$5

ANTHONY CURTIS’ February 2019 Vol. 36 LasVegasAdvisor Issue 7

CIRCA New king of sports books in the works … pgs. 1, 3

THE DRAFT- KINGS CONTEST Hangin’ out and betting sports in Jersey … pgs. 1, 8, 10, 11

VISITOR NUM- BERS DOWN Again! … pg. 2

CLEVELAND BBQ AT THE PALMS It’s the mustard … pg. 5

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the 2.5-hour drive to Atlantic City. Here are a few things I COUPONOMY took away from the trip. by Anthony Curtis New Jersey is cold in January. It was in the teens and twenties and I went with just a suit jacket (see below), figuring we’d be in warm places, like cars and Circa 2020 buildings. What I didn’t realize is that many of the res- taurants and bars in Jersey City and Hoboken don’t have parking lots. So if you’re driving, you have to park Las Vegas’ next new casino will be called Circa. The on the street and walk. Rideshare takes on a whole new information released about the first downtown casino significance given that scenario. to be built from the ground up since the Sundance in New Jersey is cool in any month. I’ve always liked 1980—which became Fitzgeralds, which became the the place. It has character. There are brief mentions of D—sounds amazing (see News), but I was wrong about the things we did throughout this issue. the name. Prior to the announcement, I’d had enough More peer-to-peer. Since I nodded to Uber and Lyft discussions with Derek Stevens, owner of Circa (and the above, I might as well give equal time to Airbnb. I had D), to know that sports betting would be so emphasized my first experience with an Airbnb rental, as Frank and in the theming and design that it might even extend to I wanted a place with lots of space to work on the con- the casino’s name. Well, there ain’t no sports betting in test. I think it came to about $15 apiece per night above Circa, but there is in just about everything else about the what we would have paid at a decent hotel. Airbnb is plan. definitely an option in Las Vegas. Look into it. Stevens has proven to be pretty adept at timing. Backpacks and Computers. DraftKings put on a Hence, the resort will be built around “Las Vegas’ largest big party for the players that was staged in a renovated sports book” at a time when sports betting is dominat- warehouse. While there, I met many of the contest par- ing the U.S. gambling scene. Largest in Vegas? If you’ve ticipants, as well as the DraftKings people. The majority visited the Westgate, you know that outdoing its Super- were 20- and 30-somethings walking around with their Book will take some kind of effort. This place is gonna backpacks, computers, and phones. It’s the same player rock. composition we saw when the World Series of Poker Plus, just as independent sports books in Nevada took off. I expected this to some degree, but it was still are being swallowed whole by William Hill, Circa (along an eye-opener. with the D and Golden Gate) are going in the opposite Spirit. I flew Spirit Airlines one-way from Las Vegas direction by ending their contracts with Will Hill and to New Jersey—a direct flight that cost a total, after booking their own action. taxes and fees, of $78. In LVA 6/17, I wrote about my I love it! Can’t wait till the doors open … in 2020, of experience flying Spirit. To sum up that review, I thought n course. the low prices trumped any perceived deficiencies. Same for this trip. You have to travel light (which is why I had only a suit jacket), but flying Spirit will save you A Trip to Jersey money. You get to carry on one bag and they try to scare you (with emails leading up to the flight) into think- ing that yours will be too big. But if it fits beneath the Last month I went to New Jersey to play in the seat, you’ll probably be OK. Mine did. So did everyone’s DraftKings Sports Betting National Championship. It around me. If you have the option of flying Spirit, you takes something special for me to travel that far from should consider it. home for the better part of a week, but this contest was The Championship. Oh, yeah. We didn’t win (see too good to pass up and our sports betting expert Frank Gambling). n B and I made the trip. DraftKings’ headquarters is in Jersey City, so that’s where we stayed, never making continued on next page

FEBRUARY 2019 • LAS VEGAS ADVISOR • 1 Couponomy continued … Last year we posited that the drop might have something to do with the terrible trio—resort fees, park- Feds Wade In ing charges, and tightened games and comps. Those things popped up in force two years ago and they’re still prevalent. It coincides with two straight years of visitor- An opinion written by lawyers for the federal Justice number declines. At some point, someone might want to Department has reversed the 2011 opinion that paved rethink the strategy. n the way for Internet gambling in the U.S. While the 2011 opinion, that the 1961 Wire Act applied only to sports betting and not other forms of gambling, signaled a The Tax Book Cometh major shift in federal gambling policy, this new opinion holds that “the words of the [Wire Act] are sufficiently clear and that all but one of its prohibitions sweep “If you’ve managed to keep your stress or pain to a beyond sports gambling.” minimum as you tried to figure out how to handle your The release of the opinion brings renewed confusion gambling wins and losses on your income-tax return, into online gambling in the U.S., including agreements the realities of the new tax law might send you to the among Nevada, Delaware, and New Jersey that allow emergency room. There’s never a cure for taxes, but Internet poker players to compete in the three states. this book can give you enough new information that you And where this can have an even greater negative might find some relief.” impact is on the giant lotteries that combine player pools That’s how Jean Scott describes the tax challenges from all over the country. introduced by the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act of 2017—and While many are fretting that this is a dastardly devel- how they’re addressed by the new edition of her book opment relative to recent strides made in the expansion Tax Help for Gamblers. This fourth edition of the book of legalized sports betting and other forms of gambling, goes into deep detail about the changes implemented in I see it differently. Last year’s Supreme Court decision the new law and the tax implications for sports betting, that ruled PASPA unconstitutional didn’t include a rul- fantasy sports, race betting, and cryptocurrency, along ing on the Wire Act—hence, the possibility that Wire with an expanded section on W2-Gs and a possible new Act restrictions might still present a barrier to expansion tax benefit for professional gamblers. continued to remain in place. The release of the new All the sample forms are current for 2018, complete opinion shines a light on this issue, and with the barn with examples of how the new tax law affects both rec- door wide open and the horse long gone, it will be very reational and professional gamblers, and the list of how difficult to run that storyline in reverse. The SCOTUS individual state tax laws treat gambling has been com- decision was primarily about states rights and the states pletely updated, with many changes from the previous that acted on the decision and stand to be negatively edition. affected by the DOJ’s move will fight back. If challenges This edition also introduces a new co-author, Russell lead to the removal, or even a clarifying, of the Wire Fox, who’s both a poker player and an Enrolled Agent Act’s contradictions, the path to expansion will only and has an established tax-preparation business; Russ’ become more easily accessed. It would have happened contributions are particularly timely and incisive. eventually. This will speed things up. n Here’s what Russ has to say about the need for a new edition of the book. “The main reason that this book needed updating Visitation Declines Again is the new legislation passed by Congress at the end of 2017—the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act, informally called Tax Reform 2018. The major changes in the new legislation The number of visitors to Las Vegas dropped in are having a profound negative effect for many, perhaps 2018 for the second year in a row. Las Vegas hosted most, gamblers. 42.1 million visitors last year, down from 42.2 million LAS VEGAS 3665 Procyon Street • Las Vegas, NV 89103 in 2017. The 42.9 million in 2016 is the current record. (702) 252-0655 • (702) 252-0675 Fax Hotel and motel occupancy for 2018 hit 88.2%, down ADVISOR e-mail: [email protected] • Internet: LasVegasAdvisor.com a half-point from 2017’s 88.7% and nearly a point from Publisher: Anthony Curtis Customer Service: Nicole Watchus Senior Editor: Deke Castleman Shipping & Receiving: Scotch Henderson 2016. The record of 90.4% was achieved in 1996 and Accounting: John Leitner Contributing Writers: Jeffrey Compton, Bob 2007. Convention attendance was also down a bit, to Production Manager: Laurie Cabot Dancer, Stewart Ethier, Bob Fuss, Scot Krause, Web Manager: Tanya Maynard Bradley Peterson, Blair Rodman, Jean Scott 6.5 million in 2018 from 6.6 million in 2017; however, last Research Assistant: Brenda Stewart Cover Image: the D year’s convention attendance was the second highest in 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 issue at 3665 Procyon St., Las Vegas, NV, 89103. POSTMASTER: Send address Las Vegas history. Room inventory remained steady at changes to Las Vegas Advisor, 3665 Procyon St., Las Vegas, NV 89103. All information is current at press time. Listed offerings 148,800. are subject to change at any time. Huntington Press ©2019

