your insistence on talking about things you dont understand, your lack of knowledge with regards to economics and how money works is laughable please stop. Stick to thumbnails aimed at 12 year olds and rehashing stuff from vital vegas it makes you look (slightly) less dumb x
The service in Vegas isn't as good as it used to be, and there is a lot of hustling for tips from fast food, convenience stores, and slot machine attendants (after a $1200 "jackpot" hand pay).
Service has gone down hill big time! It use to be as soon as you sat down you were offered a drink. I waited almost an hour at the Bellaggio just to see a cocktail server and then had to wave her down!
90 dollar buffets, 30 dollar pizza and drink lunch, hidden hotel fees that jack up the price, and paid parking are all reasons why people lose more money without gambling in Vegas.
I think they are trying to recoup for all the $$$ they lost during the pandemic also I think people don't care that much about the cost after being couped up at homes for so long during the pandemic now that Vegas opened up we can finally take off our masks and enjoy it again
The high costs is why I don't go. Sure if I had spending money to blow, I'd go ahead and get ripped off just for fun. Most people going have the money to lose while paying crazy high prices for rooms, food, and entertainment.
I used to go to Vegas 3 times a year, now its more likely i go once a year, I usually stay at Freemont street or locals like boulder station or Sams town. Much better games and odds then the corporate crooks running the strip resorts.
In the past Vegas had smaller margins. You got comped rooms and meals even if you were not a whale. I used to get free flights on PSA from Burbank if I played $ 5 crap bets for four hours. I could afford Vegas but I cannot afford $ 300 rooms and resort fees, $ 150 lunches, and games that are impossible to win at. I had fun but those days are gone and so am I.
I used to go to Vegas once or twice a year to play low stakes Blackjack. When they went to 6 to 5 and changed the rules to where it was not only impossible to win but would lose a hundred or two in minutes where I used to be able to play for at least and hour or longer I quit going. Sadly, many of the people visiting Vegas today, especially younter people, don't understand odds. They just throw their money away. On top of that the sidewalks are full of con artists, thieves, hookers and drug addicts. I no longer feel safe walking the strip at night.
I was there last week. Didn't spend $1 gambling. Decided to never return. I was trying to figure out what level of wealth it takes to be okay just throwing money away.
We consumers hold the ultimate power with any business. Just stop going or shopping and the prices will go down or they will close. Most people just bitch and don't realize they hold the power not the businesses.
@@vegasprogambler5336 This is what people fail to understand. Americans get to vote with every dollar they spend. Just vote with yours people and watch things change.
Excellent comment - you win. I felt EXACTLY the same way...and I stuck to 3-2 payout blackjack almost exclusively. I had 4 days to play, so I didn't have to rush. OFC it didn't matter. In almost 40 years of blackjack all over the US and in the Caribbean - on land and sea - I've *never* been beaten down as badly and so consistently over the course of 4 days as I did this time. Multiple casinos, different times of the day/night, it didn't matter. The result was the same - disaster. I don't mind losing, its part of the game, but this was something else entirely. I had LOTs of good hands, and that was against bad dealer up-cards at times as well - but did it matter? Nope. I truly lost count of how many times I watched a dealer have a hand that they statistically should lose - yet pull EXACTLY what they needed to win. Oh, and not just win, but make 21 and beat everyone! This isn't to say that I lost every hand, I did win SOME, but lost WAY more to this type of result...or just a straight up dealer blackjack. I had one table where the dealer pulled blackjack 4 hands in a row...and the hands before and after the run of blackjack they ripped multi-card 21s from a 13-16 starting hand. Something is just "wrong" with that - and it isn't the rules, prices, parking fees, etc. Something smells very very fishy to me.
I meet many people at my local casino say they just got back from Vegas and longed for the lower limits and better odds at their local casino. Most say they’ll never go back
Video Poker odds at off-strip places like Station Casinos and South Point can be found with odds at 100%+. That doesn't exist anywhere else. I've milked those places for decades for free rooms and meals and I'm also ahead lifetime gambling.
Hey there, @JacobslifeinVegas! I wanted to share with you my experience of traveling all the way from the other side of the world to Vegas for years now. I've always stuck with one group during my visits, but I'm starting to realize that maybe it's time for a change. Lately, it feels like I keep getting hit with more and more fees each time I go, and it's starting to add up. It seems like the times are changing, and the new generation of visitors won't tolerate these tactics for much longer. After giving it a lot of thought, I've decided to stop throwing my money away. The value just isn't there anymore, not even with the rewards from the players club. Just like you mentioned in your video, unless you're a big player with a huge bankroll, it's just not worth it. I've worked hard for my money, and I don't want to waste it on a corporation that doesn't appreciate their customers. It's been a fun ride, but it feels like corporate greed has taken over in Las Vegas.
I’m a 3 day Vegas visitor whose slot budget is $2k/day for a total of $6k for 3 days. My usual bet is $3.75-5.00 per slot play. I go once a month. I have NOT “hit” a IRS hand pay (>$1,200.00) in the last 17 months! Sometimes, I’ll sit at a machine for 4+ hours and not realize a “win” over $200.00! I scratch my head when the casino host(s) tell me that I didn’t even cover the cost of the room and comps! WHAT gives! There should be more outrage at these casinos who slots don’t give enough “small” wins to keep playing for a hour or so. Sometimes, my budget is gone within the hour.
You are giving them NO incentive to change if you are dropping that kind of money every month. Stop going for a year and encourage other's to do the same. If several thousand people in your budget range or higher stopped playing, it would start to get noticed in P&L meetings at corporate headquarters.
@jsjj: Yep! I have been going to Vegas at least two to three times a year since 1998. Last year was the first year I stopped going. I went earlier this year and was amazed at how they have gouged loyal visitors in different ways. I booked a trip that in two weeks takes me to Tampa and the Hard Rock Hotel and Casino. I may lose money but at least it won't be to the greedy Vegas moguls.
We used to go to Vegas three or four times a year, usually in the shoulder or off seasons, as our pooch wouldn’t be able to take the summer heat. Last time we went was in January, 2023. We went to the Strip a couple of times because we had a status match from Hyatt to MGM that got us free parking. But the Strip was way, way, WAY out of control. The prices inside were ridiculous. The gaming was disappointing in that the payouts, even then, just weren’t there. Outside, walking between casinos on the sidewalks and the pedestrian bridges, all you saw were grifters of various sorts, or drugged out people unconscious. Even off the Strip, restaurant prices had spiked way high. It just isn’t a whole lot of fun any longer. The late 90’s and the early 2000’s were the best recent years in Vegas. They catered more to families and prices were reasonable. Now, they just try to milk every single coin out of you.
I noticed it too! I don’t even care if I lose my tier status on players club cards- it’s not fun. This is the First time I got a bonus- and got $0 back! I’d rather go to an all-inclusive in Mexico- it’s cheaper and I had more fun. People will still come to Vegas and that’s what they are banking on. I say this is where the big boys play.
