$5

ANTHONY CURTIS’ March 2018 Vol. 35 LasVegasAdvisor Issue 3

INFERNO AT PARIS It’s on fire … pg. 8

WYNN (LESS) RESORTS What’s next? … pg. 1

THE NEW TAX LAW How does it affect gamblers? … pg. 3

EATING ON THE CHEAP 25 top restaurants with bargain pricing … pg. 4

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the new Wynn properties hadn’t come along. Wynn and COUPONOMY Encore won’t suffer for this development and it would by Anthony Curtis be forfeiting a lot of brand power to make a change. The brand goes far beyond the man. The bigger question is what happens with the two What’s Next for Wynn pending Vegas projects. Can the two new resorts be built without the maniacal oversight that Wynn was famous for? Of course they can, but will they be the The king of Las Vegas, Steve Wynn, is out of the same? Of course they won’t. Paradise Park will be close, game. As detailed in News, Wynn abruptly resigned his because it’s been in planning for a long time, but I don’t post as CEO of Wynn Resorts in the face of escalating know about Wynn West, the project recently announced claims of sexual misconduct. Wynn maintains inno- for the Alon site on the west side of the Strip. I’d make cence, though the evidence seems damning, and I can that about even money not to even happen, and that’s attest that stories about such activity have circulated a shame given the way things are shaping up for the around town for decades. Did he? Didn’t he? Whether next two to three years. Notice how many times “2020” he did or not, I trust that will be sorted out in upcoming comes up in this month’s News, and those are just the legal wranglings. But one thing’s for sure: The guy really projects that were focal this month. knew how to build casinos. Vegas will survive without Steve Wynn, but there will I’ve said it many times. I recognized immediately that be at least a little something missing. n the switch had been flipped from the old Las Vegas to the new the moment I walked into on open- ing night, November 22, 1989. It was like nothing the ZorkFest city had ever seen and sure enough, it set off one of the biggest building booms in history. In the 1990s and early 2000s, everyone wanted to do it the way Steve Wynn did Long-time LVA members will remember the parties it. And they did. Just not as well. Steve Wynn projects— we sponsored back in the ’90s. They were epic get-to- the Mirage, Treasure Island, Bellagio, Wynn Las Vegas, gethers that included dinners, free rooms, gambling bo- and Encore—left indelible marks on Las Vegas. There nuses, and meet and greets, which hundreds of people may never be another who exerts as great an influence. attended and loved. But the organizing was too much for So what now? Sales? Name changes? Abandoned us to deal with at the time and we got out of the party/ projects? conference business. There are rumblings that Wynn Resorts is vulnerable Enter ZorkFest. This conference for gamblers and to a takeover. I don’t know about that. Frankly, I’ve been those interested in casino and travel loyalty programs caught by surprise by too many casino-industry acquisi- debuted last year in Atlantic City, and with just a few tions over the years to claim any expertise in predicting months’ notice, it was attended by more than 100 them. However, I do have some insight into the other people. This year, ZorkFest is coming to Las Vegas, May questions based on so many years listening to the com- 25-27, and has added substantially more sessions and ments of so many LVA customers. social events. LVA will be involved and I’ll be hanging I simply can’t imagine a name change. Wynn’s out and running a session or two during the conference resorts are considered the pinnacle of Las Vegas opu- that will include Vegas podcasters, gambling notables, lence. Yes, there’s Caesars, Venetian/Palazzo, Cosmo, and travel experts. and Bellagio, but none of them is on the same level Tickets range from $200 to $375, depending on how as Wynn/Encore for luxury branding. That perception many of the add-on social events you want to attend. shouldn’t change with Steve Wynn gone. It took a long Get details about speakers and events at travelzork. time for Bellagio, under MRI ownership, to drop off in com/zorkfest and get a $10 discount with our code that perception, and it wouldn’t have dropped at all if ZORKLVA. n

MARCH 2018 • LAS VEGAS ADVISOR • 1 NEWS Former site

Wynn Resorts—Steve Wynn has resigned as CEO of Wynn Resorts in the face of mounting evidence of sexual misconduct that spanned decades. Wynn president Matt Maddox was elevated to CEO and in an interview with the LV Review-Journal indicated that all projects announced for Las Vegas, Boston, and Macau will go forward, including the Strip’s Paradise Park and Wynn West. Maddox also addressed rumors of a pos- sible name change, saying that the Wynn brand is strong and that he doesn’t anticipate a change to another name. The Drew—There’s finally a plan in place to com- plete the former Fontainebleau that’s been shuttered on the north end of the Strip for nearly a decade. Also known briefly as Project Blue, the resort will become The opy to the right. What’s next for the downtown corner? Drew, featuring a casino, nightlife venues, more than The Stevens brothers aren’t saying, but we’re betting on 20 dining options, 500,000 square feet of convention something very gambler-friendly. space, and 4,000 rooms run by JW Marriott, marking Palms—The distinctive marquee at the Palms is on that brand’s first appearance on the Strip. The Drew is its way out. Work is underway on a complete remaking scheduled to open in 2020 at about the same time as of the sign that will be replaced with a digital display. It’s to the south. part of the ongoing $485 million renovation of the resort. Sands Arena—More details about the Sands/ Aria—A $170 million expansion of convention space Madison Square Garden events venue on the Strip have at Aria that features views of The Park and T-Mobile Are- been released. The MSG Sphere Las Vegas will be an na has been completed. The additional 200,000 square 18,000-seat arena located behind the Venetian. The feet of space brings the resort’s total to 500,000 square 400,000-square-foot sphere-shaped venue will be 360 feet. feet tall and be outfitted with state-of-the-art sound and CET Convention Center—Caesars Entertainment staging technology. Construction is slated to begin this has announced the Caesars Forum Convention Center, a year and be completed in 2020. 550,000-square-foot space that will connect to Harrah’s, Lucky Dragon—The foreclosure auction of the Flamingo, and and LINQ Promenade. The Lucky Dragon, originally scheduled for February 6, was complex will be built in the area that’s currently a large moved to February 22, then postponed indefinitely when parking lot behind the High Roller wheel and is expected the casino filed for bankruptcy. There’s been no change to be completed in 2020. in the status of the hotel and the Cha Garden tea house, Gaslamp Quarter—Discussion has begun about both of which remain open. Among the crowd gathered how the land near the Raiders Stadium will be devel- for the first auction was the D owner Derek Stevens, who oped. Currently an industrial area, there’s speculation commented that the resort’s location is challenging. that a “Gaslamp Quarter” will materialize, featuring bars, Mandalay Bay—Mandalay Bay has changed its restaurants, and boutique hotels, although no specific floor-numbering scheme to eliminate the 32nd floor, plans have been announced. now infamous as the firing point for the October 1 Strip New York—Resorts World Catskills has opened in shooting. Floors 31-34 have been renumbered 56-59. Already confused by strange numbering to accommo- LAS VEGAS 3665 Procyon Street • Las Vegas, NV 89103 date the Four Seasons that’s allocated floors 35-39, the (702) 252-0655 • (702) 252-0675 Fax numbering will now go 1-30, 35-39 (Four Seasons), and ADVISOR e-mail: [email protected] • Internet: LasVegasAdvisor.com 56-63. Interesting, since MBay is only 43 stories tall. Publisher: Anthony Curtis Customer Service: Nicole Watchus Senior Editor: Deke Castleman Shipping & Receiving: Scotch Henderson Las Vegas Club—The Las Vegas Club tower is Accounting: John Leitner Contributing Writers: Jeffrey Compton, Bob gone—quietly, but completely, leveled. The photo above Production Manager: Laurie Cabot Dancer, Stewart Ethier, Bob Fuss, Scot Krause, Web Manager: Tanya Maynard Bradley Peterson, Blair Rodman, Jean Scott, was taken from across Main St. (between the Plaza and Research Assistant: Brenda Stewart Michael Shackleford Main Street Station) looking south. Previously you’d be Projects Coordinator: Lynne Loomis Cover: Eric Kabik LAS VEGAS ADVISOR (ISSN 1064-167X USPS 008602) is published monthly and is available for $50 per year ($60 Canadian; looking at signage on the side of the Las Vegas Club. $70 foreign purchasers) and $5 per single 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 current at press time. Listed offerings Now you can see through to Binion’s and the FSE can- are subject to change at any time. Huntington Press ©2018

