Las Vegas

[Carole A]

I'm off to Vegas this summer (hopefully) and have a couple of questions for those of you who have been. 

1. I see that all the websites / you tubers say not to use ATMs to get money because of the fees. How do you take money to platy with? Do you take it all in cash?

2. If you do win big or have a hand pay - how do you avoid / claim back the tax? 

3. Do all the slots only have one game on them , unlike UK slots?

Thanks everyone. 

[Mentholdan]

I've never been to Vegas but know "a little" of what you ask. 

Firstly, make some enquiries at Metro Bank as I'm lead to believe that they don't charge for card withdrawals abroad. I'm not 100% sure on this but I seem to remember a friend saying something about it only recently. 

I imagine your passport would be enough to show you don't pay tax on winnings. 

I've seen people play Vegas slots on YouTube with multiple games. 

Never play slots anywhere but the casinos, "Airport for example" I'm told the rtp is horrendous. 

Also I'm pretty sure you can qualify for free play, make sure you enquire at the desk/lobby. 

Check out Brian Christopher slots on YouTube, he does loads of vids from Vegas. 

Enjoy your trip and be lucky. 

[StopandStep]

On 4/11/2021 at 6:39 PM, Carole A said:

1. I see that all the websites / you tubers say not to use ATMs to get money because of the fees. How do you take money to platy with? Do you take it all in cash?

2. If you do win big or have a hand pay - how do you avoid / claim back the tax? 

3. Do all the slots only have one game on them , unlike UK slots?

Have a great time! I hope to go some time this year. 

1) The ATM fees are ridiculous in the main casinos on the Strip. The last time I went the ATM fees at Caesar's were $10. If you use them, the best thing to do is withdraw a large amount all at once, there's no point withdrawing $50 and being charged $10. 
As Mentholdan mentioned, some banks don't charge to use your card abroad, but you will still be charged the ATM fees. Check with your bank, some charge every time you use your card. Nationwide used to charge £1 for each transaction. That doesn't sound like much, but it soon adds up as it's a charge every time you buy a drink, a meal etc.. You'll end up with hundreds of pounds in additional fees if you're not careful. Check with your bank first, but a lot are now free to use abroad. 

2) You can't. That's the simple answer. I've never once avoided paying the tax in any casino in any location in America. The casino deduct the tax even if you show them you are from another country, they then give you a form and say you can claim it back via the US tax office, the IRS. In reality, I've not had any luck. 
People will tell you that you can, but I've never been able to. 
A little tip if you like to play roulette. If you get a big win on automated roulette, you will pay tax (hand pay) at the point you cash out, even the roulette with a real ball. If you play a proper table game of roulette, there are no taxes on the winnings.

3) Most have one game, but some of the older terminals and most of the video poker machines have more than one game. But as each casino has 1000's of slots, you won't need to walk far to find a different one. 

Have a great trip. Where abouts are you staying?

On 4/11/2021 at 8:01 PM, Mentholdan said:

Also I'm pretty sure you can qualify for free play, make sure you enquire at the desk/lobby

Do this ⬆️. Each time you use your loyalty card you will earn points, they can add up to pretty decent things, plus you often get a welcome pack with free play and match play vouchers. 

[Carole A]

1 hour ago, StopandStep said:

 

Have a great trip. Where abouts are you staying?

 

I'm going to stay at Park MGM. I looked at them and LOVE the look of Bellagio from the outside but I think its a bit too smart for me! Aria looks lovely too. I did think about Paris but it looks a bit dark and gloomy in there. I've read that Excalibur is a great casino to play at, but not stay at so I think I'll wander down there at some point. Park MGM appeals because its reasonably priced and looks like its at fairly good location.  Is that a good choice, do you think?

 

Also - I plan to go in August if we are allowed. I'm optimistic about USA letting fully vaccinated tourists in by then - what's your opinion?

[Stormy]

My bank do a card with zero fees for ATM withdrawals abroad, but you will get caught for the local ATM fee.

I haven't been for a few years and depending what sort of gambler you are, for the drinking crack we used to play slots at 50c x5  (for jackpot eligibility) and tip the cocktail waitress well and they look after you drink wise. Sadly I have been told the RTP is lower nowadays so you are mostly likely to lose on slots faster.

The more serious gambling was black jack and Baccarat. If you're no good at cards roulette is a 6% house advantage with 00, so enjoy the strip and some decent nights out on the restaurants and maybe a show. Fire Valley is not far and quite impressive for a drive out.

Bellagio and Treasure Island both put on a decent show.

 

 

[StopandStep]

On 4/13/2021 at 12:01 AM, Carole A said:

I'm going to stay at Park MGM. I looked at them and LOVE the look of Bellagio from the outside but I think its a bit too smart for me! Aria looks lovely too. I did think about Paris but it looks a bit dark and gloomy in there. I've read that Excalibur is a great casino to play at, but not stay at so I think I'll wander down there at some point. Park MGM appeals because its reasonably priced and looks like its at fairly good location.  Is that a good choice, do you think?

 

Also - I plan to go in August if we are allowed. I'm optimistic about USA letting fully vaccinated tourists in by then - what's your opinion?

You're right about Paris, it is a very dark casino. Excalibur was the first hotel I ever stayed at in Vegas, a long time ago now. Park MGM is very nice, although I've never stayed in there. 
I'm pretty sure you'll be able to go in August, but August in a desert! Make sure you drink lots of water 🙂