One of the things that makes Las Vegas such a blast is when you gamble, you drink your favorite cocktail free. Or so we thought. Come to find out, when you’re playing table games or slots in a Las Vegas casino, the brand of liquor you order isn’t the liquor you get. Welcome to the casino liquor swap.
Are you used to getting free drinks when you gamble? Well, if you play video poker at bars in Las Vegas, don’t be surprised if you encounter a new practice for dispensing comped beverages.
- Other than spending a ton, you really only have a decent chance if you go to the hotel extremely frequently like people that play in slot and poker tournaments all the time or you win some sort of big jackpot that you then spend at the casino.
- When a guest places $20 in a machine, they’ll receive one complimentary drink. If the pace and amount wagered (usually $1 minimum per hand) per hand meet qualifications, the bartender is alerted that they can offer complimentary drinks or the machine gives the player a ticket to redeem for a complimentary drink.
A computerized monitoring system has been put into effect at all the bars in The Cosmo, as well as the nine Caesar’s properties in Las Vegas (plus all the Caesar’s properties in Nevada). The Vital Vegas blog announced this in late September. That post confirmed it was installed in Bally’s (Sully’s Bar and Casino Bar), Cromwell (Lobby Bar), Linq (Tag Sports Bar, Catalyst and 3535 Bar), Flamingo (X Bar and Bugsy’s), Harrah’s, Rio, Caesars Palace, Paris and Planet Hollywood.
Drink service has not changed on the casino floors and, for now, this practice is not Vegas-wide. The old-fashioned way still stands at the Tropicana, the Golden Gate and the D Las Vegas, the Sands, the Silverton Casino and all Boyd properties.
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MGM is the only other Vegas conglomerate doing this. It has been limited to a testing process there for about a year now — involving the Lobby Bar at the MGM Grand, which seems to include slots and VP, and a bar at MGM Mirage. [Maybe their slow rollout is due to blow back, after implementing paid parking or cutting back slightly on shot pours?] However, the expectation is similar systems will be spreading to other local bars, and also eventually to slot machines on the floors.
The rationale for such automation is that it will aid bartenders and mixologists in evaluating which people “deserve” free drinks. They will be able to tell at a glance, rather than having to constantly keep track by eyeballing it. Minimums have been around for a long time, as have cameras, but casinos are now utilizing technology.
Theoretically this will provide patrons with even better bar service. Bartenders may or may not like this system, as it could affect tips, but it should make life easier for them. It seems there may also still be some room for high tier loyalty club members. The bartender may think to explain it, but if not, don’t hesitate to ask.
The purpose appears to be preventing freeloaders from cashing in on free drinks too easily, and obviously that is a benefit to the casinos. However, it also means there is no point to them dawdling and occupying a machine, which is a positive for someone who really wants to play but can’t find a seat.
Here’s the way it works, generally: If you put $20 into a video poker machine when you first sit down, you’ll start the ball rolling. Specifics can vary for each establishment. At some places that will bring a free drink right away, at others it might require more. After that, comps are based on a calculation combining the amount of money plus the pace of your play.
At Caesar’s a light system has been installed on the back of the VP machines to indicate each gambler’s progress. Patrons may not be able to see the lights directly, although it could be possible to use your hand or a phone indirectly. You can also ask the bartender, who will tell you what he sees.
While there may be some differences from one company to another, the machine will register your initial deposit, triggering a blue light at Caesar’s, then keep up with how much you play. The light system translates that into info for the bartenders. If you meet ‘quota’, the drinks will keep coming.
At Caesar’s, where it is called a “comp validation system”, this will mean playing max bet (five quarters =$1.25) for a certain number of hands. A green light will come on, indicating a drink is warranted. If you continue to play max bet consistently, the light will stay green. If you play too slowly, you’ll lose the green light and have to ‘requalify’. In some places red lights mean no drinks, in others it could indicate a premium brand if it is blinking instead of solid. The best we can tell, Caesar’s requires max bet but that is not the case elsewhere.
So take note, as this is where some distinctions begin to arise, and not surprisingly flexibility varies widely on everything from amount wagered to redemption. To avoid issues, we suggest asking bartenders how timing or comps should work at each location you visit.
As one example, at Caesar’s you only get comp drinks while playing, right there/right then. They will limit the brands to about three choices per category. MGM also will restrict your selection, but you can postpone accepting your drink (see below).
With MGM, you accrue points, and point thresholds are the key rather than a specific number of hands; each MLife Rewards point is earned with every $10 coin-in when playing video poker. For instance, at Tag Sports Bar at The Linq we heard that you must play $6 (five $1.25 max bet hands) every two minutes, for 20 minutes, to receive a complimentary beer. If you are chatting or watching a game, that might be a more of a stretch than if you are there solo. The tricky bit with Rewards points seems to be that tickets don’t arrive exactly on a scheduled basis, such as every 15 points then bingo, so don’t take your first ticket as a bellwether.
At The Cosmo and MGM, you can get vouchers, actual paper tickets to use for free drinks. Note though, the voucher is probably good for only 24 hours and may have stipulations about redemption locations. At The Cosmo, the voucher can be used away from the VP machine, at the couches etc. Depending on the bar, you could be eligible for something special, like one of the Cosmo’s Signature Drinks, typically $16, or a premium brand of liquor.
Of course, there is the option of actually paying for your drinks while playing VP. Depending on how your luck is running, that might be more economical!
