Marc Meltzer
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Eating, drinking, gambling, and the Las Vegas casino business. Also experienced with sports betting and the online casino business.
Eat. Drink. Gamble. Vegas. Sports. IG: MeltzVegas *Tweets may be sarcastic.
Articles by Marc Meltzer
AAA Names The Villas at Caesars Palace Best Casino Hotel
The Villas at Caesars Palace have private terraces with sitting areas, plunge pools, and spa tubs. (Photo: courtesy of Caesars Entertainment) The Villas at Caesars Palace are the top-ranked casino hotel among 161 measured by AAA in the U.S., Canada, Mexico, Costa Rica, and the Caribbean in the organization’s inaugural Top 10 casino hotel list. The Villas also received a AAA Five Diamond designation for the second consecutive year.
Virgin Joins the Near-Strip Value Gambling Boom in Las Vegas
Virgin Hotels Las Vegas has improved its gambling rules and odds while dropping the minimum bet for blackjack. (Photo courtesy of Visit Las Vegas) Virgin Hotels Las Vegas is joining other near-strip casinos with improved gambling rules and returns. Over the past year, the casino has upgraded returns on some games while lowering the minimum bet on others.
Rewards Maxxing at Las Vegas Casinos Harder Than It Looks
Choosing one casino rewards program will allow you to maximize rewards, but there are options if you want to visit multiple properties. (Photo: Marc Meltzer / Casinos.com) Rewards maxxing, or getting the most from casino loyalty programs, can be difficult in Las Vegas for one simple reason. With so many casinos clustered close together, it’s easy to explore the different properties around town.
Las Vegas Casinos Can't Stop Adding Progressive Side Bets
A player took home nearly $400,000 after being dealt a seven-card straight flush in Face Up Pai Gow at Harrah’s Las Vegas. (Photo: Harrah’s Las Vegas / X.com) Progressive side bets continue to grow in popularity in Las Vegas casinos and across the nation. The chance to add a few bucks to a wager for a shot at a big jackpot appeals to many recreational gamblers. Like last year, the push and pull was a major topic again at the Global Gaming Expo (G2E).
Marble Races, Exploding Roulette Show How Interblock Continues to Shake Up the Casino Floor
A rare peek inside the glowing Interblock Games booth at G2E. (Photo: Marc Meltzer / Casinos.com) Interblock continues to reshape casino floors with new games and fresh takes on familiar favorites. From updated electronic table games to new versions of roulette and distinctive concepts, it is one of the few companies actually offering gamblers a new casino experience. Interblock has developed electronic casino games since 1997 and keeps finding new ways for players to gamble.
Seen and Heard at G2E 2026
A rare look into the bright lights and different games inside the heavily guarded Interblock booth at G2E. (Photo: Marc Meltzer / Casinos.com) The Global Gaming Expo, known as G2E, is the largest trade show for the casino and gaming industry. It draws casino executives, gaming manufacturers, and others in related industries. Last year, 25,000 people attended from 120 countries. A preliminary report from the organizers says this year was just as busy.
Can 50 Cent's Headcrack Take Street Dice to the Casino Floor?
Casino executives learning how to play 50 Cent Headcrack during the Global Gaming Expo (Photo: Marc Meltzer / Casinos.com) LAS VEGAS – 50 Cent Headcrack from TCS John Huxley was one of the most talked-about games to debut at the Global Gaming Expo (G2E). Attendees whispered about a possible appearance by 50 Cent while trying to make sense of the non-craps dice game.
Vegas Visitation Slips 4.3% in August as Soaring Flight Costs Take a Toll
Visitation fell in August while flights to Las Vegas were up 41.4% from last year. (Photo: Ceri Breeze / Alamy) Las Vegas visitation fell 4.3% in August, as higher airfares and a lighter event calendar gave travelers fewer reasons to visit, according to new data from the Las Vegas Convention and Visitors Authority. While gaming revenue was mixed across town, statewide gaming revenue rose a solid 3.14%.