I agree with every single thing Jacob said in this video. I was just there 3 weeks ago - and finding a blackjack table with 3-2 payout that wasn't extremely high minimum bet was difficult - but there are 1-2 in MOST casinos on the Strip. If you did find one, it was usually a 2-deck shoe, or the endless one that shuffles constantly. However, be additionally careful that you're avoiding the tables with the automatic shuffler (or endless shoe as some call it) - it's NOT in your favor at all. There are no breaks for shuffling, and it just "smells" fishy to me. I sat at one for a couple hours at the end of my trip - after already getting raked over the coals for days that I just didn't care any more. My thought process was, "the rare regular tables, or 2-deck shoes were kicking my butt anyway - might as well shake it up!" ... uh, no. It was really bad. I've been playing blackjack for close to 40 years and I've never had a more negative trip when it came to the gaming. It was like a black cloud was following me everywhere I went - and I tried at many different casinos on the strip and Fremont Street. Different times of the day too. The other thing that I noticed this trip was the quality and attitude of the dealers. Yes, I know it's NOT an easy job - however, just because you don't like your chosen job does NOT mean that you get to be nasty to the customers. I lost count on how many flat out nasty young dealers I had on this trip - but it should be noted that I still met and played with MANY much nicer dealers and pitbosses on the trip. Some of them just felt entitled to a tip - even though they were flat out mean and rude from the very beginning. Sorry...a tip is for GOOD SERVICE and HOSPITALITY - not because you're working. I spoke with several pitbosses in multiple casinos, and they all agreed that it's difficult to find new dealers - since the casinos are squeezing the dealers as well. They don't get paid well and get treated worse by the house than you could ever imagine. Those they do get to work are simply not up to snuff skill-wise or customer service. So not only are the big corporations doing a number on the players - they're also making life harder on their employees in the casinos. Perhaps they're looking to phase out live dealers all together eventually. I can certainly see them trying... My gaming in next trip to Vegas will be confined to Fremont Street only - where the normal rules and payout blackjack tables are still prevalent...although that IS starting to change. I imagine that Fremont Street will be just like the strip eventually. At which point I will stop going...
Late 90s early 2000s was the peak. Then went downhill. During that time we had most of the cool new “mega resorts” just built (Luxor. Mandalay. Leo, treasure Island, Venetian, Wynn) ridiculously expensive with free parking and resort fees
In the mid 2000s, the explosion of very profitable pool parties and nightclubs where people threw money away started the Vegas business model shift to an overpriced amusement park business model.
Thank you for your honesty. The nickel and dime style will kill Vegas. Enjoy it while lasts....it won't....people need to believe that have a fair chance.
Casinos make most of their money from non gaming sources. Also, 6 to 5 Blackjack, 000 Roulette, etc exist in "casinos in other States" that are often owned & operated by Caesars, MGM, Hard Rock, and Boyd.
@@djm5687 Mostly True but not every casino everywhere. Las Vegas casinos have gotten to greedy. Las Vegas tourism like Disney Parks visitors will stop coming. Casinos make much of their profits from gambling revenue.
I'm primarily a Poker and Craps player, but I have noticed how tight the slots have gotten. When I visit Vegas I usually play $100-200 worth of slots usually at the bar or to kill some time. Usually I lose a portion of that, I chalk it up to paid entertainment, but the last time I was there I lost all of it, quickly. Lesson learned.
Excellent video. I'm glad someone is addressing this topic in depth. I've watched Vegas get less and less fun over the years unless you have deep pockets. Can't even find seats at any of the pools any longer without paying for a cabana
Enjoyed the video and you are so right. I have been going to Vegas for over 40 years. I used to gamble on the strip but now I do not for any amount of significance. I only stay on the strip when I have other family members joining me and they want to stay there. When I visit by myself, I stay at the El Cortez downtown. They have much better odds for the player to win...... does not mean you can't lose, but much more bang for the buck, Great staff, good food, and nice rooms. Thanks for sharing Jacob 👍
Just came back from Vegas this week. Slots were very tight everywhere. Couldn't even play long enough to have fun. Penny slots, dollar slots, quarter slots: didn't make any difference. Even noticed that the machines that had lower 30 cent/40 cent minimum bets were pretty much gone now and the 50 cent minimum was the lowest I could easily find.
I love Vegas, but a tourist strike wouldn't be a bad idea. I'll never play 6:5 blackjack! Remember Westward Ho? They used to have a Bloody Mary fountain in the morning and champagne the rest of the day. It was self-serve, for free!
Why I won’t go any more. It’s just too damn expensive! No way will I go. It’s foolish to go unless you have a lot of money. It’s sickening and sad. Greed! Human greed! Once again.
the greed is outstanding for MGM and Ceasers for sure. They were making enough money to build all these places up, keep renovating, paying the workers, making profit and they were like "No, this isn't enough."
I think what's happening is that gambling itself is becoming a much more mainstream activity in general, which adds up to the new higher minimums and tighter machines or otherwise. Plus, combine that with higher wages, higher cost of living, etc., and you're getting what we're seeing.
Seems a bad strategy. The wealthier the gambler, the more options they have... and these days there are MANY more destinations for them. The low rollers also have more options. Vegas needs to provide the best value to keep people coming. That's why my last trip I stayed downtown.
But Vegas' numbers show them that by switching to the overpriced amusement park business model and targeting the bigger spenders, they are more profitable than ever, and they still get plenty of visitors.
Excellent video, Jabob! I am stunned how most LV visitors do not understand the concept of "House Advantage" and regularly play terrible games. This is usually accompanied by their focus on acquiring "Tier Points" which generally requires losing $3 to $4 at gambling to potentially receive not more than $1 in retail comp value.
While at the same time the benefits one gets from achieving 'status' keep getting downgraded. People just don't seem to care and so the casinos keep tightening the screws.
Jacob, one trick you can tell people about to stick it to the casinos. If you are a new player or been inactive for 3 years. You stay somewhere else, then you go get the players card and then do some damage in the high limit slots(double diamond, old school) at $5-25 denomination for a few hours one evening before midnight. Get at least 20k or more coin in (might cost you a few k, depending on the churn or cycling your wins thru) then leave don't go back that trip. The computer will not have enough data to evaluate your level of play. They usually assume you are a new way bigger player and you will get offers for suite, limo, food, freeplay, etc. Before you book, call the host office, speak with the host on duty and see if they will juice it even more. Ask for anything, booze in the room, airfare, etc. They can only say no. Then go, play the freeplay, eat for free and live it up. Of course you won't get any offers after that, but you played them at their game.
@@jimbojones9118 Yeah, if you don't plan on gambling then yeah spend the money on what you want. But if gambling anyways, you can win doing this and stick it to the casino. Remember the cost of things too, nice suite $400-800 a night, nice meal $200 a person, drinks $25...
We have lived in LV since 99. When friends used to come to visit we could recommend a few hotels on the Strip. Not now, EVER. Now we recommend downtown or any of the myriad of "locals" hotels and casinos. Unfortunately the "resort fee bug" has started to invade the suburbs, but you get a much better deal on the tables and slots. And all of the local places still have free parking!
I used to meet up with friends in Vegas 2-3 times a year. I’m heading there for the first time in two years at the end of July and I suspect with how awful things have gotten it may be longer next time. Plenty of casinos in other states now, Vegas isn’t as special as it used to be and there is no value left.
I recently got back from Las Vegas . I enjoyed the idea at Slots of Fun .Cheap beer, cheap food and the coin in- coin out brought back memories of an earlier time.
1. Get off the strip to gamble. Properties as close as the South Point have better limits and rules. 2. Post why you aren't playing at MGM/Caesars/Wynn to your social media. Educate others on the horrible odds of 000 roulette and 6/5 BJ. Maybe the spirit of Benny Binion will come back to Vegas. Rewarding regular folks for their time is solid business.
I've been going to Vegas 2-4 times a year since the early 90's. My recent trip last month was the last for a long time. The greed is absolutely insane! During warmer months we enjoy pool days and eating out at a nice restraunts. Drink prices everywhere are laughable. I ordered two drinks at a pool and paid $77!!! And the service is mostly horrible and delivered with a side of arrogance. It's just a totally different experience in every way than it used to be. To drop $3-5k over 3 days is just not worth it. There's a lot better things you can go do for that kind of money. We've started going to some of the casinos in Southern California where we live and are able to have a great experience for a fraction of the cost. We spent two days at Pala Resort Casino and spent a day at their beautiful pool that had $8 drinks, fairly priced food, and good service. The rooms were large and beautiful, no resort fees, no parking fees, great entertainment with bands playing for hours at the center bar, just an overall WAY better value than Vegas offers.
I do love downtown and have come to prefer it to the strip but feel like I am the odd man out as I have far worse luck there than on the strip or at other off strip properties.