As far as customer reaction goes, it has been mixed. Many people don’t mind it since they play enough to not notice a difference, and it can cut down on crowding. On the other hand, some people hate it as yet one more way in which the bean counters are nickeling and diming them, feeling it represents the demise of the ‘old Vegas’, leading to the day when no drinks will be comped at all. There are also questions as to whether the casinos will amp up criteria during holidays or busier times, as they do with room pricing, etc., or if this will become a rationale for fewer bartenders which will then make getting drinks even harder.
In the middle, you find people who don’t mind so much but wish the rules were a little different. For instance, instead of max bet – which some never play, or won’t play if the machine is cold – why not base it on total dollar amount wagered? Another alternative would be not having a predetermined pace of play as a requirement, which makes it more difficult for those watching a game and/or chatting with friends.
Whether or not the casinos will decide to consider these factors is unknown, as the bottom line is their main concern. There are reports that folks have said they will vote with their feet – especially those who say they are feeling gouged – and either stay away from the Strip, or even Vegas altogether. That is certainly their prerogative, but until business really drops off, don’t expect very much to change.
Las Vegas is known for having some of the most expensive drinks in the country. In fact, it’s not uncommon to see people (morons) spend thousands of dollars in a single night. Hell, at the APEX social club in the Palms, they have bottles going for $500 – $15,000. And yes, people who can’t afford it routinely do it to impress a bunch of people who don’t care!
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Hey if you like throwing your hard earned cash away then Vegas is the place to do it.
But for those of us who want the “VEGAS EXPERIENCE,” without breaking the bank or going home in debt, there are still some options.
Why pay for bottle service like a sucker, when you can drink for free?
If you’re on a budget – or don’t feel like going into bankruptcy over your night out – then here are a couple of tips that will help you drink for free in Las Vegas.
Tip # 1: Gamblers Drink for Free in Las Vegas
Vegas casinos try to do everything they can to keep you gambling, but if you’re smart, you can use that to your advantage. If you plan on gambling, then use that time to get your drink on.
You don’t have to be a high roller to enjoy the perks. In fact, even those sitting at the penny slots can enjoy the benefit of getting free drinks for playing the slots. It’s not unheard of for someone to milk the penny slots, maybe dropping a single dollar in the machine, and successfully get free drinks throughout the night. Although technically these drinks are free – I do suggest tipping the cocktail waitress at least $1 per drink – it is a hell of a lot cheaper than trying to get a drink at a Las Vegas Nightclub, and it will ensure that she keeps coming back.
For those looking for premium drinks, instead of the well drink garbage that you get on most casino floors, check out the casino lounge bars. While you will need to play some video poker — most casino bars expect you to have about $20 in the machine — you will get a bump up in what you’re drinking. That being said, even if you’re sitting at the penny slots don’t be afraid to ask for a specific brand — if you’re at one of the better casinos on the strip your chances of receiving a premium liquor goes way up.
If you are looking to maximize your alcohol, it’s always better to order your drink neat or on the rocks, or even better order a beer (IPA Beer usually has the most alcohol)! Yes you can order a fancy cocktail, but the actual liquor in them is not going to be very high; they want you to gamble, not get drunk.
Tip # 2: Look for Local Business Events
Las Vegas is one of the top business cities in the world, and it has some of the best business after hour events you can find. Almost every night of the week there are free business networking events here in Las Vegas where the drinks are more often than not completely free.
If you’re in town on business, you really need to look into what business events are happening during your trip. Make sure you check out our business networking calendar for a full list.
Hey, you might even meet one of the city’s many celebrities or millionaires networking with the crowd.
Tip # 3: Look for Convention After Parties
If you are here for a convention or a conference, then you are set! I’ve never been to a Convention in this city that didn’t have sponsors throwing after parties, and even the bad ones usually have at least an open bar or two that lasts for at least an hour.
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But don’t worry, even if you’re not technically here for a trade show, you still might be able to wiggle your way into one of the many after-hour parties and networking mixers sponsored by these expos. Very rarely do they actually ask for your convention badge.
Las Vegas is the number one convention destination in the world. On any given day there can be as many as 30 – 40 different conventions, expos, and business seminars happening on or near the Strip. One of the best ways to score a free drink is to look out for some of the after parties that cater to convention visitors; the nightclubs will usually have signs welcoming them at the door. Most of these events have open bars and are usually a really good time. You could also check out our convention calendar to get an idea what’s in town!
If you can’t get it for Free, you can still find Cheap Drinks Everywhere in Las Vegas
At some point, you are probably going to have to pay for a drink, but that doesn’t mean you have to pay full price.
Tip # 4: BYOB
As long as your not carrying your drink in a glass bottle, walking with liquor on the Las Vegas Strip is perfectly legal. The Las Vegas strip has dozens of little souvenir shops, CVS, and Walgreens stores that all sell alcohol and cold beer!
You can grab a six pack for under $10, or all of these little stores single cans for about $2 a piece.
You could also rock the good ol’ Flask! And if you really want people to think you bought your drink, just ask the casino bar for a cup of ice! It’s free and then you can transfer from flask to fancy casino glass and no one will bee the wiser!
Tip #5: Look for the Cards
No, not the guys handing out the cards with the half-naked women, but the promoters handing out the Buy One Get One Free Tickets.
A lot of clubs and bars along the Strip will send out promoters who are tasked with trying to get people through their doors. Watch for the guys handing out the Free Drink or the Buy One Get One promotional cards, even some of the top bars in Vegas do this so keep an open eye for deals.
Some of our favorites are American at the Linq Promenade and the PBR bar at Planet Hollywood, there are almost always people handing out 2 for 1 tickets at the entrance. With those you can get two Well cocktails for about $8. Not bad for Vegas!