IGT Slots put some of our favorite games into this home version including Lobstermania and DaVinci Diamonds.

Best home slots game — IGT Slots: Lucky Larry’s Lobstermania

IGT strikes gaming gold with this fun in-home slots game that includes such favorites as Cats, Carnival of Mystery (love this game at Caesars in Las Vegas,) Frog Princess and Stinkin’ Rich.  At less than $20, it’s a great deal for those who want to play, not pay!

Best Cross Body Bag for Women — Cole Haan Bailey Bag

Here’s the dilemma — as much as you (or the woman in your life) love toting around that jumbo purse/suit

case/carryall, it just isn’t very practical for a day at the casino.  Do you keep it on that sticky shelf between machines or clutch it to your body like you’re protecting the family jewels?  And, please, don’t even think of hanging it off the back of your chair!

Solution:  enter the Cross Body bag which — just as the name suggests — smartly and compactly sits across the chest holding valuables and necessities in neatly and stylishly.  We couldn’t believe the price on this beauty (less than half the regular price!) and it comes in a gorgeous shade of lipstick red as well.  This doesn’t have to go in her stocking…it can be her stocking! Love it.

Also, be sure to check out our extensive Gift Guide here.

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We love Louis! Even if it is just window-shopping the posh purses at CityCenter Las Vegas and this two-story Louis Vuitton shop, the brand's largest store in North America.

Something we read on VegasChatter today made us get off our blogging butts and write this post we’ve been meaning to do for ages.  While most of our trips to Vegas are geared around couples, we do indulge in the occasional “Girls Getaway” and that agenda is a whole lot different from any we follow when the boys come along.

Here are just a few suggestions – tried and true – of what to do on your next (if you happen to be female) girls trip to Las Vegas.

1.        We love to get our girlie on with a visit to Sephora at Planet Hollywood’s Miracle Mile Shops.  Better yet, book a FREE make-over and you’ll leave there looking like a million bucks.  And yeah, just try not to buy any of the fabuloso stuff they use to create the new you.

2.       Speaking of the Miracle Mile Shops at Planet Hollywood Resort & Casino, you’ll definitely want to spend some time traipsing the circular mile-plus path and hitting such fun stores as H&M, Betsey Johnson, BCBG MAXAZRIA, Urban Outfitters, kitchen specialty shop Sur La Tab and our fave shop for cheap Vegas T-shirts, ABC Stores.  (There are actually two of them in the mall.)  Leave time for a stop at Fat Tuesday’s Daiquiri Bar where we highly recommend the Banana Banshee and the Mojito.  (Word to the wise, drink too many of the latter and you won’t be able to movito away from the bar.)

3.       When we travel with the boys, we find ourselves at lots of casino buffets – big fat breakfast and lunch buffets.  While that’s fine for those trips, we really appreciate relaxing with the girls over a more refined meal – one that includes servers who, well, serve us.  With that in mind, check out these girlie favorites:

• Serendipity 3 in front of Caesars Palace – Just look for the pink and white striped awnings and be sure to order the Cotton Candy Martini.  Need we say more?
• Payard Bistro inside Caesars – The tiny jewel box of a restaurant serves some of the best breakfasts in town.  The one that gets our morning going in the right direction is the Eggs Benedict on Croissant.  This is the real-thing:  perfect Hollandaise sauce, gently poached eggs, lean salty ham and the BEST croissant on the planet.
• Society Café at Encore – Yes, we know lots of guys like it but, really, take one look at all the frou-frou and fluff and it just screams gently whispers “Ladies-Who-Lunch” at you.  The classic Tuna Nicoise and the fruit-and-nut laden Grilled Chicken salads are both fresh and, gulp, good for you as well.

4.       No Las Vegas girls weekend is complete without this stop:  Lunch or dinner on the Strip-side patio at Mon Ami Gabi restaurant which fronts Paris Las Vegas.   This  Vegas favorite combines the BEST people-watching opportunities with a menu sure to please the fussiest of groups (you know who you are) along with a front-row seat to the Fountain Show at Bellagio.  Toss in a  thoughtful wines-by-glass list, the must-have profiteroles for dessert AND superb service and you’ve got a spot to make everyone happy, happy.

5.       Last stop, window-shopping at Crystals, the retail area of CityCenter, then onto ARIA Casino Hotel for our one big blow-out dinner of the trip at Sage.  This funky yet sophisticated purple-and-gold outpost of Chef Shawn McClain is the most under-appreciated fine dining spot in Las Vegas.  Really.  The food is phenomenal and the service is excellent.  The Roasted Day Boat Scallops with braised Oxtail/Wild Mushrooms/Salted Caramel Reduction (quoted from the menu) is one of the best scallop preparations we have ever had – anywhere.  Start with the Foie Gras Custard  Brûlée and end with any of the chocolate-centric desserts and you’ll leave a happy camperess.  By the way, Sage now features Absinthe service, something we are definitely going to try during our next visit.

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Meatballs by Mario.

We love football — especially betting on football –  and no game is more fun to bet than the Super Bowl.  Flat bets are great but what we really love all the crazy “prop” bets that are circulating  this time of year.  How long will it take Christina Aguilera to sing the National Anthem?  Will Fergie show up to perform at half-time dressed as a Cowboys cheerleader?  Yep, those are just a couple of the bets available at offshore betting sites like bodog.com.  In Vegas, where Nevada gaming regulations restrict prop bets to those directly related to specific game statistics, there are still plenty of “off-road” opportunities.  Check out this article at National Football Post on the five best prop bets for this Sunday’s big game. For more info, check out these lists on EastCoastGambler.net as well — Super Bowl Prop Bets, Steelers and Prop Bets, Packers.

Now on to part two of our headline — Mario’s balls.  So we’re watching “Good Morning America” last Friday and they’re doing a special segment on what to serve at your Super Bowl party and the chef du jour is Mario Batali of New York’s Babbo and Las Vegas faves B&B and Carnevino fame.  He suggests making, among other things, meatball heroes for the big day.  The recipe looked so good and we were so intrigued (mix the meat for 10 minutes!) that we just had to make them ourselves.  We are here to tell you that these are the BEST meatballs on the planet. Really.  We made a huge batch to have with pasta or serve on sandwich rolls but honestly, we simply want a big bowl of them topped with a little homemade marinara and a sprinkling of pecorino Romano cheese.  Here’s the ABC video on Mario Batali’s meatballs plus the meatball recipe.  (Use panko breadcrumbs in place of the fresh ones.)

And last, here’s an appetizer we make every Super Bowl and always get back rave reviews and an empty serving dish.

The Best Buffalo Chicken Dip

• 4 boneless chicken breasts (about 2 lbs)
• 1-12oz. bottle of Frank’s Hot Buffalo Sauce
• 2- 8oz. packages of cream cheese
• 1 cup each of Ranch and Blue Cheese salad dressings
• 8 oz. shredded sharp cheddar cheese

Poach chicken breasts in enough water to cover for 30 minutes or until done.

Drain and when cool enough to handle, shred chicken then combine with the hot sauce.

Spread in a 13×9 baking pan.

Heat oven to 350 degrees.

In a sauce pan, combine cream cheese and both dressings, stirring until smooth and hot.

Pour mixture evenly over chicken.

Bake uncovered for 20 minutes.

Sprinkle cheese on top and bake uncovered for another 10 min.

Let stand 10 minutes before serving.

Serve with tortilla chips, crackers, celery sticks (or just a big spoon.)

Have a great Super Bowl Sunday!

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The Crazy Diamond Slot Bank is a top-seller this holiday season.

We posted ideas for buying gifts for poker and card players so time to give you some hints on what to get for the slot machine fan on your list.  There’s still time to order these items from Amazon.com and have them under the tree on Christmas morning.  And don’t forget — if none of these ideas floats your boat there are scads more in our Gift Guide storefront.

This is, by far, my fave gift for women, myself included…hint, hint — a cozy Pashmina-style wrap for those chilly casino floors.  Really, I’ve been in meat lockers that are warmer than your average casino.  In a luscious solid color, posh print or smooth neutral, this is a great gift item for travelers as well.  (Sure beats those skanky-looking airplane blankets.)

Maybe we have a skewed sense of humor but we love this hoodie! The BusyBodies Slot Machine Hooded Sweatshirt simply makes us smile every single time we put it on. Win or lose, it’s a great gift for a dedicated slot machine player.

Redesigned for music and Multi-Touch, the Apple iPod nano is smaller and lighter than ever. You can clip it to your sleeve, jacket, or running shorts and keep your favorite songs at your fingertips. There’s even a built-in FM radio so you can tune into your favorite game while you play the machines.

Top Gift Idea — Here’s a cool way for your slot machine fan to save up for that next trip to the casino — the Crazy Diamonds Slot Machine Bank. This large-scale replica features a chrome bevel and tray, a jackpot bell and a flashing light. This is our best-selling item for 2010.

Book a stay at the ARIA Resort and Casino and you'll be in the heart of the exciting new CityCenter Las Vegas.

Last but not least, how about a trip to Vegas for the casino lover on your list?  We can’t think of a better gift than a three-night stay at the Bellagio, Caesars Palace or one of CityCenter Las Vegas’ newest spots — the ARIA Casino Resort or Vdara Hotel.  Click Here for the Best Las Vegas Hotel Deals!

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This "Powered by Poker" hoodie would be a great gift for any card player to find beneath the Christmas tree.

Looking for gifts for casino players?  We’ve got lots of ideas for you.  From stocking-stuffers to more substantial offerings, we’ve picked gifts for slot machine players and card players – ones we know they will love.  There’s still plenty of time left to shop online and we’ll be posting some of our fav picks from Amazon.com’s extensive gift catalog right up until the bitter exciting end of this year’s holiday shopping season.

