Ready for New Year's, Vegas fans?

Hi all,
With Christmas in the rear-view window and Santa taking a well-deserved break, it's time to start thinking about the New Year. What's in store for 2012? If you are a Vegas fanatic, you'll notice a lot of activity this year. The trend toward upscale and fancy-pants continues, especially on the Strip, with new nightclubs in the works for many MGM properties, new restaurants (of course) to whet your appetite, and the inevitable switcharoo for entertainment venues.

So far, we know that Barry Manilow is leaving Paris (... and Las Vegas until at least July). Jersey Boys will fill the vacancy at Paris, leaving a hole in Palazzo. Shel Adelson is also losing entertainment at Venetian: Blue Man Group is moving to Monte Carlo.

These are just a few of the changes that occur regularly in Las Vegas. It's hard to keep up with what's going on in Sin City, so stay tuned and I'll keep you posted on all the news. In the mean time, you are probably thinking about that next trip and how you will win enough money in 2012 to finally pay off the Christmas credit cards. Or, maybe you are planning a trip to brave the crowds and stay in Vegas for New Year's Eve (if so, I hope you like sharing your personal space with about a gazillion people... it will be a little cozy and difficult to get around, so be prepared!).

Whatever your plans, I wish you the best for 2012! If you are planning a trip to Vegas, post a reply here and let us know what you are most looking forward to, when you plan on visiting, and anything else you'd like to share with the rest of us Vegas nuts. The more the merrier.

Oh and by the way... for those of you who received Amazon.com gift cards or Barnes & Noble gift cards for the holidays, I hope you consider purchasing my book. It's only $4.99, so you will still have some left over to read all about that girl with the dragon tattoo or another book of your choice.

Viva,
Mike

Happy Holidays from Your Friends at Simplifying Las Vegas!

Hi Vegas fans,
Wow, it's hard to believe it is already Christmas. This year has flown by like my zippy Southwest flight from the East coast to Vegas. I don't really need anything this year, and I feel like spreading the joy, so here's my list:

• For the Las Vegas Strip, Downtown and Outskirts: Increased visitation, increased revenue, and continued fun and excitement.
• For seasoned gamblers: Big winnings - lots of jackpots, better blackjack on the Strip, continued fun and excitement.
• For newbies: Beginner's luck, promises to return to Vegas, continued fun and excitement.
• For casino execs: The realization that better gaming means bigger profits, a little retail space goes a long way, continued fun and excitement.
• For all my faithful readers: Best wishes for a happy and healthy holiday season, good times with family and friends from Newport Beach to Myrtle Beach to South Beach, continued fun and excitement the next time you visit Vegas.

... So Santa pulled the handle on a Wheel of Fortune slot,
he got a free spin and won a lot,
But he gave the money to the cocktail waitress to his right,
and said, "Merry Christmas to all! Can I get a Bud Light?"

Ho, ho, ho and viva,
Mike

The Most Wonderful Time of Year

Hi Vegas fans,
I hope you all are ready for the holidays this year! The good news is that the holidays come whether we are ready or not. Have you done all of your shopping for your favorite fanatical Vegas friends and family? I have. Yes, I'm done! Well, just about... I still have a few things I need to pick up, but they are easy gifts. For some of my friends, I like to give a nice gift card, be it iTunes, Amazon, Barnes & Noble, or a nice restaurant.

If you are concerned that gift cards are not as romantic or caring as another gift, they can be a great complement to something else. Also, they are eco-friendly. And finally, they can be a way for the people receiving them to pick out whatever they want. Remember when Aunt Clara gave you tube socks and (hopefully new) underwear last year? Wouldn't it have been cooler if she got you a gift card to amazon.com or barnesandnoble.com instead so that you could have purchased your own tube socks and (hopefully new) underwear? I think so.

If you want something a little more personal but are running out of time to get to the stores or to have something shipped for an astronomical price to arrive on time, think about this: you can purchase a book and send it as a gift electronically. I think the recipients will find any e-book a really fun and unique gift. Plus, you save on some of that fancy wrapping paper.

Both amazon.com and barnesandnoble.com have electronic book delivery that you can give as gifts. Even if your friends and family don't have electronic book readers, they can still read books on a smart phone, tablet or any computer by downloading the free apps for Kindle or Nook. If you have a Vegas nut on your list who has been extra good (or extra naughty if you are into that kind of thing... I am), then I hope you consider giving my book through the Amazon or Barnes and Noble programs as a gift. At $4.99, it's a steal.

I will be back soon to wish you Happy Holidays in another blog soon. For now, I wish you much luck in your mad dash to finish your shopping. In case you are wondering what to get me, I would like all-expenses paid stay at the Wynn in the penthouse suite. I don't think that's asking for too much.

Viva,
Mike

A Few of My Favorite Things

Hi Vegas Fans,
During the holidays, I am reminded of My Favorite Things - not so much the song from The Sound of Music, but more from jazz legend John Coltrane's sweet tenor sax in the album of the same name, released in 1961. My Favorite Things is one of my favorite things... hang with me, I'm going somewhere with this.

 

I always like to look back and reflect on the year and share some of my thoughts as well as look ahead to the coming year. For a lot of reasons, this has been a challenging year for me. It has made my trips to Las Vegas that much more meaningful. I feel so fortunate that I get to escape reality, which tends to smack me in the face from time to time, and visit the un-real world of the Strip, downtown, and outskirts of the most exciting city in the world.

Here is a short list of my favorite Vegas things from 2011, in no particular order:

• Playing $5 blackjack and craps and enjoying a few rum and cokes, especially at the Stratosphere. It's all about the atmosphere, and the Strat has a lot of creative characters roaming the floor. Good times. 
• Hanging with my best friend and fellow degenerate gambler, Steve. We have been going to Vegas for over 20 years, and we typically enjoy the same goofy stuff and craziness of the wonderful world of Sin City.
• Betting on my sports team and yelling at TVs as if they can hear me. It is amazing to me that the quarterback doesn't throw the ball to avoid the sack no matter how loudly I try to persuade him.
• Walking the Strip at sunrise. I am one of those annoying morning people who likes to get up as dawn cracks and head to Starbucks or the Peppermill for a nice breakfast. There are two kinds of people you encounter at this hour: runners and crazy vagrants. It's a good mix.
• Eating at Battista's Hole in the Wall. Yeah, I get arguments against this one from time to time. Foodies like to turn their noses up at this place. But for me, it's more about the tradition and atmosphere. I always enjoy the wine with my dinner, and I love when Gordie the accordion player stops by my table to play a tune. In a city where history is reduced to rubble with a flip of a switch, I'm hoping that this place doesn't change for a while.
• Visiting Red Rock Canyon. Check out my pics on Flickr. It was a really beautiful day.
• Enjoying Bellagio's Fine Art Gallery. The last one of its kind on the Strip. I'm no art expert, but I know what I like. They consistently show the best masterpieces by classic artists - from Picasso to Lichtenstein to everyone in between.
• Finishing Simplifying Las Vegas 2012. Just in the St. Nick of time.

I could go on and on here, but you get the idea. Whether you like to people watch, eat good food, gamble, party or sit by the pool and catch some rays, Las Vegas is a great getaway. I look forward to my next trip. I'm already planning it.

When I count my good fortunes, and yes I do have a lot of them even when times are more difficult, I often include how grateful I am that I get to go to Vegas and enjoy some of my favorite things.

Please feel free to post some of your favorite Vegas things... you can post anonymously if your boss or spouse also follows this blog.
Viva,
Mike

Simplifying Las Vegas 2012 is here!!

Hi Vegas fans,
You may have noticed that I have not been blogging posting to my forums lately. Or on Facebook. Or Twitter.... well, you get the idea. I've been working really hard on SLV 2012. And as you may have guessed from the title of this post, it's finally done!

Please check out my website to see all the different ways you can purchase SLV 2012. The Nook version is in progress - Barnes and Noble is taking its sweet time finalizing my html code - but it should be done within a day or two and I will put the links on my site.

I may be biased, but I think this is a really great version of the guide, and I am really looking forward to building on it in 2012. I hope you enjoy it, too! Please feel free to post your thoughts here or on my forums. As always, thanks for your support!

Viva,
Mike

Happy Thanksgiving, Vegas Fans!

It's that time of year again. I know when you are in Vegas, you are thankful for winning a double-down at the blackjack table, hitting your point at craps, getting a royal in video poker, or hitting a jackpot on the slots. And I'm sure you are also thankful for friends and family and all of the good stuff in life.

I am too. And although this has been a challenging year for me in many ways, I'm still thankful. In addition to the stuff I mention above, I'm thankful that Simplifying Las Vegas has been successful this year, and I'm very appreciative of the people who have visited my site, sent me comments, joined me on Facebook and Twitter, and purchased my travel guide.

Finally, I am thankful that my Simplifying Las Vegas 2012 travel guide is almost done! I can't wait to publish it. It's got some new stuff in it, more tips, and cleaner formatting. Best of all, it will be easy to read on your tablet, smart phone, Kindle or Nook. It should be ready in about a week (maybe less if I skip the pumpkin pie tonight and get some more work done before the tryptophan kicks in).