2 • LAS VEGAS ADVISOR • FEBRUARY 2019 “Another major government action that took place in 2018, the Supreme Court decision to lift the ban on Las Vegas’ Top Ten Values state-sanctioned sports betting outside Nevada, didn’t actually change the tax implications for sports bettors. 1. Steak Dinner • Ellis Island • 24 hours • $7.99 However, there will most certainly be a major surge of 2. Buffet • Palace Station • Daily • $8.99-$16.99 new gamblers, as states across the country are rush- 3. Mac King • Harrah’s • Tues.–Sat. • $14.98 ing to set up the legal framework for new sports-betting 4. Hot Dog • South Point • Daily • $1.25 venues. And these new gamblers will need an up-to- 5. Beer • Stage Door • 24 hours • $1 date resource to help deal with tax issues that arise from 6. Shrimp Cocktail • Skyline • Daily • $2.25 this new form of legal gambling.” 7. Prime Rib • Klondike Sunset • Daily • $5.55/$12.99 Especially this tax season, the first year that the 8. $1 Blackjack • Hooters • 24 hours • $1.20 changes are showing up on the tax forms, it’s vital to 9. Lunch Comp • Crown & Anchor • Daily • $20 buy-in know where you stand in order to stay on the right side 10. Free Play • Jackson’s • Daily • Free of the taxman. Tax Help for Gamblers Fourth Edition is at the printer The Ellis Island steak dinner remains at the top and should be back by the end of the month; see the of the Top Ten. The complete steak dinner is served n wrap for ordering information and a pre-pub discount. in the Café and requires that you print out two cou- pons from an EI kiosk, the second after playing at least $5 in any slot machine with your club card inserted, to get the $7.99 price. The Feast Buffet at Palace Station (#2) is our choice for Las Vegas’ best NEWS buffet when considering the combination of quality and price; get the listed prices by showing a Board- ing Pass card. Get a ticket to the Mac King Comedy Circa—The new casino in , Magic Show and a drink for $14.98 by asking at referred to up till now as 18 Fremont, will be called the players club booth (#3). The hot dogs at South Circa, a name chosen to honor Las Vegas eras gone Point (#4) are sold from a cart in the sports book by, e.g., “circa 1940, circa 1960, circa 1990, etc. Circa from 10 am until they close down the cart around 5 will occupy 1.25 million square feet, with 777 rooms in pm. Michelob, Michelob Light, and Bud Light in the a 44-story tower, a new nine-story 1,200-space parking bottle are $1 apiece at the Stage Door slot house garage (nicknamed “Garage Mahal”) with a pedestrian- on Flamingo, just east of the Strip (#5). The Skyline bridge connection, five restaurants to be revealed later, shrimp cocktail (#6) is available 24/7 at the main bar. the longest outdoor bar on Fremont Street, and a two- Klondike Sunset serves two good prime rib specials level casino. The pool area will be multi-tiered, creat- in Sarah’s Kitchen—one for $12.99 beginning at 11 ing an amphitheater effect; all tiers will have a view of am and another for $5.55 beginning at 3 pm (#7). a 125-foot-tall video screen for pool events and watch Hooters’ $1-minimum blackjack game (#8) runs 24/7 parties. The neon cowgirl, Vegas Vickie, will be incorpo- in the pit; naturals pay even money on bets of $1-$4. rated into the lobby design. The key element will be a The Crown & Anchor bars’ lunch comp (#9) runs tri-level sports book that will be the largest in Las Vegas, daily from 8 am to 2:30 pm at the east location and with the “biggest screen in sports book history,” accord- 11 am to 3 pm at the west, and is good for an appe- ing to owner Derek Stevens, who also owns the D and tizer until 6 pm on the east and 7 pm on the west. the Golden Gate. Construction is scheduled to start in New to the list this month is a free-money deal at February, with a grand opening in December 2020. Jackson’s Bar & Grill (#10). Simply drop in anytime Downtown Grand—The Downtown Grand has day or night and give them your email to get $10 in announced that it’s expanding by 250,000 square feet, free-play instantly added to your machine. Plus there with the key addition being a new 495-room hotel tower. are other incentives (see Gambling). This one might The seven-floor tower will be the resort’s third and will only last a month; the promo will end when they col- add a mix of standard rooms and suites to bring the total lect 2,000 emails. n room count to 1,194 when it joins the pack of Las Vegas openings in 2020. Work has already begun with the demolition of the porte cochere, which has led to valet building design. To eliminate any threat of a temporary services being moved from the east side of the casino to restraining order Wynn was seeking to stop work on the the west. megaresort, Resorts World agreed to implement a num- Resorts World—After a brief war of words, Wynn ber of design changes “that will clearly differentiate the Resorts and Resorts World settled Wynn’s copyright- two properties.” One of the changes is readily visible: infringement lawsuit over Resorts’ alleged similar continued on next page

FEBRUARY 2019 • LAS VEGAS ADVISOR • 3 News continued … note to travelers: American Express’ Centurion Lounge at the airport is currently closed for renovations. n

The prominent white lines that run horizontally across Resorts World between the windows (just like Wynn/ Sports Betting Scorecard Encore’s) are being painted red and the before-after dif- ference is dramatic. MSG Sphere—In its fourth-quarter earnings report, Dominating this month’s news was the release of Sands Corp. disclosed that the opening of the MSG the DOJ opinion on the Wire Act, which may create an Sphere, the arena being built with Madison Square ebb in momentum as lawmakers try to work out what it Garden behind the Venetian, would be pushed back means (see Couponomy). Meanwhile, New York appears from 2020 to 2021. It’s the first of several big projects poised to legalize sports betting at four upstate casinos. scheduled for 2020 to announce a delay. It’s also been Washington D.C. is also nudging toward the starting line. announced that a new monorail station will be built at More big names are entering the game. Most the site. The 11,000-square-foot platform will occupy recently, Madison Square Garden declared its intent to both sides of the existing track at the northwest corner participate on the marketing side and NBC says it will of the Sphere’s acreage just east of the Strip and con- offer alternate broadcasts that focus on betting during nect with the pedestrian bridge between the Sands Con- Washington Wizards games. vention Center and the Sphere. Speaking of marketing, it’s all lining up good for the Raiders Headquarters—While the stadium contin- players, who are benefiting from strong sign-up incen- ues to rise off of I-15, ground was broken last month on tives (see Gambling) and what might be termed “righ- the Las Vegas Raiders headquarters and practice facil- teous rebates.” FanDuel ended up paying both sides of ity. Complete plans and timetables for the 55-acre parcel the college football national championship game when in Henderson haven’t been divulged, but a second- Clemson won after FD had paid Alabama bettors in phase build-out that could include restaurants and retail advance. Then a start-up called Pointsbet refunded all is possible. losing bets on the New Orleans Saints, due to the con- Project Neon—Work on Project Neon is scheduled troversial pass-interference no-call. to be completed July 17. The four-mile-long widening of Follow the progress of sports betting legalization I-15 from the Spaghetti Bowl to Sahara Avenue began in across the country and track developments as they n 2016. When the 28th and largest of the 29 new bridges occur via our blog and map at LasVegasAdvisor.com. is finished in March, the I-15 HOV lanes will run for 22 uninterrupted miles. Bonnie Springs—Bonnie Springs Ranch, the long- time Old West attraction 20 miles west of Las Vegas, has been sold. The new owner plans to develop a resi- DINING dential area, along with a 25-room motel, restaurant, and 5,400-square-foot event barn. Bonnie Springs Ranch opened in 1958. Top 100 Atlantic City—Only six months after reopening, Ocean Resort Casino (formerly Revel) is changing hands. The new owner has not been identified, but is expected According to a study by RestaurantBusinessOnline. to infuse $70 million into the property, which will remain com, Las Vegas claims 13 of the highest-grossing inde- open through the sale process. pendent (non-chain) restaurants in the United States. Vietnam—The Corona Casino has opened on Phu Tao at the Venetian is the nation’s number-one highest Quoc island, with 1,000 machines and 100 table games. grossing restaurant, with $43.45 million in sales, a $93 It’s the first casino in the country to admit locals. average check, and 230,668 covers served. Next from Statistics—Nevada’s statewide gambling win was Las Vegas, at #18, is Joe’s Seafood, Prime Steak, and up 6.4% in November compared to the same month Stone Crab at Caesars Palace: $21.7 million, $87, and last year. The Strip win was up 10.0% and downtown 216,000. Carnevino placed #23, but it closed in late was up 2.2%. The win from sports betting was triple July. The other 10 are: Bazaar Meat/SLS #25 ($20.3 mil- last year’s win, at $27.1 million generated from a hold of lion sales and $108 average check), SW Steakhouse/ 4.9%. Wynn #27 ($20.1 million/$133), Mon Ami Gabi/Paris Airline traffic was up 4.5%, generated by 4.1 million #44 ($17.65 million/$69), Aria Cafe/Aria #51 ($16.7 mil- travelers, a record for November. Spirit Airlines had the lion/$27, and a whopping 690,000 covers, the most in greatest year-over-year increase in traffic at +28.7%, Las Vegas), Prime Steakhouse/Bellagio #52 ($16.7 mil- while Jet Blue had the greatest decrease at -14.6%. A lion/$160), LAVO Italian/Venetian #55 ($16.5 million/$88),

