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In today's Fiesta Bowl, the second of two semi-final games in the college-football National Championship playoffs, Ohio State is a -1.5 favorite over Clemson. The total is 57.5.
If you need to cross the Strip, make it quick. Vehicle access to the Strip and several cross-streets and freeway access ramps will close at 5 p.m. today. If you plan on mingling with the throng on the Strip, be aware that large bags, strollers, coolers, backpacks and glass bottles are prohibited tonight. Added security will be in force to protect and keep order.
In today's Peach Bowl, the first of two semi-final games in the college-football National Championship playoffs, Alabama is a -13 favorite over Washington. The total is 51.5.
In today's Taxslayer Bowl, Georgia Tech is a -3 favorite over Kentucky. The total is 61.
In today's Citrus Bowl, LSU is a -3 favorite over Louisville. The total is 59.5.
Plans to begin work on an extension of the Las Vegas Monorail by the second quarter of 2017 appear to be off the table. The proposed route between MGM and Mandalay Bay is blocked by a major water pipeline to the Strip and a new construction plan needs to be put in place. A revised timetable was not disclosed.
Ronda Rousey is a -165 favorite over Amanda Nunes in tonight's UFC main event. In the other featured match, Dominik Cruz is -210 over Cody Galbrandt.
In today's Orange Bowl, Michigan is a -7 favorite over Florida St. The total is 50.
In today's Arizona Bowl, Air Force is a -14 favorite over South Alabama. The total is 54.
In today's Music City Bowl, Tennessee is a -9.5 favorite over Nebraska. The total is 60.5.
In today's Sun Bowl, Stanford is a -2.5 favorite over North Carolina. The total is 54.5.
Guests at the Rio were evacuated on consecutive days this week because of two related incidents. It started with a small fire in a service elevator that caused a 400-room evacuation of the Masquerade tower on Wednesday. Sprinklers quickly put out that fire; however, water subsequently seeped onto an electrical conduit, causing smoke to filter into the tower, which necessitated a 900-room evacuation. Guests were relocated to the Ipanema tower and other Caesars properties. The Masquerade tower is expected to be fully restored by New Year's Eve.
In today's Liberty Bowl, TCU is a -3 favorite over Georgia. The total is 49.
In today's Alamo Bowl, Colorado is a -3 favorite over Oklahoma St. The total is 65.
If you're a local who tried today, you already know. For the rest of you, keep in mind that there's no more free parking for anyone (except those with high club-card status) at MGM Resort International properties other than Circus Circus as of today.
Beginner and avocationally serious video poker players need to read Bob Dancer's latest post, Wrong Conclusion, at GamblingWithAnEdge.com. It touches on important subjects like expected return, bankroll requirements, and especially, realistic expectations, which are things that many fail to consider properly when they attempt to play for profit.
In today's Belk Bowl, Virginia Tech is a -7.5 favorite over Arkansas. The total is 61.
This year's New Year's Eve fireworks show on the Strip will be themed "Vegas Rocks," and emanate from the usual roster of rooftops -- MGM Grand, Aria, Planet Hollywood, Caesars Palace ,TI, the Venetian, and Stratosphere. The 8-minute, 1-second show will and synced to several hit songs, including "All Night Long," "Let's Dance," and "Let's Go Crazy." And remember the Strip will close at 5 p.m. this Saturday. Happy New Year and stay safe LVAer's.
In today's Birmingham Bowl, South Florida is a -10.5 favorite over South Carolina. The total is 60.5.
In today's Texas Bowl, Texas A&M is a -4 favorite over Kansas St. The total is 56.5.
In today's Foster Farms Bowl, Utah is a -3.5 favorite over Indiana. The total is 54.
The Flamingo celebrated its 70th anniversary this week without fanfare. There was hardly a mention of the milestone in the media and it even slipped by us. The resort opened on Dec. 26, 1946 with 105 rooms at a cost of $6 million. It's easily the oldest casino on the Strip.
In today's Russel Athletic Bowl, Miami Florida is a -3 favorite over West Virginia. The total is 58.5.
In today's Pinstripe Bowl, Pittsburgh is a -3.5 favorite over Northwestern. The total is 64.
