What are the better Race Books in Vegas?

[Left Bank]

I am going to Vegas this January. Would like some input as to which are the better race books in Vegas. I don't know where we are staying yet, but distance is not a problem to get to them. Your thoughts and experiences are appreciated in helping me plan. Thanks.

[Kasept]

1. Wynn
2. Everyone else

[cal828]

Seems like the places that are mentioned most on this topic in the past are the Wynn, Venetian and Mandalay Bay. I just got back from Vegas and played in lesser venues which is okay with me. I just need somewhere to sit and a form and a monitor and a cocktail waitress to come around occasionally to bring me a diet coke or a Perrier since I hardly ever drink much. The only problem I had was on Sunday. NFL fans pretty much overran the books in which I tried to play. I think there were still places that I could have played had I gotten up early enough to get a seat( or maybe reserved one?) Not sure how early that would have been.

[pweizer]

Originally Posted by Kasept

1. Wynn
2. Everyone else

This is exactly right.

Paul

[tanner12oz]

Southpointe advertises alot with hrtv..might be smoke and mirrors

[NTamm1215]

Originally Posted by tanner12oz

Southpointe advertises alot with hrtv..might be smoke and mirrors

South Point is nice, and racing friendly. Most known for having a totally separate racing section from sports. However, it is not Wynn, which I think is the best by a mile.

The places that are operated by Cantor; Venetian, M, Tropicana, Cosmopolitan all have a really modern look and beautiful video screens. But, they don't give the impression of being very comfortable.

Mirage just re-did their book and the sports section is enormous with race players now sort of banished to the side. Westgate (formerly LVH and LV Hilton) is a huge book with tons of seating. The rest of the place is rather subpar.

Vegas.com has a sports book section that includes reviews of each one and helpful information.

[ne to socal]

Originally Posted by NTamm1215

Westgate (formerly LVH and LV Hilton) is a huge book with tons of seating. The rest of the place is rather subpar.

This is correct. The LVH book is huge and comfortable and not so highbrow that you feel the eyeballs on you all day. That said I concur that the rest is subpar.

[asudevil]

Best book....Wynn

Best food in a race book....MGM by far!

[cal828]

Originally Posted by NTamm1215

South Point is nice, and racing friendly. Most known for having a totally separate racing section from sports. However, it is not Wynn, which I think is the best by a mile.

The places that are operated by Cantor; Venetian, M, Tropicana, Cosmopolitan all have a really modern look and beautiful video screens. But, they don't give the impression of being very comfortable.

Mirage just re-did their book and the sports section is enormous with race players now sort of banished to the side. Westgate (formerly LVH and LV Hilton) is a huge book with tons of seating. The rest of the place is rather subpar.

Vegas.com has a sports book section that includes reviews of each one and helpful information.

Smoky old Caesars has changed theirs too. Put this huge bar at the rear of the sports book facing the casino. Behind this bar, facing the big tv screens is a raised area with some easy chairs. I think all this was more directed towards the "sports" fans and not the race fans as it cuts down on the seating areas with the individual tv monitors. Also, they charge something to sit in this area.

There are many opinions on which is the best however the worst is Treasure Island IMO.

[jwkniska]

Originally Posted by Kasept

1. Wynn
2. Everyone else

I agree!

[NTamm1215]

Originally Posted by helicopter11

There are many opinions on which is the best however the worst is Treasure Island IMO.

For what it's worth, I read they just upgraded their book. What I hate about theirs is that it feels like it's in a closet. I hate the ones that are a room built into a wall. The ones that are open and more free flowing are much better.

For a glimpse at the future of sports books, go to Aria. It is modern and unique, but has about 15 seats for race players with the rest a lounge type of atmosphere for sports bettors.

I'd be remiss to not say something about Bellagio, which has a very nice setup as well. Very comfortable chairs.

I go to Vegas too often.

Originally Posted by NTamm1215

For what it's worth, I read they just upgraded their book. What I hate about theirs is that it feels like it's in a closet. I hate the ones that are a room built into a wall. The ones that are open and more free flowing are much better.

For a glimpse at the future of sports books, go to Aria. It is modern and unique, but has about 15 seats for race players with the rest a lounge type of atmosphere for sports bettors.