Best Gifts for Cards and Poker Players:

Whether you are just learning to play poker or looking for advice on advanced strategy, this is one of the books to own and read.   Harrington on Hold ‘em is one of the few books players agree on — it’s a five-star guide to winning the game of poker.  One reviewer says,  “This book paid for itself immediately. Some of the fundamental concepts in this book seem extremely obvious once they’ve been pointed out to you, but cost real money until you grasp them.”

Instead of a stocking stuffer, how about the entire stocking?  Accented with a royal flush, this Playing Cards Christmas Stocking will definitely make any card player smile come Christmas morning.

A fun little goodie to put into the stocking: this World Series of Poker Texas Holdem Handheld Video Game.

Here’s a colorful addition to any Christmas tree and especially one belonging to a poker player — this holiday ornament representing stacks of poker chips.

Home poker parties continue to be all the rage these days and this Poker Platter With Aces is a perfect gift for entertaining. An optional set of Poker Snack Plates is also available.

Want more gifting ideas for casino players? We’ve assembled a huge variety of gifts to choose from in our storefront Casino Gifts Guide. (Don’t miss the cute ornaments featuring the poker dogs.  Yep, those ubiquitous “Dogs Playing Poker.”)

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If you are heading to Las Vegas this summer be sure to check out this fabulous free display.  If possible, be there once the sun goes down as the gardens become even more beautiful when decked out in a custom lighting display that off-sets the night sky above.

Tip:  No stop at the Bellagio is complete without a visit to Jean-Philippe Patisserie for a perfect Napoleon, raspberry tart or fondant-adorned mini-carrot cake.

Enjoy these photos from this summer’s display at the Bellagio gardens.

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A stunning view of Paris Las Vegas as seen from our 25th floor room at the Bellagio.

“Where to stay in Las Vegas” — Hotel Review — The Bellagio:

After our recent three-night stay at the Bellagio, we’re happy to report that the resort remains one of the best hotels in Las Vegas. From the perfect center-Strip location to the recently-remodeled rooms; the posh selection of shops and restaurants and the sophisticated casino; the Bellagio is a worthwhile splurge for Las Vegas visitors.

We’d recently heard rumors that the Bellagio – open since 1998 — was showing its age but if so, we certainly didn’t see it in the maintenance of the hotel or the room we were given. Our room was luscious and restful: sage green, soft golds and creamy ivory tones in the bedding and upholstery were set off by the dark woods used for the furniture and bath vanity. Adding immensely to our enjoyment of the resort was the magnificent view of the Strip and the Bellagio fountains which we had from our 25th floor front-and-center perch. The biggest complaint we had about the room was the small outdated TV but since we don’t spend much time on vacation watching the tube, it wasn’t a huge issue for us.

Bellagio restaurants

We love the restaurant selection at the Bellagio: Olives by Todd English (read our review of Olives here); Palio for a quick breakfast; the decadent Jean-Philippe Maury patisserie; the Bellagio’s own buffet plus the sunny Café Bellagio overlooking the pool and the Bellagio Conservatory & Botanical Gardens are a few of our favorites when in town.

The pool complex is perfect for a sunny summer day and offers lots of shady spots courtesy of the many trees and well-placed umbrellas.  Pool aficionados may want to reserve one of the large cabanas ringing the main pool.

A “Best Bet” on the Strip

With its great location, plush surroundings plus all the amenities of a AAA Five Diamond Award Las Vegas hotel we can confidently recommend the Bellagio to our readers looking for a posh Vegas getaway. Take a Virtual Tour of Bellagio here.

The new CityCenter construction provides a back-drop to the Bellagio's pool complex.

A comfy king-sized bed plus soft colors make for a restful stay at the luxurious Bellagio Las Vegas.

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Simply magical. The Bellagio gardens shine after the sun goes down. (Photos & all content property of www.royallyflushed.com)

No matter how busy we are during our trips to Las Vegas, we still never miss the chance to see what gorgeous seasonal display the Bellagio has in store for visitors to their remarkable Conservatory and Botanical Gardens. We definitely consider it to be one of the top free things to do on the Las Vegas Strip.

For some reason, we always seem to be at the Bellagio during the day but because we spent two fabulous nights there this trip, we were able to visit the famed Bellagio garden at night and see it in all its evening finery. If you have never seen the garden at night, you really should make a point of going because it truly is a different experience once the sun goes down.  You can see from the photos how the ambiance changes day to night.

This summer the display features some popular design elements used in the past including colorful hot air balloons floating overhead and a pair of father and son bears made entirely from greenery. New this year: a brilliantly-lit Ferris wheel with cars brimming with sunflowers; a glass “green house” with aviaries featuring flocks of rainbow-colored birds like lorikeets and parakeets; and whimsical over-sized tin cans pouring forth glowing cascades of water.

The current display will be on view until September 14 when the theme changes to one featuring autumn leaves and harvest time colors.

Daytime reveals colorful balloons and a green house filled with exotic birds.

Dancing waters accented with LED lights put on a show at night at the Bellagio gardens.

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The adults-only GO pool at Flamingo Las Vegas is a tropical oasis in the summer.

It may be hot outside but Las Vegas offers lots of great attractions all summer long and you don’t have to break a sweat to enjoy them.

1.  Tour Shark Reef at Mandalay Bay Resort And Casino.  Cruising through the more than 1 million gallons of seawater can’t help but make you feel a whole lot cooler.

2.  Order TWO scoops of super-rich, intensely-flavored ice cream at Sugar & Ice at Wynn Las Vegas.

3.  Enjoy a frozen, fruity concoction while lying poolside at any of the city’s fabulous “ultra-pools.” We enjoy the surprisingly hidden tropical gardens and pool complex at Flamingo Las Vegas — complete with real pink flamingos.

4.  Sip a cold beer inside the Fontana Lounge at the Bellagio while watching the fabulous fountain show taking place just outside.

5.  Wander the wide halls of the Miracle Mile Shops at Planet Hollywood then stop for lunch at the beach-themed Hawaiian Tropic Zone restaurant (complete with bikini-clad servers!)

6.  Put on your cutest sundress or flashiest Hawaiian shirt and play some blackjack at the new Beachside Casino at Mandalay Bay.

7.  Take in the 2:30 matinee performance of “The Price is Right” at Bally’s Las Vegas.

8.  Burgers and big, thick shakes – with or without alcohol – at BLT Burger at the Mirage.

9.  Try your luck at poker, craps, slots…all in the icy (and we do mean ICY) air-conditioning of your favorite casino.

10. Check out the underwater treasures at “Titanic: The Artifact Exhibition” at the Luxor.

11. Indulge in white peach sangria while munching on spicy garlic shrimp at Café Ba Ba Reeba at Fashion Show Mall.

12. Dig into a giant bowl of the justly-famous Frrozen Hot Chocolate dessert at the new Serendipity 3 facing the Strip at Caesars Palace.

13. Summer calls for down-home BBQ in our book so head over to the Rio and RUB restaurant where you can sample their luscious pulled pork, tender beef brisket or smoked turkey.

14. Pamper yourself with a complete spa day.  We recommend QUA at Caesars Palace with their extensive menu of massages, water treatments, facials and more.

15. Take a mid-week tour of the Ethel M Chocolate factory (M – F) where employees craft the company’s gourmet chocolate candy offerings.  For those willing to brave the heat, there is a three-acre Botanical Cactus Garden (with more than 300 varieties of plants) on premise that guests are free to wander.

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Poker Buddy scores with a double Royal Flush for a cool two grand.

P.B.:  “Harrah’s Ak-Chin Casino is announcing their Alaskan cruise contest winners tonight.  Do you want to go out for it?”

Me:  “Not really…I’m kinda’ tired today.”

Three hours later —

Me:  “Okay, I got my second wind.  Let’s go out and see if we won a cruise.”

P.B.:  “Yeah, let’s go but I don’t want to play too much.”

Me:  “Nah, me neither.”

Two hours later –

See above photo!  Poker Buddy hits for $2000 on a quarter Triple Play DDB video poker game.  Dealt four to the Royal Flush, he pulls the queen twice for TWO Royals.  Cha-Ching!

Hmm, maybe we should not “want to play too much” more often?  (No cruise by the way.)

Got any stories you wanna’ share?  We’d love to hear them so tell us about your big wins in the comments section of this post.

Want to practice your video poker strategy for free online?  Just go to videopoker.com to play your favorite games on the ‘net’s largest non-wagering video poker site.

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1.  Check out this very cool eBags “Piazza Day Bag.”  We love the summery violet color, all the zippered pockets and compartments (perfect for holding our players club cards!) plus the adjustable shoulder strap makes it very easy to carry.  It’s an eBags award-winner and at $49.99, it’s a great deal for a good-looking organizer bag Mom will love.  (You can check out other colors when you visit the eBags site.)

2. If Mom loves to play cards — from Texas Hold ‘Em to Bridge! — she’ll really enjoy receiving and wearing this Eve’s Addiction Lucky Club Casino Pendant. In sterling silver and featuring sparkling CZ accents, this fun necklace is sure to be one of her favorites.  Order now from Amazon and get an extra 20% off the low price of $28 plus FREE shipping for a gift you’ll both love.

3.  Okay, we’ve said it before and we’ll say it again:  We LOVE our iPods!  From listening to the latest music to all the free podcasts we download each week — we have our earbuds plugged in almost every day.  The cool new Apple iPod nano 8 GB Pink (4th Generation) is our current favorite.  The vibrant fuchsia tone makes it easy to find in our tote bags and the clear, bright LCD screen makes navigation much easier than in earlier models.

4.  Give Mom a reason to go out on the town more often with these amazing Restaurant.com gift certificates.  For just $10 each, you can buy Mom $25 worth of dining at your choice of 1,000′s of restaurants around the country.  (Yes, you read that correctly, JUST $10 EACH for $25 in individual restaurant credit!)  You can choose restaurants in your own town or pick some great Vegas spots if Mom has a trip planned for the summer.  Either way, it’s a sweet deal on a great gift!   Restaurant.com Gift Certificates

Just in — this great 20% OFF coupon from eBags.com! Get 20% Off Now Through Sunday May 3 at eBags.com

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In addition to great room offers, free shows and merchandise giveaways, I’m also noticing quite a few more tournaments and promotional events for both slot and table game players.  Even the offers recognizing my April birthday have better incentives such as the $25 in bonus birthday play from — thank you, very much — Casino Arizona in Scottsdale.  (A side note:  Casino Arizona’s April giveaway is an umbrella.  These are the same people who gave away mittens and a scarf earlier this year.  Hmmm, someone needs to tell them it rains here just about as often as it gets cold enough for mittens and a scarf….)

