$5

ANTHONY CURTIS’ March 2017 Vol. 34 LasVegasAdvisor Issue 3

MONDAYS DARK Get down with the ‘show kids’ … pg. 8

FEES GALORE Are they going too far? … pg. 1

BLACKJACK FOR BLOOD HP takes over a gambling classic … pg. 1

PRIME RIB Best value prime revealed … pg. 5

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COUPONOMY NEWS

What the Market Will Bear Casinos Palace Station—The big by Anthony Curtis remodel that was announced last July has begun, with several areas Last month, Caesars Entertain- that’s the way they do it in New York of the resort now under construc- ment announced that it was raising and , but the restaurants tion. Work is currently focused on resort fees; two weeks later, MGM and theaters there aren’t in casinos. the casino facade, which includes Resorts did the same (see “Resort Fees How much will the market bear? the addition of a porte cochere fac- Raised”). On top of that, the .88% in- Look to Florida. ing Sahara Ave. and a new bingo crease in room taxes to fund the Las Last month, the Seminole Hard room. The $115 million project is Vegas Convention Center expansion Rock in Tampa, which also instituted expected to be carried out in up to and hoped-for stadium to host the paid parking last year, reversed its three phases, with plans also call- NFL’s Raiders went into effect this policy. Similar to Las Vegas, custom- ing for new restaurants, meeting month. And then there’s that little mat- ers in Tampa were vocal in their dis- and convention space, a bowling ter of charging for parking on the Strip. pleasure, enough to cause the tribe alley, a movie theater, and a new Push. Push. Push. How far can to revert. That market couldn’t bear it. 27-story 600-room tower. it go? Room rates are a little different. Lucky Dragon—After just two It could be farther than we think. You have to throw all the charges— months, changes and modifica- Las Vegas set another visitation record base rate, resort fee, tax—into a bucket tions are being made at Lucky in 2016, so how much, really, are these and decide if what spills out is palat- Dragon. The Dragon’s Alley night added fees keeping people away? I able for you. Some of the resort fees market is closed and the large field complaints daily in emails and are so low that they hardly matter, so dining area inside will become the phone calls, but if visitors are coming that allows some choice. And how new location of the Pearl Ocean in record numbers, why wouldn’t the about this: More than 340,000 Nevada restaurant and new Dragon’s Al- casinos probe the edges? One of the visitors stayed at an Airbnb rental in ley Noodle Bar. The former Pearl first rules of business is to charge what 2016, up 150% from the year before. Ocean space on the second floor the market will bear, and it seems to Airbnb is the home-sharing equivalent will be converted into an expanded be bearing just fine. For now. The big of Uber or Lyft for ride-sharing. While VIP gambling area. We’ve also question is whether a delayed reaction it’s currently a small piece of the lodg- heard that steps are being taken is brewing. ing pie, experts expect home-sharing to deal with the glare on the video I didn’t realize that it would, but services to grow their market share poker machines at the center bar, the part of this that most impacts as visitors become more comfortable and those former fastest-in-the- me—parking—is altering my own with the process and react to added west elevator doors have been consumer habits, and I’m having a hotel-room fees. slowed down to cruising speed. difficult time imagining that the same Push. Push. Push. But be careful, Hooters—A $20 million reno- isn’t happening with others. I’ll admit it: there are always alternatives. vation will reportedly create new I find myself avoiding paid parking. And restaurants and a revamped show- I’m not talking about tricks and work- Blackjack For Blood room and pool area at Hooters. arounds. I look for alternatives to going Huntington Press publishes some Room upgrades and an overall to casinos that charge to park, even of the best blackjack books in the facelift of the casino are also to the point of passing on dining and world. We don’t publish all of them, planned, though a timetable for show reviews in those places. I don’t but we’re working on it and we’ve the work has not been disclosed. want to have to qualify a review with, added one of the all-time greats with Strip Stadium—Everything is “Add $10 for the cost to park.” Yes, continued on next page continued on next page Couponomy continued 2016 Stats Nevada’s statewide gambling win came in at $11.3 billion in 2016, up 1.3% the release of Blackjack for Blood by over last year. The Strip won $6.4 billion, up .4%, while downtown’s $565 million Bryce Carlson. win was up 4.2%. Slots brought in $7.2 billion (+2.3%) and table games $4.1 billion BJFB was a surprise when it came (-.4%). A third straight year of table-games declines is being attributed to a fall-off in out in 1992. Back then, the market was baccarat, which generated $1.2 billion, but was 5.3% off last year’s total. Overall, the dominated by books from Stanford direction is upward, but all the numbers remain below the record year in 2007, when Wong, Arnold Snyer, and a few of their statewide revenue was $12.8 billion. predecessors, like Ken Uston, Peter Visitor volume was 42,936,109, an all-time high that beat last year’s previous re- Griffin, and Edward O. Thorp. No one cord by 1.5%. Helping push the total was a 2.6% increase in convention attendance. knew Bryce Carlson, but his book Annual airline traffic hit 47.4 million, up 4.4% from last year and less than half made an instant splash, partly because a million short of the record, also set in 2007. Southwest was the market leader with it had an eye-catching cover and a 18.2 million passengers, followed by American with 4.7 million, Delta with 3.9 mil- good new count called Omega II, but lion, and United with 3.6 million. Sprint with 3.2 million passengers overtook Allegiant also because of its readability—BJFB with 2.4 million for the No. 5 spot. hit all the hot points of playing blackjack at a professional level. For these same reasons, the book has stood the test of time as a consistent high-ranking News continued quee. A light burned out and it read seller for almost 25 years. “LONGHO N” for a while, but that’s Given its pedigree, I was proud been repaired. to add Blackjack for Blood to the HP up in the air with regard to the former E-Sports Arena—Millennial Es- stable. But I can also wholeheartedly Sands Stadium that was expected ports at is set to open on recommend it to anyone who’s serious to bring the Oakland Raiders to Las March 3, featuring a 200-seat “sta- about upping their blackjack game, Vegas. With last month’s withdrawal dium” and a competition area that will regardless of your current level. We’ve of LV Sands’ participation, the project accommodate another 500 spectators. updated it in a few places, but for was jolted back into speculation mode. A release describing the venue says the most part, it’s the same excellent It’s still considered a favorite to hap- it will also have “food and beverage book that’s earned its spot among pen, but exactly where the funding will establishments” and an arcade. The the blackjack classics. Blackjack for come from is currently anyone’s guess venue will debut with a Halo Champi- Blood will be back from the printer mid- and locking in a location has taken a onship qualifier, followed by a Madden March and we’re offering a publisher’s back seat. ’17 tournament. discount through the end of the month Convention Center—A few more North Las Vegas—Movie-theater (see the wrap). details regarding the $1.4 billion ex- developer Maya Cinemas North Amer- pansion of the Las Vegas Convention ica has purchased a 32-acre parcel in Use the Code! Center were released last month. By North Las Vegas with plans to build a Last month, I wrote about the com- 2020, the convention center will be 70,000-square-foot theater complex plimentary Theater Extras membership the second largest in the U.S. with 2.5 that could also include restaurants for LVA members. Several took us up million square feet of exhibit space, and retail. The location across the on the offer, but some were charged trailing only Chicago’s McCormick street from the is near a $99 fee at sign-up. They contacted Place with 2.6 million. Due to ongoing a potential retail-and-housing project us and the charge was removed. But it renovations, though, all of the space that could combine with the theater won’t show up in the first place if you may not be available at the same time to create a central “downtown” area enter the code properly. until 2023. The plan and budget will be in North Las Vegas. For full information on the deal, considered for approval in May. SpeedVegas—The SpeedVegas check out last month’s discussion. To Longhorn—The little Longhorn driving facility south of Las Vegas activate, log on to theaterextras.com, on Boulder Hwy. has a big new mar- continued on next page follow the registration steps, and be 3665 Procyon St. • Las Vegas, NV 89103 • (702) 252-0655 • (702) 252-0675 Fax sure to enter code TELV1234. The LAS VEGAS ADVISOR e-mail: [email protected] • Internet: LasVegasAdvisor.com code negates the charge. You’ll receive Publisher: Anthony Curtis Research Assistant: Brenda Stewart Henderson, Scot Krause, Bradley Peter- Senior Editor: Deke Castleman Customer Service: Audrey Johnson son, Blair Rodman, Jean Scott, Michael a welcome email from TE, then we’ll Accounting: John Leitner Shipping & Receiving: Gustavo Escalante Shackleford verify on our end that you’re an LVA Production Manager: Laurie Cabot Contributing Writers: Jeffrey Compton, Bob Cover Image: Richard Brien member and you’re enrolled. Lead Researcher: Tanya Maynard Dancer, Stewart Ethier, Bob Fuss, Scotch 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 It’s a good deal. You won’t get 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 charged. Go for it! n current at press time. Listed offerings are subject to change at any time. Huntington Press ©2017

