ and $1, and 9/6 Jacks Mandalay Bay has been removed. we liked our chances. Except for one or Better (99.54%) from 25¢ to $1. The TDB game returns 99.58% with thing. Pass interference was called. Even better are the 25¢ progressives perfect play and was available on The ball was placed at the one for a at the bars that we’ve written about $5 machines. The best game for all final play and the Lions defense kind often. On a recent visit the DDB game denoms at MBay is now 8/5 Bonus of stood there as the Packers ran it in was at a 100.10% return, DB was at Poker, returning 99.17%. for a final score of 30-17. Needless to 100.42%, and Deuces Wild was at The Vons we checked had stan- say, we wound up with $1,667. 101.75%. The progressives on the DB dard bar schedules, with the best Bad beat? Sure. But a $333-per- and DDB games are on the quads, being 6/5 BP (96.89%) from 25¢ to person payday and a ton of fun for no so you need software to work out the $5, and we’d lay a hefty price that risk ain’t half bad—and it could have returns, but the Deuces progressive it’s the same at all of them. So what? been a lot worse. How? Here’s how. is on the royal only and goes positive Make the play! None of us took the time to read all at $1,575 (it was $2,388). The players There are currently no Bob of the rules about redeeming contest club returns a generous .3125% on Dancer video poker classes sched- prizes. The player whose entry won these games, so you’ll build comps uled. They will resume on January 9 was out of town and he didn’t return fast and there are some decent perks at South Point. In the interim, be sure until two weeks later on Tuesday—15 ($10 free-play, $10 first-card-ace, to check out Bob’s weekly Tuesday days after the result. There was a twofer in Magnolia’s) for joining. column and the Thursday “Gambling prompt on his account at the kiosk Between the Four Queens and With an Edge” podcast, with Bob and to print his cash-out ticket. When he the D across the street, your odds Richard Munchkin, both at Gambling did, we saw a notice that the ticket of finding a positive 25¢ game are WithAnEdge.com. expired in 14 days. It appeared that we’d missed the cashing window by Rewards” card. After you earn 100 get it at the Albertsons at 575 College a day. We looked at the disclaimer points ($100 coin-in), you’ll get $20 Park, 190 North Boulder Highway, again. It read “expires … AFTER THE in free-play. That’s positive, but it’s 2910 Bicentennial Parkway, and 1940 POSTING OF THE RESULTS.” Results not the sizzle. You’ll also be given a Village Center Circle. are posted the Tuesday after the MNF certificate for free car washes at Ter- game. We got paid. rible’s. For how long? It’s good for three Gambling Notes This contest is cool, but remember months! You read that correctly—you Blackjack—El Cortez has raised its three things. First, there are so many can get your car washed every day if blackjack limits from $500 to $1,000 players, you almost have to go perfect you want for 90 days. The certificate in the pit and to $2,000 in high-limit. to cash and that’s not easy. Second, if specifies “Outlaw” washes, which are Virtual Sports Betting—Online you do, be prepared to split the prize (a $17 retail, so you’re looking at about gamblers in New Jersey can now bet few weeks later with only mild upsets, $200 in value if you go only once a on virtual sporting events on the Play- 68 perfects went into the MNF game). week. Put the pedal to the floor and SugarHouse.com system. Outcomes And most important of all, if you play, you’ll capture multiple-hundreds of are not based on active live sports (it’s you have to be in town to collect within dollars in saving. This is so strong that more like a big Derby game). Betting 15 days of Monday night. even avowed you-can’t-beat-those- on virtual sports has already proved damned-machines non-gamblers popular in Europe. Vons Bonus almost have to do it. Ivey—The Supreme Court of the You never know where a deal might Certainly, this is a deal best suited United Kingdom has ruled that poker show up. We’ve just discovered one to locals (you probably don’t want to player Phil Ivey was cheating when he of the best, and most creative, players wash your rental car). But if you drive beat Crockfords Casino in for club sign-up bonuses we’ve ever seen, to town, you can take advantage while $10.1 million playing baccarat in 2012. and it’s running in a grocery store. you’re here and drive home shiny. Crockfords refused to pay, and it now Go into any Las Vegas Vons and There are nine Vons in Las Vegas and appears that Ivey’s options for pursu- sign up for the “Ms. Terrible’s Player they all offer the bonus. You can also ing payment in the U.K. have run out. n

