The Super Bowl in Las Vegas is better than anywhere else by The Gaming Today’s, Micah Roberts

If you can’t get tickets to the Super Bowl, the next best thing is to jump on an airplane and head to Vegas.

Thousands of visitors flock to Las Vegas without even attempting to get a Super Bowl ticket because there is nothing quite like the environment the city puts on display for the biggest game of the year.

In addition to being able to wager on just about anything that happens in the game and having packed rooms energize the entire casino, visitors also get the benefit of being able get the most value for their dollar in the competitive market.

Whether it’s a local bar like PT’s pub offering all-you-can eat food for $10 or one of the larger Station Casinos properties offering $1 Bud Lights and hot dogs, there is no place in the world with such value catered to the individual sports fan. Try getting a beer and hot dog in Indianapolis this weekend for under 10 bucks, it just isn’t happening.

Just about every casino will be offering VIP parties, but most of them also offer giant showrooms with food and drink specials for everyone to enjoy. The LVH Super Book opens up their showroom, the one that Elvis played at, with room for over 1,000 partiers and they don’t charge a thing. It’s called ‘Football Central’ and the massive room creates a vibe for the game that almost makes you feel like you’re there.

The South Point opens their showroom for hundreds to pack into and watch the game on their movie-screen style monster HD screen that is the clearest picture you’ll ever witness. And there’s no charge to get in.

“We like to say that our entire casino is a viewing party,” said Coast Resorts sports book director Bob Scucci. “With TV’s in the pits and all the bars having the same specials, it’s one massive party.”

Las Vegas has a few days a year where a small amount of marketing captures some of the biggest returns in the casino where the event sells itself. There’s the rodeo, NASCAR weekend, New Years Eve and the Super Bowl. And in each case, the slot machines and table games are full afterwards which is why these casinos offer so many items for cheap.

“This is definitely the second biggest weekend of the year for our casinos,” said Scucci. “And in some respects, it’s No. 1. New Years Eve is usually the biggest of the year, but it doesn’t always fall on weekends like the Super Bowl does. Having the Friday, Saturday, Sunday weekend is always guaranteed unlike New Years Eve.”

If you live on the West side, taking a short drive to Arizona Charlie’s could be worth your while with $1 draft beers and several food items for less than $2. On the east side, you’ve got the South Point with their daily cheap drinks and hot dogs that are always .75 cents. Between Station Casinos, Coast Resorts, the South Point and PT’s Pub locations, the locals are definitely covered.

On the Strip, there is a little bit of different vibe. This is where most of the visitors from out-of-town will be and they create, I hate to say it, a little more excitement. They have made plans to travel here and let loose while the locals are a bit more reserved because it’s almost like just another Sunday to them.

If you walk into the MGM, Aria, Wynn Resort or any other strip sports book, you can expect a little more raucous standing room only crowd. This is why they came to Vegas, to let it all hang out, and part of that involves being ultra animated throughout the game, which always adds to the experience. Don’t expect the cheap food and drink specials on the Strip like the local places have, but do expect decibel levels to be higher.

Once you’ve found a place to watch the game, now you have to have a game plan with your wagers. It was only a couple of years ago that if you didn’t get a bet in by 3:25 pm (PDT), you got shut out and would have to wait until halftime to wager. Most sports books now offer in-progress wagers where they offer a spread and total throughout each time out.

The Cantor Gaming sports books take it one step further by allowing you to wager throughout the game during live action. The Cantor books at the Cosmopolitan, M Resort, Venetian, Palazzo, Hard Rock and Tropicana all offer in-game wagering that allows you not only to bet the side and total, but also bet on each play. You can set up an account and they’ll give you a little hand held device you can play on throughout the casino.

It’s hard to imagine watching the Super Bowl anywhere else other than Las Vegas. Those who are making their first trip for the game will be hooked and your Super Bowl’s elsewhere will never be the same again. Enjoy the weekend, let loose and have some fun. Amid all the good times, you may even get lucky and have the right side.

Also

This Friday, Jerry’s Nugget will host a live radio remote on KSHP 1400 AM featuring renowned former head college football coach, Harvey Hyde. This show takes place from 6 to 7 p.m. in the sports book. Hyde will give a complete in-depth analysis of the upcoming Patriots-Giants game for the NFL championship. Betting windows at Jerry’s Nugget open at 6:30 a.m. with kickoff of the Big Game scheduled for 3:20 p.m. Sunday. Those arriving early will receive free donuts and coffee beginning at 10 a.m. Party access is free with a minimum $20 sports wager.

While “The Big Game” is being held in Indianapolis, guests in Las Vegas can attend the viewing party being held at The Lounge at Palms Casino Resort. The Lounge will provide comfortable seating accommodations, high-definition viewing and a football tailgate buffet, including game day favorites like Buffalo style wings, BBQ pulled pork slider, Philly Cheese Steaks and more. Drinks specials include $3 16 oz. Miller Lite Drafts and $2 shots of Jägermeister.

It’s free admission into the event.

At www.aasiwins.com, we feature all of the Gaming Today’s, Micah Roberts’ free NFL winners and articles.