Archive for December, 2012

Texan Lassoes $2.8 Million Progressive at Caesars Palace

Just another day in Sin City! A Las Vegas visitor from Texas won a sweet $2.8 million jackpot on a Bombs Away progressive slot machine at Caesars Palace on Dec. 28, 2012.

Actually, the exact jackpot on the penny machine paid $2,832,042.49. But when you’re a millionaire, what’s a few tens of thousands, so why not round off, right?

We couldn’t resist paying a personal visit to the winning machine, just to give it a loving embrace and caress it a little, in a completely appropriate manner. Probably.

Bombs Away

This particular video slot has deep, deep pockets.

If you’re looking to try the winning machine, it’s number is 017010, and it’s near the casino’s cashier cage (convenient!), just around the corner from Beijing Noodle No. 9 and the Bacchanal Buffet.

Bombs Away

Sometimes, we truly love you, Random Number Generator thingy.

More jackpot trivia: The freshly-minted millionaire, Monica, pressed her lucky button on the 1940s-themed machine at 11:24 p.m.

Bombs Away

Don't try to figure it out. Just push the buttons and let it do its thing.

Here’s a little more about the Bombs Away video slot machine, courtesy of its maker, IGT.

Congrats to Monica on her big win at Caesars.

Unrelated: This blog is available for a celebratory cocktail, and we also have plenty of room in our garage for a new leaf blower and/or Lamborghini.

Posted on December 31st, 2012 by sroeben  |  No Comments »

Where Will You Party on New Year’s Eve in Las Vegas?

New Year’s Eve is the biggest party of the year in Las Vegas, and if you’re lucky enough to be in town for the world-class festivities, brace yourself for a one-of-a-kind, you-probably-won’t-remember-much-of-it (in a good way) celebration.

Fireworks

Baby, you're a firework. Metaphorically, in all likelihood.

Of course, one of the challenges of a New Year’s Eve in Sin City is figuring out where to party. There are so many options, it can be overwhelming.

If your plans aren’t already set, you might consider one of the New Year’s Eve events at hotels in the Caesars Entertainment family. Nightclubs and restaurants across Vegas will be hosting New Year’s Eve blow-outs, often with celebrity guests, such as Nicki Minaj at Pure Nightclub at Caesars Palace.

Minaj

Nicki Minaj was born in Saint James, Trinidad and Tobago, which we dare you to find on a map.

Our friends at the Las Vegas Sun have put together a fairly epic list of all the events in Vegas on New Year’s Eve.

Of course, a highlight of the evening will be the fireworks displays launched from the top of seven Strip hotels, including Caesars Palace and Planet Hollywood.

fireworks

You're going to need more eyes to see it all.

This year’s 8-minute fireworks display will have a musical accompaniment, featuring songs like “Auld Lang Syne,” “Whistle,” “Raise Your Glass,” “Le7els,” “Light up the Sky” and “Glad You Came,” several of which we actually recognize.

Caesars Palace fireworks

Yes, this blog took this photo. We are not a complete troglodyte, you know.

For the eighth year, the dazzling fireworks will be coordinated by the premier fireworks company in the nation, Fireworks by Grucci. Flawlessly executing a show from atop seven hotels is a massive undertaking.

We don’t want to get overly technical, but the fireworks are shot out of these tube thingys.

Fireworks

The tubes are connected by wire thingys.

There are probably computers involved, too. And circuits of some sort. Look, we can’t know everything about everything. We are a blog, not a V’Ger. (Ahem.)

Fireworks

It's essential your fireworks be kept as fresh as possible.

The fireworks display in Vegas on New Year’s Eve is the biggest anywhere in the world. And even if that statement hasn’t been “verified,” or even “researched a little,” we want it to be true, and it’s definitely the biggest in America, so there.

Fireworks

This is what your "ooh" and "ahh" look like prior to take-off.

Even if you won’t be in Vegas for the big night, you can still take a look at our fairly inept coverage of last year’s fireworks extravaganza, captured in all its out-of-focus glory from the highest point at Rio Las Vegas, just above the VooDoo Rooftop Nightclub.

NYE

New Year's Eve in Vegas wouldn't be New Year's Eve in Vegas without accoutrements.