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

The complete steak dinner at Ellis Island remains in the 1. Steak Dinner • Ellis Island • 24 hours • $7.99 #1 spot this month. The filet-cut sirloin comes with soup or salad, choice of potato, and green beans and is served 2. Shrimp Cocktail • Skyline • 24 hours • $1.49 24/7 for $7.99. But to get that price you have to print out 3. Beer • Casino Royale • 24 hours • $1 two coupons from an EI kiosk, the second after playing at least $5 in any slot machine with your club card inserted. 4. Breakfast • Klondike Sunset • Daily • $1.49 The Skyline shrimp cocktail (#2) stands apart even more 5. Draft Beer • Flamingo • Daily • 5¢ with the temporary service suspension of the granddaddy of shrimp at the Golden Gate (see Dining). The Skyline 6. Mac King • Harrah’s • Tues.–Sat. • $14.98 shrimp is served 24 hours at the main bar, where you can 7. Hot Dog • South Point • Daily • $1.25 also play some of the best bar video poker schedules in 8. Prime Rib • Klondike Sunset • Daily • $5.55-$12.99 town while you eat. It would’ve been hard to predict when Klondike Sunset 9. Lunch Comp • Crown & Anchor • Daily • $20 buy-in opened last year that it would at some point have two Top 10. Oysters • Andiron • 5-7 pm • $1 Ten selections, but that point has come. Along with the top breakfast deal, the Klondike is also our pick for the best prime rib value in town (#8). The regular-menu prime rib is served starting at 11 am for $12.99 and it’s excel- lent as you’ll read in Dining. There’s a slightly smaller $8.99 special available from 4 to 11 pm and they've also run a $5.55 special for the past few months. Regardless of the choices available, the Klondike is the current top play in town for a value prime rib dinner. Notes: Michelob in the bottle is $1 and draft Coors Light is 75¢ at Casino Royale (#3). The $1.49 bacon or sau- sage & eggs breakfast at Klondike Sunset (#4) is served every day from 7 to 11 am. The 5¢ beers (#5) 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 Mac King Comedy Magic Show (#6) and a drink for $14.98 by asking for the show special at the Harrah’s Total Rewards booth. The hot dogs at South Point (#7) are sold from a cart in the sports book from 10 am until they close down the cart around 5 pm. The Crown & Anchor 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. The $1 oysters at Andiron (#10) are available daily from 5 to 7 pm in the bar and until closing on Tuesdays.

News continued While Las Vegas dragged down the weren’t maintained and the casino overall total, almost the entire rest of remains closed and in disrepair. The the state booked increases, including Trump name still appears in other ar- closed for two weeks in February Reno (+14.3%) and South Lake Tahoe eas of the building, most likely to be after a Lamborghini Gallardo hit a (+4.3%). removed soon. wall, killing an instructor and a cus- Visitor volume was up 1.5% in Georgia—Efforts to bring casinos tomer who was driving. SpeedVegas December to top off Las Vegas’ record to Atlanta have stalled. There was owners say they’ve conducted an visitation year. Convention attendance plenty of debate and speculation, but exhaustive review of the operation increased by 6%. a planned vote by a state senate com- and have determined that there were Airline traffic was up 1% to make mittee never materialized. no overlooked precautions involved in it 25 straight months of year-over-year Japan—Things are heating up in the crash; however, an investigation increases. the derby to build a casino in Japan. by the Nevada Occupational Safety Following a statement by Sheldon and Health Administration is ongoing. Gambling in the Adelson that LV Sands Corp. would Revenues—Nevada’s statewide U.S. and Beyond spend up to $10 billion on a resort gambling win was down 4.3% in De- Atlantic City— Donald Trump’s there, Melco Crown’s CEO, Lawrence cember compared to the same month name has been taken off the Boardwalk Ho, countered that he would spend last year. The Strip win was off 1.7% entrance to the Taj Mahal in Atlantic “whatever it takes.” Others in the hunt and downtown declined 2.2%. The win City. It’s not a protest move; Trump are MGM Resorts International, Hard was also down on the Boulder Strip had an agreement with owner Carl Rock, and Genting Singapore. (-26.9%), in North Las Vegas (-23.3%), Icahn that his name would be removed Online—Recent developments in- and in the Balance of County (-1.8%). from the property if certain standards continued on next page

MARCH 2017 • LAS VEGAS ADVISOR • 3 News continued had online poker revenue of $27 mil- Resort Fees Raised lion and total online revenue of $200 Both Caesars Entertainment and million; New York’s estimated first- MGM Resorts International announced dicate that New York and Pennsylvania year poker market is $120 million and resort-fee increases that will take effect this are the top candidates to be the next Pennsylvania’s market for all games month. CET raised fees by $1-$3 at all of states to legalize some form of online is estimated at $300 million. Despite its hotels. The new rates, including tax, gambling. New York has a bill on the predictions that the growth rate for range from $34.01 to $39.68. MRI raised table that would allow poker only, while New Jersey’s online component may fees by $1-$5 for a range from $30.61 to Pennsylvania is pursuing broader le- be cut by up to 50% this year, January $44.22. And sneaking in a new $8.50 galization that includes casino games. produced another record month with fee was one of the few previous hold-outs, By comparison, in 2016 New Jersey almost $19 million in revenue. n Arizona Charlie’s (both locations).