2 • LAS VEGAS ADVISOR • MARCH 2018 Monticello. The $1.2 billion resort has a 332-room all- Las Vegas’ Top Ten Values suites hotel and a casino with 2,157 slots and 112 table games. A golf course and water park are planned. Macau—After four postponements, MGM Cotai 1. Steak Dinner • Ellis Island • 24 hours • $7.99 has opened in Macau. The $3.4 billion resort features a 2. Shrimp Cocktail • Skyline • 24 hours • $1.49 1,390-room hotel and a casino with 1,500 slots and 175 3. Breakfast • Klondike Sunset • Daily • $1.49 table games. 4. Buffet • Palms • Daily • $10.99-$19.99 Russia—Russia has approved a fifth casino zone 5. Draft Beer • Flamingo • Daily • 5¢ that will be located in Crimea. Scheduled to open in 6. Mac King • Harrah’s • Tues.–Sat. • $14.98 September 2019, it’s being touted as the “Russian Las 7. Hot Dog • South Point • Daily • $1.25 Vegas,” despite only a single casino being referenced. 8. Beer • Stage Door • 24 hours • $1 However, the announcements hint that there will be a 9. $1 Blackjack • Hooters • 24 hours • $1.20 concentrated effort to make it an attraction point that will lead to a bigger casino presence. 10. Lunch Comp • Crown & Anchor • Daily • $20 buy-in Statistics—Nevada’s statewide gambling win was up .4% in December compared to the same month last The Ellis Island steak dinner (#1) is served in the year. The Strip win was down 3.3% while downtown was Café and requires that you print out two coupons from up 10.0%. an EI kiosk, the second one after playing at least $5 in A new report by Juniper Research estimates that any slot machine with your club card inserted, to get the the number of online gamblers will more than double $7.99 price. The shrimp cocktail at Skyline (#2) is served by 2022. The report says that 684 million players will at the main bar. The $1.49 bacon or sausage & eggs generate a handle of $1 trillion. Of course, accelerating breakfast at Klondike Sunset (#3) is served every day in legalization is a driving factor, but improving technology Sarah’s Kitchen from 7 to 11 am. A.Y.C.E. at the Palms was also cited as a major reason for the growth of the (#4) is our choice for Las Vegas’ best buffet considering sector. n the combination of quality and price; get the listed prices by showing a Boarding Pass card (see Gambling for infor- mation on a good instacomp offer there). The 5¢ beers (#5) at the Flamingo are served in the Margaritaville Ca- Gamblers and the sino area’s 5 O’Clock Somewhere Bar from 5 to 6 pm. New Tax Law Get a ticket to the Mac King Comedy Magic Show and a drink for $14.98 by asking at the players club booth (#6). The hot dogs at South Point (#7) are sold from a cart in As you’re probably aware, Congress has enacted the sports book from 10 am until they close down the extensive changes to tax law. Though many of the cart around 5 pm. Pabst Blue Ribbon in the bottle is $1 changes won’t affect tax liabilities until you file your 2018 (#8) at the Stage Door slot house on Flamingo, just east return in 2019, all taxpayers are feeling the impact of the of the Strip. Hooters’ $1-minimum blackjack game (#9) new law since it went into effect on January 1. runs 24/7 in the pit; naturals pay even money on bets As for that impact, according to numerous sources, of $1-$4. The Crown & Anchor bars’ lunch comp (#10) the piece that concerns gamblers changed only slightly runs daily from 8 am to 2:30 pm at the east location and and won’t affect 98% of us. Though disallowing losses 11 am to 3 pm at the west, and is good for an appetizer against wins was on the negotiating table, it didn’t make until 6 pm on the east and 7 pm on the west. n the final bill, so that part of it remains the same: You can claim losses against wins, but only if you itemize your deductions. and Marissa Chien, who write in Tax Help for Gamblers, Two things have changed. First, the standard de- “Many taxpayers find they need to figure it both ways to duction is much higher. It’s gone up from $6,300 for see which has the lowest overall tax obligation.” singles and married filing separately and $12,600 for The second change affects the few taxpayers who married filing jointly to $12,000 and $24,000, respec- meet the IRS’ strict definition of “professional gambler” tively. The nonpartisan Tax Policy Center estimates that and file as such. Previously, professionals were allowed the number of itemizers will fall from about 49 million to to show a net loss if their gambling losses and business 10 million as a result; the American Gaming Association expenses related to gambling were more than their win- estimate is even higher at a 90% drop-off. Both, how- nings. However, under the new law gambling pros are no ever, consider it a net gain for most gambler-taxpayers, longer allowed to claim a net loss for the year; winnings who either haven’t had to itemize their gambling activity minus losses and expenses can only zero out. (This and have remained under the W-2G radar or can now limitation expires after 2025, unless Congress extends it take the standard deduction to come out ahead over between now and then.) itemizing losses against wins. We align with Jean Scott continued on next page