Here's hoping you have a wonderful Thanksgiving!
Viva,
Mike

What's to become of the Trop?

Hi Vegas fans,
I am concerned. I have high hopes for the Tropicana. There were promises made. There were grand plans. But it seems to be on a path of uncertainty. After several new beginnings, including Nikki Beach and the Mob Experience, the projects have stalled and there's trouble in Trop town.

They can still turn it around. Even if the current theme isn't working yet, they don't have to bail and implode. But there is still a lot of work to do. They have to decide if the Miami/Havana theme is going to work, or if they need to play that down a bit. If they abandon it, what is the next step? How do they attract top talent and the clientele they need to pay the bills?

Part of the problem is that they are not part of a chain hotel, so they can't bank on help from another property. But they can make it. It will take a little luck, but at least they are in the right city.

Viva,
Mike

400 and Counting

Hi Vegas fans,

A quick note just to say thanks very much for your support! Simplifying Las Vegas 2011 has sold over 400 copies this year. I'm still working on SLV 2012... it is really coming along and I'm very excited about getting it published. I'm targeting a November 1 date, but it depends on how well the html conversion goes.  That is always the time-consuming part! It has a good deal of new stuff in it and I hope you will enjoy it.

I will make it available for Kindle, Nook, and in PDF format. Of course, if you have a tablet or a smart phone, you can download the Kindle or Nook app for free and then view my book on your mobile device.

In the mean time, please visit my site and let me know if you have Vegas-related comments or questions. I gotta go... gotta get back to writing. But look for a new Vegas Halloween post soon.
Viva,
Mike

How Many Observation Wheels Does Las Vegas Need?

Hi Vegas fans,

A recent Las Vegas Advisor Question of the Day has me thinking... "How many observation wheels does Las Vegas need?" My answer is "none" but obviously there's something wrong with me. I am not a developer. There are currently two pending observation wheel projects under consideration on the Las Vegas Strip. The Skyvue wheel proposal is located next to Mandalay Bay. Ok - so this one does kind of make sense. You can see a long way down the Strip from here, and there is plenty of open space. If I had to vote for a wheel, I'd vote for this one.

The other is part of Caesars' misadventure into retail-dom with its infamous Linq project, due to be completed in 2013. I'd love to be a fly on the wall in this conversation: "We're going to take the most valuable gaming property in the U.S. and build (get ready) a giant retail space! I know what you're thinking - Las Vegas already has a ton of upscale shops, bars and restaurants. And some amusement rides. And lots of other entertainment outside of the casino. And although gaming is available in other states, there's really nothing like it anywhere but Las Vegas, but instead of improving our casinos or building new ones, we're going to add dining and retail space. And a ginormous wheel. Great idea, eh? Eh?"

No. Not a great idea. Their argument is that Las Vegas has tons of gaming and that it doesn't need another casino. Well, it doesn't need a lousy casino with unimaginative space, lousy odds, few games, and surly dealers. It needs more good gaming.

Right now, good gaming is limited to the very northern and southern ends of the Strip, downtown and the outskirts. The heart of the Strip is sadly missing that element. It is not uncommon, for example, to see a $10 blackjack table with a 6 deck shoe with a 6-5 payout at Harrah's. Horrible. Why would I go there when I can get a spot at a $5 blackjack table with 3-2 payout at the Strat, downtown, Circus Circus, or Excalibur? I wouldn't.

Visitation in Las Vegas continues to rise, but people are not spending as much as they would during a better economy. The powers that be have decided that people would rather shop, eat, drink, and ride around on a giant wheel.

Here's an idea: why not make gaming more attractive? Better video poker. Better slots. 3-2 blackjack in 6 deck shoes. Craps tables with 3x odds. Casinos are still going to make money, and in fact they might make more with a surge in people who are hungry for decent gaming. Come on, casino execs. This should be easy.

Las Vegas went away from its core during the whole "family theme" once in the 1990s. Up went the amusement parks (MGM Grand), water slides, themed resorts, mega pools, and games for kids. They soon realized that children under 21 cannot pull the handles on the one-armed bandits. So down went many amusement parks, water slides, etc., and the pools are now party zones for the (barely) over 21 crowd to draw them to... the casino! Las Vegas revamped itself back to Sin City (see Sirens of TI) and the only reason the pyramids and castles still stand is because they have (get ready) casinos! That's right, gambling.

Stay close to your core, my friends. While variety is good and necessary, there are already plenty of options for shows, bars, shopping and restaurants in Las Vegas to keep everyone busy. What makes Las Vegas unique is gaming - and the abundance of it. Make it great again and people will gladly spend their entertainment dollars right there in the belly of the cash cow.

Viva,
Mike

Same As It Ever Was

Hi Vegas fans,

I'm feeling quite nostalgic lately. It kind of came to a head tonight when I heard about the passing of Steve Jobs, co-founder of Apple and visionary, after a long bout with cancer. A lot of what I do is possible because of the iPad, iPhone and other Apple innovations, thanks in large part to Jobs. I am already missing his next big idea; I am already missing his vision for what is possible.

Apple will continue to invent, improve, and move forward with design. It is a great company, and they have a solid foundation. There are those that will say it will never be the same without Jobs. They may be right, but Apple will still be Apple.

It's kind of the same with Vegas. This may seem like a leap, but hang with me here. The new casinos are hip and cool, but many say that they miss old school Vegas. Classic Vegas. The Stardust, Desert Inn and the Sands. The Rat Pack, Elvis, and Folies Bergere. Cheap buffets and 25 cent roulette. You get the idea.

Vegas does not let history get in the way. It implodes it. But there are still hints of the old Vegas in plenty of places. Just this past weekend I stayed at the Riviera. They have been promoting all of these cool changes and upgrades.

Honestly, it didn't seem all that different to me. The room was nicer than the previous one I had, but the casino and restaurants seemed the same, and the sports book (now called Lucky's) is a little smaller and less comfy than the old one (Crazy Leroy's... which was also a better name).

Pictures of classic movie stars and moguls lined the hallway on the way to the elevators. The Riviera has not forgotten its past. Or imploded it. It is just attempting to upgrade it a little bit without making some kind of grand statement. Honestly, I'm ok with all of this. There's something comforting in staying in a place that is familiar. I think that's a good thing.

I still see signs of the old Vegas all over the Strip and downtown. It's mixed in with the new. You have to look, and you have to know what you are looking for, but it is there. It's there in the old Landmark sign that still lights up - on Paradise Road just past the Riv - although the Landmark was leveled years ago. It's there in the older dealers who love to tell stories about how it used to be. It's there in the Golden Gate and El Cortez downtown. It's there, trust me.

But here's the funny thing. It's even there in the newer casinos. It's there because as we continue to visit Las Vegas and have fun, we gather our memories and share our photos and tell our tall tales. I have plenty. And for me there are just as many in the Stardust and Aladdin as there are in Bellagio, Stratosphere, TI and Fremont Street. What I think I am nostalgic for is not so much a building, a game, a restaurant - although those are all things I miss - but more so a feeling I get when I think about them and the people with whom I shared all these great things. Sure, you can call me sentimental.

What happens in Vegas may stay in Vegas, but it stays with you, your friends and family for a long, long time.

Viva Las Vegas,
Mike

Kindle Fire

For those of you who enjoy Vegas on the go, there is a new electronic reader on the market. Amazon has introduced Fire (what is it with these folks and lighting things aflame?) to their line of Kindles. It is kind of like a Nook color and kind of like a tablet, too, with advanced web-browsing technology.

The market for all of these devices is getting pretty crowded, and it will be interesting to see if one comes out on top as the leader. I think the important thing is that whatever device you use, for whatever purpose (reading, browsing, gaming, etc.) that developers have to make their applications work well on multiple platforms.

That is why I am working so hard on SLV 2012. It will be available on all devices because I write it in HTML and I also have it available as a PDF. I can't wait to publish it!

Viva,
Mike

Vegas Strip Makes Most-Visited List

Travel and Leisure ranks the Las Vegas Strip as the number four most-visited travel destination, with close to 30 million visitors annually. The top three destinations are Times Square, Central Park, and Union Station in our nation's capital. Some of the other top ten destinations below the Strip on the list include Magic Kingdom, Disneyland, and Grand Central Station.

Nice... reinforces my theme: Go to Vegas. It's that Simple.
Viva,
Mike

Coming Soon: Simplifying Las Vegas 2012

Hi Vegas Fans,

I'm hard at work these days, so if you don't see a ton of blog posts it's not because I'm avoiding you. It's because I'm hard at work updating my website/book. It's a lot of fun, but it's also very labor-intensive. I want to give you the most up-to-date information I can in an easy-to-read electronic format that you can surf on a number of electronic devices - Kindle, Nook, iPad, iPhone, laptop, desktop, Fisher Price My First Computer... well, you get the picture.