4 • LAS VEGAS ADVISOR • FEBRUARY 2019 Top of the World/Stratosphere #60 ($16.1 million/$99), stick 10 bagels Delmonico Steakhouse/Venetian #63 ($16 million/$95), in a box and Jean Georges Steakhouse/Aria #75 ($14.6 million/$112), they got the and Beauty & Essex/Cosmopolitan #99 ($12.4 mil- order completely lion/$88). n wrong—either that or they were out of salt and Sadelle’s—Deli everything bagels or Coffee Shop? and figured that we wouldn’t notice that they gave us only plain, poppy seed, and pepper (yikes!). On top of all that, the bagels, at $3 apiece—and nary a 13-for-12 deal The original Sadelle’s in Manhattan is all the rage, in sight—were subpar to the product at Bagelmania or famous for its bagels, smoked fish, and Sunday brunch. even Einstein, which both offer triple the selection at half But in the cavernous coffee shop behind the Conserva- the price (even though they come in a paper bag and not tory at Bellagio, the menu is advertised as “signature a fancy Sadelle’s box). At least on this second visit, we classics reimagined.” Which is it—a deli or a coffee were able to (barely) get back within the one-hour grace shop? On the deli front, there’s smoked whitefish, sable, period for paid parking. All in all, the whole experience salmon, and sturgeon served with bagels, tomato, left us scratching our heads. n cukes, and capers for $17-$24 (get Sadelle’s Seafood Tower with all the above for a mere $125); cheese blintzes ($15) and matzo-ball soup ($14); but no corned Cleveland BBQ at the Palms beef, pastrami, brisket, chopped liver, kasha, kreplach, etc. On the coffee-shop front, you can get breakfast at all hours, including omelets ($18-$19), Benedict ($19), We’ve reviewed several barbecue styles over the huevos rancheros ($20), and steak and eggs ($27); years (Kansas City, Memphis, Texas, Arkansas), but a few soups, salads, sandwiches, and a $26 double never Cleveland, so we didn’t want to put off trying that cheeseburger; plus a few entrées that range from $19 to city’s just-opened Mabel’s BBQ at the Palms. The big $39. Too expensive for our taste, and we haven’t even 9,000-square-foot restaurant has multiple dining areas, mentioned the caviar plates for $35-$79, oatmeal for including a beer-garden patio (opens at 4 pm) and an $13, and even a $5 extra charge for tomato, lettuce, and upstairs banquet/party area. A picture window looks into pickle for the tuna-melt sandwich. the meat-smoking room. Tables are stocked with three We ordered the matzo-ball soup (good broth, kinds of sauces: hatch chili (not too hot), sweet and humungous matzo ball) and a triple-decker sandwich. sour (KC-style), and that Cleveland concoction. What For the sandwich, you pick two from a short list of makes the Cleveland sauce different? Mustard. Cleve- meats; we got the beef and bacon. This is a monster land’s own Bertman’s Ballpark Mustard, to be precise. that’s made up of eight mini-sandwiches, each three Whereas most BBQ sauces are tomato-based (ketchup), inches tall. We’d the Cleveland sauce uses mustard with a dose of apple say it could cider vinegar. There’s also a spicy rub on the meats. It’s have come from a welcome change of pace and we dug it! Costco, except The food includes ribs (beef or pork), brisket, pork for the high-qual- belly, turkey breast, chicken, pig parts (tails, ears, and ity meat, which cracklin’), sandwiches, and sides. Platters are mostly in makes it a pretty the $15-$18 range and come with sweet pickles, spicy good sandwich. sauerkraut, and white bread. We tried pig tails, pork But it’s too much ribs, and a half-chicken, with sides of poppy-seed cole- for too much slaw and mac and cheese. All good. Our bill was $61, ($31), considering including a beer, and we took home half the ribs and a that the cole slaw chicken leg. Atmosphere, food, prices—we liked every- between the lay- thing about Mabel’s. Plus, 100 beers are available from ers turns it soggy all around the country. It’s the same menu for lunch and if you take out the leftovers. Our bill came to $57 before dinner. tip for the sandwich, soup, and a side of asparagus. One more interesting aspect is an unmarked door OK, we weren’t impressed. But Sadelle’s brags on on the bar side of the restaurant that leads to a 50-seat its “housemade” bagels, so we went back for some reservations-only “meateasy” called Sara’s. Opening takeout. You order at the 14-seat counter/bar (good for as this issue went to press, the fine-dining menu will skipping the line); it took 20 minutes for the kitchen to continued on page 8