DINING

Eating Las Vegas a check-off card gets you a free one to bump the deal out of the Top Ten. on the Cheap after you buy 10. Plus, the hamburger quality has taken After each edition of Eating Las Khoury’s (LVA 7/12), in the Village a hit (see “Cheeseburger” review). Vegas is published, we highlight the Square at Rampart and W. Sahara, bargain-dining elements of the book serves Mediterranean cuisine, primarily No Shrimp in LVA. Following is the compilation Lebanese. The monster mezza plate Du-Par’s at the Golden Gate has from the 2017 edition. alone will feed an entire table for $33. closed. OK, that’s news. But the bigger Each restaurant in the “Essential Gyros, Mediterranean salads, and the story is that currently, no place in the 50” has one of four price designations: best grape leaves in town are all under casino serves the famous Golden Gate “$125 and up,” “$75 to $125,” “$25 to $10. During happy hour, Mon.-Fri. from shrimp cocktail, which was available $75,” and “$25 or less,” which reflects 3 to 6 pm, kabobs are $5 and beer is $2. only in Du-Par’s. The question now is the per-person cost for a complete The following are in the next lowest where it will be served in the future. meal. This is the fifth edition of the level, $25 to $75: Allegro (Wynn), Bor- The GG says it’s working out a new book and the number of restaurants der Grill (MBay), Bouchon (Venetian), distribution point, but as of now it’s the in the lowest category, compared to Chada Street, Cleo (SLS), Due Forni, first time in decades that the Golden the earlier editions, indicates that din- Hearthstone (Red Rock), Hiroyoshi Gate shrimp isn’t on the menu. ing prices continue to rise. Whereas Japanese Cuisine, Lotus of Siam, earlier editions had as many as eight Marche Bacchus, Other Mama, Sen of All-Night Buffets options under $25, this year there are Japan, and Yonaka Modern Japanese, The Bistro Buffet at the Palms has only three. However, another 13 came which is this month’s Local Corner. initiated all-night service while the ca- in at the second-lowest designation These aren’t super cheap, but they sino’s coffee shop is renovated. While of $25-$75 (14 prior to the closing of still rate as a deal when considering you’d expect that a 24-hour buffet Glutton). what it costs for this quality elsewhere. would be a no-brainer in Las Vegas, The three most affordable are Dis- Additionally, the Chinatown sec- they’ve actually been extremely rare trict One, The Goodwich, and Khoury’s. tion and the rest of the back of the book over the past two decades. Going District One (LVA 12/14) at Jones cite dozens of low-cost restaurants in back that far, an all-night buffet was and Spring Mountain features low-cost several categories, including one titled the former Showboat’s main claim to small plates, including noodle soups of “Cheap Eats/Local Favorites.” fame until it was discontinued in 1999. all sorts for $9 and an awesome whole Nothing showed up to take its place grilled squid for $12. Good happy hours AZ Chaz Increase until three all-nighters popped up in that run Mon.-Fri. from 5 to 7 pm and A Top Ten Value has dropped off 2003 at Boardwalk, GVR, and Riviera. midnight to 2 am feature $1.25 raw the list after prices were raised on the The Riv’s lasted until 2006 and the oysters and 50¢ serrano-pepper wings. breakfast and hamburger specials in Plaza ran one for a short time that year. The Goodwich (LVA 9/16) is the the Sourdough Cafés at both Arizona Since then, the Gold Strike in Jean ran sandwich shop that used to work out Charlie’s. Formerly all $4.99, the steak an all-night buffet until it became Ter- of a small streetside kiosk on Las or ham & eggs breakfasts are now rible’s Roadhouse in 2015, but none Vegas Blvd. and is now stationed $5.55 and the hamburger & fries is were available in Las Vegas until now. in Soho Lofts near downtown. The $5.99 (when you show a club card). It’s The Palms’ graveyard buffet is creative sandwiches are $7-$10 and not a big increase, but it’s big enough continued on next page

4 • LAS VEGAS ADVISOR • MARCH 2017 Dining continued Local Corner—Yonaka Modern Japanese 4983 W. Flamingo, 702-685-8358 being treated as an experiment and may become permanent if it draws. It The best way to describe the food at Yonaka is “fancy Japanese.” By that was fairly busy at 6 am the morning we we mean they like to add twists and enhance their dishes with different flavors. went (see “Graveyard Buffet” review), Even the sushi, for example, is prepared with crazy extras like candied garlic, with a fair number of diners looking as apricot herb sauce, and Granny Smith-pepperoncini relish. If you’re thinking if they’d come from a club, either at you’d prefer plain old sushi, it’s OK—a note at the bottom of the sushi list the Palms or another casino. With Las informs that traditional preparation is also available and there’s a selection of Vegas’ emphasis on nightclubs creat- sushi rolls. But what really sets this restaurant apart is the sashimi. ing lots of hungry late-night partiers, Sashimi is raw fish without the sushi rice—kind of a purist’s preference. the all-night buffet may have found its Yonaka has amazing sashimi. There are two choices: a 12-piece chef’s ticket back to town. selection for $27 and a premium tasting for $58. The 12-piecer comprises thick slices of high-quality standards like tuna, yellowtail, and salmon, while Reviews the premium steps up with oysters, uni, and a sample of wagyu beef. If there Prime Rib (Klondike)—Where’s are two of you, the move is to get one of each and share; the combo isn’t the best bargain prime rib in town? far off what you’d get from a top-level omakase at one of Vegas’ primo sushi It’s one of two or three choices in houses, and for just $85 total to feed two. Sarah’s Kitchen at Klondike Sunset. Yonaka is also open for lunch Tues.-Sat. from 11 am to 5 pm, but with It’s hard to keep track of the different a completely different menu. The “Purple Potato” lunch offers several varia- specials there, but we’re confident tions on salad bowls. Similar to poke bowls, you choose a protein (fish and in stating that whatever’s offered will meats) and a base (greens and rice), then load it up with toppings (nuts, fruit, be at least as good as anything else veggies), either building your own or choosing a house mix. All come with you’ll get in town for the price. We’d a complimentary slice of whole-grain bread for $8-$12. Kids bowls are $6 tried the $5.55 and $8.99 specials, and juice-based drinks made from scratch are $2-$3 (try the cucumber-mint and last month went to the top of the lemonade). There’s also a good happy hour from 5 to 6:30 pm daily (LVA line-up for the regular-menu prime rib 3/14), with $4 Sapporo and $5 sake, sangria, and wine. for $12.99. This is a bigger cut, about 16 ounces, and comes with soup or Note that in last month’s Local Corner we wrote that Tasty Grill is located salad, choice of potato, vegetable, and inside a bar called Spectators. That was the bar’s former name; it’s now Putter’s. a roll if you ask. We ate at the counter and the chef called over, “You say you menudo soup. Keep this one in mind more like a bun or dumpling with soup want it rare? I’ve got blue.” And blue when it’s really late. inside, similar to xiao long bao that’s it was. No microwaves here; ours was Cheeseburger (Arizona Char- all the rage these days, only this one cut to order right off the roast. Both the lie’s)—After raising the price on its is better than any other we’ve had and salad and the soups are also good, burger special, Charlie’s tried to make comes four to an order for just $5.49. including the French onion that we it sound better by calling it a double Coincidentally, Shang is right next sampled on our visit. As strong a deal cheeseburger. Previously, the burger door to this month’s “Local Corner” as the specials are, the big cut is the was a bigger single patty, now it’s two subject, Yonaka. That and the Capri- one to get for quality. Use your 2-for-1 little ones cooked to the point where otti’s on the other side makes for a Member Rewards offer and you’ll pay they look like charcoal briquettes. It pretty potent trio of eateries given the less than $7 each for two. tastes OK for what it is and comes unassuming location at W. Flamingo Graveyard Buffet (Palms)—It’s with fries, but a bountiful double burger and Decatur. been more than a decade since Las it’s not. Clam Chowder (Home Plate)–It’s Vegas has had an all-night buffet, but Shang—If you know your noodles, been a long time since we’ve written it has one now. The Bistro Buffet runs you’ll be impressed by the three differ- about clam chowder, and a couple from 9 pm to 8 am for $9.72, $7.56 ent types at Shang Artisan Noodles. months ago we tried one at Home Plate with a Boarding Pass card. It’s not For most of us, though, it’s enough that we were ready to anoint best in fancy, but the omelet station assures knowing that this is a good place Vegas for its clam count. But when we you’ll get your money’s worth. There for soups and other Asian dishes, all tried it a second time, it was potato city. are several breakfast meats, fresh fruit, priced under $10. One gem that we We’ve since had varying experiences breakfast pizza, cereals, a funky little stumbled on accidentally is the beef and are told it depends on the cook, Chinese-food selection, and hard- pancake, which we ordered thinking it so you’ll have to take your chances. boiled eggs. Along with the omelets, would be the typical, though strangely But even when it’s “bad,” it’s pretty the star of our sampling was a spicy named, Chinese pastry. Instead, it’s continued on page 8