Oh, and before we forget, street closures around the Las Vegas Strip get tricky on New Year’s Eve, so plan carefully.

No matter where you spend your New Year’s Eve, have a blast, and here’s hoping your 2013 is filled with frosty cocktails, lap dances, slot jackpots and high roller suites. Several of which can be found in Las Vegas. We’re just saying.

Posted on December 31st, 2012 by sroeben  |  1 Comment »

Our Top 10 Most-Read Blog Posts of 2012

It’s been a wonderful year here at the Pulse of Vegas blog. We’ve tried innumerable cocktails, seen dozens of Las Vegas shows, at least of two which had actual plots, ogled high roller suites we could never hope to afford and eaten foods we can’t even begin to pronounce.

One of the aforementioned cocktails we were forced to consume on your behalf. You're welcome.

More than 860,000 people visited this humble blog in 2012. People just like you, only less good-looking, generally. There were more than 5.2 million views of our various pages in 2012, and for this we thank you and your fellow Vegas devotees.

We thought it would be fun to look back at our most popular posts of the year as we close out 2012 and look ahead to 2013, which we’re fairly sure was the year science fiction writers predicted we’d all have teleportation capsules and bionic legs. Let’s get a move on, science!

Here, then, are our most popular posts of 2012, because reflecting on the year that’s passed is not only enjoyable, it’s also a good deal easier than “exerting effort” or “writing something new.”

1. Gordon Ramsay Officially Opens Steakhouse at Paris

Ramsay Steak

It was a pretty big deal.

2. Las Vegas Says Hello to “The Quad”

3. Caesars Entertainment Resorts Unveil All-New Foursquare Badges With Benefits

4. Total Rewards Revamp: 90,000 Prizes Up for Grabs

Total Rewards

Total Rewards, the casino loyalty program of Caesars Entertainment, got a facelift in 2012. Even though it doesn't, technically, have a face.

5. So, You Wanna Be a “Diamond in a Day”

6. Pete “Big Elvis” Vallee Moves from Bill’s to Harrah’s

Big Elvis

This was big news.

7. Paris Vegas Arch Gets Gordon Ramsay Treatment

8. Spice Market Buffet’s New Cupcakes Will Make Your Taste Buds High Five

cupcake

On the Internet, 2012 will be remembered as the "Year of the Shallow Depth-of-Field Cupcake Photo."

9. New “Pawn Stars” Tour Departs From Bally’s

10. OMG Opulence: High Roller Villa at Caesars Palace

Caesars Palace suite

They made us leave. There was some kicking and screaming involved.

Thank you, again, for taking part in our little online party here at the Pulse of Vegas blog.

Rest assured that in 2013 we’ll continue to seek out the fun, the freaky, the newsworthy and just-plain-ridiculous in the world’s most exciting city: Yakima, Washington. Oh, and possibly also Las Vegas. Although, the “Pulse of Yakima Blog” has a nice ring to it, too.

Posted on December 28th, 2012 by sroeben  |  No Comments »

World Series of Beer Pong Returns to Flamingo Vegas

The world’s largest, longest-running beer pong tournament is back! Flamingo Las Vegas hosts the suds-soaked event, Jan. 1-5, 2013.

Think there’s something funny about a World Series of Beer Pong? Would you take it more seriously if we mentioned the competition will pay out more than $65,000 in prize money? Thought so!

WSOBP

The World Series of Beer Pong is controlled chaos. Emphasis on the chaos part.

Beer pong trivia: The game is also called “Beirut.”

Get some sweet historical background on beer pong from the Interwebs.

Beer pong

Beer pong is serious business. Sort of.

Aside from the Main Event, the World Series of Beer Pong has a series of side events, including an East vs. West Tournament, Singles Tournament, Ladies Singles Tournament, Co-ed Tournament, International Player Tournament and Random Partner Tournament.

Beer pong

The original version of beer pong involved paddles. Which you would have known had you taken time to click on that link we shared earlier. Ahem.

This blog can say with confidence that watching the World Series of Beer Pong is an unforgettable experience. Spectators are welcome, and tickets can be purchased at the Sunset Ballroom Ticketing Booth on the 3rd floor of The Flamingo. A three-day pass is $50, the two-day pass is $35 and a one-day pass is $20.