FEBRUARY 2019 • LAS VEGAS ADVISOR • 5 ADVANCE PLANNER—HEADLINERS AND EVENTS

FEBRUARY 2/15–2/17 • String Cheese Incident 3/2 • Bob Seger • MGM Grand • $99–$199 2/1–5/11 • Daniel Tosh • Mirage • $65–$104 Cosmo • $39–$79 3/2 • Gladys Knight 2/2 • Badfish: Sublime Tribute 2/15–10/12 • Bill Maher • Mirage • $65–$104 Buffalo Bill’s • $25–$60 Brooklyn Bowl • $22/$25 2/16 • ARRIVAL from Sweden 3/2 • Highwaymen 2/2 • Dance Gavin Dance Aliante Casino • $25–$50 Cannery • $19.95–$36.95 Brooklyn Bowl • $23.50/$28.50 2/16 • Bring Me the Horizon 3/2 • MUSE • MBay • $48.50–$98.99 2/2 • Harry Potter–Inspired Beer Festival Hard Rock • $46.70–$177.11 3/2 • Twiddle w/Iya Terra Artisan Hotel • $39 2/16 • Danny Seraphine & CTA Brooklyn Bowl • $25–$100 2/2 • Lady Gaga Enigma Suncoast • $29–$39 3/2 • Under the Streetlamp • GVR • $29 Park MGM • $82.57–$344.95 2/16 • Fiji • Brooklyn Bowl • $25–$35 3/3 • Kurt Vile and the Violators 2/2 • Machine Gun Kelly 2/16 • Katey Sagal • Red Rock • $35–$59 MBay • $25 Palms • $44–$100 2/16 • Lance Lipinsky & The Lovers 3/6–3/16 • Robbie Williams 2/3 • Lady Gaga Jazz & Piano M Resort • $22–$42 Wynn LV • $59.50–$250 Park MGM • $170–$505 2/16 • Paquita La Del Barrio 3/7 • Band of Horses 2/6 • Danko Jones • Rio • $18 Buffalo Bill’s • $30–$60 Brooklyn Bowl • $35/$40 2/6 • Travis Scott 2/17 • Be Like Max Album Release Party 3/7 • Cradle of Filth • MBay • $32 T-Mobile • $29.95–$129.95 Brooklyn Bowl • $12/$15 3/7–3/30 • Barry Manilow 2/6–2/23 • Backstreet Boys 2/17 • Bert Kreischer Westgate LV • $39.75–$329.75 Planet Hollywood • $76.86–$684.60 Mirage • $40.99–$60.99 3/8 • Justin Timberlake 2/6–2/23 • Diana Ross 2/19 • Dark Star Orchestra T-Mobile • $60–$280 Wynn LV • $60.50–$301 Brooklyn Bowl • $25/$30 3/8 • Ken Jeong • TI • $48/$76 2/7 • Slackers • Hard Rock • $15/$29 2/21 • As It Is • Hard Rock • $16/$29 3/8 • Tommy James and the Shondells 2/7–2/9 • Puddles Pity Party 2/22 • Capitol Steps • South Point • $25–$35 Golden Nugget • $59–$129 Caesars Palace • $59/$89 2/22 • Dread Kennedy • Hard Rock • $10/$18 3/8–3/10 • Herman’s Hermits Peter Noone 2/7–2/28 • Frankie Moreno 2/22 • Emo Night • Rio • $15 South Point • $40–$50 South Point • $20–$30 2/22 • Fabulous Thunderbirds 3/8–3/10 • moe. w/Pigeons Playing Ping Pong 2/8 • Atlantic City Boys Golden Nugget • $39–$99 Brooklyn Bowl • $80–$119 South Point • $25–$35 2/22 • Joey Diaz 3/8–12/21 • Ray Romano & David Spade 2/8 • Collie Buddz Treasure Island • $30–$54 Mirage • $90–$120 Brooklyn Bowl • $23/$25 2/22 • Piano Men: Sir Elton John & Billy Joel 3/9 • Crime Comedy Podcast 2/8 • Los Lobos Tribute • Green Valley Ranch • $19 Park MGM • $51–$78 Golden Nugget • $59–$119 2/22 • The Roots • Hard Rock • $38–$155 3/9 • David Victor 2/8 • Toasters w/Scotch Bonnets 2/22–2/23 • Duran Duran • Cosmo • $49–$199 Suncoast • $19.95/$24.95 Rio • $18 2/22–2/23 • George Lopez • Mirage • $65–$87 3/9 • Winehouse Experience 2/8 • Unwritten Law • Hard Rock • $20/$45 2/22–6/22 • Jerry Seinfeld Rio • $20/$30 2/8–2/9 • Leon Lai • Palazzo • $68–$168 Caesars Palace • $82.50–$165 3/10 • Metric & Zoé • Cosmo • $36–$175 2/8–2/9 • Ron White • Mirage • $68–$88 2/23 • Black Queen • Rio • $23 3/13 • Stephen Marley 2/8–2/16 • Lady Antebellum 2/23 • Patti Austin • Aliante Casino • $40–$65 Brooklyn Bowl • $29–$41 Palms • $32–$275 2/23 • Supremes & Diana Ross Tribute 3/13–3/30 • Classic Cher 2/8–2/23 • Chicago • Venetian • $69–$326 Cannery • $19.95/$24.95 Park MGM • $68–$332 2/9 • Air Supply • Buffalo Bill’s • $25–$55 2/23 • Three Lock Box: Hagar Tribute 3/14–3/28 • Frankie Moreno 2/9 • AJ Mitchell w/Marteen Suncoast • $18/$20 South Point • $20–$30 Hard Rock • $13/$26 2/26–2/27 • Celine Dion 3/15 • Flogging Molly • Cosmo • $39–$79 2/9 • Franco Escamilla • MBay • $42–$89 Caesars Palace • $51–$459 3/15 • Il Divo • Palms • $59.50–$329.50 2/9 • Little River Band 2/27 • Gwen Stefani 3/15 • Jeffrey Osborne Orleans • $50–$60 Planet Hollywood • $70–$210 Golden Nugget • $49–$129 2/9 • Mirage: Visions of Fleetwood Mac 2/27–3/2 • Smokey Robinson 3/15 • Steep Canyon Rangers Suncoast • $20/$23 Wynn LV • $59.50–$199.50 Brooklyn Bowl • $25/$30 2/9 • Slander, Spag Heddy, Svdden Death 2/28 • Lettuce • Brooklyn Bowl • $26/$30 3/15–3/16 • Jim Jeffries • Mirage • $54/$76 Hard Rock • $36 MARCH 3/15–3/17 • Donny Edwards 2/9 • ValenWine’s Day Wine Tasting 3/1 • Blues Traveler South Point • $25–$35 Container Park • $25/$30 Brooklyn Bowl • $35–$50 3/16 • December 63 2/11 • Katchafire • Brooklyn Bowl • $25/$27 3/1 • Marshall Tucker Band Suncoast • $16–$24.95 2/13–2/21 • Mariah Carey Golden Nugget • $39–$129 3/16 • Deon Cole Caesars Palace • $55–$250 3/1 • Southbound and Co.: Lynard Skynard Cannery • $22.95–$44.95 2/14 • Serpentine Fire • Cannery • $25/$35 Tribute • Orleans • $19/$24 3/16 • Enuff Z’nuff • Rio • $23 2/14–2/23 • Barry Manilow 3/1–3/3 • NASCAR • LVMS • $29–$169 3/16 • ONE OK ROCK • MBay • $28 Westgate LV • $39.75–$329.75 3/1–3/3 • Dennis DeYoung 3/16 • Overnight—Boy Band Tribute 2/15 • Blue Oyster Cult South Point • $60–$70 Orleans • $20–$25 Golden Nugget • $49–$109 3/1–3/16 • Celine Dion 3/16 • The Revivalists • Cosmo • $38–$101 2/15 • Kiss • T-Mobile • $29.50–$1,000 Caesars Palace • $109–$549 3/20–3/23 • Daryl Hall and John Oates 2/15 • Queen Nation • GVR • $19 3/1–3/16 • Gwen Stefani Caesars Palace • $55–$322 2/15–2/17 • USA Pageant Planet Hollywood • $70–$210 3/20–3/30 • Earth, Wind & Fire South Point • $50 /$75 3/1–11/9 • Tim Allen • Mirage • $65–$87 Venetian • $72–$325