DECEMBER 2017 • LAS VEGAS ADVISOR • 11 FAST TRACK LAST SECOND FLASH Deals is nearly tripled at $340,000. There Station Casinos is running the will be 348 Nevada National Guard Out of 91 casinos called on Nov. “Jumbo Jackpots” and “Wheel of troops in place this year compared 28, 74 had rooms available for New Fortune Big Time Bonus” promos to 160 in past years, and busses will Year’s Eve, compared to 72 out of in December, with an added bonus be positioned as roadblocks against 89 last year. The number of nights is for each that everyone playing with potential vehicle attacks. the minimum required stay; the dollar a Boarding Pass card inserted when A Clark County Commissioner has amount is the total cost. Resort fees a jackpot hits getting up to $100 in floated the idea of banning private are not included in the totals. free-play. The WoF jackpot must hit vehicles on the Strip, the rationale 1 night: Railroad Pass $98, Lucky by $20,000 and you can monitor the being that gawking visitors and mobile- Club $130, Cannery $160, Westin Lake jackpot levels via progress boards at billboard vehicles snarl traffic. While Las Vegas $161, Santa Fe Station $171, each casino. the suggestion has garnered a lot of Eastside Cannery $190, Suncoast Earn 700 base points ($2,800 coin- discussion, the likelihood of the plan $195, South Point $199, Wild Wild West in) Sat.-Tues. in December at Hard coming to fruition is low. $199, Fiesta Rancho $220, Silverton Rock and get a $25 Macy’s gift card. Downtown’s driverless-shuttle $229, Texas Station $230, Artisan That’s a decent .9% bonus and you experiment got off to an unsteady $239, Tropicana $249, Westgate $250, can earn up to $1,600 in cards. start when the eight-seat vehicle was Gold Coast $250, Main Street Station Earn 100 base points ($100 involved in a fender bender less than $250, Fremont $260, JW Marriott $279, coin-in) on Mondays in December at an hour after launching. The accident Orleans $316, Palms Place $319, Ellis Eldorado or Jokers Wild and get a was judged to be the fault of a truck that Island Super 8 $325, Tuscany $329, mystery prize; earn an additional 500 backed into it, but witnesses say the Flamingo $399, Platinum $425, Mirage points and receive a food credit for shuttle took no evasive action (which $439, Stratosphere $460, Aria $613, up to $15. might have been the safest maneuver Mandarin Oriental $799. given the low level of contact with the 2 nights: Arizona Charlie’s Boulder Miscellaneous truck). No one was injured and the $310, Sam’s Town $320, Downtown The impromptu memorial for shuttles are still operating. Grand $368, Arizona Charlie’s Decatur the victims of the Strip shooting OJ Simpson was 86’d from the $370, Buffalo Bills $378, Primm Val- that sprang up at the “Welcome to Cosmopolitan last month. He was ley $394, $397, Serene Fabulous Las Vegas” sign has been allegedly involved in a late-night al- $418, Plaza $420, Excalibur $435, moved. The crosses and mementos at tercation at a casino bar that led to Silver Sevens $454, Golden Nugget the site were boxed and transported a confrontation with employees and $458, Aliante $460, Hard Rock $478, to the Clark County Museum at 1830 Simpson being trespassed. California $480, Golden Gate $487, S. Boulder Highway and will become The Southern Paiute tribe has Rio $506, The D $508, Cromwell $509, part of the museum’s permanent col- opened a 15,800-square-foot store Palms $518, Luxor $521, Four Queens lection. called Nuwu Cannabis Marketplace, $538, Monte Carlo $577, Circus Circus All Boyd properties have gone which it says is the largest stand- $578, Vdara $626, NY-NY $695, LINQ to a 48-hour rule for entering rooms alone retail marijuana facility in $708, Palazzo $721, Cosmopolitan with “Do Not Disturb” signs displayed. the U.S. The store is located north $730, MGM Grand $740, Hooters $745, Termed a “safety and welfare check,” of downtown at 1225 N. Main Street. Mandalay Bay $763, Delano $764, Ve- the policy was dropped from three A 4-foot-tall “humanoid robot” netian $898, Paris $922, Bellagio $997, consecutive days to two following the toting a tablet has taken residence Nobu $1,058, Four Seasons $1,158. Strip shooting, leading up to which in Mandarin Oriental’s 23rd floor Sky 3 nights: El Cortez $439, Elara the shooter displayed a DND sign for Lobby. The “female” robot, Pepper, $786, Harrah’s $788, Planet Hollywood several days. Wynn Resorts earlier an- doesn’t move around or talk, but uses $867, Bally’s $883, Wynn $1,323, nounced that it would conduct checks the tablet to answer questions from Encore $1,497. after only 12 hours. guests. Sold Out: Boulder Station, Cae- Major steps are being taken to Last month’s Rock ‘n’ Roll Mara- sars Palace, Casino Royale, Fiesta ensure safety during the outdoor thon drew 25,000 runners participating Henderson, Green Valley Ranch, Hilton Strip and downtown celebrations on over multiple events. The featured Lake Las Vegas, M Resort, MGM New Year’s Eve. Whereas the se- marathon was won by Giles Rubio Signature, Palace Station, Red Rock, curity budget in past years has been in the men’s and Marisa Hird in the Royal Resort, SLS, Sunset Station, TI, about $120,000, this year’s budget women’s divisions. n Trump, Westin, Whiskey Pete’s.