MARCH 2018 • LAS VEGAS ADVISOR • 3 Gamblers and the New Tax Law continued … absolutely spend dough here if you go for the 10-course kaiseki tasting for $175 per, but you can also get out cheaply with an a la carte sampling or a choice of sev- In the end, the new tax law is mainly an added eral combo platters for under $20. squeeze on advantage players whose primary goal in n The following are in the price level that’s one higher, gambling is to generate a profit. $25 to $75: Allegro (Wynn), Boteco, Bouchon (Venetian), Carson Kitchen, Chada Street/Chada Thai, Chica (Vene- tian), Eatt Gourmet Bistro, Elia Authentic Greek Taverna, Hiroyoshi Japanese Cuisine, Japaniero, Julian Serano (Aria), La Cave (Wynn), Libertine Social (MBay), Lotus DINING of Siam, Marche Bacchus, Other Mama, Raku/Sweets Raku, Sparrow + Wolf, Trattoria Nakmura-Ya, and Urban Turban. These aren’t super cheap, but they still rate as a Eating Las Vegas on the Cheap deal when considering what it costs for this level of qual- ity elsewhere. Additionally, the Chinatown section and the back of After each edition of Eating Las Vegas is published, the book cite dozens of low-cost restaurants in several we highlight the bargain-dining elements of the book in categories, including one titled “Cheap Eats/Local Fa- LVA. Following is the compilation from the 2018 edition. vorites.” n Each restaurant in the “Essential 52” has one of four price designations: “$125 and up,” “$75 to $125,” “$25 to $75,” and “$25 or less,” which reflect the per-person cost for a complete meal. This sixth edition of the book Silverado Steakhouse at contains more than the usual entries in the least expen- South Point sive ranges, with the number of restaurants in the $25 or less category up by two to five and the total in the $25- $75 category up by seven to 20. That puts almost 50% South Point boasts lots of good dining options, in- of the essential restaurants in the two most affordable cluding the sports book’s deli and hot dog cart (see Top categories. The five in $25 or less are Chengdu Taste, Ten), and that extends to the higher-end with the Silvera- District One, Khoury’s, Rosallie Le French Café, and do Steakhouse. At first glance, it doesn’t look like a bar- Yuzu Kaiseki. gain, with steaks priced up to $52 for a New York strip. Chengdu Taste (LVA 3/16), hidden behind a strip But this is the rare fine-dining restaurant at which the mall on Spring Mountain near Valley View, is an L.A. entrée comes as an entire meal, including choice of po- import that many consider among the best Szechuan tato or vegetable, bread, and a salad prepared tableside. restaurants in the country. Most items on the huge menu Trust us, you don’t need an appetizer, so it’s just the one are priced in the teens. price, and the steaks begin at $36 for an 8-ounce filet, District One (LVA 12/14) at Jones and Spring Moun- fish is $36, chicken is $31, and ratatouille (veggie) is $26. tain features low-cost small plates, including noodle We had an awesome dry-aged bone-in ribeye ($48) and soups of all sorts and an awesome whole grilled squid a 12-ounce prime rib ($31). When it comes to that pota- for under $15. Good happy hours that run Mon.-Fri. from 5 to 7 pm and Mon.-Thurs. from midnight to 2 am fea- ture $1.25 raw oysters and 50¢ serrano-pepper wings. Rosallie Le French Café at S. Rainbow and W. Patrick is a neat little breakfast and lunch spot with quiches, croissants, and French-style sandwiches for under $10. It’s also known for its pastries and fresh- brewed coffee and espresso. Khoury’s (LVA 7/12), in the Village Square at Ram- part and W. Sahara, serves Mediterranean cuisine, primarily Lebanese. The monster mezza plate alone will feed an entire table for $33. Gyros, Mediterranean salads, and the best stuffed grape leaves in town are all under $10. There’s a happy hour Mon.-Fri. from 3 to 6 pm with $5 appetizers and $2 beers. Yuzu Kaiseki at Silverado Ranch and Maryland Ribeye at Silverado Steakhouse Pkwy. is a small-plates Japanese restaurant. You can

4 • LAS VEGAS ADVISOR • MARCH 2018 to-or-vegetable choice, take the baked potato. We know Hennessey’s great Bloody Marys ($7.74) and make it this sounds funky (what’s so good about a baked pota- brunch. n to, right?), but both in our party agreed it was one of the highlights of the meal. The room has an old-style Vegas gourmet atmosphere—good place for a mini-splurge. n Kopper Keg Burger

WuHu Noodle at Silverton There’s no twofer here, but the burgers are better at the Kopper Keg. They’re $7.99 and come with fries, or get onion rings for $1 more. The burger is available Want some noodles or rice fast and on the cheap? all day long at the Rainbow location where we tried it, WuHu fits the bill. It’s located in the fast-food area at as well as the other four Kopper Kegs scattered around Silverton, but this isn’t a Panda Express-type restaurant. town. These are old-style neighborhood video poker It’s a legitimate Asian noodle house with soups, pot- bars with good kitchens—pretty close to sure things for stickers, siu mai, BBQ, fried rice, stir fry, and classics good grub. n like kung pao chicken and Mongolian beef. Whole roast- ed duck is $30, but almost everything else is in the $5- $13 range. We had a $40 comp to shoot and loaded up Free Burger with tom yum shrimp noodle, beef fried rice, and spicy wontons. Chili oil, hot mustard, and other condiments that complement this fare intensely are readily available. This one beats ’em all. Join the Habit Burger Grill’s WuHu is open daily from 11 am to 11 pm. n loyalty club and get a free Habit Charburger with cheese. That’s it. Log on to habitburger.com until March 31 and join the CharClub to get your burger voucher. There are five locations around town, so it’s convenient, too. This is a total burger freeroll. n

Dogs and a View at Norm’s Diner

In May 2015, Norm’s Eggs Café was the LVA Local Corner. It was an excellent breakfast spot located way up on the west side in the same strip mall that contains Other Mama and other good restaurants. Since then, the restaurant has moved a half-mile south to 3945 S. Durango and changed its name to Norm’s Diner. No big deal. Same area. Same good food, especially break- fasts, but also lunch and now dinner. The original loca- tion had outdoor dining, but now it’s an even bigger area Shrimp noodle soup at WuHu Noodle with a cool view of the Strip about seven miles away. It’s also dog-friendly, so there might be a pooch or two on a leash. If that’s a problem, just eat inside. Norm’s calls Hennessey’s Tuesday Twofers itself “the home of the Benedicts,” with several versions to choose from for $13 each. n

Tuesdays is a good day for Hennessey’s. Located at the east end of the FSE canopy, Hennessey’s has Esther’s Kitchen always been a good place for breakfasts and Bloody Marys, but on Tuesdays it’s 2-for-1 breakfasts till noon, then twofer burgers for the rest of the day. From 10:30 A new Italian restaurant in the downtown Arts Dis- to noon, you can usually get both. The burgers are de- trict called Esther’s Kitchen is getting raves, so we gave cent, but breakfast is the better play with several selec- it a try. It has a cool vibe and decent prices, but don’t tions, including an excellent hash & eggs. You’re looking go expecting spaghetti and meatballs or veal parmesan. at about $6 per person with either twofer. Get one of continued on page 8