MARCH 2017 • LAS VEGAS ADVISOR • 5 ADVANCE PLANNER HEADLINERS AND EVENTS MARCH 3/11 • Lou Gramm 3/25 • Martin Nievera 3/2 • Frankie Moreno Aliante • $49.50–$69.50 Hard Rock • $37–$51 Golden Nugget • $27.25–$59.95 3/11 • Portugal 3/25 • Nick Swardson • Mirage • $60/$70 3/3 • BJ Thomas Brooklyn Bowl • $25–$45 3/25 • Ramin Djawadi GN • $20.71–$118.81 3/11–3/12 • Brass Transit MGM Grand • $124–$339 3/3 • Isaiah Rashad Suncoast • $19.95/$39.95 3/25 • Spinners Hard Rock • $15/$39 3/11–3/12 • Bruno Mars E. Cannery • $14.95/$29.95 3/3 • Jay Leno Monte Carlo • $160.55–$1518.49 3/28 • Robert Randolph Mirage • $70.04–$90.04 3/12 • Tribal Seeds Brooklyn Bowl • $20–$37.50 3/3 • Jo Koy • TI • $43.55/$71.89 Brooklyn Bowl • $25–/$35 3/30 • Chris Stapleton 3/3 • Joe Rogan 3/12 • UFO & Saxon • MBay • $25 Palms • $50–$125 MGM Grand • $32.69–$58.86 3/16 • Frankie Moreno 3/30 • Ozomatli & Squirrel Nut Zippers 3/3–3/4 • Dierks Bentley • Cosmo • $49 Golden Nugget • $27.25–$59.95 MBay • $25 3/3–3/4 • Gary Owen 3/16 • Flogging Molly • Cosmo • $40 3/31 • Christopher Cross Orleans • $39.95–$59.95 3/16 • Jason Isbell • MBay • $35–$55 GN • $31.61–$140.61 3/3–3/4 • John Fogerty 3/17 • Death Cab for Cutie 3/31 • Mayday Parade Wynn LV • $59.50–$250 Cosmo • $25/$35 Hard Rock • $27/$45 3/3–3/4 • Social Distortion 3/17 • Eddie Money 3/31–4/1 • Ron White MBay • $37/$136 GN • $42.51–$162.41 Mirage • $70.04–$92 3/3–3/5 • Tower of Power 3/17 • Umphrey’s McGee 3/31–4/1 • STS9 South Point • $55–$65 Brooklyn Bowl • $32.50–$50 Brooklyn Bowl • $37.50–$69.50 3/4 • Blake Shelton 3/17–3/18 • Daniel Tosh • Mirage • $80/$106 3/31–4/2 • Tony Orlando MGM Grand • $49.50–$90 3/17–3/18 • Neil Sedaka South Point • $45–$55 3/4 • Colin Cane Orleans • $69.95–$89.95 APRIL Hard Rock • $20–$35 3/17–3/19 • Hermans Hermits 4/1 • Fortunate Youth 3/4 • Gov’t Mule South Point • $45–$55 Hard Rock • $13/$22 Brooklyn Bowl • $32.50/$35 3/18 • 10,000 Maniacs 4/1 • Jimmy Buffet 3/4 • Tim Allen Cannery • $28.95 MGM Grand • $40–$212 Mirage • $65.39–$87.19 3/18 • Mark Chestnutt 4/1 • Richard Cheese & LATM 3/4 • Woodley vs. Thompson M Resort • $31–$51 Red Rock • $35–$60 T– Mobile Arena • $80–$605 3/18–3/19 • Everly Brothers Experience 4/2 • CMA • T– Mobile Arena 3/5 • Ekoh • Hard Rock • $12.25/$25.75 Suncoast • $15.95–$39.95 $386.50–$713.50 3/5 • William Singe 3/21 • We the Kings 4/2 • Old 97’s • Hard Rock • $22/$45 Brooklyn Bowl • $25–$125 Hard Rock • $25/$45 4/5 • Ricky Martin 3/8 • Jeff Dunham 3/23 • Donavon Frankenreiter Monte Carlo • $54.59–$325 Caesars Palace • $49.50–$79.50 Brooklyn Bowl • $20/$22 4/6 • Frankie Moreno 3/8 • John Fogerty 3/23 • The Worship Tour • MBay • $36 Golden Nugget • $27.25–$59.95 Wynn LV • $59.50–$250 3/23 • Otep • Hard Rock • $17/$29 4/7 • Badfish–Tribute to Sublime 3/9 • Tchami • Brooklyn Bowl • $22 3/23 • Frankie Moreno MBay • $24 3/10 • Bill Engvall • TI • $52.27/$81.70 Golden Nugget • $27.25–$59.95 4/7 • Green Day 3/10 • Charlie Wilson 3/24 • Biffy Clyro • Hard Rock • $25/$39 MGM Grand • $45/$65 MGM Grand • $50–$130 3/24 • Maluma • Cosmo • $46.50–$99.50 4/7–4/8 • “A Perfect Circle” 3/10 • Marshall Tucker Band 3/24 • Panic! at the Disco Palms • $55–$120 GN • $31.61–$107.91 MBay • $39.50–$59.50 4/7–4/8 • D.L Hughley 3/10 • Metallica Tribute 3/24 • Pat Benatar & Neil Giraldo Orleans • $49.95–$69.95 Hard Rock • $10/$20 Palms • $29–$99 4/7–4/8 • George Strait 3/10–3/11 • Bill Maher • Mirage • $70–$90 3/24 • Taylor Dane T– Mobile Arena • $75–$200 3/10–3/11 • Billy Idol • MBay • $79.50–$149.50 GN • $20.71–$162.41 4/7–4/8 • Ricky Martin 3/10–3/11 • John Fogerty 3/24–3/25 • Stellar Gospel Music Awards Monte Carlo • $54.59–$325 Wynn LV • $59.50–$250 Orleans • $35–$100 4/7–4/9 • Frankie Avalon 3/10–3/11 • Kenney Wayne Sheperd Band 3/24–3/26 • Lettermen South Point • $50–$60 Orleans • $29.95–$54.95 South Point • $35–$45 4/8 • Sammy J. • Brooklyn Bowl • $22 3/10–3/12 • Neil Diamond 3/25 • IL Volo 4/8 • Tim Allen South Point • $25–$35 Monte Carlo • $50.46/$137.61 Mirage • $65.39–$87.19 3/11 • George Thorogood & The 3/25 • Lil Duval 4/8–4/9 • Bill Haley Jr. and The Comets Destroyers • Palms • $26–$86 Aliante • $25.50–$35.50 Suncoast • $19.95/$29.95

