ScottyVegas!

For some reason I am always surprised when people ask me if drinks are free in Vegas. My answer to this is yes, kind of. I guess it all depends in how you define free.  Here is the lowdown, drinks are “free” as long as you are gambling.  Then of course there’s the tipping. I usually tip $1.00 per drink.

Waitress service and drink quality varies from casino to casino. General rule of thumb the nicer the casino is, the better the drinks are.  As far as service goes it depends:

Table games – Usually table games have the best waitress service. Waitresses are usually very quick here. Note, you can tip with a chip if you prefer or are out of smaller bills, don’t forget your dealer.

Sports book – Also a good place for waitress service. Interesting, I have sat in a casino’s sports book watching games and drinking there drinks even though I’ve placed bets at other sport books. Waitresses here don’t seem to care. See a pile of horse race tickets? Pick them up and put them in front of you. Bingo… she will never question you.

Note: Some sport books are tightening up their rules on comped drinks, check before you order..

Slot Machines – Waitress service is always spotty while playing slots. If you are not seeing a waitress, ask, still no waitress? move, can’t find one in the joint? Leave.

Casino Bar – Possibly the best spot to get a drink but note, you MUST be gambling to get a free drink. Sit down, put a couple of bucks in the game and play slowly.

Note: Drinks at a casino bars can be very expensive, especially at the high end places.

Tip:  Waitresses take and distribute drinks at a time. In other words, if you see a waitress and her tray has drinks on it she will not take your order because she is distributing her last order.  When empty, she will begin taking orders by walking her area asking “drinks? Cocktails?”.  

Tip: If I am walking around a casino and want a drink, I will look for a waitress asking people for drinks I will approach and order telling her I will be playing in this area.  

Tip: Always watch out for your waitress. They get confused.

Tip:  In a hurry for a drink but don’t want to pay the high bar rate? Many casinos, low to middle of the road, have convenience stores that have beer and liquor for sale.  Also along the strip you will find many places to purchase booze at a fair price.  

Don’t forget to check out these posts:

Make a Drink List

Get Happier in Las Vegas with Happy Hour Specials

Cheers!

Filed under: Tips, Trip Planning | Tagged: drink service, drinks, Free, Tips, waitress |