MARCH 2018 • LAS VEGAS ADVISOR • 5 ADVANCE PLANNER—HEADLINERS AND EVENTS

MARCH 3/10 • Bad Bunny • Cosmo • $69–$149 3/24 • Ministry , , , 2/28–3/10 • Elvis Costello and The Imposters 3/10 • DSB: Journey Tribute Brooklyn Bowl • $35/$40 Wynn LV • $59.50–$150 Cannery • $20 h 3/25 • Piano Men: Tribute 3/1 • Machine Head • MBay • tba 3/10 • PVRIS • MBay • $25.50–$117.50 Suncoast • $16–$30 3/1–3/2 • Elton John ///; 3/10 • Russ Freeman,;r/// & The Rippingtons 3/27 • Galactic Caesars Palace • $55–$500 , , , Aliante • $39.50–$59.50,/ ',,,, Brooklyn Bowl • $22/$25 3/2/ • Bill, Engvall • TI • $52.27/$81.70 3/14 • Donavon Frankenreiter, 3/27 • Michael Schenker Fest 3/2,, / • Black Veil Brides and Asking I ; Brooklyn Bowl • $22/$25 MBay • $37.50–$99.50 Alexandria • MBay • $32.50 3/14–3/24 • Reba, Brooks & Dunn 3/27–3/31 • Céline Dion 3/2 • The Grass Roots Caesars Palace • $59.50–$205 Caesars Palace • $95–$500 ~'/, Golden Nugget • $31.61–$140.61 3/15 • Between the Buried & Me 3/29 • Dumbfoundead 3/2 • One Night For One Drop MBay • $25 , Hard Rock • $20/$35 , 1/ MBay • $125–$1500 3/15 • Flogging Molly • Cosmo • $40 3/29 • Sarah Geronimo 113/2 • Sawyer Brown 3/15 • Hippie Sabotage Cannery • $53–$114 Orleans • $34.95–$54.95 Brooklyn Bowl • $22–$80 3/29–5/27 • Gabriel Iglesias • Mirage • $100 I3/2–3/3 • Nickelback 3/15 • We Came As Romans 3/30 • Bobby Bones Hard Rock • $50.50–$251 Hard Rock • $18.50/$36 Golden Nugget • $72.51–$195.11 3/2–3/3 • Rick; Thomas ; 3/15–3/25 • Ricky Martin 3/30 • Darkness South Point • $25–$35 Monte Carlo • $54–$321 Brooklyn Bowl • $25–$40 3/2–8/24 • Tim ,,//;Allen/' 3/16 • Decades Collide: ’80s vs ’90s 3/30 • Loverboy Mirage • $65.39–$87.19 MBay • $15 Orleans • $44.95–$64.95 3/3 • BlackI''/ Jacket Symphony 3/16 • Drew Baldridge 3/30 • Marc E Bassy Aliante • $20–$35 Sunset Station • $27.50–$47.50 Hardf I Rock • $22/$49 3/3 • ClashI ofI the Drones • Bally’s • $20 3/16 • Fortunate Youth 3/30–3/31 • Incubus 3/3 • Demi// LovatoI Hard Rock • $15/$25 Hard Rock • $50.50–$176 MGMI I Grand • $29.95–$149.95 3/16 • Tommy James and the Shondells 3/31 / ~I• BOSTYX7/ and Heart by Heart 3/3 • MastersI of Puppets – Metallica Golden Nugget • $31.61–$140.61 Cannery • $19.95/$29.95 I 1✓ Tribute • Cannery • $20 3/16–3/17 • Kenny Chesney 3/31 (// • George, Clinton and Parliament 3/3 • Spawnbreezie and Inna Vision Hard Rock • $150/$500 Funkadelic • MBay • $29/$39 Brooklyn Bowl • $20/$25 3/16–3/18 • The Letterman 3/31 • Jay Cutler • Palms • $38–$59.50 3/3 • Tuff Hedeman South Point • $35–$45 3/31 • Senses Fail South Point • $22/$41 3/16–5/12 • Daniel Tosh Brooklyn Bowl • $18/$20 3/3 • UFC 222: Holloway vs. Edgar Mirage • $70.99–$106.99 3/31–4/2 • Donny Edwards T– Mobile • $55–$505 3/17 • Bon Jovi South Point • $25–$35 3/3 • Uncle Kracker T– Mobile • $37.25–$552.75 3/31–4/6 • Burton Cummings Orleans • $34.95–$54.95 3/17 • Jonathan Butler Orleans • $39.95–$59.95 3/3 • Walk off the Earth Aliante • $30–$55 APRIL MBay • $29.50 3/17 • L.A.Vation: Tribute to U2 4/2 • Knuckle Puck • Hard Rock • $18 3/3 • Walter Trout • Silverton • $25 Cannery • $20 4/3–4/18 • Céline Dion 3/4 • NASCAR Cup Series 3/17 • Psychedelic Furs • MBay • $27 Caesars Palace • $95–$500 LV Motor Speedway • $59–$169 3/18 • Bee Gees Gold Tribute 4/5 • TOKiMONSTA 3/4 • Of Mice & Men Suncoast • $15 Hard Rock • $25/$35 Hard Rock • $19.50/$36 , 3/18/ • Flans Asi Somos Tour 4/5–4/6 • Tony Orlando , , , I/ 3/6 • K. Michelle • MBay • $32–$55 I I , MBay • $42–$80 South Point • $50–$60 3/7–3/10 • Roger Daltrey , I 3/23I/ • Britain’s Finest – Beatles Tribute 4/6 • Gin Blossoms ~,.- I I Hard Rock • $49.50–$295 Cannery • $20 Golden Nugget • $31.61–$140.61 3/7–3/20 • Lionel Richie 1'3/23 • Chris Stapleton 4/6–4/8 • Emerge Impact Planet Hollywood • $59–$347 MGM Grand • $49–$115 Strip • $125–$485 3/8 • Datsik • Hard Rock • $40/$70 3/23 • Jeffrey Osborne 4/6–4/21 • Steel Panther • MBay • $32 3/9 • Badfish: Sublime Tribute Golden Nugget • $42.51–$162.41 4/6–11/17 • Ray Romano & David Spade~-~ Brooklyn Bowl • $22/$25 3/23 • Lil Xan • Brooklyn Bowl • $23/$25 Mirage • $90–$120 /," 3/9 • Grand Funk Railroad 3/23–3/24 • Bob Anderson 4/7 • 3LAU • Brooklyn Bowl ,;'• $20–$30/ Golden Nugget • $58.41–$162.41 / South/ Point • $20–$30 4/7 • April Wine • Orleans • $25–$45 3/9 • Noel Gallagher’s High Flying Birds 3/23–9/1 • George,,,I/ Lopez • Mirage • $65–$87 4/7 • Cannerystock • Cannery • $20 Cosmo • $32.50/$37.50 3/24 •I BlueI,, Oyster Cult 4/7 • Doobie Brothers w/JD & The 3/9 • Stone Temple Pilots • MBay • $33 Aliante • $30–$55 Straight Shot • Cosmo • $39/$59 , I 'I 3/9–3/10 • Tower of Power 3/24 I• Crosby,I Stills, & Nash Tribute 4/7 • Gloria Trevi vs Alejandra Guzman South Point • $50–$60 Cannery • $20 Monte Carlo • $45–$230 3/9–4/21 • Jerry Seinfeld 3/24 •,I J Boog • MBay • $25–$35 4/7 • Ha*Ash • MBay • $39–$59.50 Caesars Palace • $82.50–$165 3/24 • Kid Rock 4/7 • LIT AF Tour w/Martin Lawrence 3/9–5/19 • Bill Maher • Mirage • $65–$87 I MBay • $49.50–$149.50 MBay • $39.50–$105