Reports that boxing champ Floyd Mayweather was opening his own gentlemen's club were on target. The club, called Girl Collection, will be in the building that used to house Sheri's Cabaret on S. Highland Dr. across from the Artisan. Arnold Snyder of Topless Vegas Online. went over to take a look and Mayweather was there overseeing work inside. Floyd gave Arnold a quick tour and told him the club could open in January.
In today's Cactus Bowl, Boise St. is a -7 favorite over Baylor. The total is 70.5.
In today's Holiday Bowl, Washington St. is a -8.5 favorite over Minnesota. The total is 61.
In today's Military Bowl, Temple is a -10.5 favorite over Wake Forest. The total is 41.5.
The Strip will close at 5 p.m. this Saturday in preparation for the New Year's Eve festivities. Access to the Strip will be restricted from Mandalay Bay to Sahara Ave. until at least 3 a.m. and possibly till 6 a.m. Several surrounding roads, including Tropicana, Flamingo, and Sahara, and freeway ramps will also be restricted. It's possible to get from east to west, but only by taking circuitous routes, so plan accordingly.
In today's Heart of Dallas Bowl, Army is a -10.5 favorite over North Texas. The total is 48.
The Dallas Cowboys are -6.5 favorites over the Detroit Lions in tonight's Monday Night Football game. The total is 47.
In today's Independence Bowl, North Carolina St. is a -5.5 favorite over Vanderbilt. The total is 45.5.
Get a glimpse of the Frugal gang in Jean Scott's new post at FrugalVegas.com. This is a feel-good holiday post from Jean, but there's some gambling involved, of course. And while you're there, check out Jean's description of her new book, The Frugal Gambler Casino Guide, due out from Huntington Press in February.
In today's Quick Lane Bowl, Maryland is a -1 favorite over Boston College. The total is 44.
The New York City Bar on W. Spring Mtn. has closed. It will reopen as a Dotty's next year.
In today's second NFL Christmas game, the Kansas City Chiefs are -3 favorites over the Denver Broncos. The total is 37.5.
In the first of two NFL Christmas games, the Pittsburgh Steelers are -6 favorites over the Baltimore Ravens . The total is 46.5.
In in today's premier NBA match-up of last year's finals participants, the Golden State Warriors are -3.5 favorites over the Cleveland Cavaliers. The total is 219.5.
The NY Post published an excellent article this week titled "Cheapskate Casino Shouldn't Take Back Gamblers' $10 Million," in which author Michael Kaplan takes the courts (and casino industry) to task for its ruling against Phil Ivey regarding his Atlantic City baccarat win. Anthony Curtis piles on with his support at GamblingWithAn Edge.com, and we're guessing others will follow. Check it out.
Traditional Christmas dinners are being served in many of the buffets and restaurants and the sports books will be hopping with two important NFL games and the usual NBA line-up running throughout the day (check this space for lines on the marquee games). The Fremont Street Experience will hold a menorah lighting at 4 p.m. and Siegel's 1941 at El Cortez is serving a special Chanukah menu starting at 5 p.m. through December 31. Silverton is awarding 10X points today on slots and South Point has 5X on slots and 2X on video poker.
In this week's Saturday-night installment of Sunday Night Football, the Houston Texans are -3 favorites over the Cincinnati Bengals. The total is 41.
Big Wong, located in the strip mall at Spring Mtn. and Decatur, is serving deep-fried turkey today and tomorrow. This is a special dish that it usually prepares only for its best customers on Thanksgiving, but it's available to the public until its gone for $7.50.
Venetian/Palazzo is holding a menorah-lighting ceremony today at 8 p.m. to celebrate the first night of Chanukah. The ceremony will take place outside in front of the Venetian's canal and will include entertainment.
CG Technologies may be on its way out at the Cosmopolitan. After operating the sports book there since 2010, CGT has reportedly received a letter of termination from the casino, which cites the company’s several recent breaches of gaming regulations. CGT has filed in district court to prevent the termination of its lease, which currently extends through 2025. CGT's other sports book and mobile-gaming operations in Las Vegas are not involved.
According to an article in the LV Sun, over the last five years more than $35 million has been collected by casinos in uncashed slot tickets. The casinos are allowed to keep 25% of that, with 75% going to the state's general fund.
