Despite the move towards high-tech entertainment and other diversions, Las Vegas still does one thing to perfection: make great casinos. “Gaming is an integral part of the attractions here in the city, “ says Rob Powers, v.p. of communications at the Las Vegas Convention & Visitors Authority (LVCVA). “Even though Las Vegas has diversified itself with all the entertainment, shopping and dining that is now offered, gambling still remains a powerful tourism draw.”  As the “Entertainment Capital of the World,” this neon-splashed oasis in the middle of the Nevada desert is well known for its resort hotels, superstar shows, championship sporting events and extraordinary attractions, but at the heart of it all is pulse-pounding, action-packed gaming.

The LVCVA recently reported that the number of visitors to Las Vegas increased 5.5 percent in March compared to the same month a year ago. And since more people keep coming, the Las Vegas Strip also showed a 5 percent increase in gaming revenue for the same period.

Whether the game is blackjack, craps or roulette, the LVCVA can help novices with their Las Vegas Gaming Guide. The guide provides in-depth descriptions of each game, and tips on how to play. If you are already seasoned veteran of the casino floor and are looking for some place new to play, pick up a copy of the Authority’s Official Visitors Guide, where you can read up on all the latest action as well as everything else you  ever needed to know about Las Vegas. Look to their website, www.vegasfreedom.com, where you can find information on gaming and links to virtually every property in town. To obtain copies of the guides contact the LVCVA at (702) 892-0711.

What’s Hot
Harrah’s Entertainment Corporation has debuted 125 “The Price is Right” video slot machines in its six Nevada casinos. The 9-line slot machines, installed at Harrah’s Las Vegas, allow players to have a chance to win a $10,000 jackpot, with a maximum bet of 45 nickels. 

Poker and KENO gamblers at the Bellagio and the Mirage hotel-casinos will now be able to place their bets in a smoke-free environment. The poker and KENO rooms at both resorts became smoke-free effective June 1, after an overwhelmingly positive response to the proposal

Opening in December will be The Palms Casino Resort, a $265 million property with 447 oversized rooms in a 42-story tower. The resort will feature an eclectic mix of dining options and bars, a world-class spa, a 1,200-seat entertainment venue, movie theaters, banquet and conference facilities and a large pool area. At the heart of the project is a 95,000 sq.-ft. casino. Of note will be a drive-up sports book that will be opening in the summer of 2002. 

Castaways Hotel, Casino & Bowling Center has 80,000 sq.-ft. of gaming space with approximately 1,400 slot and video poker machines, a variety of table games and a complete sports book. The downtown property also offers the 1,200-seat Paradise Bingo, the largest in Vegas, for those wanting to try their luck at the numbers; and the largest bowling center in North America. Rates in September and October start at $69 weekday and $89 weekend for a tower room, and $59 weekday and $79 weekend for an economical room. 

The New York-New York Hotel & Casino re-creates the Big Apple, as casino patrons experience the sights and sounds of Manhattan, while also enjoying their favorite table game or slots out on the floor. For those guests who are not as skilled in the casino as others, gaming lessons are available free of charge to help acquaint them with the basic concepts of many of the games. Patrons may also participate in the New York-New York Slot Exchange Players Club, which allows guests to earn points each time they play multi-coin nickel, as well as quarter and above slot and video poker machines. The points can then be used towards complimentaries, cash, player room rates and special rewards. 

Inside the Luxor Las Vegas Resort & Casino’s great pyramid lies a casino as large as the Nile. Clients can join the Gold Chamber Players Club and earn up to 98.4 percent on their slots play and with a minimum bet of $25 per hand on table games, can receive rewards for table game play as well. Members of the Club will also receive a $25 airline voucher on all major airlines after joining. Rates at the Luxor in August range from $69 to $149; rates in September are $69 to $159; and in October they start at $99 to $199 for deluxe accommodations. 

Bellagio’s elegance is reflected everywhere, including its richly decorated casino, but rates run as low as $139 per night through the beginning of October.