October Comedy in Vegas Brings Maniscalco, Mo Amer and More
Sebastian Maniscalco is performing four shows in two nights at the Wynn as part of his long-term residency. (Photo courtesy of Wynn Las Vegas) The Las Vegas comedy scene is one of the most eclectic in the country. While most casino comedy shows feature traditional stand-up, a few twists appear each month. October is no different. In addition to some of the most popular stand-ups, podcasters, crowd workers, and up-and-coming comedians are performing in larger venues than usual.
October in Vegas Brings Metallica to Sphere, Wu-Tang Farewell and More
Metallica’s highly anticipated residency finally kicks off at the Sphere in October. (Photo: Brett Murray / Metallica) The Las Vegas music calendar is slammed from top to bottom in October. It kicks off with Metallica's highly anticipated "Life Burns Faster" at the Sphere. All 10 shows this month are sold out, and the cheapest tickets on the secondary market start at $400.
Raiders, Golden Knights and NASCAR Take Over Las Vegas This October
Mitch Marner skates up the ice at T-Mobile Arena during a recent preseason win against the Utah Mammoth (Photo courtesy of NHL) Until the Las Vegas A's begin play in 2028, this is a fall and winter sports town. The NFL and NHL take over the Las Vegas sports calendar for the next few months. The unbeaten Las Vegas Raiders have three home games at Allegiant Stadium while the Vegas Golden Knights play eight games at T-Mobile Arena.
Caesars Takeover Should Close by June, Here's What It Means for Vegas Visitors
Billionaire Tilman Fertitta’s bid to take Caesars private was approved. The deal should close sometime next year. (Photo: Ken Howard / Alamy) LAS VEGAS – This week, Caesars shareholders voted to approve Tilman Fertitta's takeover offer made in May. The special meeting was held at the Eldorado Resort and Casino in Reno, a Caesars-operated property.
All-You-Can-Eat Brunch Fills the Vegas Buffet Void
The all-you-can-eat Border Brunch at Mandalay Bay is one of the most eclectic in Las Vegas. (Photo: courtesy of MGM Resorts) Las Vegas was once known for affordable all-you-can-eat (AYCE) buffets at just about every casino, but fewer than 20 buffets remain across the Las Vegas Valley today. Many buffets have been replaced by food halls. While they’re affordable by today’s standards, they aren’t the value many remember from the $5 buffets of the 1990s.
Vegas Football Specials That Actually Save You Money
The Westgate Superbook is always packed for football games, but you can get cheap drinks and eats at Football Central in the ballroom. (Photo: courtesy of Visit Las Vegas) Every Las Vegas casino wants a piece of football season, whether it’s college or NFL games. Sportsbooks, bars, and restaurants roll out specials during football games throughout the city, but those don’t always mean discounts or low prices.
Las Vegas Athletics Land Circa as First-Ever Founding Partner
There will soon be Circa Sports advertising visible throughout the new stadium being built for the Las Vegas A’s thanks to a new 10-year partnership. (Rendering: The Athletics) LAS VEGAS — The Las Vegas Athletics announced a multi-year partnership with Circa on Thursday, naming the downtown Las Vegas brand as the club's first founding partner.
Golden Gate's New High-Limit Slot Room Debuts on 'Night Starts Here' Anniversary
Walk through the old high limit slot room to the new space with more games and seats to relax. (Photo: Marc Meltzer / Casinos.com) LAS VEGAS — Golden Gate Casino is opening a newly expanded high-limit slots room on Friday. The date is significant as it's also the first anniversary of The Night Starts Here happy hour. Plans for the new high-limit space have been in the works for months. The expanded high limit space at Golden Gate Casino opens on Friday.
Bellagio Fountains Will Be Blocked for Months Ahead of F1 Grand Prix
The Bellagio Fountains are somewhere behind the construction (Photo: @Mic_VegasSphere on x) The sidewalk in front of the Bellagio Fountains will be closed for most of the year as preparations for the Las Vegas Grand Prix are underway. While F1 organizers prep the 3.8-mile race course, MGM is building the Bellagio Fountain Club. Work is scheduled to be completed by Nov. 9, ahead of race weekend on Nov. 19-21.
