Learning to play the games in Las Vegas is not only free and easy. Almost every casino offers instruction in at least one of the most games. Craps and Texas Hold ‘em are the two games for which free lessons are currently offered.
A handful of casinos, including Golden Nugget, Imperial Palace, Las Vegas Hilton, Luxor, Planet Hollywood and the Venetian offer instruction on several games in addition to Craps and Texas Hold ‘em on a regularly scheduled basis. Among the games featured at casinos featuring multi-game instruction are Blackjack, roulette, Let it Ride, 5 card stud, Pai Gow and Mini-Baccarat. Several of the larger casinos don’t have regular class schedules, but rather provide instruction upon request. Participants do not need to belong to a casinos players clubs in order to take the classes.
Hands-On Instruction is Feature of Lessons
The format for most gaming classes – they generally last from 30 to 45 minutes – goes something like this. The instructors begin by explaining the object of the game and its basic rules. When the game involves cards, the instructor deals out several hands as examples and analyses the player’s choices in each example. In blackjack, for example, players soon become familiar with terms like “hitting,” “standing” or “staying”, and “going bust.” Hands-on games of craps allow each student to roll the dice and place their bets on designated spots on the craps table.
Taboos and Must-dos are Important
It’s important not only to learn the rules of the games, but also whether there are any taboos or must-dos associated with player behavior. For example, when an over-eager player throws the dice on the floor rather than on the craps table, the dice should be returned to the stickman or dealer rather than laid on the table. As far as blackjack and poker are concerned, there are times when its appropriate to touch certain cards and when it’s not. It is also important to know where on the table to place cards and chips.
After the instruction, the students play the game several times with special chips. While these games give players a chance to put the information they’ve received into action, most participants say they find the practice games more relaxing than when they are using their own money.
Regularly Schedules Craps and Texas Hold ‘em Class Venues
Craps lessons are regularly scheduled at Bill’s Gambling Hall & Saloon, Fitzgeralds, Flamingo Las Vegas, Four Queens, Gold Coast, Golden Nugget , Imperial Palace, Las Vegas Hilton, Luxor, Monte Carlo, New York New York, Planet Hollywood, Sahara, South Point and Stratosphere. Scheduled Texas Hold ‘em classes take place at Boulder Station, Caesar’s Palace, Excalibur, Fiesta Henderson, Fitzgerald’s, Golden Nugget, Harrah’s,,Las Vegas Hilton, Luxor,,Mandalay Bay, Monte Carlo, Palace Station, Paris, Planet Hollywood, Plaza, Rio, Riviera, Sahara, Stratosphere, Sunset Station, Txas Station
Ten to 20 years ago, most every casino offered video poker lessons. Today, they’re held at very few clubs. Bob Dancer, a recognized expert, frequently is the instructor on advanced video poker playing. Usually, the classes are presented at downtown clubs such as El Cortez. The best source for information on free classes is the Las Vegas Advisor.
Saving Money in Las Vegas
Visiting Las Vegas is not cheap like any Canadian casino. The glamorous hotels, famous restaurants, designer boutiques and mazes of flashing, jingling slot machines are vying for everyone’s wallet. It’s natural to want to stay at Caesar’s Palace and dine at a celebrity chef’s restaurant, and it’s okay to indulge yourself a little – it is Vegas, after all. But for those whose funds are limited, the best way to have a fun, stress-free vacation of any kind is to plan ahead. Set a limit for each expense – flights, lodging, food, entertainment – and book things in advance whenever possible. Plus, the city can be a bit overwhelming for first time visitors, so having an itinerary won’t hurt.
Flights are also in the not-cheap category, so Google “cheap Vegas flights” to compare all the travel booking sites, and don’t choose the first flight that comes up unless the price is right. Booking the flight and hotel together can also save money, but not always, so check the hotel websites too. Registering on their sites can yield some great deals that are worth the barrage of annoying emails – possibly up to 40% off regular rates. Even the ritziest hotels aren’t too expensive, but there are plenty of nice, clean, reasonably priced hotels where it’s possible to stay for 30 dollars per night during the week.
Saving on food can be easy too. Casino buffets offer deals to eat for the whole day for around 30 to 40 dollars per person. Some are much better than others, so it’s good to check out the reviews first, as with any restaurant. There are plenty of Starbucks and Krispy Kremes for light breakfasts, which can allow for pricier lunches and dinners. The casinos also have food courts or shopping areas with the usual fast food chains and some more unique options, such as the deli and pizza place at New York New York.
The cost for shows vary greatly. Cirque du Soleil shows are usually the most expensive, but can be cheaper when booked in advance. Tickets can also be bought in Las Vegas for half price on the day of the show. Many casinos also offer shows, such as the volcanoes at the Mirage, street performers at the Venetian and the fountains at the Bellagio, which are all incredible and totally free. Coupon books can be purchased online which offer deals such as buy one, get one free tickets to shows and attractions and free slot credits for joining the casino’s player’s club.
The toughest place to save will likely be in the casino itself. It helps to set an allowance for gambling and leave the ATM card in the room where it’s safe. Join the player’s club to accumulate points for perks such as a free buffet, play penny slots to cut back on spending, enjoy the drinks available for only the cost of a tip while gambling, and when the money runs out, step back and enjoy the ambience of this wild and fascinating city. That won’t cost a penny.