Also interesting, a number of the offers are coming to me from the casinos via my email box.  Sending offers through email makes so much sense.  Got rooms to fill in a hurry?  Put together a quick email and send it to thousands of club members within a matter of minutes!

So, what does this all have to do with you?

1. Always, always sign up for a players club card even when you don’t plan on playing a lot.  A casino can’t send you offers if they don’t know who you are and where to find you.
2. Do not throw away the mailers unopened.  Who knows what goodies await inside?
3. Sign up for email notifications from the casinos.  You’ll get some great last-minute offers.
4. If you live somewhere it rains a lot, I’ve got an umbrella you can have….

Hotels.com Spring Sale- Last Week to Save up to 30% at Hotels.com! – Expires by 4/13/09

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Check out this excerpt from the “official rules:”
“To enter the promotion, Reef Club Members must earn a minimum of 50 Bonus Points on any day and swipe their membership card at the Entrance Terminal on that same day, to automatically receive 1 entry form….

6. A minor prize draw for 1 Easter Basket will be conducted on Sunday the 29th March at 4:00pm and again on Sunday the 5th April 2009 at 4:00pm. A major prize draw for 150 kilograms of assorted chocolate will take place at approximately 4:00pm on Sunday the 12th April.

7. The major prize winner will win an amount of chocolate equivalent to their body weight up to a maximum of 150 kilograms, or if they do not wish to disclose their body weight, they will automatically win 150 kilograms of assorted chocolate.”

Considering my love for all things chocolate, I would SO BE THERE for the drawing.  Even if I wasn’t chosen, I might be able to talk the lucky winner into sharing the wealth because, as the rules state…

15. Prizes are not transferable or redeemable for cash, services or other goods.

(Now, I also have you wondering what that magazine article is all about but you just have to wait ’til the May issue release to find out!)

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Camera and lots of memory cards. I can’t believe how cheap memory cards are these days! We love this $84 Nikon Coolpix L22 12.0MP Digital Camera with 3.6x Optical Zoom and 3.0-Inch LCD in bright red along with lots of LESS THAN $4 memory cards such as the Kingston 4 GB Class 4 SDHC Flash Memory Card SD4/4GB which holds hundreds of pics. Everywhere I go, my camera goes with me. You just never know when the perfect Vegas view will happen.

Ladies, you’ve heard me talk about this before but I always take a light pashmina-style Shawl/Wrap with me. Recently, it really came in handy when we headed over to Botero Steak at Wynn Encore and the doors to the pool area were open and letting in a really chilly breeze. The fresh air was great but I was very glad I had my cozy wrap with me.  They’re also great on plane trips — much better than those skanky cheesy blankets the airlines pass out have the gall to charge for.  Trust me, pack one of these babies just once and you won’t travel without it.

Take sunglasses and sunscreen.  There are always long lines at the sidewalk sunglasses shops because people forget that it is almost always sunny in LV – summer, fall, winter, spring! Be sure to take good sunscreen as well. Even on overcast days, we have some strong UV rays in the desert. No sense using up valuable vacay-time hunting down (and paying way too much for) shades and lotions.  We’ve found this sunscreen (> $15) to be really convenient and easy to pack. We even throw a couple of the little foil-wrapped packets into our pocket for a quick touch-up on hot days.  Coretex SunX SPF30 Sunscreen Towelettes – 25 Individual Foil Pouch Towelettes. PABA Free, Oil-free, Water and Sweat Resistant, UVA/UVB Protection, Easy Wipe on Application.

Again, this one’s for the girls.  Nights out demand a glamorous little bag — one you can take onto the dance floor or into a chic restaurant. We love this Prezzo Square Cross-Body bag in shiny metal mesh.  It’s perfect for stashing my room key, credit card, cash and a tube of lip gloss.  What more do you need for a night on the town?  It’s also very light-weight so it’s easy on the shoulders and it comes in inky black or glowing silver to go with anything.

More tips on what to pack for Las Vegas here: What to Pack for Las Vegas.

Do you have any “must-haves” when it comes to your Vegas packing list?

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Better than a box of chocolates? A stop at Payard Patisserie at Caesars Palace on Valentine's Day.

In honor of Valentine’s Day, we were going to run a list of our favorite romantic (read expensive) restaurants in Las Vegas.  However, with all the talk about how Las Vegas has become such a great “frugal” destination for travelers (it is!) plus considering the state of the economy — not to mention our wallets — we’ve decided that in lieu of that list, we’ve come up with this list: Seven inexpensive yet fun and romantic things you and your sweetie can do this coming weekend.  (Lots of these ideas can be used in places other than Las Vegas so take a look even if you won’t be traveling for V-Day.)

1.  One of our favorite stores is Bijoux Terner, otherwise known as the “$10 boutique.”  Everything (and we really mean everything) from purses to watches to bold and brassy necklaces and earrings is just $10.  Why not treat your sweetie to a week’s worth of colorful watches or five new handbags in spring’s brightest shades.  No, not “designer” pieces but who wants to spend a ton on a bright orange watch or a psychedelic pink purse anyways?

2.  Try a “celebrity chef” for less.  Case in point; Tom Colicchio, famous head judge on Bravo TV’s smash-hit “Top Chef” is the brains (and toque) behind ‘wichcraft at MGM Grand.  His fabulous meatloaf sandwich is just $10 and almost as good as the beefy entrees at his high-priced Craftsteak restaurant just down the corridor.  Oh, and make sure you save room for the decadent “Whoopie Pie” — chocolate cake layers filled with vanilla pudding.

3.  Sugar & Ice café at Wynn Las Vegas is an all-time favorite sweet stop for us.  Splurge on double scoops of rich, velvety ice cream — the lemon tart just sings with flavor — while relaxing on the gorgeous patio that looks out onto the “Lake of Dreams” and the lush surroundings of the Wynn grounds.

4.  Plan a dessert tour.  Chocoholics will love a stop at either Jean-Philippe Patisserie at Bellagio or Payard Patisserie & Bistro at Caesars Palace (or maybe both!) and then on to Cocolini in St. Mark’s Square at The Venetian for bowls of authentic gelato.  End the evening with chocolate martinis at Table 10 at The Palazzo.

5.  Treat each other to body lotions at Kiehl’s at The Forum Shoppes.  There’s a yummy Forest Rain lotion for guys plus a warm vanilla-scented cream for her.  Take your purchases back to your hotel room and have fun.  (You can plan ahead and make sure your MP3 player has a special “romantic songs” playlist just for the occasion!)

6.  Stroll the Bellagio Conservatory and Botanical Gardens together.  Ask a kind stranger to take your picture — kissing — while surrounded by this floral wonderland.  After your walk, head for the hotel gift shop and pick up one of the sparkly “Bellagio” keychains ($10) as a reminder of your trip.

7.  Sip a cocktail, or better yet, a glass of champagne in the plush, dimly-lit Napoleon’s at Paris Las Vegas.  The piano bar comes alive later in the evening, but until then, this bar features smooth jazz, no cover charge and a very romantic atmosphere.

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Video poker machines wait for tourney players at Bally's in Las Vegas.

One of the benefits of joining a casino’s players club is getting invitations to free tournaments — slots, video poker, table games, even bingo — along with the free hotel stay and other perks that go with the invite.  (Of course, you have to have past play in the casino to receive these types of invites.)

In a previous post, I mentioned that our last trip to Las Vegas was planned around a video poker tournament that we played in at Bally’s Las Vegas.  The tournament consisted of two 10-minutes sessions (one per day for two days) and it is no exaggeration when I say neither of us could hit anything during the tournament play.  No four-of-a-kinds, no straight flushes and certainly no Royals.  We both held four to the Royal, three aces, three low cards, three high cards — you name it — and still couldn’t hit for anything.  Funny thing though, while playing “for real,” we both did pretty well.  All those hands we couldn’t hit on in the tourney, we did, in several instances, pull off in the casino.

I’m thinking about this because we’re playing later this week in another video poker tournament — this time here in Phoenix — and I’m hoping that our luck will have a change of heart and maybe one of us will end up “in the money” this time out.  But, as always, even if we don’t win it’s always fun to compete, meet and talk with other players and generally just go out and have a good time on the “house’s” dime.

By the way, I’ve been practicing my Double Double Bonus tournament-style “holds” at videopoker.com, a great site for free, non-wagering game play.

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Sliced apples atop perfect puff pastry from Jean-Philippe at The Bellagio.

As much as I love the hustle and bustle of the Strip in Las Vegas, it’s kinda’ nice to also find a quiet spot and just kick back, relax and soak in the atmosphere.  If you’ve been reading this blog, you know of my fondness for all things sweet — be it a five-star dessert, a humble cookie or a morning pastry — so it will come as no surprise that this little respite from the action included a visit to Jean-Philippe Patisserie at The Bellagio.

While P.B. was enjoying breakfast and the newspaper back at our hotel’s all-day café, I took a walk over to Bellagio to see the latest transformation of the Conservatory and Botanical Gardens, pick up a light breakfast and simply enjoy the morning.

I’m really not a “big breakfast” eater; I tend to want to go back to sleep if I indulge too much.  For that reason, a stop at Jean-Philippe is perfect for me.  I ordered a double latte and the sliced apple pastry and, as always, the pastry was delectable.

I got my items to go, hiked down the hallway a bit and found a comfy little spot with a table and chairs where I could enjoy a view of the pool area, the luxurious Bellagio surroundings and my perfect little breakfast.