Vegas has changed a lot since 2015. I noticed based on the value for your dollar and the amount of services offered by casinos. high food prices and fees to stay on the strip, most locals avoided the strip together and hit local casinos in town. The higher the cost, the most likely folks would stop visiting.
$2000 for airfare, car and hotel at red rock for 4 nights last December, before placing one bet. 30 years of trips and that was my last. I will play at the Indian casinos in Michigan. Plus the strip is so nasty now I have no interest in Vegas anymore.
On top of that we have millions of new illegal aliens living in our beautiful state of Nevada. Many of them destroying our once beautiful city of Las Vegas.
It’s not just the strip. Down town is getting just as bad the only difference is the quality of drunks you’re stepping over trying to get back to your room.
I go to Vegas 2x a year and I avoid the strip. Theres lots of nice off-strip options. And I drive down, (from Reno) so I can get around easy. And I explore rural Cal./Nevada on the way to and from. Death Valley next year- (again!). Great video Jacob!
It is not "gambling" if you are guaranteed to lose. It is also not fun if you are guaranteed to lose. We used to take a road trip to Vegas every year or so, but everything is just so expensive now, you have no chance of winning anything, and it is just not much fun anymore. We have not gone in a couple of years, and we just talked about it the other day, and we decided we have no interest in going back. But hey, if the casinos can find fools who are willing to blow money on rigged games, maybe they have the right plan.
I have stopped going to Vegas and now play in Atlantic City. The big advantage with playing in Atlantic City over Las Vegas is that there are cheap rooms (Sunday to Thursday) less than $100 per night including resort fees. There is 3 to 2 blackjack at all Atlantic City casinos and the table minimums are $15. The pay tables on video poker are also better in Atlantic city than Vegas. Comps are available relatively easy at Hard Rock Atlantic city. The big reason why these same casino companies in Atlantic city (mgm, caesars, hard rock etc.) Are more customer friendly to low rollers and middle class is because gamblers in the east are poorer and less numerous than Rich Vegas gamblers. If i were a casino executive i would do the same thing to Vegas gamblers by screwing them until my revenues go down. These executives can't do this in Atlantic city because the people in the Eastern US are poor compared to Vegas gamblers. There are also fewer gamblers in Atlantic city sunday to Thursday compared to vegas so they have to be customer friendly. There are high end options for dining in Atlantic City, but more middle class dining in Atlantic City. I just stayed at Caesars Atlantic city for a Monday and Tuesday in May and the price for rooms was $100 per night including resort fees and taxes. Higher prices in Atlantic city are between June and September because of its beach location.
I go several times a year, but it gets worse by the year. I loved the Vegas atmosphere but, I've cut my play and it truly isn't worth it anymore. You hit the nail on the head Jacob. How quickly they have forgotten that Covid 19 almost destroyed them a few short years ago. Look at Hard Rock shutting Mirage. Better to close and take in no revenue and bust the union's high wages than continue to operate in the transition.
I was a gold card member with MGM 2 years ago! I walked away cold turkey the winnings are nonexistent 😅 I’ve played over 2k in one sitting.. no comps, no free rooms , no free play garbage 🤮 FYI MGM national harbor is the worse
My wife and I go to Vegas 2-3 times a year. Yes, it's gotten more expensive but there is always a place to gamble that is a bit cheaper (you just have to look for it). And there is a lot to do off the Strip that makes it fun and exciting each time.
Having lived and worked here for past 25yrs the changes for me are easy to see. Vegas has to reinvent itself often. The current draw to Vegas are the professional sport teams coming to Vegas. This makes the casinos able to take advantage of visitors coming to Vegas. ie: double zero to triple zero and BJ payouts ie: 3-2 to 6-5.
I hate Vegas but love this guys channel for some reason. It so fascinating to sit on the side watching the crazy stuff that happens in Vegas and I'm not talking about people partying and doing things they shouldn't. Watching corporate do what they do to attract the mindless people who have no direction in their lives is amazing because these idiots keep showing up with all that enthusiasm to just hand over their money.
And you have just explained why I have not been back to Vegas since 2022. Too expensive and not fun anymore. I can just gamble at my regional casino hotel if I want.
I use to go 2 or 3 times a year, not anymore! Cheap rooms, cheap food and all those other free little extras made it fun. Because what I wasn't spending on those meant more money to play with. I went out there in October and it was by far the least I have ever spent! The machines cost a lot more to play and were tight. You have to leave the hotel just to find a nice simple meal! The hotels only have fine dinning or mall styled food courts, both of which I have right here in my own town, and for a lot cheaper. To gamble I can drive to Biloxi, eat great seafood and have fun for a fraction of the price.
LOL. But you're in Biloxi. You are right. Las Vegas does not want a player like you. They have plenty of people filling the restaurants, paying for the rooms, going to the clubs & shows, & playing 6-5 blackjack w/o a care in the world.
Sooner or later this corporate greed will reach the saturation point. High resort fees, bad odds, ridiculous show prices. Why even bother. I live a hours drive of three casinos so if I get the urge to gamble I keep it local. I sincerely hope this greed eventually backfires of the corporations.
@@GD1082 Fremont street has 3:2 BJ payouts and $ 10.00 minimum tables. It's vintage Vegas and the casinos are within walking distance of one another. The strip is sprawling and expensive.
There are casinos all over now, no need to spend the $$ for transportation, an over priced hotel and crazy $$ food options. Greed, pure greed. I only travel to Vegas now to go to the Mojave or Death Valley.
another thing on blackjack: the proliferation of those continuous shuffle machine (CSM) they keep the action fast and there is never shuffling so you lose money faster betting more hands per hr.
Last summer, I stayed in Vegas for a week with my wife and kids, and did NOT gamble once. I gambled plenty in my younger years, mostly at AC, and I know I would feel real shitty when I lose money, so I guess I just don't gamble any more. We just enjoyed the food and shows, and other activities.
I used to prefer playing slots in Reno because of the higher paybacks compared to Las Vegas. But I haven't had the same amount of success in Reno as in years past. In fact, I've done much better playing slots at Wynn than at Atlantis. I carefully track my payback and have been doing it for years.
I’m a casual slot player and several times I’ve put a couple hundred bucks in and went to zero nearly instantly. Lately I’ve been taking what I would spend at the casino and spend it outside the casino on dining, concerts or something nice for myself.
This is probably your best video bro. Bang on. I go to Vegas 2-3 times a year and much harder to win while my perks get less. I lose about $10k each time and get a free room ($2k), $750 food/beverage resort credit), and $500 gift at one of the shops in casino. So really is that worth it? Now the casino will no longer pick me up from airport/drop me off for free, no more late checkouts, and no more use of their high end bar room where I could get free water and snacks at anytime 24 hours. I will stop going to Vegas and stay local where casino odds of winning are better.
I am not sure if I’m of the few people who don’t go to Vegas to gamble, but to enjoy the city & surrounding areas, and for the experiences that I don’t get in my city.
Get rewards cards and take advantage of comps where you can. There are still resort fees, but still cheaper overall. Plan only one day of “luxury”, dinner out, expensive bars, nightclubs etc. all other days, eat at delis, get snacks from Walgreens, liquor and water from Walgreens. Do as much walking as possible and take the deuce bus. And gambling is a personal choice. You can spend a lot or play low minimum spins if you just want some fun. You can still enjoy it overall without breaking the bank. All us on a budget are still here and still contribute a ton to those billions of profits.
That's how I usually roll. Eat cheap, gamble my limit (I survive with $500/day, and will roll over part of what's left from the previous days budget) and still get free rooms. Last trip I came home with more than half of what I went with and had a great time! I feel like you can still do Vegas on the cheap, it's just getting a little more difficult.
Saw everything you talked about on my last trip there before Covid - just two weeks before Covid. Combine that with the much higher room and food prices and I doubt I'll ever go back. Sad to lose on of my favorite and most frequented vacation spots.