Content Creators Love Wynn Golf Club, Where a Round Can Cost Up to $1,000
Wynn and Encore overlook the Wynn Golf Club's 12th fairway. (Photo: courtesy of Wynn Resorts) Wynn Golf Club is the only course at a Las Vegas Strip casino, and players are willing to spend up to $1,000 per round. Anyone looking to play 36 holes must pay twice, too! Over the past few years, the course has also become a popular backdrop for content creators, from podcasters to TikTokers. There’s even a new clubhouse on the way to match the course’s growing reputation.
5 Old-School Vegas Restaurants Where Time Has Stood Still
Golden Steer has been serving the same steakhouse room since 1958, one of several vintage Vegas restaurants still going strong decades later. (Photo: YESCO / KTNV via X.com) Las Vegas has evolved from a dusty Western town into the home of mega-casino resorts. A lot has happened since the city’s story began.
Fontainebleau Debuts New High-Limit Slots Room With $150,000 Giveaway
The new high-limit slot room at Fontainebleau has three $5 million jackpot Dragon Link games. (Photo: courtesy of Fontainebleau) LAS VEGAS – Fontainebleau is the latest Las Vegas casino to open a new high-limit slots room. The renovation and expansion of the high-limit slot room includes a variety of games with jackpots as high as $5 million.
Binion's, Four Queens Switch to Boomer's Sportsbook
Terry Caudill, owner of Binion’s and Four Queens, Las Vegas Mayor Shelley Berkley, and Boomer’s Sportsbook CEO Joe Asher cut the ribbon at the grand opening of the Four Queens sportsbook on Sept. 2. (Photo: Marc Meltzer / Casinos.com) Boomer's Sportsbook now operates the sportsbooks at Binion's and Four Queens in downtown Las Vegas.
Bally's New Vegas Plan Looks Very Different With No Casino, No Hotel
The new rendering for Bally’s Las Vegas doesn’t include a casino or hotel. (Rendering: Marnell Architecture) When we last checked on Bally's Las Vegas in June, there was a whole lot of nothing going on with the casino, hotel, and retail complex to be built around the A's Stadium, where the Tropicana once stood once stood. While construction on the stadium continues, Bally's still hasn't started work on any other part of the project for the 35-acre parcel of land on the Vegas Strip.
Cosmopolitan Promises Free Food and Drinks at Second Annual Block Party
Eateries like Hattie B’s Hot Chicken and Momofuku's Bāng Bar inside Block 16 Food Hall will offer free food and drink during the second-annual Block Party on Sept. 5. (Photo: Vanessa Alves-Johnson / Casinos.com) It’s rare to find eats and drinks on the Vegas Strip at a cheap price, and it’s even rarer to find free food unless you’re a high roller. That will change when The Cosmopolitan throws its Second Annual Block Party on Saturday, Sept.
Carín León, Marc Anthony, and MANÁ Headline Mexican Independence Day Weekend in Vegas
Carín León will be the first Latino headliner at Sphere. (Photo: Carín León / Facebook) No city celebrates holidays like Las Vegas. That will be the case once again in September when the city embraces Mexican Independence Day. The bulk of the celebrations will be music performances, with more than 20 Latino performers in town this month. Combat sports fans can choose between boxing and wrestling, while comedy fans have a couple of comedians to choose from.
Vegas Strip Cashes In on July Visitors While Downtown Struggles
The view from the Platinum Floors at Circa may be brighter than the outlook for other hotels in downtown Las Vegas. (Photos: Vanessa Alves-Johnson / Casinos.com) The summer travel season in Las Vegas started on a positive note, with 3.17 million people visiting Las Vegas in July. Gaming revenue on the Vegas Strip was up 3.64%, with solid table game results. Statewide, Nevada gaming revenue was up 2.07% to $1.38 billion.