The Chinese New Year is celebrated in color and form at The Bellagio gardens in Las Vegas.

After lingering over breakfast, I visited the Bellagio’s indoor gardens which were decorated in vibrant tones of lucky red and gold for the Chinese New Year festivities — a design that will be on display through February 28.  In addition to this colorful figure perched atop his mountain of gold coins, the garden designers paid homage to The Year of the Ox by creating a sculpture of the beast out of what looked like boxwood.  Any time of year, the garden is always a must-see on my Las Vegas list.

A note about Jean-Philippe:  There can be an imposingly long line at the counter but be aware that the queue moves very quickly and you’ll have your order in no time.

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Morels French Steakhouse at The Palazzo made our list of favorites.

Doing a “Best Restaurants in Las Vegas” list is sort of like doing the “Sexiest Man Alive” issue of People magazine.  We’ve probably missed a couple of hotties; you might think a few are past their prime; and we may even have you shaking your head in a “What-the-hell-were-they-thinking-picking-Zac-Efron?” kind of way but, hey, it’s our list and we’re sticking to it.  (At least until our next trip to Vegas later this month….)

And while you can go to innumerable websites and find scrolls and scrolls of Las Vegas restaurant listings, we’re going to give you a workable, two-page printable list of our favorite Las Vegas restaurants — mostly on the Strip — conveniently arranged into different categories.  We’ve even included the 36 links you need to check them out for hours, phone numbers and all the info you may need.  Also, be sure to check out the most up-to-date Las Vegas dining deals and restaurant coupons at our sister site, BestLasVegasValues.com.

Steakhouses:  SW Steakhouse at Wynn Las Vegas     BOA Steakhouse at the Forum Shoppes at Caesars Palace     CUT at The Shops at the Palazzo     Morels French Steakhouse at The Palazzo     Delmonico Steakhouse at The Venetian     Craftsteak at MGM Grand     Strip House at Planet Hollywood     N9NE at The Palms     Prime at The Bellagio     Charlie Palmer Steak at The Four Seasons Las Vegas

Seafood:  RM Seafood at Mandalay Bay (either upstairs or the more casual downstairs)     AquaKnox at the Venetian     Bartolotta Ristorante di Mare at Wynn Las Vegas     Emeril’s New Orleans Fish House at MGM Grand     Joe’s Seafood, Prime Steak & Stone Crab at The Forum Shoppes at Caesars Palace     Michael Mina at The Bellagio     SeaBlue at the MGM Grand

Sushi:  Koi at Planet Hollywood     Social House at Treasure Island     Nobu at The Hard Rock Hotel & Casino     Sushi Roku at The Forum Shoppes at Caesars Palace     Yellowtail Sushi Restaurant & Bar at The Bellagio     Shibuya at MGM Grand

Chef-Driven, Food-as-High-Art, Titanium Card Preferred Fine Dining: Alex at Wynn Las Vegas     Restaurant Guy Savoy at Caesars Palace     Bouchon Bistro (Thomas Keller) at The Venetian      L’Atelier de Joël Robuchon at MGM Grand     Picasso (Julian Serrano) at The Bellagio

Staff Favorites:  Olives at The Bellagio     Burger Bar at Mandalay Bay     Mon Ami Gabi at Paris     David Burke at The Venetian    Bobby Flay’s Mesa Grill at Caesars Palace     Rosemary’s Restaurant (Off-Strip and completely worth the cab ride!)     The Grill at Valentino at The Venetian     Mix at THEhotel at Mandalay Bay

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A gorgeous view of the mountains and a moonlit Colorado River as seen from Harrah's in Laughlin.

I think one of the best ways to recall a year is to sort through the photos I’ve taken over the past twelve months.  They bring back lots of great memories either through the specific image or by tweaking my brain into remembering what all happened on that occasion.  To break down a whole year into a few paragraphs isn’t easy, especially when I’m fortunate enough to say lots of great stuff happened in the past twelve months.  So rather than doing a monthly blow-by-blow, I chose to pick out some highlights from our year in gaming.

Best Casino “Hits”:  P.B. – Dealt four 4′s then hit for two out of three kickers on the draw playing Triple Double Bonus Spin Poker Deluxe™ with a payout of $1190.  C.C. – Dealt four 3′s and a kicker playing TDB Spin Poker Deluxe™ with a $1600 payout.

Best Discovery:  The Diamond Lounge patio over-looking the Colorado River at Harrah’s Laughlin, Nevada casino.  A great spot for relaxing with a drink, especially on a warm full-moon night.

Second-Best Discovery:  Green Valley Ranch in Las Vegas with its selection of video poker machines and its very cool pool area.  (Yes, we know it’s been there all along but we usually stay and play on the Strip so this was a big “ah-hah” moment for us.  You’ll see more here on off-Strip properties this coming year.)

Most Surprising Stay:  Harrah’s Joliet casino.  Beautiful spacious room, really nice Diamond Lounge, and a winning night in the casino.

Best High-End Meal in Las Vegas:  BOA Steakhouse at Caesars Palace.  Meltingly tender steaks, truffled potato chips and for dessert – warm, crispy donuts with caramel dipping sauce.

Best Casual Meal in Las Vegas:  Lunch at our perennial favorite, Mon Ami Gabi at Paris, with chicken liver pate, sautéed trout with capers and chocolate-drenched profiteroles for Le Dessert.

Best New Spot in Las Vegas:  The Double Helix Wine Bar at the Palazzo.

Best Las Vegas Dessert:  A tie between the Lemon Tart ice cream at  Sugar & Ice at the Wynn and the Chocoban Tart at Jean-Philippe Patisserie at The Bellagio.  (Thankfully, much more research is needed for this category in 2009.)

Best Meal at a Casino Not in Las Vegas:  The Indian Fry Bread plate at Cliff Castle Casino in Camp Verde, Arizona.  (Good doesn’t have to be expensive.)

Most Memorable Night in Las Vegas:  Attending a surprise party at Table 10, Emeril’s new restaurant at The Palazzo, for our friend’s sixtieth birthday.  Friends and family from across the country showed up and the look on her face when she saw all of us was priceless.

2008 Will be Memorable for:  Starting this website, RoyallyFlushed, and for all the new experiences we’ve had, things we’ve learned and friends we’ve made because of it.

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Say good-bye to one of the worst years for the casino industry.

Onward with more resolutions we think casinos should make for 2009.  Getting butts into the chairs – gambling, restaurants, and show seats — is the Number One priority for stayin’ alive in ’09 so here are some ideas to help you do just that.

– Stop screwing around with your Player’s Club rules and regs – particularly as they affect your faithful players.  I have heard more complaints from players about this one issue than any other this year.  You have less money but so do we.  The more cuts you make, the more we make and the more apt we’ll  be to check out your competitors so think hard before you make changes.

– Resolve to use more immediate forms of marketing – think email, social media like Twitter™, and your own frequently-updated blog site – to get offers out to players.  Here at RoyallyFlushed, we’ve given out our email addresses to casinos large and small and have seen very few effective email campaigns or other uses of that gem you collected from us.  In social media, props go to the LuxorLV on Twitter™ for interesting updates, special offers and more.

– Put some of the fun back into your casinos.  Instead of letting that bank of dedicated machines sit there dead, throw a noisy daily slot tournament, maybe even more than one each day.  You don’t have to give away a ton of money and you could even do a cheap $5 or $10 buy-in if you need it.  People love bells and whistles so have lots happening on your floor.

– Bring back a few of the eye-popping food deals that helped make Las Vegas and casino food service legendary everywhere.  Have a 99¢ shrimp cocktail or prime rib slider at the bar, a $6.99 steak dinner, a $2.99 breakfast deal.  It’s kitsch, it’s retro in an “old Las Vegas” kind of way, and people will love it.

– Resolve to take good care of your players and guests in 2009 and they will take care of you.

Happy New Year to all!

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Gifts are great...just not mittens and backpacks.

Lists, lists and more lists!  Best of, worst of, most notable, most notorious.  So as not to be left off the year-end bandwagon, this week we are going to list some New Year’s resolutions we’d like to see the casinos make for 2009.   (Feel free to add your own suggestions in the comments section.)

To all casinos both large and small; please resolve to stop giving away dumb stuff.  I love “gifts” – quote marks used because we both know I have more than paid for them with my play — but puh-leeze make it something I would even remotely consider using.

For instance, I am the proud owner of Casino Arizona’s latest marketing giveaway — mittens and a scarf.  Uh, did someone miss the Arizona in that name?  If you’re trying to make an impact, wouldn’t you want to give a gift that has some sort of relationship to your business?  Yeah, black mittens and a fuzzy scarf immediately say “Let’s go to the casino…in sunny Arizona” to me.  The month before, a thin “stadium blanket” was the featured free gift.  (This fascination with cold weather is really starting to make me wonder if they know something we don’t and the newest Ice Age is upon us starting in the Arizona desert.)

Or, how about their September back-to-school Casino Arizona backpack?  This one still has me shaking my head — once I quit laughing.  I can just picture little Johnny going off to school with this slung over his shoulder.  Should add some spice to that next parent-teacher conference.

So, here’s some advice to all the casinos thinking about what to give away in 2009:

How about giving away a nice little case to hold my players club cards or a lighted key chain with a four-leaf clover?  Really anything that a.) I would possibly use and b.) isn’t ugly.  (Note that neither suggestion is expensive.)

Marketing people — think about your players.  What would they actually use?  Considering that the average age of casino players is north of 40, you can pretty much bet that backpacks aren’t high on their list of must-have items.

Cash works.  I know it doesn’t have your name emblazoned across the front but trust me, it will get me in the door faster than a pair of mittens or a backpack ever would.

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"Harrk the Harrald Angels Sing"...(and play instruments, too!)

"I Saw Mommy Kissing Santa Claus" -- who looks an awful lot like the next-door neighbor.

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Hanging stockings at Caesars Palace.