6 • LAS VEGAS ADVISOR • MARCH 2018 ADVANCE PLANNER—HEADLINERS AND EVENTS

4/7 • Tracy Lawrence 4/27–4/28 • SHOW NOTES Aliante • $35–$50 Planet Hollywood • $39–$149 4/8 • Sonny Turner 4/27–4/29 • Frankie Avalon • SOUNDTRACK: Your Songs. Our Suncoast • $15/$20 South Point • $40–$55 Stories has opened at the Westgate; 4/10 • Nightwish 4/28 • Stevie B • Orleans • $27–$77 tickets are $62.40-$116.90. Brooklyn Bowl • $53–$188 4/28 • Tiffany Haddish 4/11 • War on Drugs Mirage • $37.20/$43.60 • Electric Candy has opened at Hoot- Brooklyn Bowl • $32–$67 4/28 • Ultimate Sumo League ers; tickets are $54.25/$65.15. 4/12 • Chromeo Monte Carlo • $54–$136 • Worst Show in Vegas has opened at Brooklyn Bowl • $33.50–$68.50 4/28–4/29 • Elton John 4/12 • Kane Brown • Palms • $34–$64 Caesars Palace • $55–$500 Hooters; tickets are $54.25/$65.15. 4/13 • Gary Puckett and The Union Gap MAY • House of Tape opens March 16 at Golden Nugget • $31.61–$140.61 5/1–5/17 • Elton John Harrah’s; tickets are $85.69/$131.43. 4/13 • Haims • Palms • $35–$127 Caesars Palace • $55–$500 4/13 • Old Dominion’s Happy Endings 5/2 • Enrique Bunbury • The lowest-priced ticket for Thun- Red Rock • $44/$84 MBay • $99/$104 der from Down Under at Excalibur 4/13 • Portugal the Man • Cosmo • $28 5/2–5/12 • Earth, Wind & Fire has been decreased from $63.04 to 4/13 • Sister Sister Sister Venetian • $71.50–$324.50 $52.14. Palms • $39–$139 5/2–5/12 • John Fogerty • The lowest-priced ticket for Sex Tips 4/13 • Steven Wright • TI • $43.55/$71.89 Wynn LV • $59.50–$500 For Straight Women From A Gay 4/13 • Tyler Rich • Red Rock • $20 5/2–5/12 • Pitbull Man at Paris has been increased 4/13–4/14 • Carlos Mencia • Aliante • $39–$55 Planet Hollywood • $39–$149 from $57.53 to $69.43. 4/13–4/14 • Three Hysterical Broads 5/2–5/19 • Classic Cher South Point • $15–$25 Monte Carlo • $55–$475 • Ticket prices for Australian Bee 4/14 • Aaron Lewis 5/4 • Blood Sweat and Tears Gees Show at Excalibur have been Orleans • $49.95/$59.95 Golden Nugget • $31.61–$140.61 increased from $63.05-$73.95 to 4/14–4/15 • 5/4 • Caifanes • MBay • $55–$99.50 $63.05-$95.75. T– Mobile • $60–$280 5/4 • Los Chicos del 512 – Selena 4/15 • CMAs 2018 Tribute • Cannery • $20 MGM Grand • $575/$630 5/4 • Jay Leno 4/15 • Deana Martin Honors Mirage • $70.04–$90.04 Joe Mantegna • South Point • $45 5/4–5/6 • Pablo Francisco 4/15 • Los Tres Tristes Tigres South Point • $20–$30 MBay • $35–$75 5/5 • CCR • Sunset Station • $40–$60 I 4/15 • Sebastian Maniscalco 5/5 • Maluma • MBay • $39–$159 Caesars Palace • $39.50–$95 5/5 • TECH N9NE • MBay • $35 4/17 • Highly Suspect 5/8 • As the Crow Flies j) Brooklyn Bowl • $30–$45 Brooklyn Bowl • $39.50–$150 1/1 4/20 • Alt–J w/Aurora • Cosmo • $27–$47 5/9 • Mac Sabbath /

MARCH 2018 • LAS VEGAS ADVISOR • 7 Esther’s Kitchen continued … opened at 5130 S. Fort Apache. The Maryland Pkwy. location of 7 Sinful Subs closed in December, but will reopen soon on the west side at The menu is brief and the preparation is, call it, creative. Ft. Apache and Tropicana. Reviewed as a Local Corner We had a fettuccine vongole that was unlike any we’ve in the 8/17 issue, this sub shop is run by a group of es- had before—heavy on parsley and preserved lemon, but tablished Las Vegas bar and restaurant owners, includ- with plenty of clams. It’s not something we’d tell you to ing “Vegas Vic” Moea. run out and try, but we came away with two recommen- Scratch off two MRI sushi spots. Grand Wok and dations that we would. The charcuterie plate is fantastic Sushi Bar has closed at MGM Grand, but the big- for $23. It’s served in stages—pickled veggies, bread ger news is the upcoming closing of Aria’s high-end and spreads, cheese, then meats, so the tastes don’t BarMasa (along with Tetsu, its teppanyaki grill) on April run together if you don’t want them to. Then there’s the 2. While no replacement at MGM has been announced, dessert that you probably wouldn’t choose without a Aria is bringing in Catch, a seafood and steak restaurant prompt. It’s a butterscotch budino (custard) for $8 that’s out of Los Angeles. n tremendous. Wines are $10 by the glass or $36/$40 by the bottle. Get the charcuterie, budino, and a bottle of your choice and you’ll have a memorable meal (and a buzz) for two for under $100. n ENTERTAINMENT Dining Notes Inferno A.Y.C.E. Instacomp Extended—The instacomp for the A.Y.C.E. buffet at the Palms has been extended Paris through the end of March. On Mondays and Thursdays, $70.52/$82.42/$105.22/$132.52/$165.22 earn 200 points ($200 coin-in) to get a comped break- Wed.-Sun. 9:30 pm (dark Mon. & Tues.) fast, 400 for lunch, and 600 for dinner. Read an analysis of the deal in last month’s LVA. Fire … fire, fire, fire. No one knew it at the time, but New Food Challenge—Big eaters can try a new that frequent refrain from Beavis of the “Beavis and food challenge at Sam’s Town’s Big Mess BAR-BQ. Butthead” cartoons was a spot-on advance synopsis of The “Big Mess Challenge” is a giant barbecue meal for Inferno, the new magic show at Paris. This show is all $39.99 that’s free if you can finish it in 30 minutes. You’ll about fire and pyrotechnics, which isn’t a bad thing— also get a swag bag and your photo on the wall. the fire theme is an effective device to punch up what’s Poker Menu—South Point has added a new poker- already a good magic show, considering the difficulty room menu that’s available to players 24/7. This is one involved in differentiating the illusions that all the top of the better smaller poker rooms, featuring a big sched- shows use. Inferno does it by burning and exploding ule of daily tournaments. things throughout (see this issue’s cover). Soup Banned—Nevada has outlawed the serving of The emcee is Joseph Labero, a Swedish magician shark’s fin soup, due to the threat its preparation poses new to Las Vegas who’s collected an impressive list of to the shark population. Not many Las Vegas restaurants honors in the field. As should be expected from the best offered the expensive delicacy, and now none of them shows, some of the illusions in Inferno are presented do. n with unique spins, which is enough to keep up inter- est through the 90-minute performance. Labero, has a fire-loving sidekick he calls Animal, and four “Fuel Girls” More Openings/Closings complete the minimalist cast. The girls do their own fiery bits, both solo—“using swords, whips, dragon canes, pyro staffs, and spinning fire cubes,” as described in A second Giordano’s has opened at Boca Park on a press release—and in tandem with the magicians. It the west side of town. Specializing in Chicago-style works. stuffed deep-dish pizza, the first Giordano’s is in the The Paris showroom is accommodating from all Grand Bazaar Shops at Bally’s. angles, so you’re fine to go with the less expensive seats Good Pie, from the former pizza-maker at down- (we were near the back and had no issues with sightlines town’s Evel Pie, has opened at the Pawn Plaza, serving or involvement). The sexy Fuel Girls notwithstanding, classic New York-style pizza. we’d rate the show as kid-friendly, though the 9:30 start A third Nevada Chicken Café (LVA 12/13) has time probably makes it a better choice for teens. Drink