Usher and Chris Brown, Foo Fighters and iHeartRadio Lead a Loaded September in Vegas
Former Las Vegas residency performers Chris Brown and Usher take the stage at Allegiant Stadium for three nights this month. (Photo courtesy of R & B Tour) September and Labor Day weekend come with mixed emotions. This is the unofficial end of summer for many. How does Las Vegas deal with the end of summer? Parties! Lots of them. Labor Day weekend is one of the busiest of the year in Vegas, as tourists look for one last time to let loose before getting back to regular life.
September Sports in Vegas Bring Raiders, Golden Knights and a Loaded Fight Card
The Raiders WILL kick off the regular season against the Miami Dolphins on Sept. 13 at Allegiant Stadium. (Photo: courtesy of Mick Akers via X.com) September kicks off one of the busiest stretches on the Las Vegas sports calendar. The NFL and NHL regular seasons get underway, the WNBA playoffs begin, and major combat sports events are on the schedule. This also highlights what makes Las Vegas such a great sports town.
Caesars Rewards Adds Olympus, a New Tier Above Seven Stars
Caesars Rewards introduced a new top tier that can only be achieved by earning 300,000 Tier Credits and receiving an invite. (Image: courtesy of Caesars) Caesars Rewards has introduced Olympus, a new tier above Seven Stars. The new top status level of the casino rewards program requires players to earn 300,000 Tier Credits to be considered for an invite to the newest tier. Players have until Dec. 31. 2026 to earn enough points to qualify for an invite to the new rewards tier.
Downtown Grand Sale Lined Up, Casino Operator to Stick Around
After years of sales rumors, Downtown Grand might finally have a new owner next month. (Photo: Chon Kit Leong / Alamy) LAS VEGAS – Downtown Grand finally has a buyer after years of sales rumors, The casino, located one block north of the Fremont Street Experience in downtown Las Vegas, has been in search of a buyer after defaulting on a loan earlier this year.
UFC's Las Vegas Expansion Revives Memories of the Proposed WWF Hotel
Before changing its name from WWF to WWE, the pro wrestling company had major plans for a Las Vegas hotel and casino, as seen in the rendering above. (Image: courtesy of Steelman Partners) About three decades ago, the company behind professional wrestling decided to try building a wrestling-themed casino resort in Las Vegas, but it never opened. The idea simply grew out of control, and the required funds were just too much, causing the whole project to collapse before a guest could ever check in.
Fontainebleau's New Experience Collection Will Cost You Double the Points
Fontainebleau Las Vegas is now giving members more ways to put their Bleau Points to work to redeem at attractions beyond the casino floor. (Photo: Dan Michalski / Casinos.com) LAS VEGAS – Fontainebleau has introduced a new benefit through its rewards program, allowing guests to now use Fontainebleau Reward points toward off-property experiences in The Experience Collection. There are more than 20 attractions available to Fontainebleau members.
Downtown Vegas Deals $5 Blackjack and Half-Price Room Rates
Players hitting the tables at Circa Resort and Casino in downtown Las Vegas (Photo: Marc Meltzer / Casinos.com) LAS VEGAS – There’s cheap gambling spread out around Las Vegas; you just have to know where to look. Unfortunately, the casinos with the best games for low rollers aren’t where most visitors stay. For low-limit table games and plenty of options within walking distance, head to downtown Las Vegas. Several casinos offer $10 minimums, while two offer $5 minimums.
Palms to Unveil Enclosed Non-Smoking Slot Room on Aug. 24
Some of the most popular slots at Palms are moving into a new non-smoking room in the space once occupied by Mabel’s BBQ (Photo: courtesy of Palms) Palms is one of the few independently operated casinos in Las Vegas, owned by the San Manuel Band of Mission Indians. That ownership structure means the casino doesn’t have to conform to corporate goals like its Strip neighbors.