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More photo fun all this week!

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A lot of thought went into this intricate light fixture at Caesars Palace in Las Vegas.

Things may not be looking up in Las Vegas — yet — but that doesn’t mean you shouldn’t.  Look up, I mean.  Here’s another entry in our “Las Vegas Look Up” series of posts and photos showing some of the striking design elements we’ve found in Las Vegas casinos.

Today’s entry comes from Caesars Palace — the registration lobby at Caesars to be exact.  For some reason, this light fixture really caught my eye.  From a distance, it reminded me of some sort of giant cell colony.  Don’t ask me why but when I looked up it instantly reminded me of something you’d see under a microscope.  Upon closer inspection — click on the photo to enlarge — those cells are actually etchings of classic Roman figures and symbols.

Check out, too, the intricate flourishes painted onto the ceiling surrounding the base of the fixture.   And, yes, that is accent lighting surrounding each of these accent lights!  I LOVE this lavish attention to detail that you always find in casinos throughout Las Vegas.

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We’re also being showered with bigger and better coupons for “free slot play.”  Even our local Indian casinos here in Arizona are not only joining in the marketing fray but upping the ante with $100 for Diamond members at Harrah’s Ak-Chin in Maricopa and $25 from Fort McDowell in Fountain Hills, just to name a couple.  Those same offers usually come with food coupons as well.  Free buffets, free dinners, free food vouchers – if you’re hungry they’ve got you covered.

Email offers?  Check.  Offers by phone?  Check again.  Leather jackets, Dooney & Bourke handbags, gift cards?  Check, check, check.

So what really gets us into the casino and sitting at a machine or table?  Locally, coupons for free slot play or cash are number one for us with merchandise giveaways a close second.  But only if the item is something we want like the Sony PSP® we got last year at Harrah’s Ak-Chin.

When we travel several times each year to Las Vegas, we do look at the offers we’ve gotten when planning the actual dates.  We especially enjoy slot and video poker tournaments and try to play in a couple of those each year.  Oh, and cash and free slot play and gift cards are good, too.  Merchandise doesn’t really get us to go to Las Vegas – too far for a leather jacket with “Caesars Palace” emblazoned on the back.

We’re curious.  What are your favorite offers?  What gets you to make the date?

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We’ve got a few things to pick up in the stores this holiday season but most of our shopping is being done online this weekend.  Easy on the budget and the feet plus we can buy lots of unique gifts without ever leaving the couch!

So, sit back and relax, pour yourself a cup of cocoa, and shop for all the casino fans, poker players, and slot players on your list with our tailor-made gift guide.  We sorted through tons of items and websites to bring you our “Best Gifts for Casino Players.”

I’m giving P.B. a watch this Christmas and in my search found a great site with a huge selection of the most popular watch brands including Fossil, Citizen and more – both men’s and women’s — at phenomenal prices with free shipping and a 110% price guarantee.  Be sure to use the special coupon code “10off” to save an additional $10 on any watch purchase.

Here’s the link:
Watchco.com- HOLIDAY SPECIALS- BRAND NAME WATCHES- 40%-70% OFF!

A custom thermal from Bad Beat Clothing.

Also, check out the custom-designed tee-shirts, thermals and more at Bad Beat Clothing.  This stuff rocks!  Speaking of poker, great article at Poker Listings about the Doyle Brunson Five Diamond World Poker Classic that starts today at The Bellagio.

And here’s a quick-click way to access all of our holiday gift posts so far this season:
Gifts for Poker Players Gifts for Slot Players/Casino Gamers Holiday Gifts for Players JAQK Wines

Happy Shopping!

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A quiet spot for a drink is just behind these striking light fixtures at BOA Steakhouse in the Forum Shoppes at Caesars Palace.

In our quest to seek out the best bars for a quiet drink in Las Vegas, we give you Part II of our list.  Covering the stretch of the Las Vegas Strip from Caesars Palace to Mandalay Bay, we found great bars and lounges for you to sit back, relax, and enjoy a cocktail or two while enjoying the company you keep.

Caesars Palace – Between the resort itself and the sprawling Forum Shoppes complex, there are so many options for drinking and dining that you’re sure to find a place to call your own.  For us, that spot is BOA Steakhouse on the third floor of the newer shopping galleria.  Their homemade potato chips with cheese and shaved truffles are as decadent as they sound and a perfect foil to an icy cold beer.  If the weather is cooperating, we’re also partial to the outdoor Spanish Steps bar with its frozen concoctions and best-ever bar stools not to mention superior people-watching opportunities.

The Bellagio – What would you expect from Bellagio but the best in caviar and vodka service at the resort’s Petrossian Bar?  This plush lounge is just off the elegant lobby but tucked away enough to satisfy the mellowest of moods.  An unexpected treat is the lounge’s traditional afternoon tea complete with scones and finger sandwiches.

Paris Las Vegas – Look hard or you’re sure to miss this cozy little bar hidden away by the casino’s sports book area.  A few TV’s turned quietly to whatever game might be on is about the only distraction you’ll find at Le Bar du Sport.  (Yeah, that really is the name.)  Early in the evenings, before the dueling pianos begin banging away, you can also find a conversation-friendly atmosphere at Napoleon’s (located along  the cobble-stoned shopping area) where more than 100 champagnes beckon those with a bent for the bubbly.

Planet Hollywood – Yes, Virginia, there is a quiet spot at Planet Ho and we’ve found it – the bar at celeb-favorite KOI.  You don’t want to be there at peak dining hours but closer to the 5 p.m. opening of the lounge.  The lychee fruit martinis are highly-recommended or choose from the expansive sake list.

MGM Grand – Leave a trail of breadcrumbs as you make your way through this massive resort and ultimately to the restful atmosphere of Nobhill Tavern.  You’ll be glad you made the hike when your bartender serves you a perfectly mixed lemon drop martini or chilled glass of Napa Valley white.  We haven’t been there since the new menu was introduced but knowing what we do of Michael Mina’s food, the offerings should be sensational.

Luxor – The venerable pyramid has undergone a major interior facelift with lots of new restaurants and clubs added to the mix.  We have it on good authority that the lounge at TENDER Steak & Seafood or the bar at Company American Bistro are both perfect for a quiet drink.

Mandalay Bay – We’ve already written about how much we love the view from Mix so we’ll give you another option within the coconut-scented confines of the resort.  Surprisingly, we chose the Orchid Lounge just off the lobby near the main entrance to the resort.  Sweets and coffees as well as cocktails are served here.  You’ll hear a little bit of the casino buzz but still be far enough away to hear your companion whisper….

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Here is the comment Al posted about his favorite/first big casino hit: 

“In the late 80’s I was in the process of traveling from The Presidio of Monterey, CA to San Angelo, TX for advanced training. As a private in the army I didn’t have a lot of money. Bargain rooms, casino freebies and cheap buffets were the order of the day. I saw a big banner over “Slots-O-Fun” that advertised 75 cent Heinekens. That was exactly the kind of bargain I was looking for. Walking in I was handed a free painter’s cap and won a $5 chip on the slot pull. I also got a coupon book that offered a $5 match play for any table game. I had seen Blackjack and knew that the coupon made it a good bet, especially with their $5. My wife had saved about $10 in change and wanted to play slots, so I wandered around sipping my premium beer and eventually found a seat at a table.

I put down the coupon and the $5 chip, and was dealt two cards face up, but it wasn’t Blackjack, it was a game called Red Dog, which is essentially Casino Acey-Duecey. I got and Ace and a trey. The dealer told me to put down another $10. I didn’t understand at the time it was not only optional but a good idea, nonetheless it was $10 and that was a lot of money to me. (A bunch more 75 cent Heinekens!) Still, I dug into my pocket and pulled out the ten, putting it down. A face card fell, and instead of my one red chip I now had seven. (The $20 bet paid even money, less the $5 match coupon.) I put two red chips in my pocket to replace my beer money and bet two more. After a dozen or so more hands I had stashed another $40 in red chips and decided to put down a last $20 bet before cashing out.

The first card was a Queen. A good start, but I was really disappointed when a second Queen fell. I assumed that the hand was a push and was pondering just picking up my bet when the dealer turned another card, a third Queen. The rest of the table whooped and I was paid off at 11:1. JACKPOT! I took my $240 and went in search of my wife. She had just hit a $16 jackpot on a nickel machine. I showed her the handful of red and green chips I had, and I remember saying “Red and Green, just like Christmas.”

I only made about $800 a month and she made even less. But that night we had just short of $300 between us, we walked all the way down to Caesar’s Palace to have the prime rib buffet with homemade pasta. It was awesome and we even splurged on a cab to save us the walk back to our off strip hotel. I won’t comment on the rest of the night, but I will say I have very fond memories of my first big casino score.”

*(Each comment was assigned a number based on the order posted.  Those numbers were placed into the proverbial ”hat” and the winner was drawn.)

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Sink into this comfy colorful sofa at Parasol Up lounge at Wynn Las Vegas and enjoy a classic cocktail.

These aren’t the Las Vegas bars or clubs where you have to stand in line for hours and hope you get in (that is if you forgot to buy the now popular line pass.)  Nope.  And they’re not the kinds of places whose music makes you feel like the drummer just took up residence somewhere inside your rib cage.  Uh-uh.  These are just a few of our favorite spots to grab a drink, maybe a light appetizer or two, and enjoy some conversation with our companion(s).  We’ve organized these by proximity so you can find a calm little reprieve no matter where you find yourself along The Strip.

Wynn Las Vegas – Hands down, it has to be the lobby level Parasol Up lounge.  We smile every time we see the “Alice in Wonderland” parasols and the bar’s whimsical décor.  Who knew red and gold, blue and green, stripes and polka dots could be so ultimately classy when combined?  (If you take the adjacent circular escalator to the lower level, you’ll be at Parasol Down lounge with its gorgeous view of the lake.)