OMG! I will be missing the Mirage. I always stayed either at the Mirage or MGM Grand. I went back in October 2023. OMG! there was so much traffic because they were getting ready for the Grand Prix. It took us almost an hour and half to get to Planet Hollywood where I booked a room from the Airport. I went to Resort World one day and it was empty I think there were only maybe 3 people playing on the Slots, and there were a lot of machines. I was not impressed. I went back to the strip and played at the Cosmopolitan, and they were packed it was hard to find a machine. But I loved it. All the casinos on the strip were packed so they were making bank. I usually go to the Casinos in Palm Springs since I live in Orange County, Ca. THANKS JACOB, for the info. May you have a great day!
Not just the strip. Local casinos are setting their machines to max hold. They just have them delivered that way. Exceptions are Jerry’s and the Rampart.
20 years ago I would frequent Vegas with $3000 to gamble, now I'd need $12,000 to feel comfortable gambling, and I am not going to do it! I would play Poker as that's still a viable alternative, but the minimums there have also gone up just not so drastic. Used to be I could sit at the poker table with $100, and play for hours walking away with my $100, or a small win. My $3000 would still be a good starting point if playing nothing but poker, but blackjack, craps, roulette, and other floor games are out of the question with just $3000, and slots are completely out of the picture. I hope this backfires on the casinos as the wealthy are fewer, and the patrons that built this city are the lower middle to middle class, and they have now been priced out of Vegas! We used to hit the Hilton for $39.99 PP double occupancy for a 2 night/3day stay including a show, and dinner at either their prime rib restaurant, or Benihanas. It was a steal! $80 for all that, a decent room, show, and a great meal, can't be beat, and will likely never happen again. Ah, the good ole days!👍😎✌
My last trip was back 2008 and it was okay back then but when they started the resort fees and tacking on other fees, I decided quit going permanently.
I came back to vegas after 10 years last march. The bars where quiet, plenty people buying drinks in the stores and eating off the strip. Everything was so expensive. After u have been once, u have seen it all.
All of this and low stakes poker rooms are closing down on a large scale too, basically anything where tourists have an edge are being phased out. Vegas is in serious danger of eating itself as there is little value now and it will only attract those willing to lose most of their money.
I’ve noticed since about February that the slots are noticeably tighter, there’s more 6:5 BJ, 3:2 BJ with higher minimums…. A grande latte at a local casino’s Starbucks goes for 9 dollars, plus “oh the machine is gonna ask you a few questions”… wtf
Thank you for your video. I am by no means a high roller, but I understand with economics that like Disney- vegas corporations will charge up to when demand goes down. It’s supply and demand. Corporations are businesses which are designed to make money 💰- it’s the free market. The way that customers can vote or make a change is to not support a certain price point.
I went this May and stayed downtown. I was down $650, paying $1.50 a bet, and waiting to check in! I did not see 1-hand pay Went to The El Cortez.3 nights It was just as bad and was down 2k-no fun! The machines were so bad that they became annoying to play! Got 1/2 my losses back at the tables! Wil never gamble slots in Vegas agan!
Vici Properties Inc., a real estate investment trust specializing in casino and entertainment properties, owns 660 acres of property (including casino ground rights) on the Las Vegas Strip. Vici was formed in 2017 as a spin-off from Caesars Entertainment Corporation as part of its bankruptcy reorganization. Vici is the landlord of the major Las Vegas casinos, such as MGM. Casinos sold the land under them to Vici. In just 7 years, this company, Vici, is now responsible for many casinos ripping off many customers so the casinos can afford the ground rents they pay Vici Properties. Look at what happened when a new private equity owner of the Red Lobster restaurant chain sold off the real estate under the restaurants. Red Lobster now had to pay rent and when times got tough, the restaurants closed.
I have been going to Vegas since 2011 and its never been more expensive than it is now. Unfortunately for someone like me who has been there so many times it's hard to accept the absurd price increases
3:50 this started at MGM about two years ago. they put out ONE table and studied if it affect play (actuaries studied before and after for money in relative to other 2 green tables)....it didnt. nobody cared and they kept playing. and MGM kept adding the 3 greens.
As long as their profits keep rising management will keep turning the screws. If the low rollers don't like it, that's too bad. The casinos have figured out they don't need them.
The Executives who currently run Caesars are possibly the cheapest casino management that has ever existed on the Strip. They know absolutely nothing about attracting players, all the know is cost cutting. All a person has to do is walk through the Cromwell casino floor on any given day. Prime strip real estate, the casino has 10's of thousands of people walking past it's front door every day and if you walk inside it's a ghost town. Pathetic casino management.
What other changes have you noticed in Las Vegas over the years?
your insistence on talking about things you dont understand, your lack of knowledge with regards to economics and how money works is laughable please stop. Stick to thumbnails aimed at 12 year olds and rehashing stuff from vital vegas it makes you look (slightly) less dumb x
The service in Vegas isn't as good as it used to be, and there is a lot of hustling for tips from fast food, convenience stores, and slot machine attendants (after a $1200 "jackpot" hand pay).
Service has gone down hill big time! It use to be as soon as you sat down you were offered a drink. I waited almost an hour at the Bellaggio just to see a cocktail server and then had to wave her down!
Resort fees!! They just need to be honest about the prices up front. The fees in LV are only second to TicketMaster.
@@robinbrook5624 Ellis Island, Downtown Grand, and other off Strip places still had decent drink service when I was last in Vegas.
Could we please hand Vegas back over to the Mob? The Mob at least had cheap buffets, $5 steaks, 99 cent shrimp cocktails, and free drinks.
do people not understand inflation? lmao that was over 50 years ago dummy
And it was much safer!
@@NachoMamaNowEXACTLY
The mob use to sell rancid meat that was treated with chemicals so people wouldn't get seriously sick. You get what you pay for I suppose.
And was just all round more fun.
90 dollar buffets, 30 dollar pizza and drink lunch, hidden hotel fees that jack up the price, and paid parking are all reasons why people lose more money without gambling in Vegas.
so you got to ask yourself ; why do you go? addicted? no self control? no true grit?
I think they are trying to recoup for all the $$$ they lost during the pandemic also I think people don't care that much about the cost after being couped up at homes for so long during the pandemic now that Vegas opened up we can finally take off our masks and enjoy it again
The high costs is why I don't go. Sure if I had spending money to blow, I'd go ahead and get ripped off just for fun. Most people going have the money to lose while paying crazy high prices for rooms, food, and entertainment.
I used to go to Vegas 3 times a year, now its more likely i go once a year, I usually stay at Freemont street or locals like boulder station or Sams town. Much better games and odds then the corporate crooks running the strip resorts.
In the past Vegas had smaller margins. You got comped rooms and meals even if you were not a whale. I used to get free flights on PSA from Burbank if I played $ 5 crap bets for four hours. I could afford Vegas but I cannot afford $ 300 rooms and resort fees, $ 150 lunches, and games that are impossible to win at. I had fun but those days are gone and so am I.
I used to go to Vegas once or twice a year to play low stakes Blackjack. When they went to 6 to 5 and changed the rules to where it was not only impossible to win but would lose a hundred or two in minutes where I used to be able to play for at least and hour or longer I quit going. Sadly, many of the people visiting Vegas today, especially younter people, don't understand odds. They just throw their money away. On top of that the sidewalks are full of con artists, thieves, hookers and drug addicts. I no longer feel safe walking the strip at night.
I was there last week. Didn't spend $1 gambling. Decided to never return. I was trying to figure out what level of wealth it takes to be okay just throwing money away.
It could all end...if people stopped going.
Reminds me of rising fast food costs. As long as customers keep paying, corps/casinos won't change
@@jpark28 I don't go to fast food so much anymore, but when I do, I have coupons.
lots of things could change if people made better choices.... that wont be happening either.