My target date is October 15th for the new 2012 version of the book. Now, I'm saying that, but it's a bit ambitious. There's a lot that has to happen between now and then. But if I don't put a date out there, I won't have something to shoot for, so I might as well.

In the mean time, if there's anything you would like to see in a 2012 Las Vegas travel guide, shoot me an email or post a comment here (btw... posting a comment is a lot easier now - you don't need to log in via Google or any other account.)

So... enough blogging for now. I gotta get back to work.
Viva,
Mike

True Tales of Craps and Blackjack

Hi Vegas fans,

A question on my forums yesterday made me start thinking about the funniest and weirdest things that I have seen at the tables over the years. Most of the time it's just a few folks joking around, having a good time, trying not to lose money. But here are some of the highlights of my gambling history, in no particular order:

First time playing craps - Caesars Palace, 1992. Back then, you could get a spot at a $2 craps table with no problem. Heck, back then Caesars had a ton of tables and the casino was always hopping. Anyway... I'm at a lively table with my faithful compadre Steve, and the shooters are really hot. Two gents at the opposite end of the table are experienced craps players and are making a lot of money.

The dice come to me. I roll a number and then crap out after a few rolls. Just enough so that players lose their pass line bets and come bets. Oops. The dice go to the next player, and the game gets hot again. Finally they come back to me. I roll a number and then... you guessed it, crap out after a few more rolls. One of the fellows at the other end of the table looks at me and says, "have you thought about not rolling the dice?" Sound advice. I didn't tell them that my middle name is Seven

Blackjack - Caesars palace, also 1992. Steve is at a table with a really, really intoxicated fellow (not me... not this time), who is complaining to Steve about the dealers, pit boss and so on. Finally, it comes time for him to cut the cards. The gent takes the yellow card and, instead of sliding it between the decks of cards like a normal, sober person, attempts to literally cut the cards by slicing at them. Doesn't work that way. Stay sober, my friend.

Blackjack - Stratosphere, 2009. Two very Australian dudes playing at a table with me and Steve, slowly getting tight. Good fellas, for the most part, although they were annoying the dealer and were one smart-ass comment away from getting into some trouble. A cigar girl came by, and one of the gents decides to buy one. He lights up just as the pit boss walks up to the table, just by chance, to check things out. Pit boss smiles for a few seconds, trying not to laugh. The Aussie is about to puff when the pit boss says, "You know you lit the wrong end, don't you?" Good stuff.

Blackjack - Stratosphere, 2009. Steve and I are at a fairly full table with a bunch of good folks. One guy in particular is nice enough but making really wacky bets. Of course, he's losing and blaming the cards. So his frustration builds and at one point he decides to double-down on a hard sixteen versus a dealer ten. Now, if you don't know anything about blackjack, all I can say is this is about the worst play you can make. His odds of winning the hand have to be in the gazillions. His odds of not busting with a hard sixteen are pretty slim as it is. So, what does he get for his card? Of course, a 5! He wins the hand. Sometimes, ignorance is bliss.

Blackjack and Craps, Bill's Gamblin' Hall, 2010. My 40th birthday Vegas all-out, good-time bash. Steve and I had just arrived in Vegas and had bet on some NCAA basketball games. We already had a drinking contest in the sports book (I lost... but just barely), and while we waited to eventually lose our bets on hoops, we decided to play some craps. Now at the tables I like to drink rum and cokes. You know, to look sophisticated while I root for my point ("Come on sixthhhh.... daddy needth a new pair of shoethhh!").

We had a full table and it was rocking. One shooter in particular had a pretty good run. The drunk dude to the left of me (not Steve... he was the drunk dude on my right) was really, really funny. Well, at the time we both thought we were going to headline at Caesars. So the point was nine, and we were alternating cheers for the shooter. He'd yell "sixty-three" and then I'd chant "fifty-four." Then the whole table got into it. It was like we were at a college football game. "Sixty-three..." "fifty-four..." "sixty-three..." "fifty-four!" The shooter eventually hit the nine and we picked up our winnings.

Then, Steve and I decided to head to the blackjack table. For some reason, we thought 6-5 single deck was a good idea. Not my favorite game, but the evil Caesars property didn't leave us much choice for blackjack. I recall very little, other than every time I went to double-down, the dealer chastised me for reaching over my chips to put my cards under them. Or something like that. I remember thinking that I was one of those guys I didn't like much at the table, a little sloppy and holding up progress. Oh well, it was my birfday after all, and how many times do you turn 40? By the end of the night, I had to call my wife to remind me which room we were in. The next day was brutal.

Well, those are some of my highlights. What are yours???

Viva,

Mike

Football Season - Prime Time for Vegas Sports Books

Hi Vegas fans,
Football season is right around the corner. Now that the pro football lockout dust has settled and the college football teams have gone through a few scandals, it's time to place some bets on the actual games.

Sports books come in all shapes and sizes. Generally, the nicer casinos have big books with a bunch of large screen TVs, fancy seating, digital boards with every conceivable game, and lots of food and drink available in a nearby deli. I love the comfy seating and the upscale atmosphere of the bigger books.

But don't rule out smaller books. Sometimes they have better odds, and they also have more colorful characters, who are fun to watch. Also, you'll usually find more promotions - like a huge payout on parlays - to try to draw you in.

Wherever you decide to go, expect big crowds on game day. Get there early to get a seat, and go with a friend who will hold it for you while you take a bathroom break from the beers you're drinking while watching the games (don't forget to tip the cocktail waitresses!).

Here are some of my favorite Vegas books and a few contests to get your football motor running:

• Although the Las Vegas Hilton is going through some tough times financially, they still have the best book in Vegas. Tons of seats, lots of big screens, and even a small non-smoking section.
• If you like upscale, try the Bellagio or Lagasse's Stadium at Palazzo.
• Station Casinos, which include the Fiestas, Green Valley Ranch, and El Cortez, are promoting a $2 million giveaway contest.
• The book at the Stratosphere is pretty small, but it's also colorful. During football season, they also open up one of their banquet rooms and have a big party with food, booze, and even a few blackjack tables that you can visit when your team is losing by 35 points. Good times.
• Boyd properties - which include Main Street Station, Orleans, Gold Coast, Suncoast, Sam's Town, California and Fremont - have a Pick the Pros contest with over $500k in prizes.

Good luck and enjoy!
Viva,
Mike

The Good, the Bad, and the Ugly - Vegas Style

Hi Vegas fans,
It's time for another installment of everyone's favorite topics in Las Vegas.

The Good:
There's plenty of good stuff going on in Vegas, and it looks like some key numbers are starting to get better, too. According to the Las Vegas Advisor, visitation was up 7 percent in June, which makes 16 straight months of increased visitors. In addition, Strip revenues were up 32 percent in June. Good news for the casinos, especially the megas (Caesars Entertainment and Mirage Resorts International). Not so great news for the players losing that money, but overall this is a good sign for the city.

The Bad:
It looks like Elvis will be leaving the building at Aria. The Cirque show will be closing, according to the Las Vegas Advisor, after less-than-stellar reviews. It's unusual for a Cirque show to shut its doors when it has run less than 2 years. Are there just too many of them?

In other bad news from the LVA, the Hilton is defaulting on its debt. This off-Strip property has been trying to rebrand itself for a while, but it just has not had much luck. This is too bad, really. They have a great Sports Book, which includes a rare non-smoking room. Here's hoping they'll turn it around.

The Ugly:
I'm not big on reality shows, and if you need to know why, look no further than this last item from the LVA. A Los Angeles-based production company "is now looking for six housewives for a new reality show set in a Las Vegas trailer park. Would-be stars of the show are asked to submit a 5-minute video about themselves and their significant others by October 1." Sure sign of the Apocalypse. Can we please get back to more shows like the Travel Channel's "Best of Vegas" type series and get rid of these reality shows? Please?

Viva,
Mike

Is Downtown the New Strip?

Hi Vegas fans,
For a few years I've been saying... well, to anyone who will listen to me... downtown Las Vegas has great potential. The Strip continues to build big and bold - see CityCenter and Cosmo for recent examples - and while these properties are beautiful, they are upscale and expensive.

Don't get me wrong, I love the Strip. I spend a lot of time on the Strip. But for the average Joe and Jane, downtown is a very attractive alternative. Years ago, I would not have recommended staying or playing downtown. Not even to people I didn't like. It was a little run down, a little dangerous, a little crummy. But they have really turned it around.

And I'm not just talking about the thriving Fremont East district, with it's boutique bars and restaurants. I'm talking about the actual hotels and casinos, too. There are plenty of examples, and I'd just like to highlight a few:

The Plaza
The Plaza is undergoing a renovation and will officially reopen September 1st. Now here's a place that was, honestly, pretty dank and dull the last time I visited it. Remember the casino that Clark Griswold and Cousin Eddie went to in Vegas Vacation? You know, games like "What Number Am I Thinking" and Rock Paper Scissors" and a buffet with choices of "blue" or "yellow."