12 • LAS VEGAS ADVISOR • DECEMBER 2017 JANUARY JANUARY 9-12 CES 2018–165,000 WEEKDAY WEEKEND 14-18 Promotional Products (PPAI) Expo–20,000 Four Queens • $35 El Cortez • $61 23-26 Shooting, Hunting, & Outdoor–64,500 Fremont • $39 AZ C. Decatur • $62 23-26 World of Concrete–60,000 Main Street Station • $39 Silver Sevens • $66 28-2/1 Las Vegas Market–50,000 31–2/1 Safari Club International–21,000 Circus Circus • $53 Westgate Las Vegas • $79 Tuscany • $54 Luxor • $80 Excalibur • $56 Stratosphere • $81 FEBRUARY Hard Rock • $73 Hard Rock • $100 12–14 MAGIC Marketplace—83,000 Palms • $81 Palms • $101 27–3/1 HELI Expo—20,000 Red Rock Resort • $85 Paris • $110 MARCH FEBRUARY KEY 5–9 Healthcare Info & Management—30,000 WEEKDAY WEEKEND 11–14 ASD Las Vegas—46,000 Four Queens • $42 AZ C. Decatur • $71 20–22 International Pizza Expo—12,000 El Cortez • $43 Wild Wild West • $72 23–25 National Automobile Dealers—30,000 Plaza • $47 Fremont • $80 27–28 Nightclub & Bar Show—39,000 DATES Circus Circus • $51 Circus Circus • $88 Stratosphere • $55 Downtown Grand • $103 DECEMBER Excalibur • $56 Palace Station • $108 Mean 46° Avg. Max. 58° Avg. Min. 33° Pools: Closed Paris • $91 Hard Rock • $130 Evening temperatures dip into the 30s and even the 20s. Palms • $95 Palms • $131 The sun makes an occasional showing. Hard Rock • $100 Mirage • $164 Attire: Desert or not, it’s wintertime and it’s cold. Dress warmly. MARCH

ROOM WEEKDAY WEEKEND JANUARY Four Queens • $42 AZ C. Decatur • $71 Mean 45° Avg. Max. 57° Avg. Min. 32° Pools: Closed California • $50 Wild Wild West • $72 Fremont • $50 California • $100 Cool and dry. Days are crisp, but pleasant. Cold eve- nings. Circus Circus • $58 Westgate Las Vegas • $105 Attire: Sweater and jacket—desert winters are cold. Downtown Grand • $63 Palace Station • $108 Sam’s Town • $65 Silverton • $116 FEBRUARY Paris • $104 Hard Rock • $170 Mean 50° Avg. Max. 62° Avg. Min. 37° Pools: Closed Palms • $107 Red Rock Resort • $175 Days begin to arm, evenings still cool. RATES Hard Rock • $120 Mirage • $184

WEATHER Attire: Light jacket for the day, something warm for Best rates at press time from sample of 54 Las Vegas casinos. Rates NOT guaranteed, subject to evenings. change without notice, and do not include tax. Lower prices may be available online.

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