Check out our entirely inept coverage of the WSOBP earlier this year, or the year before that.

Learn everything there is to drink, um, know, about the World Series of Beer Pong at the official site.

Posted on December 28th, 2012 by sroeben  |  No Comments »

“Incredible Burt Wonderstone” Promises Magical Mirth

From the looks of the trailer for “The Incredible Burt Wonderstone,” some of comedy’s biggest names are about to take a playful jab at the world of Las Vegas magic.

“Wonderstone” (which is what one must call the film if one’s ever been even marginally involved in the film industry, which this blog has) is slated for a March 15, 2013 release. Take a look.

Nice tagline, movie trailer copywriter person: “In Vegas, you’re only as hot as your last trick.” We see what you did there.

This big screen comedy, about a Siegfried & Roy-inspired pair of magicians, played by Steve Carell and Steve Buscemi, filmed several sequences in Las Vegas earlier this year, in January of 2012.

Burt Wonderstone

Tread softly when it comes to our Las Vegas legends, fellas.

The film’s story follows a Las Vegas magician, Burt Wonderstone (Carell), who must reunite with a former partner, Anton Marvelton (Buscemi), to match wits with a David Blaine-esque street magician, Steve Gray, portrayed by Jim Carrey, who tries to steal the limelight.

Various Sin City locations were used during the shooting of “Wonderstone,” including Bally’s Las Vegas (see below) and hotels in downtown Las Vegas.

Burt Wonderstone

A Strip-stopping stunt filmed outside Bally's and Paris Las Vegas.

The movie also stars Alan Arkin, Olivia Wilde, James Gandolfini, Brad Garrett, Jay Mohr and even real-life Las Vegas magician, David Copperfield (he plays himself), who created an illusion just for the movie.

Burt Wonderstone

The Fremont Street Experience gets some time in the spotlight.

Here’s some “Wonderstone” trivia: It’s based on a script originally entitled, “Burt Dickenson: The Most Powerful Magician on Planet Earth,” by Chad Kultgen.

The movie is directed by Don Scardino and was co-written by John Francis Daley and Jonathan Goldstein, with story credit going to Chad Kultgen and Tyler Mitchell.

The world of Las Vegas magicians is a fascinating one, and we can’t wait to see this movie’s take on it all.

Posted on December 27th, 2012 by sroeben  |  No Comments »

Happy Birthday, Flamingo Las Vegas

On Dec. 26, 1946, Flamingo Las Vegas opened its doors for the first time.

Flamingo postcard

Many still feel this way.

The Flamingo originally cost $6 million. The hotel, and Las Vegas, have undergone a few changes since 1946.

Flamingo Las Vegas

The Flamingo has seen some things.

For many around the world, the iconic Flamingo symbolizes the essence of Las Vegas. A true classic.

Posted on December 26th, 2012 by sroeben  |  3 Comments »

15 Las Vegas Holiday Wishes We Hope Come True

The holiday season is a time when miracles happen and wishes come true, so here are some holiday wishes we’ve slapped together at the last minute because, hey, even award-winning blogs deserve a couple of days off for the holidays.

1. May all your Las Vegas buffet lines be short.

Chocolate Santa

Please do not lick the holiday decorations, thanks.

2. May your visits to the Champagne room not result in purchasing someone a new convertible.

3. May all your dealer’s up cards be sixes.

Vegas stocking

Best. Stocking. Ever.

4. May the view from your Vegas hotel room always look down upon a topless pool.

5. May your “what happens here” never end up featured in an episode of “Vegas Strip.”

Santa

Naughty. Nice. In Sin City, it all gets a little murky.

6. May one of your Christmas gifts this year include the secret to that Penn & Teller trick where they shoot at each other and catch the bullets in their mouths. That’s been bugging us for years.

7. May all your cab rides from the airport be swift and direct.

Caesars Xmas

This blog loves it some holiday bling.

8. When nightclubbing in Las Vegas, may you always be a group of girls.

9. May your free play turn into Megabucks jackpots. (No, seriously.)

Santa license plate

Don't drive and eggnog.

10. May all your Vegas cocktails require neck straps.

11. May your suitcase be filled to overflowing with comfortable shoes. (Las Vegas hotels are always, always farther away than they appear.)