Las Vegas Locals Casinos Getting Their Biggest Upgrades Yet
The next new Las Vegas casino could be in the Inspirada section of Henderson. (Photo courtesy of Station Casinos via KTNV) Off-Strip Las Vegas casinos are entering a new era with a plethora of upgrades and range anywhere from shabby to chic, appealing to both locals and tourists looking for alternatives. This isn’t exactly news. Renovation and expansion projects across the Vegas Valley began coming online last year.
Was Oyo Caught Using Fake Hotel Names, AI to Trick Vegas Guests?
Who knew all it took for a successful rebrand was a little AI and some imaginary lipstick? ("Photo": via Oyorooms.com) LAS VEGAS -- OYO Hotel & Casino Las Vegas is using alias names to attract guests, and they’re not even hiding it. On its own website, Oyo lists the following three properties on the same plot of land: Oyo Las Vegas: 115 E. Tropicana Ave. Palette Las Vegas: 117 E. Tropicana Ave. Collection O: 119 E. Tropicana Ave.
Treasure Island’s $200 Free Play Promotion Might Cost You Hours in Line
Be prepared to wait for your $200 free play at Treasure Island since the promotion only runs three days a week until September. (Photo: courtesy of CNW Group / Accor) Treasure Island is giving Treasury Players Club members $200 in free slot play, available to both existing and new members who sign up for the casino's rewards program. The voucher can be used on slot machines, video poker, or video keno.
Red Rock, Durango Debut Rare Poolside 3:2 Blackjack in Las Vegas
A blackjack dealer at Red Rock's Sandbar Grille, where poolside blackjack now pays 3:2 on a natural blackjack. (Photo: courtesy of Red Rock Casino) LAS VEGAS – This weekend, Red Rock Casino and Durango Casino debuted the only poolside 3:2 blackjack games in Las Vegas. Only a handful of casinos offer outdoor gambling, and all of them have 6:5 blackjack games.
Palace Station Catches the Vegas Korean Food Wave With Master Kim's Wagyu House
Palace Station and Master Kim's Wagyu House celebrated the Korean restaurant's grand opening with a ribbon-cutting ceremony outside the new Las Vegas location. (Photo: courtesy of Palace Station) LAS VEGAS – Master Kim's Wagyu House recently opened at Palace Station, just off the Las Vegas Strip. The latest Korean restaurant to open in a Las Vegas casino could be the catalyst for this rapidly growing dining trend.
New Las Vegas Happy Hour Deals Heating Up This Summer
Cabo Wabo at the Miracle Mile Shops at Planet Hollywood just introduced a weekday happy hour featuring $7 dishes and half-priced drinks from 2 to 5 p.m. (Photo courtesy of Cabo Wabo Cantina) Las Vegas happy hour isn’t a new concept. Bars and restaurants offering discounted food and drink during slow hours have been around for years. But the idea seems to be taking off this summer, with more bars and restaurants launching new happy hour deals every few days.
Caesars Throws Its Hat in For NBA Arena Behind Horseshoe, Paris
50 acres of land behind Horseshoe, Paris, and Planet Hollywood could be used for an arena to house a Las Vegas NBA team. (Photo: Courtesy Caesars Entertainment) Caesars has been having discussions with real estate partner VICI about building an arena on 50 acres of land behind Horseshoe, Paris and Planet Hollywood. The building would house an NBA team in Las Vegas. Any arena in the city should be able to host concerts, other sports such as MMA, conferences, or any other large-scale events.
MGM's All-Inclusive Deal Is Bringing New Guests to Luxor and Excalibur
The All-in package at Luxor and Excalibur is bringing new guests to the two south Strip casinos. (Photo: courtesy of MGM Resorts International) MGM Resorts has sold 30,000 room nights from its all-inclusive packages at Luxor and Excalibur in four months, according to the company's recent quarterly earnings call. Nearly half of those have been sold to first-time visitors at MGM properties. The $330 base price for the packages is for weeknights.
The Vegas August Concert Calendar Is Absolutely Stacked
AC/DC’s Power Up Tour kicks off a busy month of big concerts, residencies, and limited engagements at Allegiant Stadium on Aug. 1. (Photo AC/DC on X) Summers in Las Vegas are hit or miss. Sometimes it's 110 degrees, and there are no residencies, limited engagements, or concerts to be found. Other days, it's cooler at 100 degrees, and there are multiple shows every night. August brings hot temps and a jam-packed music schedule.