But that was right before they closed, and I'm really looking forward to the reopening. New rooms, new restaurants a new theater - all look wonderful. The Plaza's website shows a new logo with the phrase "a modern classic." Perfect. This joint is at the heart of Las Vegas' humble beginnings, the railroad station that brought people to the city at the turn of the 20th century. So combining that with an updated hotel at a reasonable price is a very exciting idea to me. I wish them much success!

Gold Spike
Gold Spike also recently underwent major renovations. Word on the street was that the Spike might not survive. Surprise. It's a little out of the way, but still a great hotel and a great value.

Golden Gate
Here's something from the Golden Gate's website:

You can’t do this on the Strip: Party inside with Dancing Dealers and take a few easy steps outside onto Las Vegas’ most dynamic street. Look ten stories up at fantastic light shows on the world’s biggest video monster (yes, it’s gigantic). The Fremont Street Experience is four neon blocks of party action with 3 stages, dancing DJ’s, tribute bands, a zip-line overhead and bars everywhere. And it’s free. Really... Forget the Strip mega-hassle. Spend less time walking and more time dancing in the street!

All of these properties are targeting a young, hip audience. While the Strip is building extravagant hotels that mostly older, richer folks can afford, downtown just might be the place to go for the average Jane and average Joe.

Viva,
Mike

Of Hooters and Quickie Weddings

Ok Vegas fans,
These two topics are not linked, so get your minds out of the gutter. I just happened to notice stories about both on the same day. Let's take a look at each one:

Hooters files for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection. I think we all saw this coming. Here's why. Hooters in many cities is an edgy, forbidden fruit type of deal. In Vegas, it's mild -at best. On my last trip to Vegas, my buddy and I visited it to see if they had good blackjack/craps rules. They did not. We thought that the Hooters brand might attempt to draw customers in with fun, sexy dealers, bikini bull riding, or something else of value. They did not. The whole joint kind of reeked of mediocrity and boredom. Not what you want in a Vegas casino.

Las Vegas wedding chapels see a huge decline in business. People just ain't gettin' hitched in Vegas like they used to. The destination wedding is a little extravagant. But I say it's worth it. Where else can you have Elvis perform at your ceremony? Or, if you're in a hurry, just stay in your car and pull up to the next window. Easier than fast food.

Viva,
Mike

Flamingo Website

Hi Vegas fans,

As you know, I tend to rail on Caesars Entertainment Corporation (CEC) for a few main reasons. First, their table games typically have horrible rules, especially for us average Joes. Second, they try to build consistency and brand recognition but in doing so have taken unique properties and turned them into blah. Finally, navigating (and even looking at) CEC websites is a painful experience.

For a major corporation who has a stake in all things Vegas, they sure don't make their sites very appealing. Remember your dad's old paisley ties that were wide enough to be bibs? Remember how you wanted to hurl when he kept wearing those well into this decade? That's how I typically respond to CEC websites.

However, I like to be a positive person. I like to give credit where credit is due. I like to avoid hurling. So here it goes.

The Flamingo website contains a cool video on the home page that makes me think maybe, just maybe CEC is starting to turn it around. Now, granted, it's a modest little video that only lasts about 30 seconds, so it's not like it's going to win a Webbie or anything. But it's good. Be sure to watch it (at 30 seconds, you can't go wrong), but here's a synopsis:

It begins with an old station wagon, complete with a radio (not a stereo with a CD player or Auxiliary jack for your MP3 player, just a radio that you tune to stations) and an old analog clock. It drives into the desert, and then you see the sparkle of a pool. The familiar Flamingo sign is out of focus, but you can see the classic Vegas neon lights, and you know we're getting closer. Then, some beautiful women. Of course. A woman puts on her lipstick, then there's scenes of them by the pool. The Flamingo sign comes into focus. Then, fellas in sunglasses are enjoying a drink. Everyone looks happy. Then the station wagon drives off into the sunset.

What's so great about this? Here's what I like about it:

• It's perfect for the web. They pack a ton of good stuff in half a minute. Lots of good images, cool music, and few spoken words. Even with the sound down, this is a fun video to watch.



• It blends the modern and the classic. It's in black-and-white, but yet you get a sense of modernism through the pool and the young folks enjoying drinks.



• It has character. This is what I'm craving from CEC. Nowhere in the video does the narrator say "Flamingo" or "Caesars" but you know when he's talking about "a place" he means that the Flamingo has always been a Vegas staple. That's their niche - Ben Siegel and pink flamingos. 1946 and a cool pool. Showgirls and art deco. Now blend that with modern Las Vegas and you have something.

And that's the feeling I get from the video, in a nutshell. The guys driving the station wagon aren't just going to meet some gals. They are going to meet some gals in Vegas, and they're going to have fun at a classic stop on the Strip. Bingo.

Now, if they would only change their blackjack tables to pay 3:2 instead of 6:5 in the 6 deck shoes, I might just play there....
Viva,
Mike

Simplifying Las Vegas Website... it's gettin' there!

Hi Vegas fans,
I've been chipping away at the website. You'll notice new stuff on the Home page, and the tables are slowly but surely coming along. Updating the tables takes a lot of time. I always learn so much by visiting the properties' websites and doing research on other Vegas sites. Sometimes I spend more time on a single property than I expect.

Take Encore, for example. That's a tough one. Encore is of course linked to Wynn, so when I go to the website to see what new restaurants, shows, etc. I can find, I wind up spending time trying to figure out what belongs to Wynn and what belongs to Encore. Essentially, these two properties are linked. But I like my website visitors to get a good sense of what the difference is between these properties, even if the differences are subtle. If you're searching Simplifying Las Vegas on you smart phone or tablet, you don't care if Encore and Wynn are sister properties... you want to know where XS is so you can dance your booty off until dawn. So when you search and see it's in Encore and not Wynn, you're saving yourself some time searching for it.

That's what I'm aiming to do with both my book and website. Make your life easier to find the stuff you want. That and give away fun stuff. Heck, I've given away a bunch of luggage tags since 2008, and I plan to keep giving them away. I want you to have a luggage tag on your bag, so please fill out my three-question trivia contest for your chance to win. I give one away every month. Same with the t-shirts. Don't miss out on your chance to win! No strings attached, no purchase necessary, no shoes no shirt no problem! This is Vegas, after all.

Please keep visiting the site and commenting on the blog, the forums (VegasTalk) and more. Always feel free to shoot me an e-mail with questions or comments. I love hearing from you, Vegas nuts!

Keep on the lookout for Simplifying Las Vegas 2012, coming soon...
Viva,
Mike

Casino Games and Las Vegas Odds

Hi Vegas fans,

Do you like math? Me neither. I'm not fast enough to count cards at blackjack. But, I know enough to play the good games and stay away from the bad ones.

There are plenty of sites and books that will give you the odds for the various games you can play in Vegas. The odds will vary slightly depending on the casino's rules. However, the breakdown is pretty similar - video poker and blackjack are the best player advantage games, assuming you find the tables/machines with the best rules and play perfectly every hand. Baccarat and craps are also good games. Slots, big wheels, keno and double-zero roulette tend to have the worst odds in the casino.

A lot of people think that the games with the better odds are harder to win or harder to play. Not true - it just takes a little practice. Take craps - the table is big and the felt has a bunch of stuff on it. But if you want to make your life easier (and make the plays with the best odds), just stick to the basic bets: pass line (backed up with odds - the only true fair shake you'll get in the casino) and come bets (backed up with odds). After you try it a few times, or watch other players do it, you'll see how easy it is.

Also, give yourself a break and don't feel guilty if you use a little of your money for the games with not-so-great odds every once in a while. The last time I was in Vegas, I was losing pretty steadily at blackjack. One night I decided to just throw $20 into a Wheel of Fortune, and for some reason I won $40.

You never know... but, you'll win more (and keep your losses to a minimum) if you stick to the games with the best odds.

Viva,

Mike

Staying at Aria Could be "Scary-a"

Hi Vegas fans,

In case you didn't hear, MGM and CityCenter have had a rough week. Think you're job's tough? Try this:

1. Eve the Nightclub closed temporarily at Crystals due to financial troubles. This is Eva Longoria's joint, and I think she has a few spare dimes, so don't feel too bad.

2. The unfinished Harmon hotel was deemed unsafe. Ok, so they can build the Veer towers, that lean at unimaginable angles, with no problem. But the Harmon? I think they used silly putty instead of cement or something.

3. The coup de grace, the kicker, was the discovery of an outbreak of Legionnaires' disease at Aria.

I still like MGM and their properties. Much better than Harrah's. Chalk this one up to a bad week. If you have stock in MGM, hold on to it. Just know that it's going to lose a few points this week.

Viva,
Mike

Hey! What Happened to the Visit Las Vegas Web Site?