Central holidays

A few holiday flourishes at Central restaurant inside Caesars Palace.

12. May all your observation wheels be fully financed before you start building them. Ahem.

13. May all your showgirls suffer wardrobe malfunctions.

Showgirls

Fingers crossed.

14. May your special someone understand a “quickie wedding” need not also apply to the honeymoon.

15. And may all your Elvises be big.

Happy holidays from the entire Pulse of Vegas blog team, and since we’re just one guy, no need to go overboard on the holiday cookies. Probably.

Posted on December 24th, 2012 by sroeben  |  No Comments »

Fab Gordon Ramsay Pub & Grill Opens at Caesars Palace

If you pour it, they will come.

The much-anticipated Gordon Ramsay Pub & Grill officially opened at Caesars Palace on Dec. 18, 2012.

The new restaurant and bar offering was immediately chock-a-block (yes, we’ve been brushing up on our British slang) with guests enjoying food, drink, a jammy (pleasant or desirable, please keep up) atmosphere and some good, old-fashioned opening night buzz.

Gordon Ramsay Pub & Grill

Everything in moderation. Except in Las Vegas, of course.

Among the guests for opening night were celebrity chefs Masaharu Morimoto (“Iron Chef”) and Food Network star, Guy Fieri.

Gordon Ramsay Pub & Grill

Chef Morimoto is on the left. If you didn't know that, you might want to contact your cable company.

Guy Fieri commented, “The way they built out the restaurant is great. It’s a very comfortable environment, part bar and part dining room. It’s homey. You feel good. You see people eating here, and it’s like they’re eating in their own home.”

“They’ve really got a great kitchen, too,” added Fieri. “There are so many influences in this style of food. Chef Ramsay’s done a great job. I’m very impressed.”

Fish and chips

Celebrity fish and chips.

Gordon Ramsay Pub & Grill is currently open for dinner only, but will expand to serving lunch in mid-January. The new venue strives to provide the most authentic English pub experience in Las Vegas.

Ramsay Pub

The red phone booths make you feel like you're in London, but without all the fog and strange coins.

As the name suggests, Gordon Ramsay Pub & Grill is really two experiences in one, one with an emphasis on “pub” and the other on “grill.”

Pub

The pub part.

While this blog doesn’t often notice uniforms all that much, the Gordon Ramsay Pub & Grill attire is distinctive, designed by Allison Leach and inspired by the English punk scene.

Ramsay uniform

Um, hello. We're talking about the uniforms here. Please stay focused.

Get up close and you’ll notice tons of interesting details. All right, not too close. They have restraining orders in the U.K., too, you know.

Ramsay uniform

Gordon Ramsay Pub & Grill is a great place to have a belt.

We loved the signature cocktails, presented on iPads, a device used with success at Chef Ramsay’s Paris Las Vegas restaurant, Gordon Ramsay Steak.

Ramsay Pub & Grill

Using the iPad, you can browse and save your selections. This comes in handy as the night goes on, trust us.

Particularly delicious were the Goodbye Blue Sky, London Calling and Salted Caramel Apple.

Gordon Ramsay Pub & Grill

To take photos of your food and drink in the dark, borrow someone's cell phone and use the video light to take your pic. You're welcome.

The beer selection is expansive, with 36 varieties on tap, plus 24 bottled. You may not only want to bring a designated driver, but also a team of designated drinkers.

Ramsay bartender

This is "Squirrely" the bartender. We don't make up the news, we just report it.

The thoughtfully-created menu features sections like Small Plates, Soups & Ruffage, Swimmers (seafood), Butchered, Sides and Sweets.

From what we could see from surrounding tables, some of the more popular items included Pub Spots (sliders, to you and me), Yorkshire Ale Batter Fish & Chips and Traditional Shepherd’s Pie. Just for starters.

Ramsay spots

Try ordering your "Spots" with a British accent to impress your dinner companions. Actual results may vary.

When you visit, make sure to look around and enjoy all the charming touches, like the bulldog lamps and seat backs featuring a Pembroke Welsh Corgi, which we definitely didn’t have to look up on the Internet to identify.