Las Vegas Convention Crowds Surge 25% in June as Leisure Travel Slows
Convention attendance continues to grow in Las Vegas. More than 148,000 people attended CES from Jan. 6-9. (Photo: courtesy of CES) 3.08 million people visited Las Vegas in June, down 0.5% from last year, according to the Las Vegas Convention and Visitors Authority. Through the first six months of the year, Las Vegas has seen just 31,300 more visitors than in 2025.
Catch Bill Burr, Maniscalco, and More Comedians in Vegas Before Summer Ends
Bill Burr usually performs at huge venues like Red Rocks, but this month he’s in the intimate Dolby Live at Park MGM. (Photo: Netflix) The Las Vegas comedy calendar is sparse in August, but full of heavy hitters performing at venues smaller than they usually play. Several performers who normally play arenas and stadiums are booked into some of the city's smallest casino theaters this month, giving people a rare chance to see them up close.
Vegas Sports Lineup in August Is Stacked: Poker, Football, Boxing
Football season starts in August with two Raiders games at Allegiant Stadium. (Photo: courtesy of Las Vegas Raiders) August is a pivotal month in the Las Vegas sports calendar. This is the beginning of the busiest sports season and the return of visitors traveling to Las Vegas to see their favorite teams play. Football season returns, and it's not only the most-watched programming on TV, but it's the most-bet-on sport in Las Vegas casinos.
Bingo Is in Its Glow Up Era at Local Vegas Casinos
Rock Shot Bingo has led the "glow up" bingo scene at Las Vegas area hot spots like Durango Casino & Resort. (Photo: Durango Casino & Resort / X.com) Las Vegas bingo has changed a lot since the turn of the century. There are new ways to play, experiential games, and bigger prizes. Depending on which Las Vegas casino you choose to play bingo at, there could be a drastically different experience.
How to Keep a Monsoon From Ruining Your Las Vegas Vacation
The High Roller on the Las Vegas Strip looks a little different after a rain storm. (Photo: Brett Le Blanc on X.com) Las Vegas monsoon season is underway, and there can be fast and powerful thunderstorms that cause flash flooding at any time. This unofficial season usually lasts through September. While the monsoon weather typically doesn't last long, it can cause plenty of damage. There's no doubt that there will be plenty of "Vegas is flooding" videos posted minutes after the monsoon hits.
You Can Now Use Apple Pay to Gamble at Durango and Other Station Casinos
Will you use Apple Pay to play at Durango Casino’s sportsbook bar? (Photo: Clink Jenkins for Station Casinos) Starting today, Station Casinos is testing Apple Pay on some of its bartop machines at Durango Casino. The technology is a field trial and is pending approval from the Nevada Gaming Control Board. The company was already using it at its Wildfire Anthem location and at four Seventy-Six gaming taverns.
35,000 Fans Getting Paid After $3 Million Settlement for 2023 Vegas Grand Prix Ticket Lawsuit
The Las Vegas Grand Prix has come a long way since the 2023 manhole cover incident. The race now has a 10-year extension and a $3 million settlement on the way for ticket holders affected by that first year. (Photo: courtesy of the Las Vegas Convention and Visitors Authority) The Las Vegas Grand Prix and its owner, Liberty Media, have agreed to pay nearly $3.05 million to settle a class-action lawsuit stemming from the inaugural Las Vegas Strip Formula 1 race.
Taste of the Best Steakhouse Deals in Las Vegas This Summer
There are three special menus at Gordon Ramsay Steak inside Paris Las Vegas this summer. (Photo: Caesars Entertainment) There are cheap eats and drinks all over Las Vegas, from the Strip to the suburbs. Head out to happy hour at most casinos and find a variety of restaurants and bars offering afternoon discounts. What's missing are great Vegas meals at a lower price.
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