The list of offers in the 2017 Member Rewards Book has been posted. The best Las Vegas incentive package from any source and available only to Las Vegas Advisor members is another powerhouse, offering discounts on more than 60 buffets and restaurants; 33 matchplay, free-play, and other gambling bonuses; plus discounts on shows, rooms, car rental, and more. Check it out and join the club to save, and profit, throughout the new year.
The live-music production Raiding the Rock Vault has signed on at the Hard Rock. The show featuring several former rock stars that played formerly at Westgate and the Trop will open at HR in March.
The NFL plays almost all of this weekend's games tomorrow and it's the only week of the year that the Pick the Pros contest at Boyd includes the Saturday games. Be sure to get your cards in before the start of tomorrow's games. Not only is it necessary to qualify this week, but you also figure to be playing against the smallest field of the year, as many won't realize that the deadline has been moved up.
Okada Manila has opened in the Philippines. The $2.4 billon resort owned by Japanese mogul Kazoo Okada has a 993-room hotel, 21 restaurants and bars, and can accommodate up to 500 live table games and 3,000 electronic games. The resort raises the profile of the Philippines casino industry, which is expected to surpass $3 billion in win this year.
The hotly anticipated Marugame Monzo has opened in the strip mall at Spring Mtn. and Valley View in the space that was formerly Mr. Tofu. The transplant from LA's Little Tokyo" district is known for its authentic udon noodles, a thicker version of ramen.
The Philadelphia Eagles are -1 favorites over the New York Giants in tonight's Thursday Night Football game. The total is 42.5.
We're all the same now. MGM Resorts International has announced that the local exemption for paid parking will end next Wednesday. As of December 29, everyone will be subject to the same pay-to-park rules at MRI garages. Check out Part 3 in an ongoing series on parking in today's "Question of the Day."
The Crown & Anchor in the downtown arts district has closed. Unlike Crown & Anchors East and West, the downtown location never offered the traffic-driving lunch comp for a $20 video poker buy-in and didn't have the same vibe. The owners say the closing is temporary, so maybe they'll fire again with the original formula in place.
In case you hadn't noticed, it's Christmas weekend and there are still plenty holiday activities going on around town. Here are some of the highlights:
Was your decision good or bad? While most decide after the result, Bob Dancer in his weekly post at GamblingWithAnEdge.com explains that the time to evaluate a decision is when you make it (whether in football or in gambling). Check out the article and you’ll understand.
A court has ruled that poker notable Phil Ivey must return $10.1 million he won with a female playing partner at the Borgata in Atlantic City. The court ruled in October that Ivey violated state law by employing a technique known as edge sorting in baccarat, but didn't at the time stipulate that he would be required to return the winnings. Ivey will appeal the decision.
Stiffs & Georges' blogger and frequent Question of the Day contributor David McKee had a health setback that has taken him out of commission. He hopes to be back soon, but in the meantime, we wanted to let you know why his popular blog is in abeyance. If you'd like to send him a get-well message, you can do so in the comment box on his blog.
The dates have been announced for the 48th World Series of Poker, which will again be held at the Rio. The meet will begin on May 30 and run though July 17. The $565 buy-in Colossus will begin the first of three flights on June 2. Colossus has drawn almost 44,000 entries in its first two years. The Main Event will begin July 8.
Pho Bosa has moved about a mile west from its former location at Spring Mtn. and Polaris to the small strip mall at Twain and Valley View. Pho Bosa was an LVA "Local Corner" selection in 2013 and is distinguished by its cracked-rice dishes.
Eater Vegas reports that Glutton has closed. The downtown restaurant was open less than two years, but had garnered good reviews and was listed among the "Essential 50" restaurants in the 2017 edition of our dining book Eating Las Vegas.
The Washington Redskins are -7 favorites over the Carolina Panthers in tonight's Monday Night Football game. The total is 50.5.
Today's QoD seems to have struck a nerve; we're getting some great feedback on the wackiest things people have ever seen at a buffet. Check it out -- and if you have anything to add, send it in. Our collection of stories is growing.
Taxi ridership in Las Vegas is showing steep declines due to the emergence of ride services Uber and Lyft. November tallied 1.6 million fares, down 19.2% compared to last year. There's discussion that some taxi fees may be eliminated to make them more competitive.