The Palazzo – Surprisingly enough, the “Bam”-guy with his big flavors and out-sized personality has created a low-key respite from the glitter of Las Vegas in his new Table 10 restaurant in the Shoppes at  Palazzo.  A crew of friendly bartenders and a mean signature “Cosmopoli-10″ cocktail don’t hurt plus the appetizers are outstanding.  Curb any hunger pangs with Emeril’s tasty oyster fritters or try the mussels in a dreamy bacon broth.

Fashion Show mall – If you find yourself tiring after walking the miles of corridors at this mega-shopping edifice (and who wouldn’t?) then it’s definitely time for a break at Café Ba Ba Reeba.  We crave their fresh and fruity sangria – the white peach is marvelous – and the yummy tapas platters.  Nosh on the short ribs with Manchego mashed potatoes while watching the Wynn sign across the street go through its various entertaining permutations.

Harrah’s – We dig the rockin’ outdoor Carnaval Court bar and the dueling pianos show at the generically-named Piano Bar but for a glass of wine, a platter of freshly-shucked blue points, an order of crunchy calamari rings — plus a little talk-time — the Oyster Bar at Penazzi is perfect.  It’s located smack-dab in the casino but somehow it feels more intimate.

Tomorrow, we continue our bar-hopping down The Strip with more great spots.

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Mine is a classic story of beginner’s luck.  This happened more years ago than I’d like to count while I was on my honeymoon with P.B.  We were in the Bahamas staying at what was, at the time, the Paradise Island Princess Resort & Casino.  After a full day of sight-seeing and snorkeling, we had dinner at one of the hotel’s restaurants and headed for the casino.  We walked around the crowded gaming floor for quite a while before deciding on which machines to play.  Because it was so packed, we weren’t able to find games next to each other but we were at least in the same general area.  I sat down at a multiple-line fruit and 7′s slot machine and started feeding quarters in and pulling down the lever.  (Told you it was a while ago!)  I went through one roll of quarters and had just cracked open the second roll when I hit a bunch of red sevens.  I didn’t even know it was a big hit until the lights started blinking and the bells started ringing!  In my excitement, I left — yes, left — the machine to find my new husband who immediately told me to go back to my machine and wait for the attendant.  NOW!  I still laugh when I think about it.  (Smart man.  No wonder I’m still married to him.)

My total win was 2500 quarters — $625 — which went toward our hotel bill for the week and toward my enduring fascination with casinos and casino gaming.

Now, I open the cyber “floor” for the story of your first big win.  Check out our “Post Contest” for your chance to win a copy of the new 2009 American Casino Guide. 

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For video poker players, it was no doubt their very first Royal Flush.  For slot players, maybe it was three Triple Diamond symbols or three Blazing 7′s appearing like magic across the screen.  I will always remember my friend, Mark, calling me on his cell phone from the California casino in downtown Las Vegas to tell me he had just hit for $10,000 on the Triple Double Diamond dollar slots.  Cha-ching!  For blackjack and poker players, craps and roulette fans, it was that first “streak” that just went on and on until your bankroll looked like nothing you’d ever seen. 

Here’s a “first story” for P.B. and me.  While it wasn’t his first $1,000 Royal, it was the first one he got while he and I were playing together.  We were sitting side-by-side at the bar at The Rio in Las Vegas sipping wine and playing Double Double Bonus video poker, quarters, when P.B. nudged me and said “Look.”  That’s it, just one word – “look.”  When I glanced over, all I saw was the “Call Attendant” notice on the screen so I thought his machine was broken.  I was saying something dumb  like “Oh, I’m sure someone will come and FIX it” and he said … “No, LOOK!”  That’s when I saw the Royal Flush and the big fat $1,000 JACKPOT sign!  It was a very fun hit with everyone at the bar coming to look and even the bartender calling people over to see it.  (By the way, he hit it in diamonds and he held the Ten, King and Jack and drew the Ace and Queen.  See what I mean about remembering in great detail!)

Tomorrow — My first big hit in slots PLUS the announcement of a fun new contest for our readers.

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Here’s the perfect gift for that would-be Steve Wynn or Sheldon Adelson on your holiday shopping list.

Yes, Casino Mogul really is a game.  Yes, you can actually buy it.  And, once again, yes, I really, really want this for Christmas.  (And here you thought I was going to try and sell you a half-finished Echelon.  Maybe next year.)

How do you play you ask?  Well, directly from the advertising copy on the box comes this riveting description: 

   “Build, design and manage your own casino!  (Hmm, I would think you would want to design it and then build it.  But, then, what the heck do I know since I’m not (yet) a casino mogul?) 

   “Hire and Fire Staff!”  (Oh yeah, that sounds like fun but better make sure they’re not union before you do it!)

   “Manage Your Clients!  Fleece Them (but keep them happy!”)  I didn’t make that up — it really says that on the box.  They must be talking to the people who run the real casinos.  Except for the happy part.

And my personal favorite right off the box “Become the Bugsy Siegel your parents always wanted you to be — run your own casino and make bucks!” (Well, you would have made bucks, Bugsy, if you had gotten out sometime before October.)

 The game is from Monte Cristo software and you can buy it here – Casino Mogul – for your own budding little gambling boss!  Just one of the items featured in our new gift guide. 

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JAQK Cellars wines would make great holiday gifts.

In advance of the holidays, we’ve been combing the ‘net looking for some great gift ideas for the casino players on your holiday list.  We wanted to find fun items that we would like to give (as well as receive!) and feature them in a series of posts leading up to the holidays.  We do the work, you get all the kudos.

Today’s gift suggestion — definitely one of my favorites – actually originated with my web designer, Chris, at Tornado Design.  He emailed me some photos of these absolutely striking wine bottles.  The bold graphics on these bottles all riff on the themes of luck and play and games of chance and the designs figure greatly in the story of the JAQK™ Cellars winery.  I wish I could run photos of ALL their bottles here but you have to go visit their site. 

A single bottle of any of these California wines with names like “22 Black,”  “Charmed,” “Bone Dance” and “Pearl Handle” would be a great gift and possibly the start to a new collection.  Or, if you want to spring for a few more bucks, check out their multi-bottle gift boxes like the “Four Soldiers” set with a different historical figure on each label.  Either way, the player on your list (or maybe you?) will love this unique gift.

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Planet Hollywood, video poker and a chocolate chip cookie…that works for me.

I get asked this question a lot — “When you go to Las Vegas, what and where do you play?”  As I’ve written in other posts, I am mostly a video poker player so I always look for my favorite games with the best pay tables.  On The Strip in Las Vegas, you can find me at Planet Hollywood where they have the games I like – Spin Poker™ and Super Times Pay™ plus the multi-game All-Star Poker™ machines – and the pay tables are reasonable for what I’m playing.  For several reasons, ”Planet Ho” just has a “vibe” that appeals to me.  I like the music and I really like the adjustable chairs.  The drink servers are friendly and pretty good about keeping me supplied with bottled water and the occasional glass of white wine.  Plus, when I’m ready to take a break and stretch my legs, there’s a warm chocolate chip cookie with my name on it at the Nestle Toll House Café in the connecting Miracle Mile Shops.
When I do play slots, I like the Hot Shot Progressive™ machines at Paris Las Vegas, Bally’s or MGM Grand while P.B. usually goes off in search of one of his favorites, Jackpot Party™.

If you’re looking for the games you like to play, Harrah’s has a nifty gadget on their website that allows you to find your favorite slot machine or video poker game at any of their casinos in Las Vegas or across the country.  Over at the IGT/Action Gaming site, videopoker.com, you can also do a search to find your favorite video poker variations and denominations at casinos throughout the U.S.

I’d love to know what and where you like to play in Vegas.

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There are actually three maps to explore — The Strip, Downtown and the Valley — and on each one, you click on what era you want to see and the map shows you what casinos were in place at that point in time.  For instance, head to “The Strip” map and click on the tab “1960″ for an idea of the places Frank, Sammy and Dean were hanging out at during the Rat Pack years.  As you click on each casino, a pop-up appears and you can read a short history of the property and see some photos.  I thought it really interesting to see the original Caesars Palace pics to get an idea of the multiple expansions that property has gone through in order to morph into what we now see on The Strip. 

The entire History section, aptly called “A Gamble in the Sand,” is a goldmine of facts and photos and a truly fascinating look at a remarkable American city.  Spend some time there and you’ll know Vegas as never before.

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It comes as no surprise that Blazing 7s™ from Ballys is a customer slots favorite.

The iconic Bally’s Blazing 7s machine and Vision Gaming‘s old-time favorite, Pot of Gold, were named as two of the games casino slots managers “can’t pull” off their floors due to customer popularity. This question – ”What old school slot or video poker games are so popular with players that you just can’t pull them off your floor?” — is asked and answered at the website belonging to popular industry-insider magazine, “Slot Manager.”

The site has lots of interesting information and categories including “Hot Topics” where you’ll find the question-and-answer forum, a “New Products & Games” section, and great articles and columns by industry pros.  Being mainly a video poker player, I was particularly interested in the article called “More of a Kind” by Craig Berosh outlining what’s to come and what’s popular in new VP games.

In the article, Berosh says this —  ”According to John Daley, director of video poker at International Game Technology, the video poker maker based in Reno has been finding success bringing to market games with bonuses that don’t affect base pay tables, where players fund the action by betting an extra coin.”  Think the popular Super Times Pay™ and the new Quick Quads™ — both from IGT’s Action Gaming.

Also currently at the site is a run-down on this week’s gaming convention in Las Vegas, G2E, where more than 30,000 gaming professionals will gather for a look at new products, seminars and more.  Check out the Global Gaming Expo article here.

And don’t forget, you can play some of your favorite video slots free from Bally’s here and free, non-gambling video poker at Action Gaming’s popular game site videopoker.com

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Lucky cherries...why not lucky lawyers or smoke monsters? (Photo courtesy of Lisa Brewster, http://sophistechate.com

I think being a slot machine inventor, game developer, whatever you want to call it, would be one of the coolest jobs on the planet.  I want to be the person who decides that the cherry gets to be the lucky fruit.  Sorry apples, pears and pomegranates…move back to the bowl because you just don’t cut it.  Triple diamonds, blazing 7′s, weird Slingo™ dude and even you, Monty Hall -  yep, you’re all in.  But “Chainsaws & Toasters®?”  What kind of weird nightmare did the person have before coming up with that game?

