Las Vegas is known for its casinos, but the costs surrounding that gambling can also cause you to lose even more money. Before you even step into a casino, you have to pay for hotel rates, overpriced drinks, and expensive transportation. Many Reddit discussions have revealed the habits people develop to avoid losing all their money, and some of these strategies are nothing to do with the actual betting. Avoid these pitfalls and learn these Vegas money-saving tips!
Paying Full Price for Your Hotel
The first thing you should do is check hotel prices across various booking platforms before making a choice. Hotel rates can vary significantly depending on whether conventions or sporting events are taking place, or if it is a weekend. If your schedule is flexible and you book during the week, you could save hundreds of dollars. Reddit user Specific_Piccpp681 commented on one of these Vegas money-saving tips: “I work in a hotel and if people ask us nicely to take fees off, we will. But the key is to be nice. We are tired of being yelled at the fees we didn’t come up with and don’t agree with.”
Ignoring Resort Fees
When you book a hotel room in Las Vegas, you will notice that the initial price you select for your stay is never the same as the final one; the latter is always higher. This is due to resort fees, which tend to be lower outside the Las Vegas Strip. However, even worse are the fees that catch customers by surprise because they failed to read the booking terms and conditions. Reddit user IDooDoodAtTheMasters opined: “Don’t get hung up on the existence of a resort fee. You need to consider the total cost.”
Buying Every Drink Inside the Casino
Frequent visitors to Las Vegas noted that cocktails purchased on the Strip can cost as much as an entire casual meal. Therefore, those who want a drink should have it inside the casino, where complimentary beverages are offered while you gamble. By saving a little on drinks and adopting other similar habits, you will save money. Reddit user 16semesters reflected: “With tip to the cocktail waitress and the money lost gambling it’s not a great strategy, but if you’re going to gamble anyway, you might as well get the booze.”
Gambling Without Setting a Daily Budget
Some experienced gamblers decide beforehand how much money they are willing to lose during their time in Las Vegas. Setting that amount aside from their vacation funds prevents overspending. In fact, some visitors leave their credit cards at the hotel before heading to the casino to avoid the temptation of withdrawing more cash. You should view gambling as entertainment rather than an investment, because that changes your expectations. Reddit user Informal_Tell78 observed: “For some people that would be US$20, for some others US$20,000. It all depends on your budget. If you play US$25 minimum table games, you’re gonna need bigger bankroll.”
Taking Airport Taxis Without Comparing Ride Prices
Airport taxi fares can vary significantly depending on demand. Services like Uber, or others that offer ride-sharing, might work out cheaper. You should compare the alternatives before making a decision; in fact, some hotels offer airport shuttle services. Certain taxi rides could throw off your budget. Reddit user New-Worldliness1206 remarked: “Uber wanted almost double the taxi rate, US$52 to the LINQ, so I signed up as a new Lyft customer, US$11.95 deal for first ride.”
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Eating Every Meal on the Strip
As you move away from the Strip, restaurant prices decrease. Some visitors choose Chinatown because the food is high-quality and reasonably priced; indeed, local restaurants offer better value than those geared toward tourists. Even if you pay for a taxi to travel further from the Strip to grab a bite to eat, it would still be more economical. Reddit user ASAP_i noted: “I would have liked a place like Perkins, Bob Evans, or Cracker Barrel with US$10-15 meals on the strip! But as for food cost, it is high. So is food in most major metro and tourist corridors.”
Paying ATM Fees Inside Casinos
When you withdraw money from an ATM inside a casino, you might face the highest possible fees. The best decision is to bring the cash you plan to wager with you before arriving at the casino; this saves you the fee and also helps you avoid making impulse withdrawals. Some people avoid using casino ATMs altogether to steer clear of unnecessary costs. Reddit user Realistic-Big5478 commented on one of these Vegas money-saving tips: “I am a Vegas local and it’s a poor business practice to gouge consumers in the way ATMs do. ATM fees are expected, but price gouging isn’t.”
Paying for Attractions Without Looking for Discounts
Some of the attractions in Vegas are included in city passes or discount programs, so don’t pay full price. Online reservations are often cheaper than buying tickets at the attraction, and coupons in guidebooks or on local travel websites can save you a significant amount of money. The best habit to adopt is to plan your experience in advance. Reddit user _WeSellBlankets_ revealed: “I saw Absinthe show and I thought it wasn’t selling out and I’d be able to get a discount. I should have waited until day of, but I was in the area the night before and the ticket office wouldn’t offer me any discounts.”
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Renting a Car When You Won’t Actually Need One
Parking costs at the resorts are very high and keep rising. If you carpool and walk, your wallet will thank you. And one of these Vegas money-saving tips can be used in any city. Don’t forget that you have to add fuel, parking fees, and insurance to the cost of renting a car. People staying on the Strip often don’t use their rental cars because their destinations are quite close by. Consider whether you really need one based on what you plan to do. Reddit user NetworkPIMP opined: “Most of the stuff we want to do is on the Strip, so don’t rent a car. Uber is fine. If you spend most time away from the Strip, then the answer changes.”
Assuming Buffets Are Always a Bargain
Buffets in Vegas aren’t always a bargain anymore, as costs have risen since the pandemic. The price of a premium buffet is now comparable to that of a standard restaurant. That’s one of the Vegas money-saving tips that some people forget. Compare menu prices or look them up online before setting your expectations too high. At some buffets, the cost simply isn’t worth what you get in return. Reddit user Middle_Jaguar_5406 opined: “For US$107, you can have a much better experience at any of the various restaurants, where food is freshly prepared and you don’t have to leave your seat. Vegas buffets have become a total gimmick.”
Chasing Casino Losses
Those most accustomed to the Vegas betting experience say that chasing casino losses is the costliest mistake one can make in the city. Trying to recoup losses only leads to further losses. It certainly takes discipline to accept a loss and stop betting, but doing so protects your money. You must understand that the casino always wins; otherwise, they wouldn’t continue to exist and thrive over the years. Reddit user Lielcy9309 remarked on one of these Vegas money-saving tips: “In my mind I’m trying to win everything back I’ve lost which is the wrong way to look at it. I do get enjoyment from gambling… just not when I’m thousands in the hole from it.”
Forgetting That Many of Vegas’ Best Attractions Are Free
Some of Vegas’ most iconic attractions are free, so there’s not much secret in this Vegas money-saving tips. These experiences can help your budget, as you can have fun and spend the day without spending money. Walking along the Strip offers hours of entertainment, and art exhibits provide value without the cost of an admission ticket. Reddit user trojankiller commented: “You can visit the Chocolate Fountain and its show at the Bellagio, the Lake of Dreams Show at Wynn and the Fall of Atlantis Show at the Forum Shops at Caesars.”
Bigger Picture / Why It Matters
You can avoid overspending on various Vegas experiences by planning your approach in advance. You can limit those small expenses throughout your trip rather than cutting back on your core budget for the hotel, meals, or gambling. Focus your spending on the experiences you truly value, and avoid getting carried away by impulse purchases. These Vegas money-saving tips will save you from problems when you return to your daily routine.