6 • LAS VEGAS ADVISOR • MARCH 2017 ADVANCE PLANNER

• Backstreet Boys—Larger Than Life has opened at Planet Hollywood; tickets are $160.57- APRIL $321.06 4-7 Int’l Security Conference—29,000 20-22 Int’l Sign Association Expo—19,500 • Rainbow Cabaret Reunites Judy Garland and 24-27 Nat’l Association of Broadcasters—103,000 Liza Minelli has opened at Royal Resort; tickets 24-28 Interlop Las Vegas Expo—10,000 are $20. • Ticket prices for BAZ—Star Crossed Love at have increased from $59-$169 to $64.31-$184.21. MAY 3-5 Hospitality Design Expo & Conference—17,500 • Ticket prices for Menopause the Musical at 9-11 National Hardware Show—30,000 Harrah’s have increased from $66.41-$96.91 to 22-24 RECon 2017—37,000 $74.74-$104.74. 23-25 Licensing Int’l Expo—24,000 25-31 Valley Nat’l 8-Ball World Pool Championship—10,000 • Tony Sacca’s Vegas the Story has closed at Bally’s. KEY • Sin City Comedy has closed at Planet Holly- wood. JUNE 5-8 CleanShow—11,000 DATES 17-19 Int’l Esthetics Comsetics & Spa Conf.—25,000 APRIL WEEKDAY WEEKEND Four Queens • $35 Four Queens • $74 the D • $46 AZ C. Decatur • $80 California • $50 the D • $81 Palace Station • $45 Hooters • $85 Sam’s Town • $54 Palace Station • $87 Hooters • $55 Stratosphere • $95 Hard Rock • $78 Palms • $154 SHOW NOTES Palms • $94 Paris • $171 Mirage • $105 Hard Rock • $178 MAY WEEKDAY WEEKEND Four Queens • $39 AZ C. Decatur • $71 California • $40 Fremont • $100 MARCH Fremont • $40 Four Queens • $104 Mean 56° Avg. Max. 69° Avg. Min. 42° Pools: Open A fickle month for weather. Occasional rain and high Palace Station • $45 Silverton • $90 Circus Circus • $47 Palace Station • $97 winds, warm days. Sam’s Town • $57 Sam’s Town • $130 Attire: Light jacket or sweater for evenings. Hard Rock • $84 Mirage • $168 Palms • $104 Paris • $171 APRIL Paris • $131 Palms • $194 Mean 64° Avg. Max. 78° Avg. Min. 50° Pools: Open JUNE Daily highs reach into the 80s with regularity. Winds WEEKDAY WEEKEND subside. ROOM Four Queens • $39 AZ. C. Decatur • $80 Attire Fremont • $40 Fremont • $80 : Spring wardrobe for days. Bring a warm jacket Main Street Station • $40 Main Street Station • $80 just in case. Palace Station • $45 Silverton • $90 Circus Circus • $52 Palace Station • $97 MAY Sam’s Town • $57 Sam’s Town • $130 Mean 74° Avg. Max. 88° Avg. Min. 60° Pools: Open Palms • $104 Hard Rock • $178 The most pleasant month of the year. Las Vegas at its Mirage • $121 Palazzo • $206

WEATHER best. Summer heat begins at the end of the month. RATES Hard Rock • $138 Palms • $214 Best rates at press time from sample of 54 Las Vegas casinos. Rates NOT guaranteed, subject to Attire: Spring wardrobe. change without notice, and do not include tax. Lower prices may be available online.

MARCH 2017 • LAS VEGAS ADVISOR • 7 Dining continued chef of downtown’s recently closed restaurants opened to lines of wait- Glutton, it’s located in the All-Suite ing customers, many of whom had Tower. camped out all night. Both locations good. Expect Boston (white), but you The new steakhouse from Michael are in Henderson, but several more are might get Manhattan. It’s served on and David Morton at the Hard Rock will planned throughout the valley. Next Fridays only for $3.99. be called MB Steak (for Morton Broth- up is a store at 2477 S. Rancho Dr. ers). It’s scheduled to open in May. (across from Palace Station) scheduled Dining Notes Gridiron Grill has opened at Red to open March 30. The price of the “Chef’s Table” Rock, replacing Wiener’s Circle as the Just three months after opening at the Bellagio buffet has been raised food outlet in the sports book. its first restaurant on Harmon across from $59.99 and $64.99 on weekends The Plaza has opened Brightside— from the Hard Rock, a second Papaya to $84.47 every day. Breakfast and Burgers, described as a King is preparing to open in the Ha- Cheapism.com, the website that “New York-style deli.” waiian Market on the Strip just north turned us on to Tasty Grill last month, A Starbucks has opened at of MGM Grand. ran a list of “Delicious Pizza in All 50 Bellagio. A third Rollin Smoke Barbeque States” that cited Dom Demarco’s in The new Taco Bell Cantina on the (LVA 7/13) has opened on the west Nevada, recommending the “cheese- Strip is adding weddings to its menu. side at 4115 S. Grand Canyon Drive. and-pepperoni Di Fara special ($28 Beginning this summer, the restaurant Plantone’s Italian Market has for the full order).” We dig DD’s (LVA will offer a $600 Taco Bell-themed wed- opened on the west side at 8680 W. 4/12), which also runs a strong happy ding package that comes with a Taco Warm Springs Road. hour that’s on this month’s HH list in 12-pack and a Cinnabon Delights wed- Brand Steakhouse will close at the Entertainment. ding cake for the reception. It doesn’t Monte Carlo on May 11. The Oyster Bar has opened at the get much more romantic than that. Zydeco Po-Boys has closed Hard Rock. Run by the former owner/ Las Vegas’ first two Chick-fil-A downtown. n

ENTERTAINMENT

Review regimented and involves a financial Fore! Mondays Dark component. Each show sponsors a The Space charity with a goal of raising $10,000. Listen for that warning when you’re March 6 & 20 (then every second Accordingly, the shows aren’t free. driving past TopGolf on Koval. Though Monday) 9 pm Previously run out of the Hard Rock, it’s hard to believe, golf balls go over $20-$50 Mondays Dark now has its own venue, those giant fences from time to time a converted boxing gym located be- (we’ve seen it) and it’s every car for itself For decades, there’s always been hind the Cosmopolitan at 3460 Cava- on the street below. some type of periodic gathering of Las retta Ct. called The Space. The Space Vegas’ musicians and show people. is being built out to include rehearsal Million Dollar Quartet, Jersey Boys, and These are low-key jam sessions that and recording studios and already has Rock of Ages, among others, were on give performers that are between jobs a bar and piano lounge, so this isn’t hand—all top-level talents performing a chance to keep their chops up and exactly a not-for-profit endeavor, but songs that weren’t just canned from network with others in the showbiz there’s nothing wrong with making their own shows. And they’re work- community, while providing the audi- some money while you’re also doing ing in front of their peers, so no one’s ences with top-level entertainment, good charity work. Plus, the price is mailing it in. usually for the price of the drinks they right. Tickets to Monday’s Dark shows The $23 ticket is for GA seat- buy. Lon Bronson headed one for start at $23. ing purchased in advance at years and “The Vegas Underground” The man behind the effort is Mark mondaysdark.com. It’s $25 at the still convenes on Monday nights at the Shunock, a former lead in Rock of Ages. door if any seats remain (none when Tap House (LVA 6/12). Three years Shunock emcees each show, making we went). Seating is first-come first- ago, another such gathering emerged jokes, interacting with the audience served on the main floor unless you opt in the “Mondays Dark” entertainment and the live band, keeping the acts for reserved “front table” or “porch” showcase. moving, and of course, fundraising. seating for $50. The porch (at the back) This one’s a little different; it’s more When we attended, performers from continued on next page