We consumers hold the ultimate power with any business. Just stop going or shopping and the prices will go down or they will close. Most people just bitch and don't realize they hold the power not the businesses.
@@vegasprogambler5336 This is what people fail to understand. Americans get to vote with every dollar they spend. Just vote with yours people and watch things change.
My last trip in March I felt like Clark Griswold. But now I know it’s not me, they just changed the odds to make me lose more. Thanks Jacob!
De nada!
Lmao that's a great movie
Excellent comment - you win. I felt EXACTLY the same way...and I stuck to 3-2 payout blackjack almost exclusively. I had 4 days to play, so I didn't have to rush. OFC it didn't matter.
In almost 40 years of blackjack all over the US and in the Caribbean - on land and sea - I've *never* been beaten down as badly and so consistently over the course of 4 days as I did this time. Multiple casinos, different times of the day/night, it didn't matter. The result was the same - disaster.
I don't mind losing, its part of the game, but this was something else entirely. I had LOTs of good hands, and that was against bad dealer up-cards at times as well - but did it matter? Nope. I truly lost count of how many times I watched a dealer have a hand that they statistically should lose - yet pull EXACTLY what they needed to win. Oh, and not just win, but make 21 and beat everyone! This isn't to say that I lost every hand, I did win SOME, but lost WAY more to this type of result...or just a straight up dealer blackjack. I had one table where the dealer pulled blackjack 4 hands in a row...and the hands before and after the run of blackjack they ripped multi-card 21s from a 13-16 starting hand.
Something is just "wrong" with that - and it isn't the rules, prices, parking fees, etc. Something smells very very fishy to me.
I meet many people at my local casino say they just got back from Vegas and longed for the lower limits and better odds at their local casino. Most say they’ll never go back
Video Poker odds at off-strip places like Station Casinos and South Point can be found with odds at 100%+. That doesn't exist anywhere else. I've milked those places for decades for free rooms and meals and I'm also ahead lifetime gambling.
Hey there, @JacobslifeinVegas! I wanted to share with you my experience of traveling all the way from the other side of the world to Vegas for years now. I've always stuck with one group during my visits, but I'm starting to realize that maybe it's time for a change. Lately, it feels like I keep getting hit with more and more fees each time I go, and it's starting to add up. It seems like the times are changing, and the new generation of visitors won't tolerate these tactics for much longer. After giving it a lot of thought, I've decided to stop throwing my money away. The value just isn't there anymore, not even with the rewards from the players club. Just like you mentioned in your video, unless you're a big player with a huge bankroll, it's just not worth it. I've worked hard for my money, and I don't want to waste it on a corporation that doesn't appreciate their customers. It's been a fun ride, but it feels like corporate greed has taken over in Las Vegas.
EGGZACKULLY!!!
Its an overpriced amusement park now and it only wants customers who will throw their money away while there.
I now go to Atlantic City as things are cheaper, with lower table limits because eastern us gamblers have far less money than rich Vegas gamblers.
If u go to Macau, the Vegas companies run those casinos too.
I’m a 3 day Vegas visitor whose slot budget is $2k/day for a total of $6k for 3 days. My usual bet is $3.75-5.00 per slot play. I go once a month. I have NOT “hit” a IRS hand pay (>$1,200.00) in the last 17 months! Sometimes, I’ll sit at a machine for 4+ hours and not realize a “win” over $200.00!
I scratch my head when the casino host(s) tell me that I didn’t even cover the cost of the room and comps! WHAT gives! There should be more outrage at these casinos who slots don’t give enough “small” wins to keep playing for a hour or so. Sometimes, my budget is gone within the hour.
You probably have a shit host then. Everything for you should be free. At least regular rooms + food and drinks outside gaming areas.
I play 10K a day while out there. Sometimes I go through that much in an hour. The casinos have defiantly changed after the Covid shutdown.
Wow! I knew it was bad but that is robbery!
@@jmracing1076 Just play blackjack with that kind of money
You are giving them NO incentive to change if you are dropping that kind of money every month. Stop going for a year and encourage other's to do the same. If several thousand people in your budget range or higher stopped playing, it would start to get noticed in P&L meetings at corporate headquarters.
I just got back, everything is tight as drum, you just can’t win. I’m done gambling in Vegas.
Fool! I hope you don't work hard for your money?
Make sure you do. Then only will you win.
I went to Vegas 4-6 times a year until a couple years ago. The greedy casinos just won't quit and they have lost my business.
agree even the bar tender told me don't play poker at the bar
@jsjj: Yep! I have been going to Vegas at least two to three times a year since 1998. Last year was the first year I stopped going. I went earlier this year and was amazed at how they have gouged loyal visitors in different ways. I booked a trip that in two weeks takes me to Tampa and the Hard Rock Hotel and Casino. I may lose money but at least it won't be to the greedy Vegas moguls.
$25 drinks and $100 steaks don’t help
It just seems like one giant shakedown these days from the moment you arrive until the moment you leave.
So true
Right!?!? I felt like it was GIVE ME YOUR MONEY NOW- and if you didn’t they looked at you crazy! No thanks!
This is exactly the way I feel. I didn't even gamble last time I went. I couldn't wait to leave and have no plans to go back anytime soon.
We used to go to Vegas three or four times a year, usually in the shoulder or off seasons, as our pooch wouldn’t be able to take the summer heat. Last time we went was in January, 2023. We went to the Strip a couple of times because we had a status match from Hyatt to MGM that got us free parking. But the Strip was way, way, WAY out of control. The prices inside were ridiculous. The gaming was disappointing in that the payouts, even then, just weren’t there. Outside, walking between casinos on the sidewalks and the pedestrian bridges, all you saw were grifters of various sorts, or drugged out people unconscious. Even off the Strip, restaurant prices had spiked way high. It just isn’t a whole lot of fun any longer.
The late 90’s and the early 2000’s were the best recent years in Vegas. They catered more to families and prices were reasonable. Now, they just try to milk every single coin out of you.
since the late 90's and early 2000s, we've also experienced 250% of inflation, so that could explain a lot.
You're just the next sucker.
My wife and I were pushed out of Las Vegas because of the price increases and higher gambling. We had been to Vegas over 100 times
I noticed it too! I don’t even care if I lose my tier status on players club cards- it’s not fun. This is the First time I got a bonus- and got $0 back! I’d rather go to an all-inclusive in Mexico- it’s cheaper and I had more fun.
People will still come to Vegas and that’s what they are banking on. I say this is where the big boys play.
I agree with every single thing Jacob said in this video. I was just there 3 weeks ago - and finding a blackjack table with 3-2 payout that wasn't extremely high minimum bet was difficult - but there are 1-2 in MOST casinos on the Strip. If you did find one, it was usually a 2-deck shoe, or the endless one that shuffles constantly.
However, be additionally careful that you're avoiding the tables with the automatic shuffler (or endless shoe as some call it) - it's NOT in your favor at all. There are no breaks for shuffling, and it just "smells" fishy to me. I sat at one for a couple hours at the end of my trip - after already getting raked over the coals for days that I just didn't care any more. My thought process was, "the rare regular tables, or 2-deck shoes were kicking my butt anyway - might as well shake it up!" ... uh, no. It was really bad. I've been playing blackjack for close to 40 years and I've never had a more negative trip when it came to the gaming. It was like a black cloud was following me everywhere I went - and I tried at many different casinos on the strip and Fremont Street. Different times of the day too.
The other thing that I noticed this trip was the quality and attitude of the dealers. Yes, I know it's NOT an easy job - however, just because you don't like your chosen job does NOT mean that you get to be nasty to the customers. I lost count on how many flat out nasty young dealers I had on this trip - but it should be noted that I still met and played with MANY much nicer dealers and pitbosses on the trip. Some of them just felt entitled to a tip - even though they were flat out mean and rude from the very beginning. Sorry...a tip is for GOOD SERVICE and HOSPITALITY - not because you're working.