8 • LAS VEGAS ADVISOR • MARCH 2018 prices start at $9 for a 24-ounce domestic beer and spe- March Madness cialty drinks run up to $32, so you might consider some pre-show drinking a la the tip that follows. n The March Madness college tournament begins March 13 and weekends for the rest of the month will be brimming with tournament-viewing parties. Best Paris Beers is the first round that runs the long weekend of Thurs- day through Sunday, March 15-18. Much like the Super Want to beat the high cost of drinking on the Bowl, promotions and parties are announced about Strip? Here’s a move we discovered on our way to do a week away from the event, but free viewing parties the Inferno review. In Paris’ promenade area between will be everywhere. Top candidates include Westgate, the parking garage and the casino are a couple of South Point, Treasure Island, Palms, Palace Station, and convenience-type stores, including La Cave, which sell almost all the Boyd casinos. But you don’t really need 24-ounce cans of Miller for $2.65 after tax. That’s one a party. This is one of those happenings that attracts of the best plays we’ve seen for a drink at a major Strip so many fans who come specifically to watch it, all you resort. Grab a glass or plastic cup from a casino bar and have to do is set up in any sports book to be in the mid- you’re good to go. Unfortunately, you can’t take outside dle of the action. Monitor our coverage at LasVegas n drinks into the theater, but they’re allowed everywhere Advisor.com to get the latest. else throughout the casino. n Bars and Happy Hours

EI BM—The weekend Bloody Mary at Ellis Island has changed slightly. It’s still $7 for the base drink that comes with celery, olives, a strip of bacon, and chicken & waffle on a skewer. But what was formerly a shrimp add-on for $2 is now five slightly smaller shrimp on a stick for $4 ($11 total). We like this version better. Get it from the cart in front of the café Saturday and Sunday from 9 am to 2 pm. $1 Martinis—Interlude Casino Lounge at the Crom- well has a happy hour daily from 6 to 7 pm, with $1 Grey Goose martinis and Ciroc cocktails. Palazzo—Morels at Palazzo has a happy hour daily from 9:30 pm to close, with 2-for-1 drinks. Downtown Grand—Freedom Beat at the Downtown Grand runs happy hours daily from 2 to 5 pm and am, with half-price drinks and appetizers. New Strip Clubs—Two new gentlemen’s clubs have opened. The first is SCORES, back in town for a second run, but in a new location on Highland just west of the More Lights Downtown Strip (it used to be Foxy’s). The second is the reopening of the Library, located way east on Boulder Hwy., next to The Fremont Street Experience is about to get a lot Boulder Station. brighter. The Las Vegas Convention and Visitors Author- Drink Prices—At Esther’s Kitchen, a bottle of Ba- ity has approved a $9.5 million contribution, as part of a tasiolo Gavi is $36. At Hennessey’s, a Tito’s or a Jame- total $28.5 million upgrade of the canopy, that will nearly son’s is $9.20, an Irish Coffee is $8.39, and a St. Archer quadruple the number of pixels on the video screen from White beer is $7.58. At Moon Doggies, a Cuervo 1800 4.2 million to 16.4 million. The new lights will overlay the or a Jameson’s is $8 and a 22-ounce draft Bud Light is existing system, which means there’ll be no interruption $4.25. In Noodle Exchange at Gold Coast, a Kiren or a in the shows while the work is done. It’s the first upgrade Tsingtao is $6.48. In all bars at South Point, a Tanqueray of the canopy’s technology in 14 years. Also planned is is $6, a Heineken is $5, and a Michelob Ultra is $4. At an interactive element that will allow the public to scroll Starboard Tack, a Bud is $5. At Tailgater, a Heineken messages on the screen and have input into the FSE is $5. At No Regrets, a bar tequila is $5. At O’Aces n play list. continued on next page