Hi Vegas fans,

I'm a big fan of updating web sites - making improvements, adding new stuff, creating new content, and so on. But, you have to make sure the changes are in the right direction. The new Visit Las Vegas site is different, and there are some things I like about it, but I'm not sure it's better than their previous site. Hmm.... As I'm thinking about it, here's a pros and cons list:

Pros

• Streamlined navigation - it is easier to find what you are looking for with the new drop-down lists
  


• Cool images - nice, big pictures that promote fun


• More content - because they have made their navigation simpler, you can find more information faster

Cons

• Generic look - although the images are nifty, it looks a little like most other websites you've seen


• Maps - they used to have the best Vegas maps on this site, but they've moved them to their sister site, lvca.com. The maps on Visit Las Vegas are more generic.


• Missing persona - you used to be able to create your own persona on the site, complete with a Visit Las Vegas-generated nickname. Mine was something like "wild biscuit." But that has gone away, and now my biscuit is dry.


• Itinerary builder - I'm not a big fan of they way they do this. You visit the site, picking out the things that you like, then add them to your itinerary. On my site, I give you a different approach, and of course it is also free. If you want a customized itinerary, you can get one when you purchase my book.

Well, overall the Visit Las Vegas site is not bad, just a little less fun and goofy than the previous one. I suggest visiting lvca.com for a fun, interactive Las Vegas web site where you can find lots of information and use the best online Vegas maps of any site I've seen.Viva,Mike

3 Cheers for the Riviera

Hi Vegas fans,

The Las Vegas Advisor recently reported in a response to a Question of the Day that the Riv is making some improvements. I for one think this is great news and am looking forward to seeing them thrive and set a pattern for the rest of the North end of the Strip.

On my first trip to Las Vegas, almost 20 years ago, my friend Steve and I stayed at the Riv. Back then, we walked a lot - heck, we were 20 years younger. We had the Stardust, the Dunes, the Desert Inn, and the Sahara. We also had Vegas World, but we didn't visit it for some reason, and Circus Circus. The only ones left intact in that group are the Riv and Circus Circus. MGM owns Circus Circus, and it has a definite niche with Adventuredome and a huge RV park. The Riv is now independently owned (Barry Sternlicht) and I really like the direction he is taking with the Riv for three reasons:

1. Focus on better gaming. I really, really hope this concept takes off and other casinos take notice. The Riv is putting in more slots and table games. Good ones, too. For slots, they're putting in Wheel of Fortune. As far as slots go, it's a good, fun game with a bonus feature that players love. And how about this: single deck 3:2 blackjack. That's unheard of anywhere these days, much less the Vegas Strip! There are probably some other rules that will negate the 3:2 advantage (I'll guess doubling-down on only a 10 or 11, limited splitting, etc.), but still it's worth checking out. They are also including single-wheel roulette and 10x odds in craps. They may never get me outta the casino!
   


2. Renovations that make sense. Most Vegas visitors these days expect new restaurants, fancy clubs, high-end shopping and Broadway-style shows. But the Riv is not going to compete with Wynn, Venetian, Bellagio, Aria or Cosmo on these grounds. They are also not going to follow the path of the failed Sahara and try to win whales and high rollers. Instead, they're looking at making a fresh start with what they have - a modest theater, good restaurants, and a nice, big pool. They're not trying to be who they aren't, which leads me to...
   


3. Bringing back Classic Las Vegas. Don't get me wrong. I love the modern casinos and enjoy strolling through them, even if I can't afford everything in them. But this town is big enough for all types of casinos. The Riv is part of Vegas history - it opened in 1955 and has undergone a ton of changes. The current facade was completed in 1990 - the brainchild of architect Nikita Zukov. Like many of the older, independent casinos on the North end of the Strip, it has struggled to make its mark. But there's hope and possibilities, and I think the new owner and staff are taking it in the right direction.

I'll be staying at the Riv again in September. I can't wait. For the first time in my life, I've even upgraded the room because it was only a few sheckles more and I thought it would be nice to stay somewhere other than the very least expensive room in a hotel. I'm looking forward to visiting Crazy Leroy's Sports Book and winning several college football parlays. I'm looking forward to spending some time in the giant pool in the afternoon shade. I'm looking forward to having a few beers at Queen Victoria's British Pub. Most of all, I'm looking forward to embracing part of classic Las Vegas history again.

Viva,

Mike

Total Rewards Goes Beyond Casino Walls

Hi Vegas Fans,

Caesars Entertainment Corporation (CEC) has announced that its new program will offer Total Rewards points for customers who shop at selected retail venues. So, gambling is not the only game in town anymore when you want to earn points.

Pretty cool marketing campaign, methinks. I've been pretty hard on CEC at times, mostly because of their crummy gaming in comparison to their past and to the rest of Las Vegas. But, fair is fair. This is a great way that a major gaming corporation is figuring out that they need to do more to compete. They can't continue to just wait for people to walk through the casino door and offer them a buffet for every 3,000,000 points they earn on Wheel of Fortune slots.

So I hope it works out for them. I typically don't gamble at CEC properties. Will this promotion be big enough to draw me in and look at the expected value for a negative gaming experience? Probably not. But it's still a good idea.

Viva,

Mike

Electric Daisy Carnival

Hi Vegas fans,

The 15th annual Electric Daisy Carnival kicked off last night at the Las Vegas Motor Speedway. They expect 250,000 fans to cross through the gates. Now a guy like me is too old to attend this type of thing but not too old to talk about it. At least not yet.

For those of you unfamiliar, this event is a gigantic rave music festival extravaganza. There's more than just music. It's spectacle - light show, carnival rides, people dressed up in bizarre costumes, stilts, you name it. Quite a fantastic experience in both sight and sound.

As I won't be attending, I do have some questions about EDC:

• With all that beer and food, are carnival rides really a good idea? I mean, how do you not get sick?
• Suppose I wanted to shave to look my best Sunday morning after 3 days of sensory overload. Where can I plug in my razor?
• What is the exact geographic coordinates of the event? My wife wanted to know so that she could be at the polar opposite end of the Earth. It's just not her thing.

All kidding aside, I hope the fans attend have a blast and above all are SAFE (ah... the old guy in me is rearing his ugly head...). Take some pictures of those people in rubber costumes with the white makeup and black lipstick and post them to the Simplifying Las Vegas Flickr site.

Viva,

Mike

The Blackjack Book

"What does the book say?"

You'll hear this question just about any time you play blackjack in Las Vegas. Players sometimes ask other players or the dealer what to do in certain situations. The funny thing is, even when people hear the correct play, they don't always do it.

Here's an example. Let's say you have 14 vs a dealer 10 card showing. The correct play is to hit. Let's say you get an ace. Now you're stuck with a crummy 15. So you ask the dealer - what is the correct move? Hit or stay? The dealer says to hit again. Keep hitting until you reach at least 17. But you're looking at your cards. You just hit 14 and you think that if you push your luck and hit again, you will certainly bust. You tell yourself "the book isn't always right." And while it's true that the odds are that you will bust, the odds are greater that you will lose if you don't hit and try to reach 17.

The good news is you don't have to memorize the right play or ask others what the book says. You can purchase a little cheat sheet card in any gift shop. The card is the book, essentially, because it shows you what to do in every situation. What the card won't tell you is how to find the right table. You need to make sure you are playing at at table that pays 3-2 on blackjack, not 6-5. There are other important rules that will either be in your favor or in the casino's favor, but I won't go into them here.

The important thing to remember is to have fun and follow "the book," which is really just making the right play based on odds. It's not tricky. It's not a gimmick. It's just numbers. And don't worry if anyone else at the table isn't following the book. In the long run, their play won't hurt you. You just have to focus on the money that is in front of you - yours.

I have lots more blackjack information about the book in my book. I hope you enjoy it!

Viva,

Mike

World Series of Poker

Hi Vegas fans,

The 2011 WSOP events are in full swing at the Rio, although the main event doesn't start until July 7. Until then, it's a lot of smaller tournaments - there are 58 in all! - that keep poker-addicted fans busy. Everything from Omaha Hi-Lo to H.O.R.S.E. Yep, if you like poker, there are plenty of ways to get your game on.

The event has grown and changed so much in the 40+ years of its existence. In its first years, the WSOP was basically a couple of fold-up tables and a few dudes with names like Amarillo Slim and Puggy Pearson. The event was hosted by Benny Binion at his Horseshoe downtown. Like any good idea, the event grew and grew. Now, the WSOP is broadcast on ESPN and has over 70,000 entrants. Poker players still get nicknames, too, like The Poker Brat, The Mouth, and Unabomber.

Most of the top pros get their $10,000 entry fee paid for by sponsors. Although this year has been every interesting since three main poker sites (FullTilt, PokerStars and AbsolutePoker) that sponsor players were shut down on April 15 by the FBI on charges of fraud and laundering. Phil Ivey, one of the best poker players in the world, refused to play because he claims his sponsor, FullTilt, won't pay players their money due. FullTilt denies any wrong-doing and fired back that Ivey's intentions are self-serving. Ahh yes... I come for the poker but I stay for the drama.

Although I don't really play poker, I'm happy that it continues to thrive. Anything that keeps Vegas on its feet is a good thing. One of these days I'll sit down and really start learning about the game. I'm told the best way to learn is to play for free online at a site that has not been seized by the FBI. Well, I already sit in front of a computer a lot these days, so more of that right now that does not sound very appealing to me. But I'll get into it one of these days. To me, poker is lot like paintball or marriage. It's much more fun to play than to be a spectator, and you're probably going to get your butt kicked the first few times.