Ramsay dog

What's the British slang for "adorbs"?

Bottoms up to Chef Ramsay and his team on a successful launch of his latest Sin City endeavor. Next up, BurGR restaurant opens at Planet Hollywood. This blog really needs to invest in a treadmill.

Ramsay beer

Trivia: There are eight imperial pints in an imperial gallon. Yes, we've officially run out of photo captions.

We’re happy to bring you more exclusive photos from opening night at Gordon Ramsay Pub & Grill, and were even happier to try a number of dishes and cocktails on your behalf. It’s the least we could do.

Gordon Ramsay Pub & Grill

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Posted on December 20th, 2012 by sroeben  |  No Comments »

Las Vegas Blog Nails Miss Universe (Prediction)

We were delighted, but not surprised, to hear Miss USA Olivia Culpo captured the Miss Universe crown at Planet Hollywood on Dec. 19, 2012. Mainly because this blog predicted the contest’s outcome way back in June.

See our incredible exhibition of prescience for yourself!

Miss Universe

It took a lot to get this back to being about us, you know.

Culpo beat out 88 competitors, several of whom we photographed at a welcome ceremony recently. Once again, this blog brazenly predicted Miss USA would take home the top prize.

Read our uncanny prediction here, and bask in the glory of our ability to foresee the future. At least when it comes to beauty pageants. You’re on your own with the stock market.

Miss Rhode Island

We knew Miss Universe back when she was Miss Rhode Island.

Back in June, we schmoozed the former Miss Rhode Island (now, she’s going to have to change all her business cards) by the pool at Flamingo Las Vegas. The things this blog endures for you.

Miss Universe

Just another day at the office when you're a Las Vegas blog.

This was the first time an American had won Miss Universe since 1997, approximately 15 years, according to our calculator. Note: We are far better at predictions than math.

Miss Universe trivia: Culpo has said she won the Miss Rhode Island contest in a rented, $20 dress.

Congrats to the lovely and charming Olivia Culpo for her Miss Universe win, and to Miss Philippines, Janine Tugonon and Miss Venezuela, Irene Sofia Esser Quintero, who came in second and third, respectively. We would have predicted those results, too, but it takes a lot of time and effort to go back and edit blog posts, you know.

Posted on December 20th, 2012 by sroeben  |  1 Comment »

The Quad Comes Into Its Own With New Chips and More

There are few things that spark as much excitement in the hearts of Las Vegas casino chip collectors as new chips to collect. Well, The Quad (formerly the Imperial Palace) just rolled out its new chips, and we couldn’t wait to get our hands, and lens, on some.

The Quad chip

When cashing in your chips, remember, that's not always a metaphor for something bad.

The shiny new chips at The Quad are just waiting to be broken in, so what are you waiting for?

The Quad $5 chip

We love when chips are new and crispy.

We are especially fond of the green, $25 chip, because this is the color we want our blue and red chips to turn into as we play.

The Quad $25 chip

Extra crispy.

The Quad name and logo are everywhere now, including on the table games.

The Quad blackjack

Excited? That's how we felt. (See what we did there?)

The Quad has also made its way to the slot machine tickets. We thought this $1 ticket was a clever way to tip our bartender, but then again, we think everything we do is clever.

The Quad voucher

Cha-ching! Well, maybe more "cha" than "ching," but you know what we mean.

The hotel has a fancy new registration desk, and very recently got some fancy new “Hotel Registration” signs that kind of made us feel like we should register, even though we didn’t entirely have a reservation.

Quad registration

We want one of these for our den. We would also like a den.

The casino has already changed pretty dramatically, and the new porte-cochère is looking pretty spectacular.

Quad arrival

Thank you, Sun, for adding some additional flair and/or flare.

So, it’s time to check out The Quad.

Quad roulette table

That character in the Bond movies should totally charge a royalty.

One last item. If you still have Imperial Palace chips you’d like to cash in, the casino at The Quad will take them until April 21, 2013. After that, you have some great IP collectibles!

One more thing: The first 100 people who play with the new chips are guaranteed to win big.

Related: Do you really believe everything you read in blogs?