MARCH 2018 • LAS VEGAS ADVISOR • 9 Bars and Happy Hours continued … played at with tickets starting at just $15. The Lights have been promoting like mad, with a focus on playing a wide-open style that leads to lots of scoring. Decatur, a Heineken is $4.75. In Gaudi Bar at Sunset More Richie—Lionel Richie—All the Hits has added Station, a Bud is $4.01. 16 dates at Planet Hollywood, playing Aug. 15, 17-18, Openings/Closings—Two new PT’s Gold taverns 21, 24-25, 28; and Oct. 3, 5-6, 10, 12-13, 17, 19-20; have opened, one at 690 South Green Valley Ranch tickets start at $59 base. Pkwy. in Henderson and the other at 9732 West Maule More Backstreet——Larger than Ave. on the west side. They’re the 58th and 59th PTs in Life has added 21 dates at Planet Hollywood, playing the chain. July 25, 27-28; Aug. 1, 3-4, 8, 10-11; Oct. 24, 26-27, Redneck Riviera has closed in the Grand Bazaar 31; and Nov. 2-3, 7, 9-10, 14, 16-17; tickets start at $55 Shops at Bally’s. The bar that was partially owned by base. John Rich from the band Big & Rich was known for its Elvis Won’t Enter the Building—Elvis Costello can- bathrooms with sinks made from tires and gas-pump celed all six of his shows scheduled for February and faucets. n March at Wynn Las Vegas. While no official reason was given, it appeared to be related to the sexual miscon- duct allegations against Steve Wynn. No other cancel- Entertainment Notes ations have been reported. WOW—Get 50% off tickets for the new show World of Wonder at the Rio with code WOW2GO; call 702-777- Theater—The Axis at Planet Hollywood 7776 or go to wow-vegas.com. has changed its name to at Planet Deals for Locals—Show Nevada ID to get 2-for-1 Hollywood Resort & Casino. The move is part of a bigger tickets for Murray the Magician at Planet Hollywood by partnership formed between Zappos and CET, which will using the code “MCLOC” at the box office or online. reportedly include lots of cross-promotion. The Zappos Through the end of the year, locals get 50% off rides Theater began decades ago as the Aladdin Theatre for on the High Roller observation wheel at the LINQ Prom- the Performing Arts. enade by using code “HRLOCAL.” VR Coaster—The Big Apple roller coaster at New See the Advance Planner for dates, prices, and addi- York-New York now offers a virtual-reality experience. tional show updates. n Riders are given headsets that provide a VR feed simu- lating an alien pursuit synced to the coaster’s move- ments. Tickets for the ride are $15, or $20 with the VR add-on. Must be 13 years old and at least 54 inches tall to ride. GAMBLING VR Star Wars—A Star Wars-themed VR experience will open soon in the at the Vene- tian. “Star Wars: Secrets of the Empire” is a walk-around Super Bowl experience, allowing customers to explore a facility with a mobile VR headset. The opening date and prices haven’t been announced. After opening New England Patriots -6 over the “Saw” Experience—A new “immersive horror expe- Eagles, the Super Bowl line was quickly bet rience” themed on the Saw movie series has opened on down to -5 and closed at -4.5. The total opened at 47 Industrial Avenue. The “Official Saw Escape Experience” and closed at 49. When Philadelphia won 41-33, Eagles was created by the developer of Circus Circus’ Fright and over bettors got the money. Dome. Handle—As expected, this year’s handle set a re- Believe in the Fountains—Cher’s pop hit “Believe” cord with $158.6 million wagered, a 14.5% increase has been added to the rotation of accompanying songs over last year’s previous record. The good match-up of in the Bellagio fountains show. It joins the eclectic mix teams, the exploding popularity of props, mobile apps, that includes 25 songs from the likes of Elvis, Gene and in-game wagering were cited as reasons for the bet- Kelly, and Tiesto. ting jump. The state’s 198 legal sports books reported a Aces Schedule—The Las Vegas Aces WNBA team $1.2 million profit, which is a hold of just .7%, the lowest will open its inaugural 2018 season away on May 20 since 2011. Several million-dollar wagers were reported, against the Connecticut Sun. The home opener will be with the largest being a $3 million bet on the Eagles May 27 at Mandalay Bay against the Storm. made at MGM Grand. The American Gaming Associa- Lights Are On—The Las Vegas Lights professional tion estimated that Americans wagered $4.8 billion on soccer team has opened its season. Home games are the game, $4.6 billion of it illegally.

10 • LAS VEGAS ADVISOR • MARCH 2018 Bettor X—A mysterious player identified only as scription. In other words, a standard tout service. As far “Bettor X” built a huge position on the Eagles, said to as we know, no betting-investment groups are currently be in the neighborhood of $10 million. He made the bets operating. n at several different sports books, mostly on the Eagles money line, and his winnings had a lot to do with the low profit for the books. It was the same player who crushed Rampart Instacomp the sports books during the World Series, winning all five of the games he bet. Props—The props were again a major focus of the The Rampart is running a new-sign-up instacomp for betting, with Westgate’s SuperBook the prop leader with table-game players: Play one hour with a $25 average about 400 options. The public scored with a Nick Foles bet and get a comped buffet. TD (+800), a field goal hitting the goal post (+330), and This is a good deal, albeit a relatively risky one. dozens of props going over, which is always the public’s Rampart’s best game is a double deck with double after preference. Alshon Jeffery scored the first TD at +800. splitting allowed and 3-2 paid on naturals. The casino Nick Foles won the MVP at +325. Russell Westbrook’s edge against perfect basic strategy is .40%, so betting 50 points+assists+rebounds in an NBA game were more a flat $25 per hand at a table with other players results than the length of the longest field goal of 46 yards, but in an expected loss of only about $5. It’s not specified other basketball crossover-bet players were less prolific, which buffet you’re eligible for, but this is a positive-EV with James Harden scoring only 16 points (losing to the play even for the least expensive meal, lunch for $7.99 length of the first field goal), Demar DeRozen 13 (los- (with players card). The best deal, if included, is the Fri- ing to the length of the shortest field goal), and LeBron day seafood & crab dinner ($22.99). The downside here James an unlikely 11 (losing big to Foles’ passing at- is variance, as 40-50 hands at $25 could land you sev- tempts). In the offshore props, President Trump’s tweet eral hundred dollars in negative territory. But if you can total went under 5, Giselle Bundchen was shown more fade green action, this is as easy a comp as you’ll come than 1.5 times, and the color of the Gatorade poured across. over the winning coach was yellow, paying +225. Pink’s Suggestion to Rampart: Don’t limit it to new sign- hair color was blond (-300) and she didn’t show cleav- ups only and consider a lower required bet, or perhaps age (-325), while she went easily under 2:00 singing the tiers for different buffets. “Star-Spangled Banner” in 1:52, the second year in a Suggestion to players: Dust off your copy of Max row, but only the third in 10 years of tracking, that the Rubin’s Comp City. This is a textbook example of a national anthem has gone under. good old-style comp and you won’t find better informa- n No OT or Safety—Things reverted to normal regard- tion anywhere on how to make the most of it. ing the overtime bet after OT hit for the first time last year, with the no-OT betters cashing at -900. The no- safety bettors also won at -900. Video Poker Lost and Found Next Year—The futures line for next year’s Super Bowl has the Patriots favored at 5-1, followed by the Eagles and Steelers, both at 7-1. The long shots are the Last month we wrote that the 8/5 Bonus Poker game Bears, Jets, and Browns at 100-1. n in the Vue Bar at the D was a 4-way progressive, but it’s a 3-way, with meters on the royal flush, straight flush, and quad 5-Ks. The 4-way progressive is on 8/5 Double Double Bonus, with meters on the royal flush, straight Missing Entity flush, and quad 2-4s and 5-Ks. Both of these games are often at 100%+ return levels. According to an article in the LV Review-Journal, After going many years without, the Skyline is ex- one of the first and most visible sports-betting funds, pected to debut a players club this month. One of the Bettor Investments, has closed and its manager has best video poker houses in the Las Vegas area, the vanished without returning investor money. A few betting question is whether or not the good schedules will be funds such as this hit the scene following the passing retained. of a law that allows “entity betting,” betting with money The best game at a new bar called Tailgater Tavern from outside investors. In LVA 8/16, we ran a story (3990 W. Russell Rd.) is standard 6/5 BP (96.87%) from titled “Entity Touts?,” making the point that the entities 25¢ to $5, but it’s not on every machine. If your machine looked to us like glorified tout services. That turned out doesn’t have BP, you’re slightly worse off with 8/5 DDB to be true. The R-J article indicates that while the Bet- (96.79%). Tailgater has a play-$20-get-$10 deal for new tor Investments manager can’t be located, he still runs a sign-ups. website called Nofreepicks, which offers picks by sub- continued on next page

