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Vegas for March Madness - Dos and Don'ts

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lakersfan20009

Prospect

Joined: Nov, 2011

Posts: 452

Posted: Jan. 8, 2017 - 11:10 AM ET #1

Looking up flights now, never been in Vegas for March Madness.

Any tips guys?

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maac_specialist

Rookie

Joined: Dec, 2014

Posts: 505

Posted: Jan. 8, 2017 - 11:17 AM ET #2

I've been 5 straight years during Madness...only time to go. Make sure you play myvegas app before going..you build up loyalty points for free and then cash them in for Buffets, or free plays

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lakersfan20009

Prospect

Joined: Nov, 2011

Posts: 452

Posted: Jan. 8, 2017 - 11:30 AM ET #3

Thanks for the advice. Never used that app before, will download now.

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lakersfan20009

Prospect

Joined: Nov, 2011

Posts: 452

Posted: Jan. 8, 2017 - 11:31 AM ET #4

I've been to Vegas a few times, but did touristy stuff each times and barely gambled ... looking forward to a trip of primarily just playing poker and watching basketball.

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JessePinkman

Prospect

Joined: Jan, 2017

Posts: 3

Posted: Jan. 8, 2017 - 11:38 AM ET #5

For starters, NEVER GO DURING MARCH MADNESS WEEK....seriously, I've been going forever and there are so many downsides. Instead, go THE WEEK BEFORE during conference tournaments its no comparison.

-the one and ONLY pro to going that week is the atmosphere is great no doubt.

Now for the CONS....

-March madness week there are people everyone and you have to wake up everyday at like 4-5 am just to try to find a seat for games starting at 9 unless you're balling outta control and have a vip suite locked up for the day. So yeah, sitting for 4 hours before the games even begin is awful....and if you have a large group like we always do getting seats together is even harder.

-Getting a halftime bet placed in time unless is almost impossible unless you have the app because of the lines.

-Also, from a betting standpoint it's just plain awful so hear me out....thursday and friday there are only 16 games each day, then saturday and sunday there are only 8....not to mention homecourts are almost non existent compared to even how they are in conference tournaments if you even care about that. The number of games you can bet on in CT play is insane, just think about this....many teams get byes to thursday, while many others get double byes to friday....this means that while wednesday may have like 30-40 or so games (notice you already gained a day of gambling compared to the NT on thursday), there will be the same number of games available on thursday, then even again on friday because while teams are exiting the tournament new teams are coming in. THIS IS THE SINGLE GREATEST THING ABOUT THIS WEEK, while everyone still going march madness week is flat out missing out.

-every restaurant has insane wait times.

-every table has higher minimums.

-literally everything you could possibly think of is more of an inconvenience, taxes, drinks, bathrooms, etc.

If you've never done it, go ahead and try it once and YOU WILL STILL LOVE MARCH MADNESS WEEK because we did for years.

However, if you want to get the most out of your week in every way there's no comparison that CT week blows it away.

0

For starters, NEVER GO DURING MARCH MADNESS WEEK....seriously, I've been going forever and there are so many downsides. Instead, go THE WEEK BEFORE during conference tournaments its no comparison.

-the one and ONLY pro to going that week is the atmosphere is great no doubt.

Now for the CONS....

-March madness week there are people everyone and you have to wake up everyday at like 4-5 am just to try to find a seat for games starting at 9 unless you're balling outta control and have a vip suite locked up for the day. So yeah, sitting for 4 hours before the games even begin is awful....and if you have a large group like we always do getting seats together is even harder.

-Getting a halftime bet placed in time unless is almost impossible unless you have the app because of the lines.

