Money-Saving Essentials

  • Skip the buffets altogether—lines are long, food often mediocre, and dinner can run the same cost as a quality sit-down meal elsewhere. Many travelers report better satisfaction and value by dining smart instead.Family Vacations US

  • Book midweek stays: Sunday–Thursday rates can drop 50%+; align flights to match midweek to maximize savings.

  • Avoid convention/event weeks: If F1, CES, EDC, or a major fight is running, expect hotel rates to triple or more. If not attending, shift your dates.

  • Stack promo codes & coupon books: Sites like SmarterVegas, Groupon, and coupon books (Las Vegas Advisor, etc.) yield high ROI via vouchers for meals, play, and hotel comps.

  • Target hotels with no resort fees: A few Strip and downtown properties still skip $35–$45/night surcharges—use them as base models for savings.

  • At check-in, ask nicely (bonus tip): A simple query or small $20 tip can sometimes land a room upgrade or waived fees. A mobile check-in may offer paid upgrade specials.

  • Use credit cards, not debit, for check-in: Debit cards tie up real funds via incidental holds; credit cards preserve liquidity.

  • Avoid casino ATMs: Fees on the Strip average $8–$10; sometimes $10+BetCityCasino.org. Instead: use Walgreens/CVS ATMs (around $3–5) or get cashback via debit purchaseBetCityCasino.org. Consider a bank that reimburses ATM fees monthly.Investopedia

  • Play to earn free parking: Mid-tier statuses (e.g., MGM Pearl, Caesars Platinum) often unlock zero-parking costs—valuable if renting a car or getting rideshares.

  • Stock up at CVS/Walgreens/ABC: Grab bottled water, snacks, and booze for normal retail prices vs. casino markups.

  • Use grocery delivery: Instacart/Amazon to hotel for savings on beverages and essentials.

  • Use buffets wisely—brunch=linner hack: A late brunch buffet can replace two meals. Better yet, skip them and dine at value-focused alternatives.

  • Maximize happy hours: High-end spots do 50–80% off small plates and drinks—plan your meal schedule around them.

  • Stretch drink budgets: Play penny slots or bar-top video poker slowly—receive free cocktail service while gambling.

  • Carry your own drinks on the Strip: Bringing a cooler with non-glass drinks is legal and avoids $10+ drink prices.

  • Take advantage of locals and birthday deals: Graveyard menus, locals-only specials, birthday free play or dessert are often available if you simply ask.

  • Access free entertainment: Bellagio fountains, conservatories, Fremont Street bands, and casino lounges offer zero-cost fun.

  • Avoid overpriced promoter “VIP” passes: Many guest lists are free or discounted—don’t overpay for basic nightclub entry.

  • Audit bills closely: Resort fees, gratuities, minibar charges—review before leaving to catch errors.

Hotels & Travel Logistics

  • Travel Midweek: Rooms are often 50%+ cheaper Sunday–Thursday. Flights also tend to be lowest midweek.

  • Check Event Calendars: Avoid booking over CES, F1, EDC, March Madness, major fight weekends unless attending; prices spike 3–4x.

  • Compare Hotels Before Flights: Shift your trip by a week or two if rates are outrageous for your initial dates.

  • Promo Codes & Loyalty Deals: Use SmarterVegas, Travelzoo, Groupon, and casino newsletters for recurring deals.

  • No-Resort-Fee Properties: Target the few Strip/downtown hotels that don’t charge resort fees.

  • Upgrade Hacks: The $20 trick at check-in still works sometimes. Always ask politely, and check mobile check-in for paid upgrade offers.

  • Use Credit (Not Debit): Hotels place large daily holds for incidentals; debit cards lock up real funds.

  • Downtown/Off-Strip = Value: Short ride away, but dramatically cheaper rates and lower fees.

  • Group Savings: Large groups often do better renting a house/condo with a pool and splitting costs.