Posted on December 19th, 2012 by sroeben  |  1 Comment »

Today’s Audacious Vegas Spa Amenity: The Robe Sauna

Qua Baths & Spa at Caesars Palace is all about extreme pampering, and that includes an array of treatments and indulgences you won’t find at your run-of-the-mill spa.

One of this blog’s favorite “only-in-Vegas” features at Qua Baths & Spa is the robe sauna. Yes, it’s a sauna devoted to robes.

Robe Sauna Qua Baths & Spa

We did not Photoshop this. We are not that good at Photoshop.

The robe sauna ensures guest robes are kept toasty as they go about their visits to the spa’s three pools (varying in size and temperature, of course), herbal steam room, hydrotherapy tubs and Cedar wood sauna.

The robe sauna is kept at the same temperature as the spa sauna, specifically, 180 degrees. Seriously, those other spas with room temperature robes, well, they’re doing it wrong.

Robe Sauna

When robes go to their "happy place," this is where they go.

If Qua Baths & Spa treats robes this well, imagine how well they treat guests. Learn more about this award-winning Las Vegas spa.

Posted on December 18th, 2012 by sroeben  |  No Comments »

Off-Broadway’s “Stripped The Play” Comes to Miracle Mile at Planet Hollywood

Who says Las Vegas isn’t a champion of culture?

The Saxe Theater in the Miracle Mile Shops at Planet Hollywood has announced it will open “Stripped The Play,” direct from Off-Broadway, on Dec. 21, 2012.

Stripped The Play

This blog doesn't have a six pack. More of a keg.

“Stripped The Play,” which feels like it needs some additional punctuation somewhere, delves into the world of male stripping, following “the true story of an ex-cop’s final night on stage and the struggles he faces before taking-it-off one last time.”

Here’s an interview with one of the major players, Steve Stanulis.

“Stripped The Play” will appear nightly at midnight (dark on Sunday and Monday) at the Saxe Theater.

Learn more about the show sure to put the “ab” in “fabulous Vegas shows.” A tagline this blog should probably trademark, come to think of it.

Posted on December 17th, 2012 by sroeben  |  No Comments »

Planet Hollywood Guests Get an Unexpected Upgrade

It’s sort of the Vegas version of “Punk’d.” You arrive at Planet Hollywood, and the hotel staff is apologetic because they can’t find your reservation. The rest is an “Only in Vegas” moment, courtesy of dozens of Miss Universe contestants. Have a watch.

The unsuspecting guests, several of whom seem to go into a mild state of shock, actually did get to stay in upgraded, panorama suites for taking part in the hotel’s little prank.

Miss Universe

No, Albania isn't in upstate New York. Please try and stay focused.

Catch the lovely contestants on NBC, Dec. 19, as they metaphorically thumb wrestle for the Miss Universe crown. Gratuitous pageant contestant photos here.

Posted on December 17th, 2012 by sroeben  |  1 Comment »

Six Easy* Ways to Become a Millionaire in Las Vegas

There are lots of ways to become a millionaire in Las Vegas, but you knew there had to be an asterisk or two involved!

“Easy” is a pretty subjective term, but if you compare winning a million bucks in Las Vegas to “attending college and working at a job for 20 years,” yeah, it’s relatively* easy*! Buzzkill asterisks aside, there actually are a number of ways to become a millionaire in Sin City, and here are our top six ways.

1. Win the World Series of Poker

For a mere $10,000 entry fee (big asterisk!), you could snag not just one million bucks, but multiples of said million bucks. This year’s World Series of Poker winner, 24-year-old Greg Merson won $8.5 million, as well as a very fancy bracelet. Check it out.

WSOP dog

Not the actual World Series of Poker winner. We just think this photo we took is cute.

2. Try the Million Dollar Slot Pull at Harrah’s

This new promotion outside Harrah’s Las Vegas was just unveiled, and gives guests a shot at a million dollars and other prizes. The Million Dollar Slot Pull is free for new Total Rewards members. (Total Rewards is the player loyalty club of Caesars Entertainment. It’s free to join, of course.)

Million Dollar slot pull

Get those buckets ready. A million in nickels* is heavy!

Existing Total Rewards members get to try for the million-dollar prize, too, but* need to earn 10 Tier Credits at Harrah’s to earn a spin voucher. Learn more about Tier Credits and Total Rewards.

