In 2004, the National Football League put a damper on Las Vegas casinos' famous Super Bowl parties when it issued cease-and-desist letters to a number of properties. The NFL warned the casinos that their big-screen broadcasts and fee-charging parties were in violation of federal copyright laws and league rules, which generally prohibit the broadcasting of its games on screens larger than 55 inches (i.e., those deemed to be commercial-broadcast size, as opposed to domestic screens) and the creation of a pay-per-view event out of what is meant to be available to all without a fee. Apparently, undercover league-hired investigators were employed to make sure that the ban was heeded. (Although any such ulterior motive was strongly denied by the NFL, the move was interpreted by many as another shot at the city by a league that's known to be opposed to sports betting and has made a point of refusing to carry any advertising by Las Vegas or any casinos during the Super Bowl.)
From our call-around to various sports books, it looks as though the NFL embargo is holding strong and no casino that we contacted was hosting any kind of Super Bowl party this year, aside from those being staged for casino VIPs, which are invitation-only affairs. The sports books will all be showing the games on their smaller screens and you can count on an electric atmosphere (and heaving crowds) at the more popular venues, such as the Stardust, Bellagio, Hilton, Caesars, Mirage, and Mandalay Bay sports books. The Orleans did say they'll be showing the game throughout the casino and will offer food and drink specials, and other casinos may announce similar plans nearer the time, but don't expect any of the big-screen parties that Las Vegas casinos were known for in the past. (One venue even confided that they'd been told they'd be denied a feed if the cable provider suspected they were hosting a party.)
All the popular sports pubs and bars around town will also be showing the game, and often have food and/or drink specials and giveaways on Super Bowl Sunday (with the exception of the ESPN Zone at New York-New York, which, at the time of our calling, was booked for a private party, although they said that might change nearer the time). Below, you’ll find a few suggestions. Some, like Instant Replay, accept table reservations in advance, and it’s worth calling your chosen venue nearer the time for details about specific promotions.
Our research uncovered only two sports-bar venues that were hosting traditional-style Super Bowl parties with cover charges. Nikki Lee’s Sports Pub & Grille (2640 E Sunset Rd., 702/312-3500) has 15 plasma screens up to 70 inches and is taking table reservations for $50 per group of four. There will be drinks specials and giveaways and the venue always sells out, so book soon to avoid disappointment. Blondie’s Sports Bar & Grill (Desert Passage at the Aladdin, 702/737-0444) will be showing the game on all 35 screens, including at least three big screens, with seating inside and on the "outside" patio area in the Desert Passage mall.