  • Budget for Hidden Costs: Resort fees ($35–$45+/night) and deposits aren’t optional; factor them in up front.

Transportation

  • Skip Airport Taxis: Uber/Lyft or RTC shuttles are cheaper and avoid long-haul scams.

  • Price-Check Uber vs Lyft: Always compare; surges differ.

  • Use Transit & Trams: Deuce bus (24/7 Strip↔Fremont), Monorail (MGM–Sahara), and free casino trams cut walking and costs.

  • Free Parking Still Exists: TI, Circus Circus, Casino Royale, Venetian/Palazzo, Wynn/Encore offer free self-parking.

  • Players Club = Free Parking: MGM Pearl or Caesars Platinum+ tiers unlock free parking. Locals get up to 3 free hours with NV ID.

  • Skip Rentals Unless Needed: Parking fees + rideshare costs often beat rental car + parking headaches.

Casinos & Gambling

  • Always Sign Up for Players Clubs: Earn comps, discounts, and targeted future offers.

  • New-Member Freebies: Many casinos give free play, match play, or even boarding-pass bonuses for new signups.

  • Better Odds = Better Value: Prioritize 3:2 blackjack, decent craps odds, single-zero roulette.

  • Find $5 Tables: Downtown, locals’ casinos, or Strip mornings. Ellis Island is a reliable $5 blackjack option.

  • Free Game Lessons: Morning tutorials at major casinos help beginners avoid costly mistakes.

  • Stretch Drinks: Play penny slots or bar-top video poker slowly; tip $1–$2 and cocktails keep flowing.

  • Concentrate Play: Better to gamble in one chain for comp value than scatter across many.

  • Use MyVegas Apps: Earn real-world buffets, show tickets, and free play from mobile games.

  • Avoid Casino ATMs: Fees often exceed $10–$25. Bring cash or use Walgreens/CVS ATMs.

Nightlife & Entertainment

  • Guest Lists First: Use Discotech, NoCover, or direct promoters; covers often waived if you arrive before 11pm.

  • Go Early: Early arrival = faster entry, easier comp drinks, less hassle.

  • Bottle Service: Negotiate directly with hosts; early arrival often lowers minimums.

  • Dayclubs: Guest lists and hotel-guest perks help; arrive early. Hydrate before entry to avoid $10 waters.

  • Strip Clubs: Call the club for free shuttles; never rely on taxi/ride driver recommendations.

  • Discounted Shows: Use Tix4Tonight kiosks, Groupon, or casino comps for 30–50% off.

  • Free Entertainment: Fremont Street, Bellagio fountains, conservatories, Circus Circus midway, casino lounges.

Dining & Drinks

  • Buffet Timing Trick: Arrive before the lunch→dinner change; pay lunch price but get dinner items.

  • Stretch Meals: A brunch buffet can often replace two meals in one day.

  • Happy Hour = Best Value: Target premium restaurants and bars during happy hour windows.

  • Miracle Mile Cheap Eats: Ocean One ($5.99 lunches, 3 cocktails for $12), Blondies ($20 AYCD happy hour).

  • Off-Strip Dining: Chinatown, Peppermill, Ellis Island, and locals’ casinos deliver better food at half price.

  • Locals’ Specials: Steak and egg graveyard menus, $9.99 Ellis Island steak dinners, taco Tuesdays.

  • Stock Your Room: CVS/Walgreens/ABC for snacks, water, and booze.

  • Fridge Hack: Request an empty “medical” fridge or use ice bucket as cooler.

  • BYO Coffee: Hotels removed coffee makers; bring your own small setup or instant packs.

Locals’ Hacks & Off-Strip

  • Backpack Cooler: Alcohol is legal outside (no glass); mix your own and stroll the Strip.

  • Explore Arts/Fremont East: Trendy, no-cover bars and breweries at local prices.

  • Locals’ Casinos: Looser slots, higher video poker paybacks, lower minimums, and cheap dining.

  • Birthday Freebies: Many casinos and restaurants offer free play or dessert if you ask.

