Sports enthusiasts expressing dissatisfaction as Las Vegas betting establishments discontinue free beverages for patrons while wagering.
Booze on the Go: The New Gambling Ground Rules in Vegas
Step foot in a Las Vegas casino, and you'll likely be greeted with the enticing aroma of intoxicating beverages. But hold up, those complimentary drinks aren't as accessible as they once were. Some properties are cracking down on patron perks, with El Cortez Hotel & Casino in the downtown area taking it to the extreme with their new policy: no drink tickets for sports bettors, only racing bettors are eligible.
One disgruntled sports bettor took to X to share their findings, posting a picture of the sign and sparking a heated debate about the fairness of this new policy. Many commenters chimed in, sharing their own experiences and opinions.
A few pointed out that the minuscule profit margin on a $100 sports wager doesn't justify the $10 cost of a typical beer on the Strip these days. Others brought up stories of people duping the system by copying old betslips to score extra drinks.
The lack of this long-standing gesture left many bettors unhappy, bringing up memories of the days when Vegas sportsbooks looked after their punters with comp drinks. Some X users even shared their own recent experiences at other locations.
As for the reasoning behind the policy change, it could be due to profitability, targeting, regulatory concerns, or simple cost control. Smaller venues might see racing bettors as a unique demographic to attract and retain, while larger properties may have tightened their policies due to cost management or regulatory changes.
While it's true that some casinos have shifted their policies, it's important to note that this isn't the norm across Las Vegas. Many casinos continue to offer free drinks to all active gamblers, regardless of whether they're placing sports bets or racing bets. Unless explicitly stated by the casino, there's no clear evidence of a widespread policy change to exclude sports bettors from drink perks.
In the bustling casino-and-gambling scene of Las Vegas, discussions about the new casino culture have arisen, particularly regarding El Cortez Hotel & Casino's controversial policy that limits complimentary drinks to only racing bettors. This incident has sparked a heated debate among patrons on platforms such as X, expressing their discontent and sharing their experiences within the casino-culture.