6 • LAS VEGAS ADVISOR • FEBRUARY 2019 ADVANCE PLANNER—HEADLINERS AND EVENTS

3/22 • Brett Young • Hard Rock • $42.50 4/12 • Weezer • MBay • $39.50–$99.50 SHOW NOTES 3/22 • Grand Funk Railroad 4/13 • The Modern Gentleman Golden Nugget • $59–$129 Suncoast • $24.95–$44.95 • Legends in Concert has moved from the 3/22 • Hippie Sabotage 4/16 • 1975 w/Pale Waves and No Rome Flamingo to the Tropicana and will open Brooklyn Bowl • $25/$30 Hard Rock • $40/$50 on Feb. 7; tickets are $71.34-$104.04. 3/22–3/24 • Lettermen • South Point • $35–$45 4/17–4/27 • James Taylor 3/27–3/30 • Kenny Loggins Caesars Palace • $55–$215 • Fuerza Bruta at Excalibur opens Feb. 9; Wynn LV • $59.50–$225 4/18 • SALES • Hard Rock • $17/$33 tickets are $86.50/$129. 3/29–3/31 • Duprees • South Point • $30–$40 4/19–4/20 • Gabriel Iglesias • Mirage • $54–$98 3/23 • 4NR—Foreigner Tribute 4/20 • Slightly Stoopid • Unreal—The Way You Make Me Feel in Suncoast • $16/$19.95 Hard Rock • $38/$45 the V Theater at Planet Hollywood opens 3/23 • Aziz Ansari 4/21–4/26 • US Open 9–Ball Championship Feb. 12; tickets are $66.98/$76.98. Caesars Palace • $54–$169 MBay • $20–$60 • The Naked Magicians opens at MGM 3/23 • Andrew McMahon 4/24–4/27 • Sarah McLachlan Grand on Feb. 13; tickets are $70.75- MBay • $25–$45.50 Wynn LV • $59.50–$179.50 3/23 • En Vogue 4/26 • Steven Wright • TI • $43/$71 $114.35. Orleans • $49.95–$59.95 4/26–8/24 • Chris D’Ella • Mirage • $43.59/$54.49 • Celestia at Stratosphere opens Feb. 27; 3/23 • Jess Hilarious 4/27 • Art Laboe • Buffalo Bill’s • $35–$70 tickets are $38.15-$103.55. Mirage • $50.99–$70.99 4/27 • Cole Swindell • MBay • $55 3/23 • Uli Jon Roth • Rio • $28 4/27 • Mary Wilson & Martha Reeves • Xavier Mortimer’s Magical Dream has 3/23 • Why Don’t We Orleans • $39.95–$59.95 moved from Planet Hollywood to Bally’s; Palms • $35.95–$79.95 MAY tickets are $69.93/$93.73. 3/24 • Cypress Hill and Hollywood Undead 5/1–5/11 • James Taylor • Ilusión Mental has moved from Planet MBay • $39.50–$117 Caesars Palace • $55–$215 3/26 • Galactic • Brooklyn Bowl • $22/$25 5/2–5/11 • Barry Manilow Hollywood to Paris; tickets are $66.70- 3/28 • Boogie Wit Da Hoodie Westgate LV • $39.75–$329.75 $125.66. MBay • $25/$75 5/4 • Buckcherry • Brooklyn Bowl • $30/$35 • I Love the ’90s has closed at Paris. 3/29 • Citizen Cope 5/4–5/5 • Taking Back Sunday Brooklyn Bowl • $33–$50.50 MBay • $35–$55 • Solid Gold Soul has closed at Bally’s. 3/29 • Death Cab for Cutie 5/5 • The Clintons Hard Rock • $32/$42 Park MGM • $72–$228 3/29 • Morgan Wallen • MBay • $20–$45 5/5 • Colin Hay of Men at Work 3/29 • SWMRS w/The Regrettes and Brooklyn Bowl • $35/$40 Beach Goons • Hard Rock • $18/$34 5/5 • Pepe Aguilar’s Jaripeo 3/30 • Boyce Avenue MGM Grand • $49–$249 Aliante Casino • $25–$40 5/10 • Jenny Lewis • MBay • $25–$40 3/30 • Michael Bublé 5/10–5/18 • Lady Antebellum T-Mobile • $70–$154.50 Palms • $32–$275 3/30 • Nero w/Dr. Fresch & Wuki 5/11 • Ariana Grande Brooklyn Bowl • $29.99–$80 T-Mobile • $49.95–$224.95 3/30 • TESLA • MBay • $45–$85 5/11 • Carrie Underwood 3/31 • Anvil • Rio • $18 MGM Grand • $49.50–$99.50 APRIL 5/14–5/31 • Celine Dion 4/5 • Trevor Hall • Brooklyn Bowl • $25/$30 Caesars Palace • $88–$689 4/5–4/6 • Up, Up and Away 5/15–5/26 • Carlos Santana Orleans • $34.95–$54.95 MBay • $99.50–$300 4/6 • Hotel California, Eagles Tribute 5/17 • Jay Leno • Mirage • $65–$87 M Resort • $22–$42 5/18 • Snow Patrol • Hard Rock • $36–$55 4/6 • NEEDTOBREATHE 5/18 • Tom Segura • Cosmo • $29–$59 Palms • $34.95–$129.95 5/24–5/26 • Gabriel Iglesias • Mirage • $65–$98 4/6–4/26 • Aerosmith • Park MGM • $215–$688 5/24–5/27 • Punk Rock Bowling & Music Festival 4/7 • 54th ACM Awards LV Events Center • $125/$350 MGM Grand • $409–$763 5/25 • New Kids On the Block 4/7 • Hozier • Palms • $42–$128 MBay • $29.95–$139.95 4/10–4/20 • John Fogerty • Wynn LV • $81–$228 5/25–5/26 • Sebastian Maniscalco 4/10–4/27 • Backstreet Boys Wynn LV • $59.50–$155 Planet Hollywood • $76.86–$684.60 5/30 • Lady Gaga Enigma 4/11–4/13 • Barry Manilow Park MGM • $82.57–$344.95 Westgate LV • $39.75–$329.75 5/31–6/1 • Jo Koy • Wynn LV • $49.50–$119.50 4/11–4/25 • Frankie Moreno 5/31–7/28 • Shin Lim • Mirage • $39 South Point • $20–$30 4/12 • Brothers Osborne Brooklyn Bowl • $35–$50 See inside wrap for “Weather,” 4/12 • P!nk • T-Mobile • $47.45–$227.50 “Room Rates,” and “Key Dates.”

FEBRUARY 2019 • LAS VEGAS ADVISOR • 7 Dining continued … Says Anthony: We loved it from the moment we walked in. The place has been open since 1939 and claims to be one of a young Frank Sinatra’s hangs. offer only a handful of entrées, such as smoked prime Actually, lots of places around there make that claim, rib, shellfish towers, lobster, truffle fried chicken, and a given that ol’ Blue Eyes was born there, but based on late-night burger. Waiters in tuxedos will prepare some the photos on the walls and the sincere affirmation of of the food tableside. We’ll report on it further in a future the third-generation owner/bartender, we were buying issue. n it. We wound up getting those clams after all by way of a homemade chowder that was good, but not as good as an awesome mozzarella & peppers appetizer. The Peg’s Glorified entrées were fine old-fashioned pasta dishes (more clams) and the whole thing, with a bottle of red and a few Peronis, came to $103. Chatty old-timers at the bar One of many non-casino breakfast spots to open and pretty women with jolting Jersey accents topped it recently is Peg’s Glorified Ham & Eggs, located on the all off. east side at 9905 S. Eastern. The menu is huge, with Hoboken is next door to Jersey City, the headquar- every breakfast concoction you can think of, from pork ters of DraftKings, so maybe you’ll find yourself there. If chops & eggs ($11.99) to prime rib Philly Benedict you do, Leo’s gets an enthusiastic thumbs up from two ($14.99). There’re also omelets, scrambles, Hawaiian Vegas guys who know a little something about good Ital- specialties, and burgers and sandwiches (no dinner ian food and ambience. n entrées, the restaurant closes at 2 pm). We tried the Glorified 16-ounce ham & eggs (natch). It’s another big one, but at $14.99, not a bargain in the realm of Vegas’ Dining Notes legendary ham & eggs deals. Bacon & eggs is $9.99, so there’re no real bargains on this menu (French toast, waffles, and biscuits & gravy are $8), but the portions are PR Price Increase—The price of the prime rib spe- hearty, so no problem paying the extra coin. We’re not cial in Siegel’s 1941 at the El Cortez has been raised sure what the “glorified” in the name means, other than by $2 to $12.95. This special has run for several years; a lot of the meals it was priced at $7.95 until 2015 when it was raised to come with glazes, $10.95. It remains one of the better prime rib values in like caramelized town and is still served 24 hours a day. bananas on the ham, Wildfire Breakfast, Too—The $2.99 bargain break- cinnamon apples fast at the Wildfires didn’t last long (LVA 11/18). The on the pork chops, 24/7 eggs and meat breakfast is now $3.99. and grilled onions & Brunch Bump—The price of the good Freedom mushrooms on the 2 Brunch at Downtown Grand (LVA 1/18) has been steak & eggs. A sec- increased by $5 to $24.99. ond Peg’s recently Buffets—Silver Sevens appears to be phasing out opened on the west its buffet and now serves dinner only on Friday and Sat- side at 8465 W. urday nights ($20.99-$22.99 with a club card). Prices Sahara. n Ham & eggs platter at Peg’s have been increased by $1 to $17.99 for lunch at M Resort, $1 to $18.99 for breakfast at Planet Hollywood, $2 to $25.99 for Sat. and Sun. dinner at Golden Nug- Leo’s Grandevous get, $1 to $29.99 for weekday and $37.99 for weekend brunch at the Wynn, and, amazingly, 55¢ for select meals at Tropicana, which makes what may be the worst You may not have heard of Leo’s. It’s located on buffet deal in town even worse (LVA 7/18). the east side. Way on the east side … in Hoboken, New Eatalyan at Eataly—A formal sit-down Italian res- Jersey. The night before the DraftKings contest, Anthony taurant, Manzo (“beef” in Italian), has opened at the and Frank wanted to hit up a local joint to relax and talk massive Eataly 24-hour food court and retail center at strategy. They have friends from the area, but they were Park MGM. As the name suggests, meat is the focus too busy trying to get their entries in to run down a rec- of the menu—the Manzo at Eataly in Manhattan is ommendation (see Gambling) and resorted to a Google described as a “casual butcher’s restaurant.” As for search. It came down to a choice between one of Hobo- Eataly itself, early reviews emphasize small (compared to ken’s famous clam bars or Italian at a place called Leo’s its counterparts around the world) and expensive (it’s an Grandevous. They went with Leo’s. MRI place). n