The Dallas Cowboys are -6.5 favorites over the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in tonight's Sunday Night Football game. The total is 47.5.
Green Valley Ranch celebrates its 15th anniversary today. Complimentary champagne and cupcakes will be served starting at 5 p.m.
Registration is now open for our "Sunday Sunday 35" poker tournament. Play begins at noon PST/3 p.m. EST today. Along with $100 for first, prizes include an autographed copy of our new book The Essentials of Casino Game Design, the new Eating Las Vegas 2017, and Mastering Joker Wild Video Poker, the best book on the market for this video poker variation. Prizes will again be awarded to the first 14 finishers. See the entire prize pool and register to play at the LVA Casino (once signed in, click on "Poker Tournaments" and register for Tourney ID 11870). This tournament is completely free to play. There will also be other tourneys running all day for gift cards and play chips. Come have some fun! See you at noon.
The 5,300-seat Park Theater opens tonight at the Monte Carlo with a concert by Stevie Nicks and the Pretenders. The theater was built out of the old Lance Burton Theater and was designed to support immersive experiences that are expected to appeal to Millennials.
Michelle Waterson is a -120 favorite over Paige VanZant in tonight's UFC main event. In the other featured match, Mickey Gall is -160 over Sage Northcutt.
Reserve some time tomorrow to play in our 35th Sunday Funday online poker tournament. First place gets $100, and prizes will be awarded to the top 14 places. Prizes include an autographed copy of our new book The Essentials of Casino Game Design, the new Eating Las Vegas 2017, and Mastering Joker Wild Video Poker, one of the best books on this video poker variation. The game kicks off at 3 p.m. EST/noon PST. It's completely free to play, with registration beginning two hours before the tournament at the LVA Casino.
The first games of 40 college football bowls kick off today. We'll be putting up lines on the biggest games in this space. In today's Las Vegas Bowl, Houston is a -5 favorite over San Diego State. The total is 51.
This year's New Year's Eve fireworks show on the Strip will be themed "Vegas Rocks," and emanate from the usual roster of rooftops -- MGM Grand, Aria, Planet Hollywood, Caesars Palace ,TI, the Venetian, and Stratosphere. The 8-minute, 1-second show will and synced to several hit songs, including "All Night Long," "Let's Dance," and "Let's Go Crazy."
Quickly following yesterday's announcement by Crown Resorts that it was pulling out of the Alon deal, the project's developers indicated that it would seek another partner. While no names of potential suiters were mentioned, Alon CEO Andrew Pascal said that the project is "shovel ready" if another partner materializes.
Reno beats Vegas this year, not just in the annual football grudge match between UNLV and UNR (UNR won 45-10), but for tallest Christmas tree bragging rights. While Las Vegas' tallest is 60 feet at The Park, the Nugget Casino Resort in Sparks has a towering 105-footer. While the Nugget's tree was thought to be the tallest in the U.S. when it went up, Citadel Outlets in Los Angeles put up a tree that's 115 feet tall. The Nugget graciously conceded being topped, issuing a statement that read, "We went out on a limb and you stumped us, Citadel. You must have a top-notch branch manager!"
The Seattle Seahawks are -15 favorites over the Los Angeles Rams in tonight's Thursday Night Football game. The total is 39.5.
A new PT's Gold has opened on W. Lake Mead Blvd. at the site of a former Beano's. It's the fifth PT's to open this year and the 53rd overall.
Chicago Dogs on N. Decatur has closed after 33 years. It was our pick for the best Chicago-style dog in town, so we'll have to come up with a replacement. The early favorite is Brando's on Blue Diamond Rd., a serious Chicago bar.
... we never knew ye. That mangled Shakespearean reference notwithstanding, the plug has finally, mercifully, been pulled on Alon, the Crown Resorts project announced in 2014 for the former New Frontier site opposite the Wynn. Crown released a statement today saying, "Following an extensive review of funding alternatives for the Alon project over the last two years, Crown Resorts has determined that it will not proceed with the project at this time."
The spirit of Christmas continues throughout Las Vegas:
Earn 300 points ($300 coin-in) at Gold Coast today and receive a 30th Anniversary hat. Other 30th Anniversary giveaways this month, all requiring 300 points, include a choice of Barefoot Bubbly Brut or Bubbly Red Moscato (12/20), a 30th Anniversary polo shirt (12/22), and a 30th Anniversary long-sleeve T-shirt (12/29).