Viva,

Mike

Updates to Simplifying Las Vegas Home Page

Hi Vegas fans,

For me, the first step to updating the website always starts with the Home page. The other day I was looking at the cool photos on the SLV Flickr group. I saw one that I really liked from Christine Holm, so I asked her if I could use it. She was more than happy to have it on the site, so now it's the feature photo. Be sure to check out Christine's other work on her Etsy store or her Facebook page.

I will be making some other modifications to the site soon. Revising the site is a lot of research but a ton of fun, and it always is a springboard to update my travel guide. I hope you enjoy the changes!
Viva,
Mike

Simplifying Las Vegas Flickr Group - New Milestone

Hi Vegas fans,

The Simpifying Las Vegas Flickr group now has over 7,000 pictures and more than 525 members. For a city that boasts "what happens here stays here," that's a lot of photo evidence!

Viva,
Mike

Um.... Does Anyone Remember Gambling?

Hi Vegas fans,

The latest news in Las Vegas points to an interesting trend on the Strip - more shopping and entertainment. Compass Investments broke ground this week on the new Skyvue Wheel, a giant Ferris wheel similar to the London Eye, which will be flanked by shopping and restaurants.

There is also a new shopping center that will be - gasp - next to Planet Hollywood, home to the Miracle Mile shops. Think about what's close to Plant Hollywood - you've got CityCenter with the upscale Crystal shops, and not far from that you've got the Forum Shops. Take a short walk south from Planet Ho, and you arrive at Showcase Mall, complete with M&M's World and the World of Coca-Cola, among other unique retail opportunities.

Too much? I think so. Don't get me wrong, I think a lot of variety of entertainment and dining options help attract visitors to Sin City. But this reminds me of another particularly odd time in Las Vegas' history. In the 1990's many casinos built entertainment options to present the city as a family-friendly destination. Remember the amusement park at MGM Grand? The pirate show at TI? It wasn't a bad idea - after all, why not try to increase visitation by enticing parents to bring the kids?

But it didn't really fly. Mom and dad want to escape, and they don't want Disneyland for kids, they want Disneyland for adults. So the MGM tore down the amusement park. The pirate show was revamped into The Sirens of TI, complete with scantily-clad ladies and shirtless pirates. Now the casinos have "party pits" where very sexy ladies dance while you drop your hard-earned money at 6-5 blackjack.

Downtown, you'll find a similar trend. There are often several concerts going on at the same time on Fremont Street. And you can get your photo taken with showgirls and bunnies. Um, not that I would know.

But the point is this. Entertainment is great in Las Vegas, but you can get top-notch shows and restaurants in many cities. What separates Las Vegas from them is the casinos. I wish they would focus more on them. Really focus on them. I think the art of planning the casino floor has been lost.

So I'm sending out an open call to casino moguls and the execs who run the floors. Rethink your gaming plan. Please. Here are some ideas, for starters:

• Dedicate your space to lots of good table games and plenty-o'slots and video poker machines. Make that the focus of what you do again.
• Send out good gaming promos to your players to draw them in, and not just the usual invitations to slot tourneys. Think about coupons for other games, poker gatherings, and other creative investments in the people who love to spend a few dollars in the casino.
• Make sure your casino floor is comfortable so that guests will want to stay there a while. Freshen the carpets and felts on the tables, and keep those drinks coming. Too many cocktail waitresses take their time between rounds. Even when I pre-tip them.
• Forget the unbuilt condos behind your properties. Let them rust. Remember that when push came to shove, they didn't work, but people still walk into your casinos.

I've got lots of other ideas. You'll find me at the 3-2 blackjack table with a rum and coke in my hand. I hope.

Viva,

Mike

"Bridesmaids" Didn't Leave Me with a Hangover

Hi Vegas fans,

Before you think this blog post is a movie review, I want you to just hang with me here for a minute. Ok - so I went to see Bridesmaids with my wife. She picked this one. I picked the last movie - Everything Must Go starring Will Ferrell.

Rotten Tomatoes gave Bridesmaids an 89% fresh rating, and it has been billed as "the next Hangover." It had its moments, and a few raunchy scenes, but for me it really didn't live up to the expectations. And it's not because it wasn't set in Vegas or because my wife picked it. We tend to like the same movies, and I really trust her judgement.

But we tend to disagree on one aspect of movies: ratings. She follows Rotten Tomatoes pretty closely, and that's why she picked this movie. I do not follow the tomatometer. Here's why. They gave Secretariat only a 64% fresh rating. Worse, they gave Sense and Sensibility with Hugh Grant a 98% fresh rating. I liked Secretariat and thought it was a heart-warming but not over-the-top movie and gave me more than what I expected from a Disney flick - much better than a 64% rating. On the other hand, I'd rather stick my head in a vat of boiling grease and bob for day-old onion rings rather than see Sense and Sensibility. I have two very simple but strict rules about movies:

1. A movie shall not have Hugh Grant in it.
2. A move shall not be adopted by anything written by Jane Austin.

Those are my requirements. I don't need a fresh or rotten meter to tell me how great or how lousy a movie is. I just need to see a few coming attractions and read what the movie is about in order to determine whether or not I want to see it. Most of the time, I'm not disappointed. I'm sure you have your requirements, too, and I bet they have nothing to do with critics.

Ask yourself this question: how many times have you been to a movie that the critics loved but you hated? How about the opposite: how many times have you been to a movie that the critics didn't treat kindly but you liked?

But I digress. What does all of this have to do with Vegas? After all, I promised this was not going to be about movies. Well, here you go: don't trust ratings. You'll read lots of critics who review Vegas shows, restaurants, and so on. They all have opinions. Some of them will like stuff you hate, and others will hate stuff you like. You need to know what your Hugh Grants and Secretariats are. Then make up your mind.

Think about it this way - if the critics aren't always right, and you blow $35 or more on a movie (you're taking a date and buying popcorn), you're gonna be mildly tiffed that you spent hard-earned dollars on someone else's opinions. How are you gonna feel if you do the same thing on a much more expensive vacation to Las Vegas?

That's why my travel guide offers you something different. It has categories of information and provides you with a lot of context for what you need to decide about how you can have an awesome time in Vegas. And I've got a lot of work to do to update it for 2012. But that's for another blog post...

Viva,
Mike

Vegas Numbers

Hi Vegas fans,

Today I have a bunch of numbers to talk about, beginning with a report from the Las Vegas Advisor:

• 5.6 percent: the increase in total Las Vegas visitors in March 2011 compared to March 2010
• 19.2 percent: room rate increase
• 4 months: that's how long revenues on the Strip were on the decline, until March
• 3 years: March saw the highest take from blackjack since 2008

That last one doesn't surprise me. I helped increase the blackjack intake in April for Strip properties. But despite my outcome, I'm happy that things are starting to look up again for Las Vegas. It's about time! I hope the good news continues.

Here are some other numbers, brought to you by the good folks at Simplifying Las Vegas (that's me):

• 516/6885: The number of members and pictures, respectively, associated with the Simplifying Las Vegas Flickr group.
• 152: Simplifying Las Vegas Facebook friends
• 33: Number of luggage tags I've given away since 2008

Thanks for all your support, Vegas fans! Please continue to visit this blog and my site and let me know if you have comments or questions. And, of course, continue to... Go to Vegas. It's that Simple.

Viva,

Mike

Viva Las Vegas

Hi Vegas fans,

Here's a snapshot of our recent trip to the Strip. Steve and I had a blast, regardless of the fact that we lost some cash. Notice that the picture only shows us from the waist up. That's because we lost our pants. Ha! Just kidding.

I really had a great time. It's nice to escape from reality, if only for a little while. Part of the fun for me is that Steve and I go way back. Friends that gamble together stay together.

We checked out the Cosmo for the first time on this trip. Steve played some blackjack (and lost). It played it safe by just taking pictures. What a really fun place to hang out. It's really upscale, but unlike a lot of modern casinos, it's not difficult to navigate. I think the reason is that they built it "up" instead of creating a sprawling, 100 mile casino floor to roam until your feet ache.

We also saw a Dodgers game, and I cashed one of my only successful sports tickets. I had the Dodgers winning and also a second bet on the run line (Dodgers - 1 1/2 runs). They held on to win 7-5, which made the drive back to Vegas much nicer.

I'll be looking at another five day adventure within a few months, but until then I have a lot of work to do. I'm going to be making updates to the book and the site soon. I've just updated the Gambling tab on the website with a thought I had when Steve and I were losing money at the tables. It's a light, fun read, so take a look and let me know what you think.

Until then, remember... Go to Vegas. It's that simple.

Viva,
Mike

Flying Through the Air with the Greatest of Ease

Hi Vegas fans,

For those of you who fly to Sin City, you'll appreciate this article about America's Meanest Airlines. I have flown just about all of those major airlines, and I can tell you it's an accurate report. I now fly Southwest, new to my area, and I'm very pleased. It's a great airline with a spectacular business model.