So, if that game made it through the vetting process, why not some of these?

Magic Ex-Wife -- Get five lawyers in a row to go to the bonus round where the machine takes all your credits and your dog.  Sorry, there’s no winning this one.

Deal or My Ex-Husband — Get three sheets of drywall and five unopened cans of paint in a row for your trip to the bonus round and the chance to finally finish that bathroom remodel.  Unfortunately, the reels just keep spinning and spinning and spinning….

Hamburger Heavens – Spin for burgers, shakes and fries for small wins or hit the big jackpot when five counter employees all show up in a row.  Yeah, like that would ever happen.

Lost, The Slot Machine – First you think you have to get five wrecked planes to line up but then that doesn’t pay off so you get four smoke monsters in a row and again nothing happens so you keep spinning until you get five disappearing islands scattered on the reels and then the machine jumps the shark and sinks into the casino floor.  For the bonus round, you spin then wait a really long time and come back in January to collect your winnings.

“24″ – Legend of Jack Bauer – Winning combinations include five nuclear bombs, three imploded buildings, six mangled cars, four long-suffering women, and twenty-seven instruments of torture.  In the bonus round, you get the chance to save Jack’s daughter, Kim, again and again and again until the machine finally explodes and you’re sent to a work camp in some un-named country.

Bail-Out Triple Double $700 Billion Mania – Just line up five banks in a row and you win General Motors.  No, really, you get the whole company.  That’s your prize.  No, you can’t spin again for the toaster.

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Could something like this bring you casino luck?

When it comes to good luck charms, I’ve seen a lot of strange things in casinos in Las Vegas, here in Arizona and, really, all across the country.  I remember one “regular” at a casino here in town who, back in the days when actual coins still poured out of the machines, would accumulate buckets of quarters and carry them from machine to machine.  If he was having a good day, you’d see him perched on his seat in front of a slot machine with three, four or even five completely full buckets of change under his chair.  Watching him move from machine to machine with a stack of change cups sort of piled atop each other “Leaning-Tower-of- Pisa-style” was a pretty interesting sight.  When asked why he carried around all those quarters rather than cashing in for some lightweight bills, he said his method of only going to the cashier at the end of his gambling day brought him luck.  (I’m sure he’s not having near as much fun with the paper tickets spit out by the machines today.)

I’ve seen lucky “talismans” perched on slot machines – what is it with those strange little Troll dolls with the weird hair (think Don King-style but in neon green or pink!) – as well as odd rituals like rubbing the machine screen or the paytable legend. And, in a very bizarre attempt at attracting luck, I even saw a lady cover the screen of her slant-top slot machine with what looked like paper towels out of the restroom so she could “hear” but not see her winnings.  Honest. 

So what’s my lucky charm?  It’s fairly tame:  a bracelet that I happened to be wearing the day I hit my first-ever Royal Flush for $1,000.  Made of sterling silver and chunky turquoise, it was the first time I had ever worn it to a casino and it kept getting in my way while I was moving my hand back and forth to click on the cards I wanted to hold.  I hit the Royal just before I was going to take that annoying bracelet off and put it in my purse.  Now, I wear it on every trip to the casino and it doesn’t annoy me in the least.  (Bracelet pictured is from the Sundance collection.)

Got any “good luck” stories to share?

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Beautifully-rendered bunches of colorful spring flowers await at The Bellagio... if you just look up.

What do the Sistine Chapel and Las Vegas have in common?  Well, if you want to see the good stuff at either place, you’re going to have to stop walking (recommended if you don’t want to crash into other people,) throw your head back and look up.

While much is made of the crazy colorful carpeting found in casinos all around the country — and rightfully so – you also need to look UP as well as down to see some of the more remarkable design elements scattered throughout favorite casinos.  Nowhere is this truer than in Las Vegas where over-the-top design is simply commonplace and excess is the norm rather than the exception.  But hey, this is why we love the place!

This post is the first in what will be an on-going series I’m calling “Las Vegas Look Up” where you’ll find examples of engaging architectural elements in casinos on and around The Strip.  Most are beautiful, some are interesting and others are just plain odd in a “How did that get there?” kind of way.   

And while it gives me a chance to showcase some of the cool photos from my collection, I would love to feature photos from our readers.  If you have any great shots you would like to see published here, please email me the pic along with the details (what, where, when) and you may find your photo featured in a future “Las Vegas Look Up” post.

Today’s photo:  This flower-strewn ceiling mural is located at The Bellagio in the hallway next to the Conservatory and Botanical Gardens. The warm peach background is a perfect foil for the contrasting bunches of colorful pink peonies, blue hydrangea and other spring blossoms.

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The top spot on our Las Vegas list goes to Mon Ami Gabi at Paris Las Vegas. Grab a table here for primo people-watching plus a great view of the fountain show at The Bellagio.

Without further ado, here are my top five best spots for championship people-watching in Las Vegas.  Rather than counting backwards like we did with yesterday’s five great spots, today we start with number one – my absolute favorite spot for checking out the Las Vegas crowds.

1.  Mon Ami Gabi restaurant at Paris Las Vegas.  Not only does this center-Strip café and its year-round patio offer terrific food – it’s voted #4 out of 1600+ restaurants on Trip Advisor’s Las Vegas forum – it also provides diners with a birds-eye roost for viewing both Strip traffic and The Bellagio’s famous fountain show.   An excellent list of wines-by-the-glass, a sublime chicken liver mousse pate and loaves of warm, crusty French bread complete the experience. 

2.  Trader Vic’s at Planet Hollywood.  Another great Strip-side patio perch – this one offers live music at night as well as a prime spot for watching the steady stream of shoppers entering the Miracle Mile Shops as well as those hoofing it down Las Vegas Boulevard.    A seriously strong Mai-Tai – a Vic’s specialty – makes the night fly by (almost before you know it.)

3.  Parasol Up/Parasol Down at Wynn Las Vegas.  They’re two, two…two bars in one!  Well, not really since one really is up (stairs) and the other is down (the escalator) but both offer prime people-watching complemented by absolutely stunning décor.  ”Down” offers a great view of Wynn’s Lake of Dreams — don’t miss the singing frog — and lots of May/December couples sipping expensive wines. 

4.  Double Helix Bar at the Palazzo Shoppes.  This place is way, way cool.  Located in the center of and completely open to one of the boutique shopping areas of The Palazzo, this hip bar offers 50+ wines by the glass and the opportunity to do some serious beautiful-people-viewing.  (Last time we were there, we spotted Angie Harmon checking out the goods at the nearby Jimmy Choo.)

5.  La Creperie at Paris Las Vegas.  Okay, to begin with I’m a sucker for dessert, then, when you throw in all the foot traffic traveling the wickedly-slick cobblestone “streets” of Paris, I am so there.  Sitting at a tiny marble table, enjoying a warm, freshly-made chocolate and banana crepe, and just watching the world – or that part of the world that is cool, crazy Vegas – go by.

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Spago Las Vegas offers world-class people-watching opportunities.

If people-watching was ever named an Olympic sport, I would be the Michael Phelps of that competition.  Really.  No, seriously, I would take home all the gold medals every four years.  Just ask P.B. 

So what better place is there than Las Vegas to grab a drink and sit and watch a microcosm of the world pass by?  Hence, (I love that word – I think I was a lawyer in a past life!) I have compiled this list of Top Spots on The Strip for enjoying the “People Parade” in all its glorious diversity.

10.  Wolfgang Puck’s Spago at The Forum Shops at Caesars Palace.  Order a thin-crusted roasted mushroom pizza, a glass of red, sit back and enjoy.  Offers lots of passers-by as well as great views of shoppers trolling the goods at high-end spots like Christian Dior and Loro Piana.

9.  Jimmy Buffet’s Margaritaville near the Flamingo.  There’s a small outside stand-up balcony for watching the traffic — on foot and on wheels — go by while you sip, what else?, an ice-cold tequila concoction.

8.  Ghirardelli Ice Cream & Chocolate Shop near Harrah’s outdoor bar, Carnaval Court.   Grab a two-scoop sundae with homemade DARK chocolate fudge topping — yum — then stake out one of the outside tables where you can watch the band and dance floor next door at Harrah’s as well as all the foot traffic winding through the maze of the nearby sidewalk shops.

7.  Hawaiian Tropic Zone patio at Planet Hollywood.  Sip a signature Bikini Punch – think rum, lots of rum – and nosh on some crispy calamari while watching young Vegas pour into the hippest casino on The Strip.  Best for nighttime viewing when all the gals are dressed to the nines for a night on the town.

6.  Grand Lux Café at The Venetian.  This place will ALWAYS have a spot on our “favorites” list ever since we were there one January during the Adult Entertainment Expo.  As we sat at a table with views of the hotel elevators and the casino — me, obliviously enjoying my spicy Buffalo chicken sandwich — P.B. totally enjoyed his view of all the gorgeous, amazingly-built gals walking past.   (I doubt he can tell you what he ordered that night!)  And, just in case you were wondering…the 2009 expo is coming up January 8 – 11 at the Sands Expo Center.

Tomorrow, the top five spots on our list.

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Watch the Las Vegas sunset at Mix lounge atop THEhotel at Mandalay Bay.

Whether it is your first trip to LasVegas or your 20th, one spot you do not want to miss is Mix lounge at THEhotel in the Mandalay Bay resort.  Be sure to time your visit so you’re there when the sun is setting and you will be treated to an absolutely magical view of Las Vegas.

When you arrive at Mandalay Bay, head for the back of the casino, near the theater, where you’ll find the reception area for THEhotel and the Mix elevator bank.  While the glassed-in lift slowly ascends to the 64th floor, you get your first view of the Las Vegas landscape laid out before you and a preview of what’s to come.