I spoke with several pitbosses in multiple casinos, and they all agreed that it's difficult to find new dealers - since the casinos are squeezing the dealers as well. They don't get paid well and get treated worse by the house than you could ever imagine. Those they do get to work are simply not up to snuff skill-wise or customer service.
So not only are the big corporations doing a number on the players - they're also making life harder on their employees in the casinos. Perhaps they're looking to phase out live dealers all together eventually. I can certainly see them trying...
My gaming in next trip to Vegas will be confined to Fremont Street only - where the normal rules and payout blackjack tables are still prevalent...although that IS starting to change. I imagine that Fremont Street will be just like the strip eventually. At which point I will stop going...
Late 90s early 2000s was the peak. Then went downhill.
During that time we had most of the cool new “mega resorts” just built (Luxor. Mandalay. Leo, treasure Island, Venetian, Wynn) ridiculously expensive with free parking and resort fees
What is Leo? Leonardo DiCaprio?
In the mid 2000s, the explosion of very profitable pool parties and nightclubs where people threw money away started the Vegas business model shift to an overpriced amusement park business model.
Yes, those of us who enjoyed those times have really noticed the changes. Newer visitors to Vegas think it's a great place.
Thank you for your honesty. The nickel and dime style will kill Vegas. Enjoy it while lasts....it won't....people need to believe that have a fair chance.
There's greed and then there's stupid greed. At first people will gamble less next they'll leave for other upcoming casinos in other States.
Casinos make most of their money from non gaming sources. Also, 6 to 5 Blackjack, 000 Roulette, etc exist in "casinos in other States" that are often owned & operated by Caesars, MGM, Hard Rock, and Boyd.
@@djm5687 Mostly True but not every casino everywhere. Las Vegas casinos have gotten to greedy. Las Vegas tourism like Disney Parks visitors will stop coming. Casinos make much of their profits from gambling revenue.
Vegas doesn't care. The bigger spending customers have made Vegas more profitable than ever.
I'm primarily a Poker and Craps player, but I have noticed how tight the slots have gotten. When I visit Vegas I usually play $100-200 worth of slots usually at the bar or to kill some time. Usually I lose a portion of that, I chalk it up to paid entertainment, but the last time I was there I lost all of it, quickly. Lesson learned.
Excellent video. I'm glad someone is addressing this topic in depth. I've watched Vegas get less and less fun over the years unless you have deep pockets. Can't even find seats at any of the pools any longer without paying for a cabana
YES. You nailed it. Last trip I could feel it but couldn't point to it.
😎
"You couldn't point to it?" You must be a moron then !
I go to Vegas tomorrow i was itching for a new vid from you thank you! Love ur content! I always like watching ur vids before I go to Vegas!
Enjoyed the video and you are so right. I have been going to Vegas for over 40 years. I used to gamble on the strip but now I do not for any amount of significance. I only stay on the strip when I have other family members joining me and they want to stay there. When I visit by myself, I stay at the El Cortez downtown. They have much better odds for the player to win...... does not mean you can't lose, but much more bang for the buck, Great staff, good food, and nice rooms. Thanks for sharing Jacob 👍
Just came back from Vegas this week. Slots were very tight everywhere. Couldn't even play long enough to have fun. Penny slots, dollar slots, quarter slots: didn't make any difference. Even noticed that the machines that had lower 30 cent/40 cent minimum bets were pretty much gone now and the 50 cent minimum was the lowest I could easily find.
I love Vegas, but a tourist strike wouldn't be a bad idea. I'll never play 6:5 blackjack! Remember Westward Ho? They used to have a Bloody Mary fountain in the morning and champagne the rest of the day. It was self-serve, for free!
Why I won’t go any more. It’s just too damn expensive! No way will I go. It’s foolish to go unless you have a lot of money. It’s sickening and sad. Greed! Human greed! Once again.
the greed is outstanding for MGM and Ceasers for sure. They were making enough money to build all these places up, keep renovating, paying the workers, making profit and they were like "No, this isn't enough."
I think what's happening is that gambling itself is becoming a much more mainstream activity in general, which adds up to the new higher minimums and tighter machines or otherwise. Plus, combine that with higher wages, higher cost of living, etc., and you're getting what we're seeing.
It has gotten so bad I stopped going. Someone's are the way to go. They have gotten way to greedy.
No.
It's legit greed and nothing else.
Is it all arab money now?
Seems a bad strategy. The wealthier the gambler, the more options they have... and these days there are MANY more destinations for them. The low rollers also have more options. Vegas needs to provide the best value to keep people coming. That's why my last trip I stayed downtown.
But Vegas' numbers show them that by switching to the overpriced amusement park business model and targeting the bigger spenders, they are more profitable than ever, and they still get plenty of visitors.
Excellent video, Jabob! I am stunned how most LV visitors do not understand the concept of "House Advantage" and regularly play terrible games. This is usually accompanied by their focus on acquiring "Tier Points" which generally requires losing $3 to $4 at gambling to potentially receive not more than $1 in retail comp value.
While at the same time the benefits one gets from achieving 'status' keep getting downgraded. People just don't seem to care and so the casinos keep tightening the screws.
Jacob, one trick you can tell people about to stick it to the casinos. If you are a new player or been inactive for 3 years. You stay somewhere else, then you go get the players card and then do some damage in the high limit slots(double diamond, old school) at $5-25 denomination for a few hours one evening before midnight. Get at least 20k or more coin in (might cost you a few k, depending on the churn or cycling your wins thru) then leave don't go back that trip. The computer will not have enough data to evaluate your level of play. They usually assume you are a new way bigger player and you will get offers for suite, limo, food, freeplay, etc. Before you book, call the host office, speak with the host on duty and see if they will juice it even more. Ask for anything, booze in the room, airfare, etc. They can only say no. Then go, play the freeplay, eat for free and live it up. Of course you won't get any offers after that, but you played them at their game.
So lose a few k gambling instead of spending a few k on the perks given. Yeah very smart 😂
@@jimbojones9118 Yeah, if you don't plan on gambling then yeah spend the money on what you want. But if gambling anyways, you can win doing this and stick it to the casino. Remember the cost of things too, nice suite $400-800 a night, nice meal $200 a person, drinks $25...
@@jimbojones9118Gambler's mentality at play
We have lived in LV since 99. When friends used to come to visit we could recommend a few hotels on the Strip. Not now, EVER. Now we recommend downtown or any of the myriad of "locals" hotels and casinos. Unfortunately the "resort fee bug" has started to invade the suburbs, but you get a much better deal on the tables and slots. And all of the local places still have free parking!
The intro is awesome. I didn’t notice the difference. I been losing money since the 90’s😂
Was there last week and lost a ton. The room was not cheap, and food at casino buffets is crap now. 😐
I used to meet up with friends in Vegas 2-3 times a year. I’m heading there for the first time in two years at the end of July and I suspect with how awful things have gotten it may be longer next time. Plenty of casinos in other states now, Vegas isn’t as special as it used to be and there is no value left.
I recently got back from Las Vegas . I enjoyed the idea at Slots of Fun .Cheap beer, cheap food and the coin in- coin out brought back memories of an earlier time.
1. Get off the strip to gamble. Properties as close as the South Point have better limits and rules.
2. Post why you aren't playing at MGM/Caesars/Wynn to your social media. Educate others on the horrible odds of 000 roulette and 6/5 BJ.
Maybe the spirit of Benny Binion will come back to Vegas. Rewarding regular folks for their time is solid business.
I gambled S. Point 8-9 nights its no better!
@davidcosta3126 The rules were no better or you didn't get a better result?
