Making the Grade (Part 1)
It’s about that time of year…everyone across the country has reached their breaking point with that season called winter. Some are scrambling to put together last minute spring break plans (yes us old guys are jealous) while others are looking for any reason under the sun to make a Vegas pilgrimage with college hoops season reaching a crescendo. Many have asked about the various sportsbooks here and what venues they should make an effort to explore. I’ll share some more specific March Madness notes in a few weeks about various events but here are my honest thoughts on the sportsbooks that call the east side of Vegas Blvd home (will review the west side and Westgate next week)
Tropicana (Cantor)
There might not be a better book from an aesthetics stand point that consistently flies under the radar. Tropicana outsourced it’s race and sports operations to Cantor Technology and as a result has all the creature comforts tourists expect from a CG establishment. However this book being off the grid for most tourists means there’s frequently no energy in here. Busy sports weekends are different but on a typical Tuesday my college library had more excitement and slightly better looking coeds. I’d suggest this is a book that’s better to bet in if you’re shopping for a number but far from an establishment you want to call home home for a 12 hour session
Grade: C
MGM Grand (MGM-Mirage)
There might not be a more iconic property on the strip than the Golden Lion and recognizable green edifices beckoning when you touch down at McCarran. However the sportsbook does leave a little to be desired in my opinion. Seating is sparse for busy sporting events and the lack of a modernized video display fails to impress like the other more modernized MGM properties that have already undergone a face lift. I’ll also add the seating arrangement makes it nearly impossible for a group of guys to chat with one another unless you’re able to grab a table at the back. Drink service has been spotty in my previous experience and as we know once the adult beverages start to dry-up every backdoor cover hurts that much more. When it comes to betting limits MGM actually extends some of the larger ones on the strip, especially for the NFL so for that reason the grade gets bumped a bit
My assessment of the Grand does come with an asterisk; there’s a viewing experience unparalleled around town at MGM if you know the right people. Sky boxes sit atop the book giving patrons a panoramic view from comfy leather recliners. If you can watch the biggest matches up top it’s a legitimate game changer. The other nice luxury is that there are various food options within close proximity.
Grade: B
Paris/Bally’s (Caesars Entertainment)
I’m going to group these properties together although the books are different ensure they get a passing grade. Paris really doesn’t deserve a review since I define it as a “pass through” establishment; one best served for making a bet and hitting the pavement. Bally’s has an old school feel nestled in a back corner of the basement and isn’t a bad spot to take in the action. I believe the site lines at Bally’s are somewhat underrated in the greater dialogue about Vegas sportsbooks but it doesn’t deserve to be mentioned in the same breadth as technologically advanced options. The problem with both properties is that limits can be rather conservative. For the major sports you won’t have a problem but if you’re looking for some of the ancillary sports this won’t be the optimal destination for you. Keep in mind the lines available at these two properties are the same as you’ll find at Caesars, Rio, Flamingo, and Harrahs (just to name a few).
Grade: B-
Flamingo
Another Caesars Entertainment book here as CET properties dominate on the east side of the strip around the Vegas Blvd / Flamingo intersection. This shop went through a face-lift not too long ago and is a nice quaint spot to take in a game. Again, if you’re looking for a raucous environment or a ton of energy this isn’t the ideal destination. However if you go in there ask for my boy Jay Petrick, he’ll make sure to give anyone a Flyers jersey or just hockey fans in general special priority.
Grade: B
Harrahs
This isn’t a book as much as it is a few seats surrounded by a video poker bar. Wagering options are limited compared to the competition and limits are a bit more conservative than what you’ll find at MGM-Mirage properties. Don’t expect this book to leave a real lasting memory unless playing video poker while betting on games is your optimal scenario.
Grade: C
Casino Royale (William Hill)
This isn’t a sportsbook, it’s a counter to make a wager. The nice part of this small shop is it’s the lone oasis of William Hill representation center strip meaning if you’re a best number seeker it’s a much shorter walk here than trekking down to Hooters like you had to do previously.
Grade: N/A
Venetian/Palazzo/Lagasse Stadium
If you’re looking for a good spot to watch games Venetian/Palazzo may be your jam. Operated by Cantor Technology both the sports book at Venetian and Lagasse Stadium provide stunning visual displays for taking in the action. The book at the Venetian is a more traditional layout with a number of individual terminals for bettors of all ability levels to spread out their handicapping materials feigning experience. Unfortunately there’s not a ton of seating and the energy level can be hit or miss but if you get there early to grab a seat the experience won’t disappoint.
If you’re looking for something a bit more unique check out Lagasse Stadium in the basement of Palazzo. The Stadium offers, go figure, stadium style seating (very limited), couches that come with food/bev minimums, bar top seating, or private rooms for larger groups. Wagering options are plentiful and if walking to the counter isn’t your thing loading up the CG app on busy weekend’s is a convenient alternative. If you’re looking to take in the sites here during peak wagering season be sure to call ahead. Guaranteed seating won’t come cheap but the experience will be different from anywhere else on the strip.
Grade: A-
Wynn/Encore
One of the smaller books you’ll find in a marquee casino but the furnishings won’t disappoint with rich wood tones and a classy elegance you’d expect from the Wynn. The problem here is that the book can’t accommodate the masses during high traffic weekends. Lines often wrap around the outside of the race carrels meaning the casual fan can’t wait until right before post to make their final decisions. Race customers are the Wynn’s bread and butter; something that becomes evident almost every day of the year not named football weekend’s or March Madness. Limits are pretty aggressive for a stand alone property and the staff usually has a few creative wagering options you won’t find elsewhere on the strip. There are very few books I call must see real estate but this is a shop you should at least walk through when you head into town. The Deli is also a nice food option if you’re trying to avoid straying too far from the festivities.
Grade: A-