8 • LAS VEGAS ADVISOR • FEBRUARY 2019 Openings/Closings video from the club for passersby to see. Bolstering the opening, rapper Cardi B has signed on for a residency of undisclosed length. n Mumfresh Asian Eats, a Vietnamese street-food counter-service fast-foodery, has opened adjacent to the Boathouse Asian Eatery at Palace Station. It’s a good late-night play, open till midnight Sun.-Thurs. and Bars and Happy Hours till 2 am on weekends. Diablo’s Cantina, which closed at Monte Carlo when Interlude Casino Lounge at the Cromwell has it converted to Park MGM, has reopened at Luxor. changed its happy hour to run Mon.-Fri. from 9 am to Blue Ribbon Sushi has opened at Red Rock. 8 pm, with $3 beer and vodka cocktails. Lamaii, the new Thai restaurant from the former bBd’s at Palace Station has happy hours daily from owner of Chada Thai and Chada Street, has opened at 2 to 5 pm and 10 pm to midnight, with half-off beer and 4480 Spring Mountain Road. $5 appetizers. China Mama has reopened in Chinatown after being Boathouse at Palace Station has happy hours Mon.- closed for a remodel. Fri. from 3 to 6 pm and 10 to 11 pm, with half-off beer, A second Tacos El Gordo has opened on the Strip, wine, well drinks, sake, and appetizers, including select only about a block away from the original location, which sushi. Time it with the bBd HH and do both. remains open. Edo, one of the “52 Essential Restaurants” in Eating Halal Guys has announced that it will open a sec- Las Vegas, has daily happy hours from 5 to 6:30 pm and ond location on the Strip at the food court at the Grand 11 pm to close, with $6 wine, 50%-off appetizers, and Canal Shoppes. It will share space with 7 Leaves Cafe, $1.50 oysters. an Asian beverage chain from southern California. Both Smoked Burgers & BBQ in the Forum Shops at Cae- are scheduled to debut this spring. sars Palace has a happy hour daily from 3 to 6 pm, with As part of the ongoing overhaul at SLS Las Vegas, $5 drinks and appetizers. Katsuya is closing and will be replaced by a Mexican Putters Las Vegas Blvd. S. has happy hours daily restaurant called Uno Mas, expected to open in March. from 2 to 6 pm and 10 pm to 2 am, with $3 draft beer, AquaKnox and Public House have closed at the well, and wine, and $6-$8 appetizers. Venetian. After sustaining a price hike from 5¢ to 25¢ in Octo- The original Leticia’s Mexican Cocina in Centennial ber, the daily draft beer special at the Flamingo has has closed. It will reportedly be replaced by another doubled to 50¢. It’s available in the Margaritaville Casino n Mexican restaurant called Ben’zaa. area’s 5 O’Clock Somewhere Bar, daily from 5 to 6 pm. The deal is no longer Top Ten worthy, but it’s still a play if you’re in the area. A barbershop with a bar is opening at the Cosmo- politan in March. Barbershop Cuts and Cocktails will ENTERTAINMENT combine a full-service barbershop and a high-end bar with a “parlor vibe,” including an entrance via a hidden door, and live music. KAOS at Palms The speakeasy-styled nightclub On the Record has opened at Park MGM. The Rebel Republic bar at Sahara and Valley View Following the news that the deal between the Palms has closed. and the Tao Group to create a pool and nightclub space At Elia, a house Cabernet is $16.24 and a Mythos at the resort had fallen through, some wondered if chaos beer is $6.50. In Best Friend at The Park, a Badenhorst would ensue. Now comes news that it will, only not in Secateurs is $11.91 and a Hitachino Nest beer is $10.83. the fashion pondered. Opening in April, the Palms’ new At Other Mama, a Jameson is $11.91 and a Gruven 100,000-square-foot multi-level day- and nightclub, vodka is $10.83. In the B Gate Temp bar at McCarran KAOS, will replace the entire pool area and the old night- Airport, a draft Stella Artois is $11.68 and a draft Bud club Rain. It will feature a huge glass wall separating is $8.43. In Mabel’s at the Palms, a draft PBR is $8.66. indoors from outdoors (with a door between the two); a In the sports book bar at the Westgate, a draft Bud is 360-degree rotating DJ booth; a removable dome that $8.66. In West Casino Bar at The Park, a Heineken is will render KAOS Las Vegas’ first year-round dayclub; $7.58. At Cleaver, a Pilsner Urquell is $7.58. At Nora’s, 39 cabanas on all levels with individual glass pools; and a Cosmopolitan is $12.99 and a draft Stella or Peroni is what’s being touted as “the city’s largest LED wall” on $7.58. At Yama Sushi, a large Sapporo is $7.31. At Mor- the outside of the original hotel tower streaming live continued on next page

FEBRUARY 2019 • LAS VEGAS ADVISOR • 9 Entertainment continued … Best SB Party in Vegas deo, an Estrella Damm is $6.50. At Frankie’s Tiki Room, Super Bowl parties will be everywhere. The best way to a Heineken is $6 and a Greyhound or a Kona Brew is $5. stay on top of them is to check out the ongoing coverage in At Irene’s Spring Mtn., a draft PBR is $4. At Tailgater, a our “Gambling With an Edge” blog at LasVegasAdvisor.com. draft PBR is $3. One stands out, however. Notes: Upon delivery of the Bud at the Westgate, the They’re doing it again at the Sporting Life Bar (770 S. bartender asked for $8. When we requested a receipt, Jones Blvd.), where for $100 you get a reserved seat, unlim- it was 66¢ more with the tax (take the first offer). You ited food (BBQ and a crawfish boil) and drinks, a Super Bowl can save about $4 per beer at the airport by choos- square to win $500 per quarter, and 10 extra raffle tickets ing a domestic over an import. The best deal on beers for really good prizes. The EV of the square is $20 and if you Anthony Curtis found while in New Jersey was Bud for n play $500 through the machines, your $100 is refunded in $4 at the Corkscrew in Jersey City. free-play. It works out to getting the whole shebang with an expectation of coming out a couple of bucks ahead. Entertainment Notes