-Also, from a betting standpoint it's just plain awful so hear me out....thursday and friday there are only 16 games each day, then saturday and sunday there are only 8....not to mention homecourts are almost non existent compared to even how they are in conference tournaments if you even care about that. The number of games you can bet on in CT play is insane, just think about this....many teams get byes to thursday, while many others get double byes to friday....this means that while wednesday may have like 30-40 or so games (notice you already gained a day of gambling compared to the NT on thursday), there will be the same number of games available on thursday, then even again on friday because while teams are exiting the tournament new teams are coming in. THIS IS THE SINGLE GREATEST THING ABOUT THIS WEEK, while everyone still going march madness week is flat out missing out.

-every restaurant has insane wait times.

-every table has higher minimums.

-literally everything you could possibly think of is more of an inconvenience, taxes, drinks, bathrooms, etc.

If you've never done it, go ahead and try it once and YOU WILL STILL LOVE MARCH MADNESS WEEK because we did for years.

However, if you want to get the most out of your week in every way there's no comparison that CT week blows it away.

lakersfan20009

Prospect

Joined: Nov, 2011

Posts: 452

Posted: Jan. 8, 2017 - 11:49 AM ET #6

JessePinkman

Appreciate the insight.

I would say my interest is really two things, each evenly weighted of 1) wanting to sit and play poker for a few days and 2) the "experience" of March Madness in Vegas. It might be good or bad, but just want to give it a try and see how it is.

Regarding halftime lines, I do not have the App, so not sure if that is something I could get the first day I am there and use throughout the weekend?

For watching the games, I think I would spend a part of the day at the book and the other part in a poker room with all the games on perhaps.

Also, thinking the poker rooms might have more action since everyone is in town for March Madness??? Moreso compared to the prior week perhaps?

Looking at flights they are pretty cheap to get out there on a direct flight Thursday or Friday, but the flight back not so much...tried to buy 2 one-way tickets thinking that would help and/or finding "bundles"

0

umgmu

Legend

Joined: Jan, 2005

Posts: 40872

Posted: Jan. 8, 2017 - 11:58 AM ET #7

Go for final 4 weekend or sweet16/elite 8 weekend...much better experience...actual fans to root with...I've done every weekend...elite 8, sweet 16 still have lots of games to wager...eat/wager at Emeril's Stadium in the Venetian

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JessePinkman

Prospect

Joined: Jan, 2017

Posts: 3

Posted: Jan. 8, 2017 - 11:59 AM ET #8

yeah youll still love it man, sounds like march madness week would be fine for you, especially being your first time.

couple recommendation regarding flights....

check out skiplagged.com....site where you get off the plane at your connection and its way cheaper....use a different airline the way back though just in case because airlines obviously don't like that lol.

also, check out the southwest 50,000 pt credit card....i pay 99$ a year to have the card and i cant remember the last time I even paid for a flight.

gl with whatever you decide...it's consistently the greatest week of my year lol

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Raider_Love

Prospect

Joined: Sep, 2011

Posts: 376

Posted: Jan. 8, 2017 - 12:00 PM ET #9

I live in vegas...and I'll have to agree with Pinkman...the atmosphere here in town is pretty awesome during the conference tourneys...you have the Mountain West, Pac12, WCC, and the WAC all playing and everyone on the strip is rocking their team colors...especially the PAC12 fans. This year they will be playing the PAC12 tourney in the new T-Mobile arena. You should most definitely get a sports betting app that is used my the sports books here in town...will make your life much more convenient. Doesn't take long to set one up with a sports book manager.

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Raider_Love

Prospect

Joined: Sep, 2011

Posts: 376

Posted: Jan. 8, 2017 - 12:03 PM ET #10

Don't try to nickel and dime everything also...just do yourself a favor and save some extra money so your not worried about a tight budget...you will be happy you did.

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JessePinkman

Prospect

Joined: Jan, 2017

Posts: 3

Posted: Jan. 8, 2017 - 12:41 PM ET #11

yeah thats the other thing raider....we bet on the pac 12 and go to one session every year, and will again this year in the new arena....being able to go to those games is awesome as well.