Years ago when MGM Grand first experimented with eliminating drink comps for video poker players at its bars, San Remo, the casino across Tropicana that preceded Hooters, put up in big letters on its marquee: WE COMP VIDEO POKER PLAYERS AT THE BAR. A week or so later, MGM was comping again. Now, in the face of paid-parking initiatives up and down the Strip, Hooters is taking a page out of the San Remo book in promoting its free parking. And even taking it a step further. The following is from a recent Hooters press release. "All guests and Las Vegas residents who present a receipt from another Las Vegas Strip-located parking garage or post a photo of their car, parked in the Hooters lot, on Twitter and Instagram with the hashtag #IParkedForFree, will receive a FREE beer at the Hooters Lobby Bar. (Ongoing until further notice.)" Give 'em hell Hoot!
Japan's parliament has passed a bill legalizing casinos there. The process for approving and building resorts will be complicated, so operating casinos aren't expected to materialize before the 2020 Olympics in Tokyo, but it's expected that the prospects will attract billions in investment dollars. Early interest has been shown by, surprise, Sands and Wynn.
MGM Grand and Hakkasan Group are teaming up to create the city's latest "gaming lounge" in an attempt to bridge the gap between traditional styles of gambling and the video-game playing Millennials. The new "Level Up" lounge is set to open December 29 in the space formerly occupied by the Rainforest Café. The 12,000-square-foot area will merge traditional gambling with pool, foosball, and other arcade games. It follows similar. There will also be a bar area with craft beers and specialty cocktails.
Pizzeria Giordano’s has opened in the Grand Bazaar Shops at Bally's, serving classic Chicago-style deep dish pizza. It offers the same menu as its Chicago locations and is open till 2 a.m.
Get a double-dose of gambling wisdom from posts by Blair Rodman and Bob Dancer at GamblingWithAnEdge.com. Rodman discusses poker table talk that's counter-productive for good players, while Dancer describes early gambling lessons he learned playing backgammon at the Cavendish in Los Angeles.
We posted an initial roundup of the Holiday Displays in the Dec. 7 Question of the Day, but as expected, more events have popped up, including:
Both Orleans and Gold Coast are running anniversary specials through December 24, with 2-for-1 buffets and $1 Bud Light and well drinks at all bars. The only requirement is that you show a B Connected Card. The Orleans is celebrating its 20th anniversary and Gold Coast its 30th.
The New England Patriots are -6.5 favorites over the Baltimore Ravens in tonight's Monday Night Football game. The total is 45.5.
It looks like the corner of Dean Martin Dr. and Tropicana Ave. will be developed soon, but it won't be with a casino. The former location of the Golden Palm and Howard Johnson casinos will reportedly be home to two rental complexes called TownePlace Suites and Home2 Suites. The same developer is also building a Hilton Garden Inn and a Homewood Suites near the Panorama Towers, work on which was the reason for the recent road closures on Dean Martin Drive.
One of our top one-the-ground reporters, Westie, informs that Ellis Island has changed the name of its restaurant from The Cafe to the Village Pub. It's a cool move that acknowledges EI's roots. The following appears on its Facebook page.
"In 1968, we first opened our doors as the Village Pub - a locals' bar that sat where our karaoke lounge sits today. In 1985 we added the casino, and we changed our name to Ellis Island. This week, we changed the name of our Café back to Village Pub, paying homage to the little bar that started it all!"
The Dallas Cowboys are -3.5 favorites over the New York Giants in tonight's Sunday Night Football game. The total is 47.
Today's LV Review-Journal contains a full page of coupons for Sam's Town, including two 2-for-1 buffets and $5 off per person (up to four) at the new Angry Butcher Steakhouse and Big Mess Bar BQ. There are some restrictions on days of use, good till December 30.
As is its tradition during the holiday period, almost everything is half price at South Point today through Dec. 24 when you pay with club points. This includes all restaurants and bars, rooms, shows, bingo, bowling, movies, and the gift shop. Additionally, all drinks are just $2 at the bars … unless you use points, in which case they're $1.
Max Holloway is a -260 favorite over Anthony Pettis in tonight's UFC main event. In the other featured match, Donald Cerrone is -280 over Matt Brown.
