Most casinos and hotels in Las Vegas have inexpensive, endless buffets open around the clock. They want customers spending money on wagers, not food. All-you-can-eat buffets for less than $5 are in almost every casino. And if you're gambling, expect the drinks to be free. Roving cocktail waitresses will keep the drinks coming if you're playing slots, cards or any casino games.
While seeing shows by the biggest names in entertainment while you're in Vegas is expensive, there's enough free entertainment to keep you busy for a week. Many of the attractions are open all day every day. The Mirage Hotel and Casino has a volcano with erupting flames and lava every 15 minutes outside its casino and a 20,000 gallon saltwater aquarium in the lobby of its hotel. The Bellagio Hotel and Casino has an incredible outdoor water and light show with a man-made lake and lighted fountains choreographed with music. The Circus Circus Hotel and Casino presents free live circus shows every half-hour with trapeze artists, clowns and other popular circus acts. You don't have to look very hard to find free entertainment in Vegas.
Play slots and games of chance for free and get free merchandise and services with comps. Las Vegas runs on comps, or complementary goods and services for paying guests, used to attract gamblers and keep them gambling. Many comps are in the form of coupons for credit on slot machine play and credit at tables for card games. Other promotions include drawings, giveaways, promotional merchandise like hats and t-shirts, private parties, gaming events and tournaments, and free hotel and restaurant services. Most comps are based on how much you play and are tracked with a player's card, so always sign up for a player's card before you start gambling to get all the comp credit you are eligible for with your spending. Ask hotel concierges, pit bosses and casino managers about promotions; always get comp credit for your wagers with a player's card; and check local newspapers and magazines for ads, coupons and promotions to take advantage of all the freebies you can.
Visit the many natural areas in and around Las Vegas, including Red Rock Canyon, Valley of Fire State Park, Floyd Lamb State Park, Spring Mountain Ranch State Park and Death Valley National Park. See the awe-inspiring desert and mountain landscape filled with Joshua trees, yucca, canyons, ravines, boulders, mountains and hills.