MARCH 2018 • LAS VEGAS ADVISOR • 11 Video Poker Lost and Found continued … One Spin—After winning almost $60,000 in a tourna- ment in the U.K., professional poker player Jake Cody took his winnings to a roulette table and bet it all on a The play-$500-get-$50 promo at Jackpot Bar and single spin. He bet black and the number came up … 22 Grill was discontinued last month, then brought back for black. You can see from a video that it was a single-zero March. The deal runs all day on Mondays and Thursdays. wheel, so Cody’s expected loss was about $1,600 on the The online database vpFREE2 reports that the best nearly $60K win. game at the new Resorts World Catskills in New York is Game-Protection Conference—The 13th annual 9/7/5 Double Bonus (99.11%). World Game Protection Conference will take place March Bob Dancer’s free video poker classes run on Tues- 12-15 at Bally’s. The conference, open only to casino- days in the Silverado Lounge at South Point—beginner industry professionals, will cover several advantage-play classes are at noon and intermediate at 2 pm except topics. n where otherwise noted. Must be 21. Topics are 9/4/4 Deuces Bonus Poker (on 3/7); “What Video Poker Play- ers Should Know About Slot Clubs,” one class only at noon (3/14). Be sure to check out Bob’s weekly Tuesday column and the Thursday “Gambling with an Edge” pod- FAST TRACK cast, with Bob and Richard Munchkin, both at Gambling WithAnEdge.com. n Hooters Promo—Through April 1, get one free swipe daily at Hooters to win $1 million. Since you prob- Gambling Notes ably won’t hit that, it’s important that consolation prizes include $50 cash, free-play, matchplay, food and drink comps, and logo-wear. Must be a players club member. Jackpot at Fremont—A $1.23 million jackpot was Tuscany Promo—Earn 100 points ($100 coin-in) hit last month at the Fremont on a Wheel of Fortune Dou- on Tuesdays at Tuscany and get a 2-for-1 entrée at Pub ble 3X4X5X Pay Machine. It was the second big jackpot 365. in seven months at the casino, following an $11.8 million Year of the Dog—The Year of the Dog in the Chi- Megabucks hit in August. nese calendar is the theme of the new display at Bel- New Horse-Race Game—A new mechanical horse- lagio’s Conservatory & Botanical Gardens. The display race game is coming to the D. Don’t worry, the famous features lanterns, I-Ching coins, good-luck fountains, Sigma Derby machine isn’t being replaced; it’s being 22,000 flowers, and an 18-foot Siberian Husky. The Ve- joined by the new Fortune Cup game from Konami. The netian atrium displays a 14-foot-tall Chinese Shar-Pei two games will sit side-by-side on the casinos’ second named Vincenzo Li, and more than a dozen Shar-Peis floor and it will be interesting to see which one draws are positioned around the resort. The Wynn has three more action. nine-foot-tall dogs on display, along with a 45-foot-long Win Cards—Win Cards are now available at Railroad dragon. All displays are free to view. Pass. Win Cards provide information about how to prop- Room Check—Caesars Entertainment has an- erly play blackjack, craps, and roulette, but they’re also a nounced a new policy for checking rooms with “Do Not positive-expectation purchase, since they cost $20 and Disturb” signs. Enforced at CET properties worldwide, come with $30 in non-negotiable (play-till-you-lose) chips rooms will be checked every 24 hours, whether or not the good in the casino. The offer is limited to one per person signs are displayed. per year. Best Hotels—In a U.S. News & World Report list of Knights Favored—As unlikely as it may seem, the the “Best Hotels in the USA,” 11 Las Vegas casinos were Vegas Golden Knights NHL team is now the favorite in designated “gold badge” properties, putting them in the Vegas sports books to win the Stanley Cup. The Knights top 10% of the rankings. In order of finish, they are Man- are lined at 9-2 to take the Cup, followed by the Tampa darin Oriental, Aria Sky Suites, Cosmopolitan of Las Ve- Bay Lightning at 5-1 and the and gas, Encore, Wynn Las Vegas, Skylofts at MGM Grand, Nashville Predators, both at 7-1. At one point this sea- Four Seasons, Bellagio, Aria, Palazzo, and Venetian. son, the Knights were 500-1. Main Event—Phase 3 of the huge Project Neon Ceiling Roulette—Casino du Liban in Lebanon now freeway improvement is set to begin this month. Dubbed claims the world’s largest ceiling roulette game. We the “Main Event” (following “Car-nado” and the “Big didn’t know there were others to compare to, but the gi- Squeeze”), this segment of work will close ramps from ant upside-down wheel is live, with customers looking up I-15 to Charleston while also continuing work at down- to see the results of their wagers. It’s reminiscent of Bob town’s Spaghetti Bowl. It’s described as the “biggest Stupak’s giant big six wheel at the World. and most impactful” phase of the project. n

12 • LAS VEGAS ADVISOR • MARCH 2018 APRIL APRIL 9-12 National Assoc. of Broadcasters—103,000 WEEKDAY WEEKEND 24-26 Waste Expo—12,000 Four Queens • $35 Wild Wild West • $82 Wild Wild West • $38 AZ C. Decatur • $85 El Cortez • $42 Four Queens • $99 Circus Circus • $47 Palace Station • $104 Rio • $58 Circus Circus • $112 MAY Sam’s Town • $59 Sam’s Town • $115 8–10 National Hardware Show—30,000 Hard Rock • $92 Palms • $135 20–23 RECon—37,000 Mirage • $94 Hard Rock • $162 24–6/1 Valley Nat’l 8-Ball Pool Championship—10,000 Palms • $95 Paris • $169 MAY KEY WEEKDAY WEEKEND JUNE Four Queens • $35 Four Queens • $75 1–8 Valley Nat’l 8-Ball Championship—10,000 Wild Wild West • $38 AZ C. Decatur • $90 11–14 American Water Works Assoc.—15,000 El Cortez • $47 El Cortez • $94 23–25 Int’l Esthetics LV—25,000 DATES Circus Circus • $48 Circus Circus • $95 Excalibur • $56 Sam’s Town • $104 MARCH Hooters • $58 Hooters • $119 Mean 56° Avg. Max. 69° Avg. Min. 42° Pools: Closed Hard Rock • $92 Palms • $155 A fickle month for weather. Occasional rain and high winds, Palms • $95 Hard Rock • $162 warm days. Mirage • $124 Paris • $169 Attire: Light jacket or sweater for evenings. JUNE

APRIL ROOM WEEKDAY WEEKEND Four Queens • $35 Wild Wild West • $53 Mean 64° Avg. Max. 78° Avg. Min. 50° Pools: Open Wild Wild West • $42 Four Queens • $75 Daily highs reach into the 80s with regularity. Winds subside. El Cortez • $50 Plaza • $87 Attire: Spring wardrobe for days. Bring a warm jacket just in Hooters • $58 Hooters • $101 case. Circus Circus • $61 Westgate LV • $101 Sam’s Town • $62 Downtown Grand • $105 MAY Hard Rock • $92 Mirage • $149 Mean 74° Avg. Max. 88° Avg. Min. 60° Pools: Open Palms • $105 Paris • $166 The most pleasant month of the year. Las Vegas at its best. RATES Paris • $146 Palms • $185 Summer heat begins at the end of the month.

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