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lakersfan20009

Prospect

Joined: Nov, 2011

Posts: 452

Posted: Jan. 8, 2017 - 10:35 PM ET #12

Quote Originally Posted by JessePinkman:

yeah youll still love it man, sounds like march madness week would be fine for you, especially being your first time.

couple recommendation regarding flights....

check out skiplagged.com....site where you get off the plane at your connection and its way cheaper....use a different airline the way back though just in case because airlines obviously don't like that lol.

also, check out the southwest 50,000 pt credit card....i pay 99$ a year to have the card and i cant remember the last time I even paid for a flight.

gl with whatever you decide...it's consistently the greatest week of my year lol

Very cool, I've heard of that site before, never used it though. I guess the hardest thing is figuring out what flights would have a layover in the city I am flying back to

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lakersfan20009

Prospect

Joined: Nov, 2011

Posts: 452

Posted: Jan. 8, 2017 - 10:39 PM ET #13

Quote Originally Posted by Raider_Love:

Don't try to nickel and dime everything also...just do yourself a favor and save some extra money so your not worried about a tight budget...you will be happy you did.

Agreed. I like a good deal as much as the next guy, but definitely don't have a problem paying to do things the right way

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UglyKidJoe

MVP

Joined: Apr, 2005

Posts: 18733

Posted: Jan. 8, 2017 - 10:44 PM ET #14

Westgate has the best sportsbook.

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LeRinkRat

Legend

Joined: Dec, 2001

Posts: 85256

Posted: Jan. 8, 2017 - 11:56 PM ET #15

Quote Originally Posted by UglyKidJoe:

Westgate has the best sportsbook.

uh yes AND no. place will be packed to the gills and damn near impossible to get a half time bet in at the betting window. I do NOT know the rules for "out of town" people staying in Las Vegas BUT those that said "get the books sports betting phone app" are correct. I live in Las Vegas and have 4 different apps from the Westgate, William-Hill, Cantor Gaming (CG Technology) and South Point (Nevada Sports Books). saves a LOT of hassle trying to book. GREAT to be doing anything anywhere in the city and still be able to "get down" when you need to esp for Half Time and In Game bets

btw, it is my opinion the BEST sportsbook to watch and wager ANY games is the South Point. large book with plenty of seating and a liberal drink ticket policy. also good "snake foods" available. it is a definite "locals favorite"

0

maac_specialist

Rookie

Joined: Dec, 2014

Posts: 505

Posted: Jan. 9, 2017 - 6:56 AM ET #16

Quote Originally Posted by JessePinkman:

For starters, NEVER GO DURING MARCH MADNESS WEEK....seriously, I've been going forever and there are so many downsides. Instead, go THE WEEK BEFORE during conference tournaments its no comparison.

-the one and ONLY pro to going that week is the atmosphere is great no doubt.

Now for the CONS....

No man lol.....Bets are made at 7am just before the line starts...you'll be number 10-25, no big deal. Don't stay at the book and dont play half times at the book.....once bets are made you go back to your hotel room or the pool and watch the games from there.

half time and additional bets are made online at ur gambling site of choice (i use b365).

Vegas is not that busy that week...don't fool urself. It's large enough for everyone....

-March madness week there are people everyone and you have to wake up everyday at like 4-5 am just to try to find a seat for games starting at 9 unless you're balling outta control and have a vip suite locked up for the day. So yeah, sitting for 4 hours before the games even begin is awful....and if you have a large group like we always do getting seats together is even harder.

-Getting a halftime bet placed in time unless is almost impossible unless you have the app because of the lines.

-Also, from a betting standpoint it's just plain awful so hear me out....thursday and friday there are only 16 games each day, then saturday and sunday there are only 8....not to mention homecourts are almost non existent compared to even how they are in conference tournaments if you even care about that. The number of games you can bet on in CT play is insane, just think about this....many teams get byes to thursday, while many others get double byes to friday....this means that while wednesday may have like 30-40 or so games (notice you already gained a day of gambling compared to the NT on thursday), there will be the same number of games available on thursday, then even again on friday because while teams are exiting the tournament new teams are coming in. THIS IS THE SINGLE GREATEST THING ABOUT THIS WEEK, while everyone still going march madness week is flat out missing out.