over.” Shows are at 11 am and 2 pm, with tickets priced Britney Cancels—Britney Spears has cancelled her at $69; add $19 for all you can drink. 32-show Las Vegas residency, “Britney: Domination,” NBA Summer League—The NBA’s Summer League scheduled to begin at the Park Theater on Feb. 13 and will return to Las Vegas July 5-15, with 24 teams partici- run through August. There had been rumors about slow pating. The Summer League has run in Las Vegas every ticket sales, but Spears cited the recent health struggles year since 2004. of her father as the reason. See the Advance Planner for dates, prices, and addi- Wayne Moves—Wayne Newton has left Bally’s tional show updates. n and is performing in a new version of Wayne Newton: Up Close and Personal in Cleopatra’s Barge at Caesars Palace. Tickets start at $87 and all ages are welcome to attend, the first time this has been the case throughout Cleopatra’s Barge’s long and storied history. GAMBLING Mob Story Pauses—After opening to good reviews (including ours, LVA 11/18), A Mob Story at the Plaza has closed and won›t return until spring, at the earliest. Financial difficulties are blamed for the closure, a portion Football Contest Results of which was likely caused by the remodeling of the showroom. Meanwhile, there’s talk that Flavor Flav The Westgate SuperContest was won by Eric Kah- (minus his fried chicken recipe) might be in line for a ane who, playing under the name “Personal Gourmet,” Plaza gig. went 5-0 in the final week to finish with a record of No Showroom at Circa—While the new Circa 59-25-1 (70.2%) to win the $1.4 million first prize. Simi- casino downtown figures to compete with Strip-level lar to the winners in the two years prior, Kahane was an casinos in almost every category, it won’t have a show- unknown in the sports betting world and this was his room. Good move we think—the sports book will be the first time playing the contest. In an effort to continue to show (see Couponomy). grow the SuperContest, entries will be collected begin- Piff Theater—The former Bugsy’s Cabaret at the ning March 1 this year, as opposed to July 1 previously. Flamingo has been renamed Piff The Magic Dragon The- In the SuperContest Gold, an appropriately named ater. The name change signals the intent for a long run entry called “There Can Be Only 1” went 55-27-3 for the resident Piff the Magic Dragon Solo Show. (67.1%) to take down the winner-take-all prize of Chicago at Venetian—Chicago returns to the Vene- $640,000. The second-place finisher lost by one game tian for an eight-show engagement Feb. 8, 9, 13, 15-16, and got nothing. 20, 22-23. Tickets start at $59.95 base. In the Golden Nugget’s Ultimate Football Challenge, Comedy Brunch—On February 23, SLS will debut Rich Velez, playing under the name “Monsterloc,” went an adult-themed brunch and show tentatively called 81-36-2 (69.2%) to win $119,000. “Totally Twisted Brunch,” It will run in Sayers Club There was a three-way tie for first in William Hill’s on Saturdays and Sundays for six weekends and is College Pick ’Em contest, all with records of 48-22 described as a “naughty and sexy way to cure a hang- (68.6%). The winners’ shares were $33,000 each. n

10 • LAS VEGAS ADVISOR • FEBRUARY 2019 Super Bowl Preview something like 530 players to be even equity, but drew only 260. Hence, it was a strong play just from the standpoint of the excess money being given back. This year’s Super Bowl line opened pick ’em, with The first problem was entering. New Jersey gaming the New England Patriots and the Los Angeles Rams laws resulted in all sorts of restrictions on how money both favored by 1 to 1.5 at different books. That didn’t could be transferred into a DK account. Both Anthony last long, as the Pats were quickly bet to -2.5 favorites and Frank had to visit NJ branches of their banks to and the line has remained there with sporadic stints at transfer money in. Collectively, they spent almost 10 -3 with extra juice (-120 or more). The total opened at 59 hours just trying to deposit and register. It was worse for and has been bet down to 57. others who had no choice but to drive to Atlantic City to Several interesting issues are in play going into the deposit cash at the DK sports book at Resorts. Again, game, mostly precipitated by the national expansion of NJ state gaming regs were the culprit here. legalized sports betting. Of course, the amount that will The big controversy came at the end, when those be bet is at the forefront. The American Gaming Asso- glitches prevented the leader from betting on the last ciation estimates that 28.7 million Americans will wager game. The player had just doubled his bankroll to take a combined $6 billion on the game. the lead, but his bet didn’t settle—meaning the funds There are more prop offerings than ever, with Wil- from the win weren’t added to his account—in time for liam Hill taking a shot at Westgate Las Vegas’ hegemony him to bet to protect his lead. It resulted in two play- in that department. Look for an ESPN feature on props ers passing him when the Eagles covered the spread airing the week of the game, for which Anthony Curtis against the Saints. The winner, reportedly a poker dealer and Frank B were both interviewed. from New Jersey, turned his $5,000 betting stake into For the first time in years, due to a partnership $101,474 and took home the $1 million first prize (plus formed with the NFL, Caesars Entertainment casinos will his live-betting profit), while the glitched-out leader had be allowed to use the words “Super Bowl” in describing to settle for a $250,000 prize. their parties and promotions, as opposed to “The Big If you’re wondering how the betting turned out, Game.” according to available information, it looks like the total Despite all of this, CBS says its announcers still live-money buy-in (drop) was $1,300,000. The bank- won’t “discuss gambling information” during the game. rolls were bet and rebet an average of 3.6 times, so the We’ll see. total wagered (handle) was about $4,680,000, of which We’ll provide a complete post-Super Bowl round-up n DraftKings won 7.1%, or about $330,000. The casino in the March LVA. edge was greater than 7%, even against some of the top sports bettors in the world, but that’s how it usually n Indies Down works in a tournament.

While lots of new sports books are opening in other DK Free Bet Update states, the number of independent books in Nevada continues to decrease. The most recent to exit is Jerry’s Last month we described the DraftKings free-bet Nugget, which didn’t accept Super Bowl bets while promotion in a manner that wasn’t quite accurate in transitioning to a William Hill book the week before the terms of the way it works, as we discovered when game. Next to be gobbled up by Will Hill will be Strato- Anthony Curtis personally went through the process sphere and both Arizona Charlie’s. n while in New Jersey. The important discrepancy is that the free bet doesn’t play on your first bet. Rather, the amount of your first bet determines the size of the free Controversy at the SBNC bet, which you’re then allowed to use by itself on a future bet. The inaugural Sports Betting National Championship As far as Anthony could tell, the free bet is accepted sponsored by DraftKings last month in New Jersey was on all propositions offered—including wagers with big a mixed bag. The format was interesting and the value of favorite and underdog lines, parlays, teasers, etc. He bet playing was high, but technical glitches put a damper on $500 maximum at -136 on his original wager after sign- the event. ing up, then used the free bet on a $500 2-team parlay The entry fee was $10K and the guaranteed prize at +229. He won both bets for a profit of $1,516, with pool was over $2.5 million. Because of the way the $1,146 of it coming on the free bet. contest was structured—half of the entry was used as While there may be restrictions on some wagers or a live-money bankroll for betting—the contest needed continued on next page