I've been going to Vegas 2-4 times a year since the early 90's. My recent trip last month was the last for a long time. The greed is absolutely insane! During warmer months we enjoy pool days and eating out at a nice restraunts. Drink prices everywhere are laughable. I ordered two drinks at a pool and paid $77!!! And the service is mostly horrible and delivered with a side of arrogance. It's just a totally different experience in every way than it used to be. To drop $3-5k over 3 days is just not worth it. There's a lot better things you can go do for that kind of money. We've started going to some of the casinos in Southern California where we live and are able to have a great experience for a fraction of the cost. We spent two days at Pala Resort Casino and spent a day at their beautiful pool that had $8 drinks, fairly priced food, and good service. The rooms were large and beautiful, no resort fees, no parking fees, great entertainment with bands playing for hours at the center bar, just an overall WAY better value than Vegas offers.
We just got back from Vegas. Had much better luck downtown than on the strip
I do love downtown and have come to prefer it to the strip but feel like I am the odd man out as I have far worse luck there than on the strip or at other off strip properties.
I feel Fremont St. is just as bad as the Strip. Boulder Highway is where you want to go for loose slots, etc.
Vegas has changed a lot since 2015. I noticed based on the value for your dollar and the amount of services offered by casinos. high food prices and fees to stay on the strip, most locals avoided the strip together and hit local casinos in town. The higher the cost, the most likely folks would stop visiting.
$2000 for airfare, car and hotel at red rock for 4 nights last December, before placing one bet. 30 years of trips and that was my last. I will play at the Indian casinos in Michigan. Plus the strip is so nasty now I have no interest in Vegas anymore.
On top of that we have millions of new illegal aliens living in our beautiful state of Nevada. Many of them destroying our once beautiful city of Las Vegas.
Why gamble at all??
It’s not just the strip. Down town is getting just as bad the only difference is the quality of drunks you’re stepping over trying to get back to your room.
I go to Vegas 2x a year and I avoid the strip. Theres lots of nice off-strip options. And I drive down, (from Reno) so I can get around easy. And I explore rural Cal./Nevada on the way to and from. Death Valley next year- (again!). Great video Jacob!
It is not "gambling" if you are guaranteed to lose. It is also not fun if you are guaranteed to lose. We used to take a road trip to Vegas every year or so, but everything is just so expensive now, you have no chance of winning anything, and it is just not much fun anymore. We have not gone in a couple of years, and we just talked about it the other day, and we decided we have no interest in going back. But hey, if the casinos can find fools who are willing to blow money on rigged games, maybe they have the right plan.
I have stopped going to Vegas and now play in Atlantic City. The big advantage with playing in Atlantic City over Las Vegas is that there are cheap rooms (Sunday to Thursday) less than $100 per night including resort fees. There is 3 to 2 blackjack at all Atlantic City casinos and the table minimums are $15. The pay tables on video poker are also better in Atlantic city than Vegas. Comps are available relatively easy at Hard Rock Atlantic city. The big reason why these same casino companies in Atlantic city (mgm, caesars, hard rock etc.) Are more customer friendly to low rollers and middle class is because gamblers in the east are poorer and less numerous than Rich Vegas gamblers. If i were a casino executive i would do the same thing to Vegas gamblers by screwing them until my revenues go down. These executives can't do this in Atlantic city because the people in the Eastern US are poor compared to Vegas gamblers. There are also fewer gamblers in Atlantic city sunday to Thursday compared to vegas so they have to be customer friendly. There are high end options for dining in Atlantic City, but more middle class dining in Atlantic City. I just stayed at Caesars Atlantic city for a Monday and Tuesday in May and the price for rooms was $100 per night including resort fees and taxes. Higher prices in Atlantic city are between June and September because of its beach location.
Good on ya for calling it out
I go several times a year, but it gets worse by the year. I loved the Vegas atmosphere but, I've cut my play and it truly isn't worth it anymore. You hit the nail on the head Jacob. How quickly they have forgotten that Covid 19 almost destroyed them a few short years ago. Look at Hard Rock shutting Mirage. Better to close and take in no revenue and bust the union's high wages than continue to operate in the transition.
I was a gold card member with MGM 2 years ago! I walked away cold turkey the winnings are nonexistent 😅 I’ve played over 2k in one sitting.. no comps, no free rooms , no free play garbage 🤮
FYI MGM national harbor is the worse
My wife and I go to Vegas 2-3 times a year. Yes, it's gotten more expensive but there is always a place to gamble that is a bit cheaper (you just have to look for it). And there is a lot to do off the Strip that makes it fun and exciting each time.
Having lived and worked here for past 25yrs the changes for me are easy to see. Vegas has to reinvent itself often. The current draw to Vegas are the professional sport teams coming to Vegas. This makes the casinos able to take advantage of visitors coming to Vegas. ie: double zero to triple zero and BJ payouts ie: 3-2 to 6-5.
I hate Vegas but love this guys channel for some reason. It so fascinating to sit on the side watching the crazy stuff that happens in Vegas and I'm not talking about people partying and doing things they shouldn't. Watching corporate do what they do to attract the mindless people who have no direction in their lives is amazing because these idiots keep showing up with all that enthusiasm to just hand over their money.
Gamble off strip according to the locals
It's usually better off strip
I go to the Boulder Highway Strip! Sam’s Town, South Point, and even the Orleans are great places to go!
Thank you for exposing this. The gambling coin-in value is also abysmal for players card. They value hospitality dollars more.
And you have just explained why I have not been back to Vegas since 2022. Too expensive and not fun anymore. I can just gamble at my regional casino hotel if I want.
Make ‘another strip’ that brings back the vintage neons and good deals. It would be enormously popular.
I was at Luxor over the weekend and the buffet was $38 per person and it sucked will never go back, not even a free drink for MGM Rewards any more
I appreciate all your content. Thank you. 🙏 I’ve even stopped going to my local Casinos 🎰 because they aren’t paying like they used to.
Thank-You Jacob + Outstanding Content + My Appreciation
I use to go 2 or 3 times a year, not anymore! Cheap rooms, cheap food and all those other free little extras made it fun. Because what I wasn't spending on those meant more money to play with. I went out there in October and it was by far the least I have ever spent! The machines cost a lot more to play and were tight. You have to leave the hotel just to find a nice simple meal! The hotels only have fine dinning or mall styled food courts, both of which I have right here in my own town, and for a lot cheaper. To gamble I can drive to Biloxi, eat great seafood and have fun for a fraction of the price.
LOL. But you're in Biloxi. You are right. Las Vegas does not want a player like you. They have plenty of people filling the restaurants, paying for the rooms, going to the clubs & shows, & playing 6-5 blackjack w/o a care in the world.
Biloxi/Gulfport is my favorite place to gamble in the USA.
Sooner or later this corporate greed will reach the saturation point. High resort fees, bad odds, ridiculous show prices. Why even bother. I live a hours drive of three casinos so if I get the urge to gamble I keep it local. I sincerely hope this greed eventually backfires of the corporations.
I prefer casinos on Fremont street. I also have a limit for what I am willing to lose. If I lose that amount I dont chase after my losses.
Fremont Street is no better, TBH. You have to go to Boulder Highway now.
@@GD1082 Fremont street has 3:2 BJ payouts and $ 10.00 minimum tables. It's vintage Vegas and the casinos are within walking distance of one another. The strip is sprawling and expensive.
@@Reggiela-zc3cc I know, I have been there 3 times in the last 5 years. The last time wasn't as much of a deal as the previous 2, hence my comment.
There are casinos all over now, no need to spend the $$ for transportation, an over priced hotel and crazy $$ food options. Greed, pure greed. I only travel to Vegas now to go to the Mojave or Death Valley.
heading for Vegas next week for a family vacation...very informative and thanks.
another thing on blackjack: the proliferation of those continuous shuffle machine (CSM) they keep the action fast and there is never shuffling so you lose money faster betting more hands per hr.