So, what are the odds of snagging the million-dollar prize? Precisely 1-in-49,948,672*. Hey, one person’s asterisk is another person’s “Bring it on!” The good news is that every pull results in a win of some kind, with a variety of prizes up for grabs (see below) like restaurant credits, free slot play and cocktails.

Million Dollar slot pull

This blog loves it some free* stuff.

3. Learn Three-Card Poker

This popular game’s 6-card bonus side bet has already resulted in six instant millionaires, and the bet, available only at Caesars Entertainment casinos, has only been around for a year or so. Find out more.

Winning hand

A winning hand. Which this blog did not* completely stage.

The odds here? About 1-in-20.4 million. Hint: Ask the six freshly-minted millionaires how much they cared about the odds! We’re just saying.

4. Play Megabucks (or Other Progressives)

A “progressive” jackpot is one where the value of a jackpot increases with every game played, typically with a number of machines “linked” together, so the numbers can really skyrocket. The biggest Megabucks jackpot to-date was won in 2003, a mind-blowing $39.7 million, won by a software engineer from L.A. More big jackpots here.

Megabucks

We took this photo Dec. 13, 2012. Come get you some.

Update: Just 24 hours after we took the above photo, on Dec. 14, 2012, Megabucks hit for a payout of $17,329,817. Pulse of Vegas Blog mojo, baby.

5. Enter a Slot Tournament

The Millionaire Maker Slot Tournament has qualifying events around the country throughout the year. At a culminating event in Las Vegas, one lucky player takes home a million* dollars. (Thanks for that asterisk, Internal Revenue Service.)

Millionaire Maker

It's good to be a millionaire.

And our sixth, and easiest*, way to become a millionaire in Las Vegas…

6. Start as a Billionaire

We kid, of course. But, hey, it’s a good idea to keep one’s expectations realistic. It’s no secret the house always has the edge when it comes to casino games of chance. Some of these odds are pretty hefty, so pace yourself, don’t spend more than your allowance allows, and know when to stop.

Learn more about the ways you can become a Las Vegas millionaire, and if you end up becoming one, this blog would be more than happy to accept a free cocktail, or Porsche, as an expression of your appreciation.

*Don’t look here for answers. We are just a blog.

Posted on December 14th, 2012 by sroeben  |  3 Comments »

“Legends in Concert” Tribute Show Lands New Home at Flamingo Las Vegas

The best Las Vegas tribute show this blog has personally ever seen, “Legends in Concert,” will soon be taking up residence at Flamingo Las Vegas, beginning in Feb. 2013.

Lady Gaga

Audiences go gaga over "Legends in Concert." Sometimes literally.

After a successful, four-year run, the show’s last performance at its current venue, Harrah’s Las Vegas, will be Dec. 30, 2012.

Prior to Harrah’s, starting in 1983, “Legends in Concert” ran at The Quad (formerly Imperial Palace), adding up to an epic, three-decade stint on The Strip.

Elvis

That's a switch. Elvis is actually entering the building.

“Legends in Concert” features live re-creations of superstars, current and vintage, backed by a live band. A rarity in the tribute world, “Legends” performers actually sing live, no lip-syncing, and their vocal performances are simply uncanny.

Showgirl

One does not live by celebrity tributes alone. "Legends" also has its fair share of Vegas flair.

The show is always evolving, with an ever-changing line-up of talent. Artists have paid tribute to stars like Elvis Presley, Michael Jackson, Liberace, Marilyn Monroe, Whitney Houston and others.

“Legends” also highlights the work of current artists with re-creations of singers like Britney Spears, Rod Stewart, Elton John, Steven Tyler, Lady Gaga, Stevie Wonder and others.

Stevie Wonder

Who will be in the show when it opens at Flamingo? Makes you wonder.

Starting in Feb. 2013, “Legends in Concert” showtimes will be Sunday and Monday at 4:00 p.m. and 10:00 p.m., and Tuesday through Friday at 4:00 p.m.

This blog is happy to welcome “Legends in Concert” to Flamingo Las Vegas with a big, lingering hug. Especially in the case of the Britney Spears impersonator. We’re just saying.

Posted on December 13th, 2012 by sroeben  |  1 Comment »