FEBRUARY 2019 • LAS VEGAS ADVISOR • 11 Gambling continued … even pass laws?” Why indeed? n a cut-off point at extreme take and lay numbers, all in Gambling Notes all the DK sports betting bonus is exactly what it’s pro- moted to be. This is important, as many such sign-up opportunities are bound to appear as new sports books Jackpots—A Las Vegas local hit a $2.7 million jack- open in new states. pot on a Monopoly slot at Green Valley Ranch. On the If you live in New Jersey or go there to bet sports, Strip, a player from Minnesota hit for $617,000 playing a you can get in on this DraftKings bonus, plus get your Seinfeld slot at the Cosmopolitan. choice of several incentive packages of our books, soft- Rebate Down—SLS has discontinued its $250-loss- ware, strategy cards, or LVA membership by going to rebate promotion. LasVegasAdvisor.com and clicking on “LVA Sign-Up Lottery—In Spain, the 2018 El Gordo (“The Fat Incentives” on the home page. n One”) lottery paid out $2.7 billion. This lottery has a huge distribution range, so there are many winners, even of the top prize, which was reported as $455,000. n A Hamilton at Jackson’s Video Poker Lost and Found Head over to Jackson’s Bar & Grill (6020 W. Fla- mingo) and give them your email to get $10 in free-play awarded right on the spot. It’s the easiest $10 you can We’ve received multiple reports that the Skyline has make in Vegas, and there’s more. There’s also a play- devalued its Full Pay Deuces Wild and now has a best $100-get-$20 bonus for joining the players club. That’s DW schedule of 20-12-9-5-3-2, returning 98.94%. While $30 in bonuses that you can combine with our MRB this was Skyline’s best-paying game and the casino steak comp for $100 coin-in all on a single trip. Remem- was one of the few in town to offer it, you can still find ber when you get a free-play bonus, you have to play several good games there, including 10/7 Double Bonus it completely through the machine at least once before (100.17%) for 25¢ on the floor and 9/6 Jacks or Better you can cash out, and in order to get the sign-up bonus, progressives (99.54% at reset) for 25¢ and 50¢ at the you have to play both the original $100 and the $20 free- bar. It’s also been pointed out that there are Sevens Wild play through. n games with the FPDW schedule, but it’s not the same. We asked Bob Dancer and he explained that the wild 7 eliminates 3-card open-ended straight flush draws and Play Away in LA? lowers the frequency of straights, resulting in an opti- mum return of only 98.80%. (Thanks, Bob.) Last month we erroneously wrote that the breakeven A news story that ran on houmatoday.com begins, point for the dollar 7/5 BP progressive at TI is $5,100. “Louisiana legislators earlier this year [2018] quietly The BE point is considerably higher at $7,550. approved a new law meant to establish protections for Jackpot bar continues to move its deal around and ‘skilled’ gamblers, including those who count cards in February is running a play-$1,000-get-$60 offer on when playing blackjack.” Mondays only. There’s 7/5 BP (98.01%) on the multi- Really? That’s pretty big news. So why would some- games and the deal is still positive with perfect play on thing like that fly so far under the radar that even we 6/5 BP (96.87%), but you’re incurring a lot of risk with didn’t know about it? Maybe because it’s not what it the $1,000 requirement. The $10 bonus for getting four seems to be. The article goes on to explain that the law to a royal has been discontinued. appears to be unenforced by the state. Bob Dancer’s free video poker classes run on Tues- “The State Police Gaming Division has received a days in the Silverado Lounge at South Point—begin- few calls regarding this issue; however, the law as cur- ner classes at noon and intermediate at 2 pm except rently written does not require the State Police Gaming where otherwise noted. Must be 21. Topics are 9/6 Division or the [Gaming Control] Board to take action Bonus Poker Deluxe (on 2/5); 9/6 Double Bonus Poker against a licensee for exclusion from certain games. At Ultimate X, one class only at noon (2/12); NSU Deuces this point it appears to be a civil matter between the Wild (2/19); Advanced NSU Deuces Wild, one class patron and the licensee.” only at noon (2/26). Be sure to check out Bob’s weekly It concludes with a player commenting in a manner Tuesday blog and the Thursday “Gambling with an that leaves little else to say. “Nothing’s changed in the Edge” podcast, with Bob and Richard Munchkin, both at state of Louisiana. It’s an exercise in futility. Why do we GamblingWithAnEdge.com. n

12 • LAS VEGAS ADVISOR • FEBRUARY 2019 APRIL MARCH 8-11 Nat’l Assoc. of Broadcasters 2019—103,000 WEEKDAY WEEKEND 9-12 Int’l Security Conference 2019—29,000 Four Queens • $49 AZ C Decatur • $96 26-28 LVL UP Technology & Gaming—13,000 Wild Wild West • $49 El Cortez • $105 23-26 Int’l Sign Expo 2019—19,500 El Cortez • $52 California • $112 Circus Circus • $60 Hooters • $124 Sam’s Town • $61 Sam’s Town • $127 MAY Stratosphere • $64 Circus Circus • $130 6–9 ServiceNow Inc—22,000 Hard Rock • $98 Hard Rock • $153 Paris • $117 Paris • $161 7–9 Nat’l Hardware Show 2019—37,000 Palms • $128 Green Valley Ranch • $185 7–9 Waste Expo 2019—12,500 20–22 RECon 2019—37,000 APRIL KEY WEEKDAY WEEKEND JUNE El Cortez • $38 AZ C Decatur • $86 6–8 Am. Institute of Architects 2019—15,000 Four Queens • $42 El Cortez • $86 23–25 SHRM Expo—18,000 Wild Wild West • $49 Four Queens • $89 15–17 Int’l Esthetics Cosmetics & Spa—25,000 DATES Circus Circus • $54 Tuscany • $103 Downtown Grand • $55 Sam’s Town • $107 FEBRUARY Tuscany • $57 Westgate Las Vegas • $111 Mean 50° Avg. Max. 62° Avg. Min. 37° Pools: Closed Hard Rock • $83 Red Rock Resort • $167 Days begin to warm, evenings stil cool. Palms • $118 Hard Rock • $168 Mirage • $136 Caesars Palace • $178 Attire: Light jacket for the day, something warm for evenings. MAY

MARCH ROOM WEEKDAY WEEKEND Mean 56° Avg. Max. 69° Avg. Min. 42° Pools: Closed California • $42 AZ C. Decatur • $86 A fickle month for weather. Occasional rain and high winds, Four Queens • $42 Four Queens • $99 El Cortez • $44 Fremont • $107 warm days. Attire: Light jacket or sweater for evenings. Circus Circus • $54 Downtown Grand • $95 Downtown Grand • $55 Circus Circus • $111 Tuscany • $64 Westgate Las Vegas • $111 APRIL Hard Rock • $78 Hard Rock • $148 Mean 64° Avg. Max. 78° Avg. Min. 50° Pools: Open Paris • $116 Paris • $176 Mirage • $126 Caesars Palace • $178 Daily highs reach into the 80s with regularity. Winds subside. RATES

WEATHER Attire: Spring wardrobe for days. Bring a jacket just in case Best rates at press time from sample of 54 Las Vegas casinos. Rates NOT guaranteed, subject to for evenings. change without notice, and do not include tax. Lower prices may be available online.

Don’t Gamble with Your Taxes! The complete tax implications of winning and losing at gambling are pretty much a mystery to accountants, gamblers, and even the Internal Revenue Service itself. The IRS offers surprisingly few details to guide gamblers through the tax maze. Furthermore, what the IRS does say is often general, vague, open to individual interpretation, and contradic- tory; IRS publications and personnel often leave you with more questions than answers. Tax Help for Gamblers deals with the innumerable nuances and gray areas of gambling and taxes, including a few changes implemented in the so-called Tax Cuts and Jobs Act of 2017. It covers all the whys and wherefores of this complex subject, such as tax-code specifics, record-keeping, filing your tax return, state-tax considerations, audits and other tax problems—often citing relevant court cases to serve as a foundation for your conclu- sions. Numerous charts and forms help you with the practical application of the information. This book is for recreational and professional gamblers, including low and high rollers, machine and table-game players, and video poker, live poker, online, international, cruise ship, and daily fantasy sports. Whether you’re a do-it-yourself tax filer or you use a tax professional, Tax Help for PRE-PUB PRICE •$15 (includes shipping) valid through 3/15/19 Gamblers, now in its fourth edition, is an indispensable guide to staying on the right side of the taxman.

Tax Help for Gamblers • Fourth Edition • Jean Scott, Marissa Chien, Russell Fox • Retail $24.95 Get in the Hiking Game A deck of playing cards depict the 52 peaks in and around Las Vegas that make up expert hiker and Las Vegas author Branch Whitney’s “52-Peak Club.” The difficulty of ascending each peak is portrayed by its card rank, with aces being most difficult, down to 2s being easiest. Each card has a motivational phrase printed on it. A great gift idea for the gambling hiker or hiking gam- bler in your life. • $19.95 WITH SHIPPING

Hiking the Southwest and Hiking the High Sierra pro- vide recommendations for, descriptions of, and directions to the best hikes and adventures throughout their respective areas. From canyoneering in Zion National Park and scrambling in Red Rock Canyon to hiking the highest peaks in Arizona, Nevada, and New Mexico, Hiking the Southwest puts them all within reach.

The High Sierra includes the classic “California 14ers” and scram- bles to awesome and little-known summits. Three bonus hikes on the island of Kauai also covered.

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