Once the elevator doors open, make your way to the bar that snakes along the back of the stark red, white and black space.  You can choose from a table near the windows, one on the huge terrace or, do like we do, and stake your claim on seats at the bar.  From any seat or any angle, the views are breath-taking.

As the sun sets watch the colors of the sky change from blue to rosy pink to dusky purple then watch as the last light of day changes and reflects off the smooth surface of the nearby Luxor pyramid.  Now, as the evening sky darkens, the lights of The Strip begin to blink on and grow brighter and you see the signature green of MGM Grand, the electric blue of Bally’s and a virtual rainbow of neon lights.

An icy lemon drop martini in hand, the mountains rising in the distance and Las Vegas at your feet — a perfect place to be for this one moment in time.

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Play free video poker games online at Action Gaming's videopoker.com website.

As I’ve said before, when it comes to playing video poker, the original Spin Poker™ and it’s 20-line sister, Spin Poker Deluxe™, are two of my favorite machines so I found this article by John Brokopp at Casino City Times interesting.   

Mr. Brokopp says  — “There is one video poker hybrid, however, that has stood the test of time: Spin Poker, an invention developed a number of years ago by (who else?), Action Gaming and IGT.

Spin Poker was the first game to successfully blend the components of traditional video poker with those of multi-line video slot play and create something that appealed to both dedicated video poker players and slot players.”  Read more here.

The machines in the casinos I play at here in Arizona are ALWAYS busy — sometimes even attracting a line of would-be players waiting for machines to open up — so I know this is one popular game!

No doubt hoping to repeat that success, Action Gaming and IGT have introduced a couple of new video poker games and you can play them — for free (no money, no wagering, just fun) — at their popular website videopoker.com  Check out new games “Big Times Draw Poker™” and “Quick Quads™” poker.  And, for some great info on strategy when playing Quick Quads™, here’s a recent article by VP pro Bob Dancer at Casino Gaming that you should read.

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Vegas Tripping lets you vote on favs and failures.

Best slots.  Best video poker.  Best table games.  Best cocktail waitress uniforms.  Worst buffet.  Worst casino.  Worst overall.  Vegas Tripping wants to know who – or what - you think should take home the prize in these and lots of other categories for the site’s 2008 Trippies Awards. 

Here are my choices — designated in boldface – in just a couple of categories:

• Best Overall – Bellagio, Caesars Palace, MGM Grand, Orleans, Wynn Las Vegas -  Love the decor, Jean Philippe pastries, the Conservatory, the Chihuly ceiling in the reception area, the Lake Show, the restaurants, the pool – the whole vibe.
• Worst Overall – Casino Royale, Circus Circus, Hooters, Imperial Palace, Tropicana – Smells bad, weird layout and I never win anything there plus it’s too easy to rag on the Circus.
• Best Cocktail Waitress Uniforms – Caesars Palace, Orleans, Rio, Paris, Wynn Las Vegas - These outfits stick in my head.  Royal blue and boobs.  What more do you want?
• Best Buffet – Caesars Palace, Bellagio, MGM Grand, Wynn Las Vegas, The Venetian – Beautiful food in a beautiful setting for beautiful people.
• Best Signage/Neon – Flamingo, New York New York, Wynn Las Vegas, MGM Grand, Caesars Palace – That flashing, clashing orange and pink just says “Vegas” to me.  I still remember my first ride down The Strip in the early-80′s (back when you could actually hit 35mph) and seeing that riot of glowing neon.  Sigh.

So, do your duty as a citizen or denizen of Las Vegas and go vote at Vegas Tripping.

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Hot Shot Progressive by Bally Technologies is a smokin' fun game!

Some of the most popular slot games in casinos across the country come from Bally Technologies and now you can play them for FREE online on your personal computer.  Video slot games such as the extremely popular Hot Shot Progressive® as well as both Playboy® and S & H Green Stamps® can be downloaded from the Bally Technologies site and played for free whenever you want a little casino-style fun at home or on the road.  Follow the link that says “Click here to play for free.”

Not only can you enjoy fun casino-style action but your points stay on the game so you can track your luck visit-to-visit.  To keep your play even more interesting, there’s a “chat room” available while you play so you can connect with fellow players if you wish.

Also, when visiting Bally’s site be sure to check out the “Players Center“ section.  There you’ll find a Winners Gallery, current progressive Jackpot Totals, and a game-finder for locating your favorite Bally slot.  For instance, if you click on the Hot Shot Progressive logo, you’ll be taken to a page that lists — by state — the casinos that have that game available.  In Arizona, you’ll find this game at both Harrah’s Ak-Chin outside of Phoenix and the Desert Diamond casino near Tucson.

So if you’re between visits, have fun playing these “reel life” casino games!  Also, check out these fun DVD games at Amazon.com with favorites from Bally’s, WMS Gaming and more.  Specially-priced double-disc set Slots WMS Double Pack, or try these popular games — Slots From Bally Gaming.
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"Gold Fish" - a popular slot game from WMS Gaming.

For a spirited discussion on “favorite slot machines,” visit TripAdvisor and check out what people are talking about right now in regards to slot machines. This is one hot topic on TripAdvisor considering the original post asking Las Vegas visitors to name their favorite slots game is dated August 24^th and the replies keep coming – six pages of them so far.

I don’t play slots too often but always stop and check out any new games I see  – think eBay®, Deal or No Deal® – and any games that seem to have a lot of people gathered ‘round.

From the topic replies, it looks like “Gold Fish” from WMS gaming is a hot slot favorite.  I mention this one specifically because P.B. and I walked by a double bank of the machines several times during our last stay at Paris Las Vegas and not once was there a machine open.  People were even hanging around waiting for machines to open up so they could play.  Hmm, based on its popularity, maybe we’ll check it out again when we go to Vegas later this month.

The hot new "Wizard of Oz" slot machine from WMS Gaming.

We recently saw this new game at Harrah’s Ak-Chin near Phoenix  - “The Wizard of Oz” from WMS Gaming (for information, click on the game icon in this cool virtual gameroom.)  Check out the high-backed spaceship seating for this game.  Here’s what the manufacturer says about it on their website:   “The Wizard of Oz^TM is the newest theme in the revolutionary “Sensory Immersion Gaming” product category, where players hear, see, and feel the experience, thanks to real-time 3D animation and our innovative gaming chair that features the BOSE® 3Space^TM audio system and CPU-NXT®2 enhanced graphics.” Again, we didn’t get a chance to play since all the machines were taken but we will definitely play Wizard of Oz slots in the future – when we get the chance.

If you’re a slots player, I’d love to hear about your favorite game and where you play it.  Also, check out the thread on TripAdvisor and chime in with your recommendations.

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Casino carpeting features intricate designs, wild colors.

It’s nice to know I am not the only person fascinated with the over-the-top colorful designs on casino carpets.  I have to confess that while walking through a casino or down a hotel hallway, I have been known to run into people - as well as inanimate objects – because I am so focused on what’s under my feet.  The exhuberant colors and the intricate patterns never cease to entertain me.

Well, David G. Schwartz, who writes extensively about Las Vegas, gambling, and history has several photo pages on his website, The Die is Cast, devoted to current and defunct carpets at casinos throughout the U.S.  Who knew?  His gallery organizes the carpet photos mostly by location but if you scroll down to the bottom of the page, you’ll find his “Hall of Fame” page which features extinct carpets as well as extinct casinos…think Stardust and the Aladdin among others.

Schwartz is the Director of the Center for Gaming Research at UNLV and has a Ph.D. in United States history from UCLA.  Check out his website for lots of fascinating information.  After spending some time on his website, I definitely plan on purchasing his book, Roll the Bones, A History of Gambling.

Oh, and the carpet pictured above?  You can find it in all it’s dashing purple glory – at Cliff Castle Casino in Camp Verde, Arizona!

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The Bellagio’s summer display featured the resort done up in natural materials.

Well, yes, it is a different kind of green but The Bellagio’s Conservatory & Botanical Garden is always a sure bet in the “oohs” and “aahs” department.  P.B. and I don’t think a visit to Las Vegas is complete unless we’ve dropped by to see the consistently outstanding floral displays located just off the Bellagio’s main reception area.  A riot of color and form, this amazing and FREE attraction delights visitors with its use of flowers and greenery, water and light, beauty and whimsy.  The soaring light-filled space changes with the seasons – the Christmas display is always spectacular – so you’ll most likely see something different on each visit.

A father-and-son fishing trip only at The Bellagio.

Where else can you see a father and son bear duo – each fashioned from moss, bark and colorful button mums – outfitted for a summer fishing trip?  Or how about a miniature train running through a covered bridge constructed of twigs?  And then there is my personal favorite from this summer’s display – a reproduction of The Bellagio and its lakeside “village” all done in flowers and other natural materials.  The attention to detail was stunning!   

When you’re done touring this indoor oasis, be sure to check out theGiardini Garden Store at the back of the display.  There you’ll find lots of high-style home and garden items such as exotically-scented candles, colorful glassware and more.  Bring your casino winnings because the gorgeous items here aren’t cheap.

Location - The Bellagio’s Conservatory & Botanical Garden is located off the main reception/registration area.  If you arrive at the Bellagio from the pedestrian bridges coming from either Caesars or Bally’s, walk through the shopping galleria and veer left then continue through the casino and into the main entry hall.  You’ll see the garden at the back.  Also, don’t miss the floral displays behind the registration desks – they, too, change with the seasons. 

Player’s tip – Bellagio has some fun multi-denomination Spin Poker machines in the middle of the casino near the blackjack tables and also near the entrance to the shopping gallery.  We’ve played – and won - on them more than a few times.

Treat tip – Stop at Jean Philippe Patisserie - down the hall from the garden, toward the back of the hotel - for a cappuccino and a pastry that is almost too pretty to eat.  Almost.

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