8 • LAS VEGAS ADVISOR • MARCH 2017 Entertainment continued Notes • Former Stratosphere headliner Frankie Moreno has signed on for a six-week is supposed to have better sound, but engagement at the Golden Nugget. Moreno will perform in The Showroom if you’re gonna shell out for reserved on Thursdays, March 2 through April 13 (excluding March 30). Tickets start seats, it’s better to be up front. Beers at $19.95 base. are $5 in the bar outside the showroom • Additional shows have been added for Britney: Piece of Me at Planet and there’s a funky unisex bathroom, Hollywood. The new dates are Aug. 9, 11-12, 16, 18-19, 23, 25-26, 30. so don’t be surprised. The audience Already scheduled dates are March 22, 24-25, 29, 31; April 1, 5, 7-8; May members are mostly from the en- 3, 5-6, 10, 12-13, 17, 19-20. Tickets start at $59 base. tertainment community, so it’s a bit • Pitbull will return to Planet Hollywood July 21-22, 26, 28-29; Aug. 2, 4-5. “show-kids” cliquey, but everyone’s Tickets start at $39 base. into the show and it’s kind of fun to • The first pool openings of the 2017 season have been announced. Rampart pretend that you’re actually a part of will open its pool at JW Marriott on March 3, followed by Hakkasan Group’s that scene. Wet Republic at MGM Grand, Liquid Pool Lounge at Aria, and Bare Pool March Madness Lounge at on March 10. Expect the others to be close behind. The March Madness college See the Advance Planner for dates, prices, and additional show updates. basketball tournament begins March 14 and each weekend throughout the month will be loaded with tournament- viewing parties. Best is the first round told us that several world champions well drinks. that runs the long weekend of Thursday had come in to play and the local guys Banger Brewing downtown has through Sunday, March 16-21. Free more than held their own. Apparently, 2-for-1 growlers on Tuesdays. viewing parties have already been a similarly talented group plays at High Hatari at the is no announced for Westgate, South Point, Scores in Henderson, but judging from longer the “home of the 99¢ draft beer”; Treasure Island, Palms, Palace Station, the level of play we saw, CD’s has it bailed on that promo after about a and almost all the Boyd casinos, but emerged as the top spot in Vegas for week and jacked up the price to $5. you don’t really need a party. This is the foosball elite. An LGBT bar called Urban Lounge one of those happenings that attracts has opened in the Arts District space so many fans who come specifically to Bars and Happy Hours that was formerly the downtown Crown watch it, all you have to do is set up in (Note: These types of deals can & Anchor. any sports book to be in the middle of change quickly. Call to verify.) Kellys Kasino has moved from the action. Additionally, several league Lucky Dragon is running “Tea its Oakey location to Charleston and tournaments, including the Pac-12 and Tuesdays,” featuring 50% off exotic Antelope. Kellys Kasino II is open on WAC championships, will be played in teas in Cha Garden. W. Craig Road. Las Vegas at T-Mobile, Thomas and Ellis Island is serving five chicken Three of the four BJ’s Cocktail Mack, and Arena, March wings and a shot of Jack Daniels for Lounges have closed, including BJ’s 2-11. Similar to the Super Bowl, most $5 in the lounge on Wednesdays. on Tropicana that was a cool stop to of the deals and party announce- Dom Demarco’s has a happy or from the airport. Only BJ’s Decatur ments for these come out closer to hour Mon.-Fri. from 2 to 6 pm, with remains open. The closed bars were the event, so monitor our coverage at $6 appetizers and half-price beer, well reportedly sold to PTs and Dotty’s (of LasVegasAdvisor.com to get the latest. drinks, and wine by the glass. From 2 course). to 4, all pizzas and wines by the bottle At Yonaka, a tall Orion beer is Fab Foos are half-price. $10.82 and a house Cabernet is $9.73. We list locations with good foos- Olivia’s Mexican Restaurant at At PT’s, a Baily’s is $6.50 and a draft ball tables when we find them and the the Boulevard Mall has a happy hour Heineken is $6. At Hatari, a Bud is latest is at Rum Runner Sun.-Thurs. from 4 to 7 pm, with $2 $6.49. At Chada Street, a draft Stella is where you get 8 balls for $1. But the tacos and $4 beer, wine, and house $6.49. In Sports Bar at Golden Nugget, real find is across the street at a bar margaritas. a draft Modelo is $6. At Home Plate, a called CD’s. This place is the foosball Mr. G’s bar has happy hours daily draft Stella or a Lagunitas IPA is $5.50. mecca of Las Vegas. Three Tornado from 8 am to noon and midnight to 4 In Drop Bar at GVR, a Bud is $5. In tournament tables dispense 9 balls am, with $2 beer and well drinks. the main bar at South Point, a Peroni for 75¢, but this one’s not for casual CD’s bar has happy hours Mon.- or a Modelo is $5. At Brewske’s, a players—the dudes playing here are Fri. from 3 to 6 am, 3 to 6 pm, and all Bud is $4.75. In Sports Bar at ECan, world- class. In fact, one of the players day Sunday, with $2.25 beer and $2.75 continued on next page

MARCH 2017 • LAS VEGAS ADVISOR • 9 Entertainment continued Bud is $2.25. At CD’s Sports Lounge, Runner E. Desert Inn, a draft PBR is a Bud is $3.25. In Elbow Creek bar at $2.50. At Old Vegas Tavern, a draft Arizona Charlie’s Decatur, a Bud is $3 Hamm’s is $2. At Mr. G’s, a draft PBR a Heineken is $4. At Kellys Kasino II, a and a draft Bud is $2. At Champagne’s, is $2. At Red Label, a draft Warsteiner well rum and coke is $3.50 and a draft a Hamm’s in a can is $2.50. At Rum is $2. n