I was surprised they issued paper tickets, and I am assuming this is because they are new to my city. However, even that was not a huge deal. I did have a problem retrieving my confirmation number (which only appeared on paperwork they sent me, but not on the ticket) versus my reservation number. When I wanted to check in 24 hours before my flight, I did not have all of my paperwork. My efforts to find my confirmation number online proved difficult, and I had to call to get it. Other than that, Southwest made my flight easy and enjoyable. Here are some highlights of my recent Southwest and airport adventures:

• Southwest is fun. Flight attendants are funny and one even sang on my flight, making it an enjoyable experience for passengers.
• For those of you not familiar with Southwest, boarding is different. You don't have an assigned seat, you just have a spot in an area. Then passengers board the plane and sit where they want. You'd think mass chaos would ensue, but it doesn't.
• Southwest planes seem to have a little more room to me than others. And they serve normal size snacks, not those tiny pretzels that other airlines throw at you.
• I love the charging stations available at most Southwest gates now. I charged my iPad and got online with free WiFi at the airports.
• Two "first time EVER" situations for me: 1. The first leg of my flight arrived right next to the gate to my connection. No running through the airport, dragging a bag, getting on a train to another terminal. Nice. 2. I had a non-stop flight home where I just stayed on the plane. With Southwest, this was nice because I could move up and sit in one of the best seats on the plane. Little things like this make me happy.
• Coming home, I went through one of McCarran's body scanners. When the TSA agent said, "remove ALL items from your pockets" that was no problem. But when he said, "remove your belts," I had to hold up my pants. This made it difficult when I was in the chamber and the agent said, put your hands up above your head and bend your elbows. I was afraid that everyone in McCarran airport was about to get a free showing of my boxers (plaid), but fortunately my pants stayed up. Barely.

Overall, traveling gets easier for me every year as I learned how to deal with airlines and airports. For me, the first step is picking my flights. I know when to fly into Vegas how busy the airport will be, how long the check-in line at the rental car and hotel will be, and so on. I'm ready for it. I also have learned that less is more in my suitcase, patience is a key, and most importantly, arrive early to the airport.

When leaving Vegas, I always leave my hotel 2 hours before my flight is scheduled to depart. If I get through security quickly and to my gate an hour early, so be it. I'll sift through my pictures and try to remember what happened on my trip. And then plan the next one.

Hope your next flight is safe and easy. And remember, for the love of all that is good and holy, ensure your seat back and folding tray are in their full upright positions.

Viva,

Mike

Vegas Photos

Hi Vegas fans,

Check out the latest photos from my trip on Flickr or on my Facebook page.

Enjoy and comment!

Viva,

Mike

Final Four Madness

Hi Vegas fans,

Whether your brackets are busted or you are hanging on by a thread, it's always fun to watch the men's and women's NCAA basketball tournaments and pull for your teams. This year, I had two brackets for the men's tournament.

In my office bracket, I picked some big upsets (VCU beating G'town and Richmond beating Morehead St to reach the round of 16) but my brackets started to fall apart after that. My final four in that bracket are Kentucky, Connecticut, Kansas and Kansas St. I have Kansas beating UConn in the final. I'm in 3rd place there, and I don't think I have a chance to win it (haven't seen the other contestants' final four teams yet.

In my other bracket, run by my brother-in-law, I have the same final four, but in this one I have Kentucky beating Kansas in the final. This past weekend, a very specific scenario would ensure me a win regardless of what happens in the final four: Butler had to beat Florida, UConn had to win over Arizona, VCU had to topple Kansas, and Kentucky needed to secure the W over UNC. So you could imagine my surprise and utter jubilation when all four of those things happened. It was like my own magical mini-tournament.

College basketball - gotta love it. You never know what's gonna happen. I'll be in Vegas for the final four, and no matter who I bet on, it'll be quite a great experience watching the games knowing that I've already secured a win in one of my two pools!

Viva,

Mike

You Know You're a Vegas Nut When...

Hi Vegas fans,

This falls under the category of "certified Vegas nut." If I see Vegas-related stuff on TV, I watch it.

Now before you picture me on the couch, drinking a Colt 45 in my boxers with my hand in the pork rind bag, I want to clarify that I don't watch a lot of TV. But upon my return from the gym tonight (see... no booze or snack foods) I have found myself watching "Pawn Stars" on the History Channel. Last night it was "Undercover Boss" on CBS, which was about MGM Grand President and CEO Scott Sibella. Very touching show - I like Sibella.

I guess writing a Vegas travel guide also falls into the category of fanatic. What about you? I'd love to hear about what makes you a Vegas nut...

Viva,

Mike

eBooks and Apps

I love apps. I've been playing with my iPad and discovering all kinds of fun stuff, especially Vegas-related. Apps are fun, cool and interactive. Perfect for small, mobile devices for people on the go.

Of course, I love eBooks, too, but they're different. eBooks contain more content and fewer features. The content might consist of words, pictures or maps, but the interaction doesn't work the same way as an app.

Obviously, there's a difference between reading/searching a book and surfing an app. There's a purpose for each. If I want to see photos of the Bellagio fountains and locate them on the Strip, then an app is great. Maybe I can read a review of them and see what time the shows run, too. So the app provides a snapshot of Vegas while you're there and gives you snippets of information. Which is great.

On the other hand, a good travel guide gives you a different experience. It connects the dots with a story. Now I don't mean a literal story, but rather one that arms you with information that you can use when you plan your trip and also use as content you can search while you are there.

Here's an example. Suppose I'm planning my trip to Vegas and I've decided that I'm going to see the volcano at Mirage because I haven't seen it in a while. I'm also a blackjack player, so I want to know what to expect at the tables. I know I'll only be in Vegas 3 days, so I want to explore as much mid-Strip as I can without having to take a taxi or spend a lot of time wearing out my shoes trying to find an Italian restaurant or a Cirque du Soleil show. By the way, my wife's coming with me, and she's going to want to shop, too.

That's my story, and whether I'm planning these things a month before I'm in Vegas or when I arrive at McCarran airport, it's the story that a good travel guide can help me tell, and it can do it comprehensively, in one format.

Maybe there's room for both apps and eBooks in this crazy new world. With free Kindle and Nook apps for the iPhone and iPad, you can have your travel guide at your fingertips. So while you're searching for "volcano" within your Vegas travel guide on your iPhone to see what time it erupts, you can also see that there's a free tram to take you to TI so you can see Mystere. You'll also see on a good map that there's a pedestrian bridge to take you over to the Venetian so you can spend some non-gambling money at the Grand Canal Shoppes. Oh, and if you want to spend some money gambling, your travel guide will remind you to find a 3-2 blackjack table and stay away from those 6-5 tables.

In any event, make sure that you tell your own story (even if you make it up) the next time you... Go to Vegas. It's that simple.

Viva,
Mike

MGM Grand featured on Undercover Boss

Hi Vegas fans,

Tune in to Undercover Boss on CBS tonight to see the president and COO of the MGM Grand discover how the operation works.

Viva,
Mike

Baccarat and Blackjack

Hi Vegas fans,

I read an article in the Las Vegas Sun recently which reports that baccarat and penny slots are overtaking blackjack as the number one game on the Strip. Baccarat is a high-end game, and penny slots are obviously cheap entertainment. The article quotes Anthony Curtis, publisher of the Las Vegas Advisor, who points out that blackjack is a game for the mid-market gambler.


With the economy the way it is, this kind of makes sense. Affluent people who can afford to go to Vegas these days are going to spend some coin on a game like baccarat. But gamblers who may have played $1 slots before are probably downgrading to the penny machines. But what about the average Joe and Jane, who play blackjack as their game of choice? Would they just not play as much because the economy is bad? Maybe. Maybe not.

There is one other factor that I think is missing in this equation. Caesars Entertainment, formerly Harrah's, now owns a majority of the casinos on the Strip. Their blackjack rules are terrible (6-5 payout on natural blackjacks, dealer hits on soft 17, etc.), even on multi-deck games. I no longer play at any of these casinos, which is a shame. I remember when Bill's Gamblin' Hall (formerly Barbary Coast.... which was a better name that did not require apostrophies or ampersands) was a great place to play $5 blackjack. So was Caesars, Aladdin (now Planet Hollywood), the Rio... and the list goes on. As Caesars Entertainment acquired more properties mid-Strip, I found myself on the very northern and southern ends of the Strip.

The funny thing is that it doesn't have to be this way. Casinos can have their cake and eat it, too. They can make the rules slightly better for players, which will drive more people to the tables. They still have an advantage, even with good rules.

Casinos may be worried about card counters. I get this. Make single-deck games 6-5; that's the price you pay if you are going to try to count. Install a constant shuffle machine for multi-deck games and use other measures to ward off card counters. But you are losing an opportunity with the large percentage of us who are not card counters.