Last summer, I stayed in Vegas for a week with my wife and kids, and did NOT gamble once. I gambled plenty in my younger years, mostly at AC, and I know I would feel real shitty when I lose money, so I guess I just don't gamble any more. We just enjoyed the food and shows, and other activities.
The best way to see Vegas is doing 70 mph on the freeway.
I remember in the 90’s you would hear stories like “ tommie when to vegas put in a penny and won 500k” those days are loooong goneee
I used to prefer playing slots in Reno because of the higher paybacks compared to Las Vegas. But I haven't had the same amount of success in Reno as in years past. In fact, I've done much better playing slots at Wynn than at Atlantis. I carefully track my payback and have been doing it for years.
I’m a casual slot player and several times I’ve put a couple hundred bucks in and went to zero nearly instantly. Lately I’ve been taking what I would spend at the casino and spend it outside the casino on dining, concerts or something nice for myself.
This is probably your best video bro. Bang on. I go to Vegas 2-3 times a year and much harder to win while my perks get less. I lose about $10k each time and get a free room ($2k), $750 food/beverage resort credit), and $500 gift at one of the shops in casino. So really is that worth it? Now the casino will no longer pick me up from airport/drop me off for free, no more late checkouts, and no more use of their high end bar room where I could get free water and snacks at anytime 24 hours. I will stop going to Vegas and stay local where casino odds of winning are better.
Jacob, I saw you walking today on Las Vegas Blvd and Charleston on Sunday this Memorial Day Weekend.
I am not sure if I’m of the few people who don’t go to Vegas to gamble, but to enjoy the city & surrounding areas, and for the experiences that I don’t get in my city.
Can't prove it but crap tables at Paris seem magnetized. Swore I saw dice flip a few times?
Thank you for confirming what I figured out 2 years ago.
Get rewards cards and take advantage of comps where you can. There are still resort fees, but still cheaper overall. Plan only one day of “luxury”, dinner out, expensive bars, nightclubs etc. all other days, eat at delis, get snacks from Walgreens, liquor and water from Walgreens. Do as much walking as possible and take the deuce bus. And gambling is a personal choice. You can spend a lot or play low minimum spins if you just want some fun. You can still enjoy it overall without breaking the bank. All us on a budget are still here and still contribute a ton to those billions of profits.
That's how I usually roll. Eat cheap, gamble my limit (I survive with $500/day, and will roll over part of what's left from the previous days budget) and still get free rooms. Last trip I came home with more than half of what I went with and had a great time! I feel like you can still do Vegas on the cheap, it's just getting a little more difficult.
Your telling the TRUTH!
Perfect Presentation! 🔥 Content.
Saw everything you talked about on my last trip there before Covid - just two weeks before Covid. Combine that with the much higher room and food prices and I doubt I'll ever go back. Sad to lose on of my favorite and most frequented vacation spots.
OMG! I will be missing the Mirage. I always stayed either at the Mirage or MGM Grand. I went back in October 2023. OMG! there was so much traffic because they were getting ready for the Grand Prix. It took us almost an hour and half to get to Planet Hollywood where I booked a room from the Airport. I went to Resort World one day and it was empty I think there were only maybe 3 people playing on the Slots, and there were a lot of machines. I was not impressed. I went back to the strip and played at the Cosmopolitan, and they were packed it was hard to find a machine. But I loved it. All the casinos on the strip were packed so they were making bank. I usually go to the Casinos in Palm Springs since I live in Orange County, Ca.
THANKS JACOB, for the info. May you have a great day!
Not just the strip. Local casinos are setting their machines to max hold. They just have them delivered that way. Exceptions are Jerry’s and the Rampart.
20 years ago I would frequent Vegas with $3000 to gamble, now I'd need $12,000 to feel comfortable gambling, and I am not going to do it! I would play Poker as that's still a viable alternative, but the minimums there have also gone up just not so drastic. Used to be I could sit at the poker table with $100, and play for hours walking away with my $100, or a small win. My $3000 would still be a good starting point if playing nothing but poker, but blackjack, craps, roulette, and other floor games are out of the question with just $3000, and slots are completely out of the picture. I hope this backfires on the casinos as the wealthy are fewer, and the patrons that built this city are the lower middle to middle class, and they have now been priced out of Vegas! We used to hit the Hilton for $39.99 PP double occupancy for a 2 night/3day stay including a show, and dinner at either their prime rib restaurant, or Benihanas. It was a steal! $80 for all that, a decent room, show, and a great meal, can't be beat, and will likely never happen again. Ah, the good ole days!👍😎✌
My last trip was back 2008 and it was okay back then but when they started the resort fees and tacking on other fees, I decided quit going permanently.
I’ve noticed it. And it’s not just Vegas Panama DC and Florida casino’s are doing the same. Great video thank you for the detailed info
Spot on Jacob. Great work
I came back to vegas after 10 years last march. The bars where quiet, plenty people buying drinks in the stores and eating off the strip. Everything was so expensive. After u have been once, u have seen it all.
All of this and low stakes poker rooms are closing down on a large scale too, basically anything where tourists have an edge are being phased out. Vegas is in serious danger of eating itself as there is little value now and it will only attract those willing to lose most of their money.
Awesome video! Great information Jacob, keep up the good work.
I’ve noticed since about February that the slots are noticeably tighter, there’s more 6:5 BJ, 3:2 BJ with higher minimums….
A grande latte at a local casino’s Starbucks goes for 9 dollars, plus “oh the machine is gonna ask you a few questions”… wtf
Thank you for your video. I am by no means a high roller, but I understand with economics that like Disney- vegas corporations will charge up to when demand goes down. It’s supply and demand. Corporations are businesses which are designed to make money 💰- it’s the free market. The way that customers can vote or make a change is to not support a certain price point.
Slots-a-fun was so great years ago. One dollar corona beers and hot dogs. $2 table games. It was a fun treat.
Wow I thought it was just my bad luck! I couldn’t win anything at Slots these last couple times! This vid explains it all! Thanks! Great vid!
I went this May and stayed downtown. I was down $650, paying $1.50 a bet, and waiting to check in!
I did not see 1-hand pay Went to The El Cortez.3 nights It was just as bad and was down 2k-no fun! The machines were so bad that they became annoying to play!
Got 1/2 my losses back at the tables! Wil never gamble slots in Vegas agan!
Vici Properties Inc., a real estate investment trust specializing in casino and entertainment properties, owns 660 acres of property (including casino ground rights) on the Las Vegas Strip. Vici was formed in 2017 as a spin-off from Caesars Entertainment Corporation as part of its bankruptcy reorganization. Vici is the landlord of the major Las Vegas casinos, such as MGM. Casinos sold the land under them to Vici. In just 7 years, this company, Vici, is now responsible for many casinos ripping off many customers so the casinos can afford the ground rents they pay Vici Properties. Look at what happened when a new private equity owner of the Red Lobster restaurant chain sold off the real estate under the restaurants. Red Lobster now had to pay rent and when times got tough, the restaurants closed.
I have been going to Vegas since 2011 and its never been more expensive than it is now. Unfortunately for someone like me who has been there so many times it's hard to accept the absurd price increases
3:50 this started at MGM about two years ago. they put out ONE table and studied if it affect play (actuaries studied before and after for money in relative to other 2 green tables)....it didnt. nobody cared and they kept playing. and MGM kept adding the 3 greens.
I went in December and lost ugly for the first time in years. We are going back soon but…. It will be it for me if I can’t have fun losing slowly.
As long as their profits keep rising management will keep turning the screws. If the low rollers don't like it, that's too bad. The casinos have figured out they don't need them.
The Executives who currently run Caesars are possibly the cheapest casino management that has ever existed on the Strip. They know absolutely nothing about attracting players, all the know is cost cutting. All a person has to do is walk through the Cromwell casino floor on any given day. Prime strip real estate, the casino has 10's of thousands of people walking past it's front door every day and if you walk inside it's a ghost town. Pathetic casino management.