GAMBLING

Super Bowl -.5). In the offshore props, 1.5 was at 10-1. The long shots are the 49ers After opening New England Pa- the number on both how many times and the Browns at 300-1. triots -3 over the Atlanta Falcons, the “Trump” would be said and how many Super Bowl line moved to 3.5 for a times Tom Brady’s supermodel wife Trop No blink, then back to 3, where it closed. Giselle Bundchen would be shown, Last month we wrote that the The total opened at 57.5, rose to as with under winning the former and over Tropicana was still running its $200 high as 59.5, then came back to 58.5 the latter. The bet on the color of the loss-rebate program. That was incor- where it remained until a big drop just liquid poured over the winning coach rect. Unfortunately, we received bad before game time to close at 57, still the was voided, because there wasn’t any information from a players club em- highest in Super Bowl history. When (no one pours anything on Belichick). ployee and weren’t able to discover New England won 34-28, Patriots and Lady Gaga threw everyone a curveball the error until after publication. We also over bettors got the money. by singing “God Bless America” first, wrote, “A lot has changed there since Handle—At $138.5 million, Ne- giving “any other song” bettors the the Trop was sold to Penn National vada’s 196 sports books had a record win (“Born This Way” was the favorite). and not much for the better.” That part handle for the second year in a row, Her buttoned-up wardrobe won for the was accurate. exceeding the previous high by 4.5%. “no-cleavage” bettors and her blonde The books won $10.9 million, 7.9% of hair got “blonde” backers a chalky 1-4 CG Technologies No the total bet. The largest reported bet payoff. Luke Bryan went easily under In November, we took Jerry’s was $1.1 million on the Falcons, placed 2:10 singing the “Star-Spangled Ban- Nugget to task for refusing to pay on the GC Technologies betting app. ner” in 2:04, only the second time in an expired sports book ticket. Last The American Gaming Association nine years of tracking that the national month, we heard from an LVA member estimated that Americans wagered anthem has gone under. that he’d had an expired ticket denied about $4.7 billion on the game, 97% OT Hits—After 50 years without by CG Technologies (formerly Cantor of it (about $4.5 billion) illegally. an overtime, this year’s game finally Gaming). By the letter of the terms of Props—As they’ve come to be broke the string. Gamblers wagering the wager, the casinos have the right every year, the props were the major that there would be overtime cashed to refuse payment on expired tickets. focus of the betting, accounting for tickets at about 7-1. But it sends a message that if you play more than 60% of the handle, accord- Books Prevail—Although the there and a judgment call comes up, ing to reports. Westgate’s SuperBook books won, several got stung by it’s not gonna go your way. That’s not was the prop leader again with about overtime and the Patriots comeback. good for customer relations or reputa- 400 options. The public scored with a Compounding the bad combination tion. A contact at CGT argued that all defensive touchdown (+130), a made (for the books) of the favorite and over the books do it, but they don’t—as far 2-point conversion (+225), a missed winning was the in-game wagering as we can tell, only CGT and Jerry’s do. extra point (+250), a kick hitting the goal result, with bettors taking up to 16-1 Meanwhile, it’s only rumor at this post (+350), and, of course, overtime. on the Patriots to win when they were point, but there’s buzz that a sale Devonta Freeman scored the first TD down 28-3. The Pats reportedly broke is pending for CG Technologies. It at 7-1. Tom Brady won the MVP at 4/5. a string of 120 consecutive playoff makes sense given CGT’s stormy Russell Westbrook’s 42 points in an games where a team ahead by 17 or history in recent years, starting with NBA game were more than the Patriots more won the game and ESPN gave the arrest of its sports book director 34 points at even money. Bettors will the Falcons a 99.5% chance to win at for illegal betting in 2012. The likely have to wait to see if the Vegas Golden one point in the fourth quarter. buyer appears to be Ireland’s Paddy Knights NHL team scores at least two Next Year—The futures line for Power, which has been angling for a goals in its first game to beat the total next year’s Super Bowl has the Patriots U.S. entry. Paddy is pretty gambler- field goals made in the first half (only favored to repeat at 5-1, followed by friendly with its policies and we’re one was made and Knights’ goals were the Cowboys at 8-1 and the Steelers continued on next page

10 • LAS VEGAS ADVISOR • MARCH 2017 Gambling continued Video Poker Lost and Found Lucky Dragon has abandoned There’s talk that Skyline may be betting there’s a strong chance that the watered-down version of 8/5 adding a players club, which would be they’ll pay expired tickets. Bonus Poker that pays 130 for all a good addition, assuming it doesn’t quads and is now dealing traditional devalue the excellent video poker Computers Beat Humans BP with bonuses for quad 2-4s and inventory in place there (LVA 7/16). It’s happened. On two occasions aces. But it also couldn’t fade the 8/5 The best game at Mr. G’s on E. in January, computers defeated ex- game and has devalued schedules Desert Inn is 6/5 BP (96.87%), but pert-level human players in extended to 7/5 (98.01%) in all denoms. The there’s also a $50 loss rebate for new no-limit hold ’em poker matches. The best game now from 5¢ to $10 is club members. Take your shot and first was a program called DeepStack 9/5 Jacks or Better (98.45%), and if you lose $50, it goes back on your that beat a group of 11 lesser-known at $25 there’s 9/6 Double Double machine in free-play immediately. players. More attention is being paid Bonus (98.98%). Last month LD ran Add Champagne’s to the list of to the Carnegie Mellon poker program a cool instacomp of $8 at Bao Now bars dealing 7/5 BP for quarters. Libratus, that played a 20-day match for earning 100 points ($100 coin-in) Bob Dancer’s free video poker against four top-rated pros. Libratus and you could do it once per day. classes run on Wednesdays in the didn’t just win, it demolished the human Check at the players club to see if Silverado Lounge at South Point— players, finishing ahead $1.8 million. the deal is extended or something beginner classes at noon and in- similar has taken its place. termediate at 2 pm except where Gambling Notes According to the online data- otherwise noted. Must be 21. Topics Lucky Dragon—After opening base vpFREE2, Eastside Cannery are 8/6 Bonus Poker Deluxe Ultimate without craps, we’ve heard that a dice has decimated its former excellent X, one class only at noon (on 3/1); table will soon be added to the games game selection and now offers best NSU Deuces Wild, one class only at mix at Lucky Dragon. schedules of 3-4-4-9-15-25 Deuces noon (3/8); Advanced NSU Deuces Sports Book—The Wynn Las Ve- Wild (98.91%) for quarters and 8/5 Wild, one class only at noon (3/15); gas race and sports book is getting a BP (99.17%) for dollars, worse now 9-4-4 Deuces Bonus Poker (3/22); makeover. The book will close in April than Cannery, which has 8/5 BP from What Video Poker Players Should and a temporary book will operate out 25¢ to $2. Know About Slot Clubs (3/29). Be of Encore. The upgraded Wynn book Similarly, vpFREE2 reports that sure to check out Bob’s weekly will reopen in August. Railroad Pass has removed almost Tuesday column and the Thursday Poker Rooms—Another live poker all of its good schedules. The best “Gambling with an Edge” podcast, venue will bite the dust with the closing that remains is 9/7/5 Double Bonus with Bob and Richard Munchkin, of the room at Monte Carlo on April 25. (99.11%) for quarters. both at GamblingWithAnEdge.com. According to Card Player magazine, that leaves 19 poker rooms in the Las Conor McGregor if a boxing match speech. Trump wrapped it up in about Vegas area. between the two can be set. The 16:20 and under bettors got the money. March Madness Contest—Sta- odds were posted by the Westgate Lotteries—The first winning ticket tion Casinos is running the “Last Superbook and require that the fight of the year in the Mega Millions lottery Man Standing” contest for the March take place by May 31, 2018. Westgate was sold at Primm Valley Lotto, the Madness college basketball tourna- didn’t put up a line on the fight ever store located just over the California ment. Entry fee is $25 and if you buy taking place, the odds on which would state line at Primm. The $188 million four, you get a fifth free. A guaranteed probably be significantly longer. jackpot has yet to be claimed. In Spain, winner-take-all prize of $50,000 may be Baseball—The Westgate has also the El Gordo (“The Fat One”) lottery increased, depending on participation. posted its over/under numbers for paid out $2.4 billion this year, with the WoF—After a bit of a dearth in big- baseball season wins. The highest total top prize of $418,000 shared by 1,650 win announcements, jackpots of just is 96.5 for the defending champion players. While it doesn’t pay out the above $1 million were hit last month Chicago Cubs, followed by 94.5 for the largest top prize, it pays out the most on Wheel of Fortune machines at New L.A. Dodgers, 93.5 for the Cleveland total, with 25 million prizes distributed York-New York and Cosmopolitan. Indians, and 92.5 for the Boston Red this year. The convention in this lottery Chip Redemption—If you hold Sox. The San Diego Padres are at the is for groups from a common city to Palms chips issued prior to October bottom with 67.5. buy the same numbers, and as has 1, 2016, you have until April 1, 2017, Trump Under—Among a spatter- happened often in recent years, all of to redeem them. ing of prop bets on the presidential the winning tickets were bought from Boxing—Floyd Mayweather has inauguration of Donald Trump was an the same lottery office, this time in opened as a -2500 favorite (25-1) over over/under of 18:30 on his acceptance Madrid. n