The Strip needs blackjack as a staple because it needs the mid-market. If it's going to attract gamblers, it must provide a few decent games with fair rules. The good news is that there are still some places to play $5 and $10 blackjack with good rules, including: Stratosphere, MGM properties, Riviera, downtown, and several of the outskirts casinos (such as Station properties, Orleans, Las Vegas Hilton, etc.).

I encourage you to seek blackjack tables with good rules and to tell anyone who will listen to you to do the same. If you get surveys or have questions about your experience at a casino, comment on the blackjack rules, especially if they are bad. I'm starting a blackjack revolution. Will you join me?

Viva!
Mike

Sahara to Close

Hi Vegas fans,

It's a sad day for low-rollers. The storied Sahara Hotel and Casino on the north end of the Las Vegas Strip is closing May 16th. Until then, it's business as usual, according to the casino.

The casino opened in 1952 and is famous for the Rat Pack days with Sinatra and company. Elvis hung out there in the 60s. In recent years, they built a roller coaster and added NASCAR attractions in an attempt to modernize the property.

The casino is extremely smokey, even by Vegas standards, and attracted grinds with $1 blackjack and other low-minimum games. The floor is dark and cramped. I know I'm not painting an attractive picture of it, but I always liked it. It's hard to capture the charm of this casino, but I always felt comfortable there. It's more like a downtown casino than a Strip joint, and maybe that's why it's had a hard time financially.

The Strip is a tough gig, especially these days when competition is fierce for every tourist dollar. The high-end joints, like Wynn, Palazzo, Bellagio, and Cosmo, are lowering prices to attract more people. Where does that leave the Sahara, the Riv, and the Strat? When they can't attract customers based on price, they lose their edge.

So it begs the question... is there still room on the Strip for the older casinos? Can they compete against the big, new venues with powerful marketing machines? I hope so. One of my favorite aspects of Las Vegas is the variety you get on every street. Whether it's a pyramid, pirates or the tallest tower west of the Mississippi, I'm looking to have fun and be entertained. Well, that and 3-2 blackjack.

Viva Sahara, I will miss you.
Mike

Amazon Author Page

Hi Vegas fans,

I now have an author page Amazon.com. I hope you enjoy the page and post comments frequently!

Viva,
Mike

You Pad, We Pad, All Vegas Fans Can iPad!

Hi Vegas fans,

In case you haven't guessed, I recently purchased an iPad. I'd been looking for an excuse to buy one, and this year's income tax refund sealed the deal. It's quite a fun tablet, and it's so easy to use. It's light and surprisingly fast. It has fun games for free and stores a ton of iTunes music and photos. Great stuff.

One main reason I bought an iPad is to use when I travel to Vegas. I don't like lugging around a laptop through the airport and up to the hotel. And my Kindle just doesn't quite cut it when I need to do a lot of surfing online. Plus I can download the Kindle and Nook apps for the iPad, which allow me to read my books on one device.

With the iPad, I can get online quickly. If I don't want to pay for a hotel's wireless connection, I can go to a nearby Starbucks or other hot spot to get service. I'm not online a lot in Vegas, so it's not like I'd be dependent on the connection, but it's nice to have.

I will also find it useful on the plane. Between blackjack games, music and movies, I'll be able to pass the time faster and have a lot more fun. I can also read my travel guide and get really excited about my trip. While I have time to read on the plane, I'll also probably come up with some good ideas to modify it.

Some folks just need a smart phone. Others take a Kindle or a Nook to read on vacation. And some travelers will bring their laptops with them to Vegas. For me, the iPad is a win-win!

Viva,
Mike

New Photo on Simplifying Las Vegas Home Page

Hi Vegas gurus,

I hope you enjoy the new photo on the home page of Simplifying Las Vegas. It was submitted by John Babis and is a really beautiful shot of the Strip taken from Mandalay Bay. If you have taken a snapshot of the Strip, a digital depiction of downtown, or an outstanding outskirts photo, feel free to submit them to me to put on my home page.

Or, if you don't want your picture donning my home page, feel free to submit it to my Flickr group, which has over 475 members and over 6,300 photos! In any event, I hope you share them. I love seeing great pictures of Vegas!

Viva,
Mike

Of Robberies and Working Girls

Hi Vegas fans,

It's been a high profile week for Las Vegas. The two main stories were very eye-catching:

1. Harry Reid suggests that the time has come for legal prostitution to go in Nevada. He has little support in his efforts, especially from other legislators who mention that Nevada has bigger fish to fry, such as the economy and education. The Las Vegas Review Journal reported the response from working girls and others interested in the topic. Their main argument is that illegal prostitution in places like Las Vegas is dangerous, and street girls have a high disease rate.

Statistics confirm these statements. Remember, when you are in Las Vegas (Clark County), prostitution is illegal and "what happens here stays here" could mean that you get: 1) arrested 2) your money stolen and/or 3) HIV. Better to play it safe in Vegas by either forgoing sex and just visiting a strip club or going across the county border to a legal brothel - there are some famous ones about 60 miles from Las Vegas in Pahrump.

2. Two men were arrested in association with the Rio robbery, according to the Las Vegas Sun, but the armed robber is still at large. The story goes something like this: Steven Gao (gunman not yet apprehended) owes Edward Land $15k, Land drives Gao to the Rio, Gao steals chips from a Pai Gow table, Gao takes off in Hiroyuki Yamaguchi's cab, who also knew Gao was going to rob the joint. Police have recovered about $17k in chips from Land's home. Land and Yamaguchi have been placed under arrest.

These types of plots almost never work. You have to be an evil genius to plan a casino heist, and even then you'll probably get caught. I mean, look at Ocean's 11. If you recall, they had a great idea, it took 11 of them, and they still needed a lot of luck to pull it off. If you haven't seen Ocean's 12, then I'm going to spoil some plot for you. They got caught. Terry Benedict (played by Andy Garcia) finds the 11 robbers and makes them pay.

Ok I know what you're thinking... what about Ocean's 13? True, that one worked, but I don't buy it. Look, Willy Bank (Al Pacino) knew who robbed him because Ocean (George Clooney) confronted him at the end of the movie. Robbery is like kidnapping: the only way it works is if you don't know who the perpetrators are.

My take? Whether it's a fun fictional movie or the scary, seedy real world, crime doesn't pay. I'm sticking to $5 blackjack and craps to try to win my fortune.

Viva,
Mike

Rio Robbery

Hi Vegas fans,

The Rio was robbed in a similar fashion to December's Bellagio robbery. Except that this robber only took $32k in chips. So, if some dude in a ski mask asks you to cash in a few large chips at the Rio or any other Harrah's property, do yourself a favor and decline.

Here's hoping your weekend is fun and robbery-free.

Viva,

Mike

Win February's Free Gift - There's Still Time!

Hi Vegas fans,

You have a few more days to throw your hat in the ring to win a cool prize from Simplifying Las Vegas. All you have to do is try your hand at an easy trivia game (you can find all of the answers on the website). You don't have to buy anything or even download anything to play. It's all free, all for fun. And I only collect your e-mail address so that I can contact you when you win. It's that easy! This is, after all, Simplifying Las Vegas, and you know my motto...

Go to Vegas. It's that simple.™

Viva,
Mike

Legalized Online Gambling?

Hi Vegas fans,

Since 2006, online gaming has been illegal. Now that the economy is in a downturn, the government is looking for more ways to make some money, and the online gambling bug is biting. There are, of course, plenty of opponents to this idea. They fear corruption, crime and addiction. All good points.

However, if the government is prepared for these problems, it has a better chance of controlling it. If they eventually decide to legalize gambling, they must set aside money for problems and be sure to have experts help handle them. If the government does nothing, then illegal gaming will continue with all of its inherent problems, and the fed will lose out on some serious revenue potential. There is always a trade off with gaming.

If online gaming does become legal, what does this mean for Vegas? Will visitation go down as people forgo keno for keyboards? Probably not. My guess is that people will continue to visit Vegas for the experience, which you can't get on a computer monitor. They may supplement their trips with online gaming, but for travelers, there's nothing like going to Vegas.

Viva,
Mike

Valentine's Day

Hi Vegas lovers,

Don't forget today is Valentine's Day. Give that special someone in your life an extra hug. Even if it's your dog or cat. Hopefully it's a little less fuzzy than that.

Here's another idea. Book a romantic getaway to Vegas for the two of you. Yes, just the two of you. You deserve it. And Vegas is a great place for lovebirds. Try Paris - go to the top of the Eiffel Tower and look out over the city. You can see the Bellagio fountain show from there, too, which is another romantic site.

Go see a show together. Any of the Cirque shows are great for couples - from the daring and sexy Zuamanity at NY NY to the visually stunning Ka at MGM Grand to the Beatles Love at Mirage.

Rekindle your zest for each other. Vegas has a lot of options in this category, from the mild (like the Sirens at TI) to the medium (Peepshow at Planet Hollywood) to the wild (let's just say if you can dream it, Vegas can make it happen... for the right price).

Whatever you do today, I hope you enjoy love, whether you are with someone special or just doing something nice for yourself.

Viva,
Mike