-every restaurant has insane wait times.

-every table has higher minimums.

-literally everything you could possibly think of is more of an inconvenience, taxes, drinks, bathrooms, etc.

If you've never done it, go ahead and try it once and YOU WILL STILL LOVE MARCH MADNESS WEEK because we did for years.

However, if you want to get the most out of your week in every way there's no comparison that CT week blows it away.

0

Quote Originally Posted by JessePinkman:

For starters, NEVER GO DURING MARCH MADNESS WEEK....seriously, I've been going forever and there are so many downsides. Instead, go THE WEEK BEFORE during conference tournaments its no comparison.

-the one and ONLY pro to going that week is the atmosphere is great no doubt.

Now for the CONS....

No man lol.....Bets are made at 7am just before the line starts...you'll be number 10-25, no big deal. Don't stay at the book and dont play half times at the book.....once bets are made you go back to your hotel room or the pool and watch the games from there.

half time and additional bets are made online at ur gambling site of choice (i use b365).

Vegas is not that busy that week...don't fool urself. It's large enough for everyone....

-March madness week there are people everyone and you have to wake up everyday at like 4-5 am just to try to find a seat for games starting at 9 unless you're balling outta control and have a vip suite locked up for the day. So yeah, sitting for 4 hours before the games even begin is awful....and if you have a large group like we always do getting seats together is even harder.

-Getting a halftime bet placed in time unless is almost impossible unless you have the app because of the lines.

-Also, from a betting standpoint it's just plain awful so hear me out....thursday and friday there are only 16 games each day, then saturday and sunday there are only 8....not to mention homecourts are almost non existent compared to even how they are in conference tournaments if you even care about that. The number of games you can bet on in CT play is insane, just think about this....many teams get byes to thursday, while many others get double byes to friday....this means that while wednesday may have like 30-40 or so games (notice you already gained a day of gambling compared to the NT on thursday), there will be the same number of games available on thursday, then even again on friday because while teams are exiting the tournament new teams are coming in. THIS IS THE SINGLE GREATEST THING ABOUT THIS WEEK, while everyone still going march madness week is flat out missing out.

-every restaurant has insane wait times.

-every table has higher minimums.

-literally everything you could possibly think of is more of an inconvenience, taxes, drinks, bathrooms, etc.

If you've never done it, go ahead and try it once and YOU WILL STILL LOVE MARCH MADNESS WEEK because we did for years.

However, if you want to get the most out of your week in every way there's no comparison that CT week blows it away.

Vansmaack

Prospect

Joined: Sep, 2010

Posts: 120

Posted: Jan. 9, 2017 - 1:52 PM ET #17

I'm going to be there for the first week of MM for the 5th time in 6 years. Sure it's busy but I've always had an awesome time. It's not hard to get a bet down, including at halftime, as long as you steer clear of the huge books ie Caesars and Westgate. Setting up an account and betting through an app is another great option to avoiding any betting lineups. I've also never had a problem finding a place to watch. Whether it's in a bar, in the pits, at the pool or in one of the free ballroom set ups (ie Treasure Island, The D etc). Literally every single TV in town is tuned to the games. You mentioned all you really want is to be able to play some poker. Perfect! Think about how many more wannabe pro poker player fish will be in town! The games will be off the charts!

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lakersfan20009

Prospect

Joined: Nov, 2011

Posts: 452

Posted: Jan. 9, 2017 - 11:45 PM ET #18

Quote Originally Posted by Vansmaack:

I'm going to be there for the first week of MM for the 5th time in 6 years. Sure it's busy but I've always had an awesome time. It's not hard to get a bet down, including at halftime, as long as you steer clear of the huge books ie Caesars and Westgate. Setting up an account and betting through an app is another great option to avoiding any betting lineups. I've also never had a problem finding a place to watch. Whether it's in a bar, in the pits, at the pool or in one of the free ballroom set ups (ie Treasure Island, The D etc). Literally every single TV in town is tuned to the games. You mentioned all you really want is to be able to play some poker. Perfect! Think about how many more wannabe pro poker player fish will be in town! The games will be off the charts!