MARCH 2017 • LAS VEGAS ADVISOR • 11 FAST TRACK LAST SECOND FLASH Deals billion gallons were added in just two Earn 300 points ($100 coin-in) on days. The conditions have alleviated New Room Thursdays at the Palms and get a free drought concerns, as the water level at the Plaza Brenden Theater movie ticket. You rose to 6,222.97 feet, reaching the The Plaza is debuting a new have to earn the points on Thursdays, lake’s natural rim at 6,223 feet. “event space” just in time to host but the ticket is valid anytime. Over the course of a few weeks, its “March Mania Viewing Party,” Earn and redeem 2,000 same day sports book robberies took place at March 16-19. Located just off the points ($2,000 coin-in) at Suncoast both Silverton and South Point. An casino floor, the 5,000-square-foot and get a comped movie and dinner armed man got away with an undis- space features 18 big-screen TVs, from a set menu in SC Prime. Get a closed amount at Silverton. However, a state-of-the-art sound system, movie and buffet or entrée in The Game a silent alarm summoned security after and two stages. Admission to for 1,000 points. $58,000 was taken at South Point and March Mania is $15 per day or From 10 pm to 1 am on Mondays the suspect was apprehended in valet. $40 for all four days (both include in March, spend $20 in Freedom Beat It’s not yet known whether the two a T-shirt and one complimentary at Downtown Grand and get $10 in robberies were connected. drink and food choice per day). slot free-play (max. $20 in FP). Maybe Las Vegas was on Orkin’s list of a little over-restrictive on the hours, “Top 50 Bedbug Cities,” coming in ♦ ● ♦ but it’s essentially half-price dining if 49th. It was the first time in the six-year you’re in the neighborhood. history of the list that Las Vegas was Waits for It Make a $20 parlay or $50 straight included. The number-one bedbug city Nightclub impresarios Jesse bet on a March Madness tournament was Baltimore. and Cy Waits reportedly have game at either Arizona Charlie’s and In a Parade Magazine feature on a deal to bring back Rain at the get a free MarchMania T-shirt. comfort food in all 50 states, Nevada’s Palms. The twins formerly ran XS Among many St. Patrick’s Day entry was Thai food. The entry cited at Encore and were planning to deals, the four Sean Patrick’s Pubs “more than 450 restaurants in Las open a club at Alon, before that are offering a $20 matchplay on March Vegas alone,” but didn’t name any. project was halted. 17. While Las Vegas gets lots of prep attention for its high ranking high ♦ ● ♦ Miscellaneous school football (Gorman) and bas- According to a report issued by ketball (Findley Prep) teams, the girls New Frugal The Economist, Australians remain the are doing their share. Perennial power in the House world’s biggest gamblers, losing a Centennial is ranked #4 in the nation in The Frugal Gambler Casino whopping $990 per resident per year. girl’s basketball by USA Today, with Guide is in-house and shipping. The number checks in well ahead of a record of 29-2. This is the best book ever from Jean rd second-place Singapore at $710. The The 23 -floor Sky Lobby at Man- Scott and it’s not even in stores Australian total was also more than darin Oriental has what’s reported yet, but you can get yours now at $200 higher than reported by a similar to be the only champagne vending our Publisher’s Discount of $12.71 study in 2016. The biggest aggregate machine of its kind in the U.S. Small plus shipping from ShopLVA.com. loss, however, was by U.S. citizens, bottles of Moet & Chandon are $20. which tallied $116.9 billion annually. The is expanding ♦ ● ♦ According to the National Weather thanks to a $425,000 grant from the Service, winter storms have accounted city of Las Vegas. The museum at 770 Three More Five Stars for more than 40 billion gallons of water Las Vegas Blvd. N. has purchased Three Las Vegas restaurants being added to Lake Tahoe since the an adjacent parcel of land that will have been newly awarded Five beginning of the year. This followed a provide space for 30 more signs to Stars from the Forbes Travel Guide. n two-day span in December when 8.9 be displayed. They are Le Cirque and Picasso at Bellagio and Wing Le at Wynn Las Sunday Funday 38 Vegas. They join returning 5-Star This month’s Sunday Funday online poker tournament will run March 19. The prize pool winners Joël Robuchon at MGM, includes $100 for the winner, plus LVA memberships and our new books. There’s no Guy Savoy at Caesars, and Twist charge to play. See you at noon PST/3pm EST on the 19th at Play.LasVegasAdvisor.com. at Mandarin Oriental.

12 • LAS VEGAS ADVISOR • MARCH 2017 Traveling Guides too Good to Pass Up

If you plan on travling this summer, or even during the rest of this year, don’t pass up the chance to have any one (or all three) of these guides by your side.

The Frugal Gambler Casino Guide Jean Scott • $12.71 (+ $7S&H)

Though Jean Scott was well-known to a select few Las Vegas aficionados through- out the ’90s, it wasn’t until the publication of The Frugal Gambler in 1998 that she became a household name to casino players across the country. Since then, it’s likely that no gambling personality has been featured more often in the media than this “Gambling Grandma.” Her frequent national publicity, her long-term success in casinos around the world, and the solid low-rolling advantage-play techniques she’s divulged along the way have all helped catapult Scott’s frugal-gambler series into the ranks of best-selling gambling books. The Frugal Gambler Casino Guide both updates and backdates The Frugal Gam- bler and More Frugal Gambling by covering, in comprehensive detail, the state-of- the-art of casino gambling for low-rollers and the concepts on which frugal gambling is built: how to lose less and play longer.

Eating Las Vegas John Curtas, Greg Thilmont, Mitchell Wilburn • $10.99 (+ $3S&H)

The acclaimed Eating Las Vegas restaurant (and bar) guide returns, defining the city’s current “50 Essential” eateries, and with a much-expanded “Additional Recommenda- tions” area. This edition includes dedicated sub-sections on Steakhouses, Chinatown, French, and for the first time ever, the “Bottom 10”. Whether you’re a dedicated Strip-resort dweller or a denizen of downtown; a gluten- intolerant vegan or a carnivore and craft-beer aficionado; an adventurous gastronome in search of the ultimate “chef’s tasting menu,” or looking for the best buffet bang for your buck, you’ll find a wealth of invaluable information and tips between the pages of this richly illustrated and candidly penned guide to the Las Vegas dining scene. Trust us, you won’t want to leave home without it.

American Casino Guide Steve Bourie • $15.95 (+ $7S&H)

The 2017 American Casino Guide provides detailed money-saving information for casino-goers nationwide, whether seasoned veterans or first-time visitors. This book pro- vides detailed information on more than 750 land-based, riverboat, and Indian casinos in 41 states, with room rates, buffet prices, casino games offered, and special features. It includes maps of all casino locations, plus the best strategies for playing the major casino games. LVAGOLD • LVAGOLD • LVAG • O D L

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Blackjack for Blood PUBLISHER’SPUBLISHER’S Bryce Carlson DISCOUNTDISCOUNT 224 pages • paperback • $19.95 Retail + $7 Flat Rate shipping $12.96 Publisher’s Discount Price sale price valid til 3/31/17 If you’re ready to get serious about blackjack, you’re ready for Blackjack for Blood. This book contains everything you need to become a winning player, including …

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