Tips: Vegas Basics

There is so much going on in Las Vegas, so many distractions, so much to do...where do you start, who do you see, how do you play craps?? Lots of stuff. With all this going on you want to be sure to have a few things covered before you arrive there, or at least think about it. Here are a few tips to help you get acquainted with Sin City, and to help you look like a pro.

"Wow, this place is a zoo." McCarron International Airport, likely to be quite a scene on a Saturday or Sunday. Wear your elbow pads at the baggage claim, these people are eager to lose their money! But, you are patient and want to make good with your time. So let those mongers get their baggage first. You in the meantime will be at the Remote Check-In. Yes you can check-in to your hotel room at the airport. In the baggage claim area of Terminal 1 you will find two offices with registration desks just off of "Carousels 1-8" area. Go to the desk/office for Park Place Properties (Harrah's, Paris, Caesers, etc.). You can register and get your room key and when you arrive at Paris you can go straight to your room. This puts you ahead of all those baggage claim mongers who now have to stand in line to register at the hotel. Once you are done registering for your hotel room your baggage claim carousel should have dwindled and you will easily spot your luggage. You are a winner before you even leave the airport...unless you somehow got sucked into playing the airport slot machines.

"Ugh, I need a drink...of water!" If this is your first time going to Las Vegas then you need to know one very important element...drink water, lots of water. You see, we are all coming from the humid, moist southeast and nothing in TN resembles the Nevada desert. It is dry, very dry and your skin, throat, and body will suffer if you do not keep "healthy" fluids in you. Light beer does not count, although I know some can resemble water and contain it too. Keep bottled water in your room, don't use what's in there, they will charge you for it. Go to one of the markets on the strip and buy a few bottles. My biggest tip is for when you are gambling. Drinks are free when you are gambling, even the non-alcoholic ones. I order a bottle of water in between drinks. For one this keeps you from getting completely smashed, and two you stay hydrated, and taking it a step further, three, you will have to go to the bathroom more often, therefore pulling you away from the tables in the event you are on a losing streak. This leads to another tip, if you do need to take a bathroom break while at a table tell the dealer that you need a break and you will be back to your spot. You can leave your chips there and the dealer will take care of it. If its a very busy table you may not get this option as people could be waiting. But 9/10 times this is OK.

I'll keep this next tip simple. Ignore the "smut peddlers." These are people on the streets "flipping" with their fingers cards that solicit women. Vegas is trying to shut down these peddlers, but it is hard. If enough people ignore these peddlers it will eventually go away. Look straight forward and ignore them. These people do not speak English so talking to them or voicing your opinion about their practice is pointless. Just keep moving!

I think this is enough to get your started. I will be doing another tips blog featuring "tipping" in Vegas and some betting tips. Up next though will be a feature on round 2 of our pro am - Bali Hai Golf Club. Look for this on Friday.

Till next time...