For the first time in 25 years, UNLV and Duke will meet in an NCAA basketball game today at the T-Mobile Arena. The last time the teams played, the Blue Devils upset the 34-0 Rebels in the semi-finals of the March Madness Tournament, ending UNLV's pursuit of a second consecutive national championship. UNLV was a -4 favorite in that game, but things have changed -- Duke is the -24 favorite today.
After years of operating as a hotel only, the Mizpah has opened a casino in a separate building next door. The new Mizpah Club has a few table games, though they're open Thurs.-Sun. only. The best video poker is 7/5 Bonus Poker and there's no players club. The main casino in Tonopah is Tonopah Station.
The long-awaited opening date of, not one, but two Chick-fil-A restaurants has been announced. The first two Nevada locations of the franchise will open on January 26. Both are on the east side, one near Sunset Station at 460 N. Stephanie and the other in a former Nacho Daddy at 9925 S. Eastern.
Anthony Curtis and Frank B will be on "The Las Vegas Sports Line" radio show today, revealing their picks in the first round of head-to-head play in the Golden Nugget's "Friday Football Showdown." They're up against Chris Z, this year's winner of Station Casinos' "Last Man Standing College" contest. Should be a good one! The show airs at 2 p.m. on 1100 AM and 100.9 FM. The winner moves into the semi-finals.
It was announced today that the Cosmopolitan of Las Vegas will be the next casino to charge for parking. John Katsilometes of the LV Review-Journal reports that the policy will go into effect in "early 2017" and there will be no exemption for locals, with fees starting at $7 for 1-4 hours. This move was almost inevitable, as the Cosmopolitan was the parking play of choice for those wanting to go to CityCenter and avoid the parking fees.
William Hill is running a contest called the "20/20 College Bowl Challenge." It's a winner-take-all format with a $20 entry fee and a $25,000 prize that goes to the contestant picking the most winners against the spread from a 20-game roster. There's a $100,000 bonus for going perfect. After $25,000 in entry fees are collected, 70% of the additional fees go into the pool. There's no limit on how many times you can enter and the deadline is 11 a.m. on December 28.
The little Roos-N-More zoo is closing in Moapa. Located about 50 miles from Las Vegas, it wasn't a major attraction, but it was one of the few live-animal exhibits remaining in the area. The closure is being blamed on problems in maintaining county codes.
Bob Dancer's free video poker classes will resume on January 25. They will again be held at South Point, with a 10-week schedule that's posted at BobDancer.com.
The Kansas City Chiefs are -3.5 favorites over the Oakland Raiders in tonight's Thursday Night Football game. The total is 46.
Sapphire gentlemen's club is throwing its annual rodeo bash tonight with an open bar and free buffet from 7 to 9 p.m. Admission is free for everyone (even non-locals) who drive themselves. Get more information at ToplessVegasOnline.com
MGM National Harbor opens today in Maryland. Touted as the "first luxury gaming resort experience to the Capital Region," it’s located close enough to Washington D.C. to have views of the city and its monuments. Originally planned with a $700 million budget, the final price tag doubled to $1.4 billion.
As the rodeo continues this week...so does the entertainment, which is unequivocally country!
Earn 50 points ($50 coin-in) at Silverton on Thursdays in December and get 50% off in Mi Casa, Sundance, or the Seasons buffet. Must have a players club card and swipe at a kiosk for a voucher. Gold, Platinum, and Diamond club members get 50% off with no point-earning requirement.
The annual holiday display at Bellagio's Conservatory and Botanical Gardens is now in place, featuring a polar bear family, animated toy soldiers, a 42-foot white fir tree; trains covered in red & white roses, and a train station coated with crushed walnuts. The display will be up through Jan. 2 and is free to view, 24/7 (it's better at night).
In his latest article at GamblingWithAnEdge.com, Bob Dancer discusses dealing with stress. There's not a lot of gambling in this one, but the concept translates.
Anthony Curtis will be one of the guests on KNPR this morning, talking about the recent casino moves to paid parking and comped-drink monitoring. UNLV's David Schwartz and NY Post writer Michael Kaplan are also scheduled. Tune in at 9 a.m. PST to FM 88.9.