My thoughts exactly...

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pittsburghjim

Prospect

Joined: Jan, 2010

Posts: 36

Posted: Jan. 10, 2017 - 1:45 AM ET #19

Live in Vegas

Whenever anyone decide to come whether for conference tournaments or first four days of the tourney etc, stay at the south point

Beautiful property lots of parking 24 hour sports book

Straight shot if you want to go to strip

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lakersfan20009

Prospect

Joined: Nov, 2011

Posts: 452

Posted: Jan. 11, 2017 - 9:45 AM ET #20

Quote Originally Posted by pittsburghjim:

Live in Vegas

Whenever anyone decide to come whether for conference tournaments or first four days of the tourney etc, stay at the south point

Beautiful property lots of parking 24 hour sports book

Straight shot if you want to go to strip

I don't think I've been to SouthPoint before. The times I have went so far I stayed at Bellagio and Aria. Might have to check that out. I guess I should be thinking about what hotels are close the sports books and poker rooms I'll be playing at.

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CubsAsylum

Prospect

Joined: Jan, 2017

Posts: 24

Posted: Jan. 11, 2017 - 10:15 AM ET #21

I will be out there for March Madness for the second year in a row. A couple things to expect are long waits at hotel check-ins, higher table minimums (I'm not knowledgeable about poker unfortunately), and tons of people obviously. I prefer the Mirage sportsbook over any other.

My best piece of advice if you really want to watch the games and make lots of sports bets: Pay to go to a watch party. I did this last year and it was great...$150 at Caesar's...Huge projections all around the room and constantly changing buffet lines. They also had their own betting tables right outside the room for easy betting. If you want to watch all of the games one of the days, I would recommend doing this in a heartbeat!

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Bcboyz

Rookie

Joined: Sep, 2015

Posts: 910

Posted: Jan. 11, 2017 - 11:26 AM ET #22

Well they raise the tables from 10 to 25 bucks. I always get a group of guys on the wheels, remember to tip your dealers and other people . If you want to reserve a seat ask the sports book guys, give them a few bucks. I'm sure you can get a app. As it only works. In nev, I live in boulder city and it won't let me bet at home. I have to drive to McDonalds to bet. It's a great time just don't be loud and a di@k while your here. I love this time of year, it's super energy. Great rivals enjoy your time I'm sure you will be back year after year.

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LeRinkRat

Legend

Joined: Dec, 2001

Posts: 85256

Posted: Jan. 11, 2017 - 11:33 AM ET #23

Quote Originally Posted by lakersfan20009:

I don't think I've been to South Point before. The times I have went so far I stayed at Bellagio and Aria. Might have to check that out. I guess I should be thinking about what hotels are close the sports books and poker rooms I'll be playing at.

EXCELLENT live poker room @ South Point. it is pretty far south on Las Vegas Boulevard (the strip) BUT IF you are coming just for the March Madness basketball AND poker I highly recommend it. also IF you want to take a break and catch a movie they have an excellent multi-plex theater

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lakersfan20009

Prospect

Joined: Nov, 2011

Posts: 452

Posted: Jan. 12, 2017 - 1:27 AM ET #24

I'm looking to stay on the Strip..

I'm seeing on Vegas . com options that include non-stop flights both ways and staying 3 nights at the following:

Tropicana - $725

Luxor - $829

Monte Carlo - $936

MGM - $985

Vdara - $1,018

0

Cabo4life

Prospect

Joined: Nov, 2016

Posts: 28

Posted: Jan. 12, 2017 - 9:50 AM ET #25

I'm I the travel hospitality business in Cabo and get hooked up on rates.

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Vegas for March Madness - Dos and Don'ts

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