I'd be remiss to not say something about Bellagio, which has a very nice setup as well. Very comfortable chairs.

I go to Vegas too often.

I found it odd that the NHC Championships are held at TI.

Like you, I like the more open and spread out sportsbooks. Nothing more frustrating than going into one where there are too many people congregating in a closed area. Some of the underrated sportsbooks are in some of the Station hotels outside the strip.

I visit Vegas at least once a year but I never understood why they don't have the betting machines like the tracks have. To me, that's a bigger convenience than a comfy chair to sit in.

[cal828]

Originally Posted by helicopter11

I found it odd that the NHC Championships are held at TI.

Like you, I like the more open and spread out sportsbooks. Nothing more frustrating than going into one where there are too many people congregating in a closed area. Some of the underrated sportsbooks are in some of the Station hotels outside the strip.

I visit Vegas at least once a year but I never understood why they don't have the betting machines like the tracks have. To me, that's a bigger convenience than a comfy chair to sit in.

I never understood that about the machines either. Used to think maybe it had something to do with unions maybe not wanting jobs eliminated by machines, but that can't be true. Hundreds of those change ladies and change booths were eliminated when they went to coin-less slot machines.

[lord007]

Crazy Leroy's@ The Riv

[Gate Dancer]

Originally Posted by Kasept

1. Wynn
2. Everyone else

While this is totally true.............I'll give a plug for South Point Casino also. I was there for the Super Saver Derby weekend and was very happy. Their separate racebook was more geared for the players with plenty of amenities (food,drink) close by. Never had an issue getting bets down or a waitress when needed. I liked being off the 'strip' and being able to just concentrate on the ponies. Comfortable and reasonably priced rooms also.

[tector]

I prefer the Venetian over the Wynn. On just a normal, non-football football weekend it might be a closer call, but I went to Vegas for the last three BCs, and stayed at the Wynn the first time,
and then went to the Venetian the last two years and will be going again this year.

First, the management at the Venetian (a Cantor operation) has just been much nicer and more accommodating than they were at the Wynn. The Wynn seemed to cater to whales,
at least on the BC weekend. At the Venetian, I felt I (an average bankroll player) was given more consideration. I went down a couple of days early, set up my horse and sports betting
accounts (so you can bet from your seat), got reserved seats lined up for Fri-Sat-Sun and that was that. No hassles. On just a run of the mill day these might not be factors,
but for the BC this is huge to me.

As far as food goes, somebody said the Wynn was great--meh. Unless it has changed, there was like an average deli there. I guess if you are from Podunksville, Iowa
it might be impressive, but I can find enough good delis here. At the Venetian there is an awesome quick Asian place, with take-out that is right next to the book,
Noodles Asia, open 11a to 3a.



I also like the way the facility is somewhat bifurcated, with a race focus on the left and a sports focus on the right. I try to sit on right edge of the left side.

Then, overall, I prefer the Venetian to the Wynn. The restaurant selection in the Venetian/Palazzo is way better than Wynn/Encore--or any place in Vegas.

Finally, I also play poker, and while the Wynn has a very nice poker room, it doesn't get nearly the action the Venetian does.

[Crown@club]

I thought The Bellagio was excellent! Great searing and service, but it's been quite a while since I've been there.

[ADJMK]

Originally Posted by Gate Dancer

While this is totally true.............I'll give a plug for South Point Casino also. I was there for the Super Saver Derby weekend and was very happy. Their separate racebook was more geared for the players with plenty of amenities (food,drink) close by. Never had an issue getting bets down or a waitress when needed. I liked being off the 'strip' and being able to just concentrate on the ponies. Comfortable and reasonably priced rooms also.

I will also give the Southpointe a plug. Love that it is bright and airy. Lots of the other race books are almost pitch black that you need a light to read your forms. Another plus is that you can actually watch the different race feeds on the TV up in your room . You can get up in the morning and watch the pre-game before you head down to the book or you can pre-bet a few races and go back to your room to relax without having to dash back to the racebook. Have mentioned this to other racebooks and they all think it was a good idea but the only other hotel that I know of that does this is the O'rleans.

[tector]

Venetian update: They've open a Mario Batali burger joint right at the back of the race book, with take out service. REALLY good.