The Fremont Street Experience Christmas-tree-lighting ceremony takes place tonight, with Mayor Carolyn Goodman flipping the switch at 5 p.m. The 50-foot-tall tree is one of the tallest in town, second only (as far as we know) to the 60-footer in The Park at New York-New York. A Menorah lighting is scheduled for December 24.
The 2017 edition of Eating Las Vegas -- The 50 Essential Restaurants is in-house and shipping. This is a perfect stocking-stuffer that you can get now at ShopLVA.com for $13.97, including shipping. It's the best price anywhere, including Amazon.
The New York Jets are -1.5 favorites over the Indianapolis Colts in tonight's Monday Night Football game. The total is 48.5.
Paris has opened Sekushi Japanese & Raw Bar in the passageway near the buffet. The name means "sexy." We hadn't heard a word about it until we saw it while walking through the casino. It's located next to Yong Kang Street, another Asian restaurant at Paris that opened with almost no publicity.
The latest Strip show to close is Million Dollar Quartet after more than 1,500 performances at Harrah's since 2013. A replacement show has not been named.
Journey is returning to the Joint at the Hard Rock. After a similar engagement last year, the band will play a nine-show mini-residency on dates running from May 3 to 20. Tickets start at $59 base.
The Seattle Seahawks are -8 favorites over the Carolina Panthers in tonight's Sunday Night Football game. The total is 43.5.
Tioga Downs Casino opened Friday as the first of four casinos recently approved for upstate New York. Located 30 miles west of Binghamton in the town of Nichols, the casino has 944 slots and 33 table games. A 161-room hotel is under construction.
Eclipse Theaters has opened downtown at 3rd and Gass. The three-story complex has eight theaters and a bar and restaurant in place of a concession stand. The "luxury theater" has ticket prices to match: $18 and $16 for matinees.
Demetrious Johnson is a big -1200 favorite over Tim Elliott in tonight's UFC main event. In the other featured match, Joseph Benavidez is -200 over Henry Cejudo.
Although it's been open for two weeks, the official opening of Lucky Dragon is today at 3 p.m. The ceremonies will include a firecracker display, a dragon procession, and complimentary tea service.
Take a photo with "Underwater Santa" at the Silverton today and tomorrow, from noon to 1:15 p.m. and 2:15 to 3:30 p.m. Santa and his helpers pose for free photos in the resort's 117,000-gallon aquarium. They'll also be there during the same hours Dec. 10, 11, 17, and 18.
The W Las Vegas hotel-within-a-hotel has opened at SLS. The hotel's 289 rooms located in SLS' former Lux Tower have all been converted to the W brand's upscale style, and there's also a spa, pool, bar area, and meeting space. It's the 50th W hotel and the first ever in Las Vegas.
Jean Scott dishes on some excellent December deals in her latest post at FrugalVegas.com, including the return of last year's good Rio-buffet comp. She also explains Staton Casinos' complicated multiple points promotion.
The Bonefish Grill at Town Square & Summerlin is running "The 12 Days of Bonefish Grill" with restaurant discounts through December 12. Click on the Christmas ornament to download a coupon for the daily special. Today's is 20% off dinner.
SLS Las Vegas is offering a monster deal this month. Until December 23, locals with a CODE card get 50% off at all SLS restaurants except Bazaar Meat. That means you can eat for half-price in Umami Burger, Northside Café & Chinese Kitchen, the 800 Degrees pizza joint, the sushi restaurant Katsuya, and Cleo. The discount applies to the entire bill, including alcohol (excluding select bottles of wine). Try 'em all.
The Dallas Cowboys are -3 favorites over the Minnesota Vikings in tonight's Thursday Night Football game. The total is 43.5.
Lucky Dragon opened with no keno. Not even video keno at the bars. We wrote about it in a few places wondering how long that would last and it wasn't long. All the bars now have keno and Four Card Keno, along with video blackjack, which was also originally absent. The casino's official grand opening is Saturday.
It's Nationals Final Rodeo time, which means this weekend's entertainment lineup is distinctly rodeo:
Get ready for the cowboys. The National Finals Rodeo begins today, and runs through Dec. 10. Rodeo-centric casinos include the D, Gold Coast, Orleans, Hard Rock, South Point, TI, and Silverton.