  • Free Attractions: Silverton Aquarium, Sam’s Town light show, Container Park mantis flames.

  • Avoid Tourist Traps: Street hustles, photo ops, fake “VIP” packages, and timeshares.

Events & Conventions

  • Book Early or Stay Away: Huge events = sellouts and 3–4x rates. Plan far ahead or pick different weeks.

  • Use Official Shuttles: CES, MAGIC, and big shows run free buses from Strip hotels.

  • Stay Off-Strip During Events: Henderson or Summerlin hotels stay cheaper; commute in.

  • Plan Routes: Stadium events? Park near Strip bridges or walk across from adjacent resorts.

  • Chase Spin-Offs: After-parties, watch parties, and free weigh-ins are cheaper ways to catch the energy.

General Travel & Safety

  • Comfortable Shoes: Expect 20k steps/day; casinos are huge.

  • Hydration & Electrolytes: Desert climate and alcohol dehydrate fast. Bring packets for recovery.

  • Weather Flexibility: Summers hit 110°F; winters drop to 40°F at night. Pack accordingly.

  • Bankroll Discipline: Daily envelopes/safe stash prevent blowing budget early.

  • Protect Valuables: Use hotel safes, carry IDs in secure spots, avoid pickpocket scenarios.

  • Verify Rideshares: Match plates/drivers, especially at night.

  • Mind Casino Etiquette: Know table rules, no photos, tip dealers, lay cash on table.

Dedicated Money-Saving Hacks

Here’s a consolidated, expanded block focused entirely on stretching dollars:

  • Time Your Visit: Midweek stays save 50%+ on rooms; avoid big events unless attending.

  • Use Promo Codes & Coupon Books: SmarterVegas, Groupon, and coupon books (Las Vegas Advisor, ACG) often pay for themselves with 2-for-1 meals, free play, and match play.

  • No-Resort-Fee Hotels: A handful of properties skip the $40+ daily charge; build trip savings around them.

  • Upgrade Smartly: $20 sandwich trick sometimes works; mobile check-in can offer fixed-price suite upgrades.

  • Credit Over Debit: Skip debit at check-in to avoid hundreds in holds tying up real cash.

  • Avoid Casino ATMs: Fees reach $25; bring cash, use Walgreens/CVS ATMs, or withdraw larger amounts once.

  • Free Parking Options: TI, Venetian/Palazzo, Wynn/Encore, Circus Circus, and Casino Royale are still free.

  • Leverage Loyalty Status: MGM Pearl and Caesars Platinum+ unlock free parking, shorter lines, and waived fees.

  • Stock Your Room Cheaply: Buy water, snacks, and booze at CVS/Walgreens/ABC instead of hotel gift shops.

  • Use Grocery Delivery: Instacart/Amazon bring cases of water and snacks to your hotel for pennies on the dollar.

  • Stretch Buffet Value: Eat late lunch to overlap with dinner spread; use a buffet as your only meal of the day.

  • Happy Hour Strategy: Eat and drink at happy hours (Ocean One, Blondies, high-end lounges) for 50–80% savings.

  • Drink on the Casino’s Dime: Play penny slots or bar-top video poker slowly for unlimited cocktails.

  • Mix Your Own: Legal to drink on the Strip; stock up at CVS and walk with your own tumbler.

  • Locals’ Specials: Graveyard steak/egg menus, cheap steak dinners, taco nights—found at Ellis Island, South Point, etc.

  • Free Entertainment: Fremont Street bands, Bellagio fountains, conservatories, Circus Circus acts all cost nothing.

  • Skip Paid Crawls/Promoters: Guest lists and casino comps get you in free—no need to buy overpriced “VIP” passes.

  • Check Every Bill: Resort fees, double tips, minibar charges sneak in; catch them before paying.

  • Birthday & Membership Freebies: Free play, dessert, or small gifts are offered if you ask at players clubs and restaurants.