Caesars Palace
For big-game atmosphere, it’s hard to top Caesars. This massive book, located in the heart of the casino, accommodates 1,500 people for the Super Bowl, Kentucky Derby and other major events. The book brings in extra seating for big events, and you can hear the crowd and feel the energy before you arrive. It’s a favorite among recreational bettors and pros alike.

There are six 10-feet-by-14-feet screens, including four in HD; 12 plasma screens, either 48 or 42 inches; and 16 full-service race and sports wagering windows. The book just installed new leather seats in the race area. Sixty-three private booths offer personal flat-screen monitors. The 22 VIP tables come with three seats and, of course, personal monitors.

Betting/Lines: Betting limits vary by sport. Caesars doesn’t offer the highest limits in town, but takes enough to satisfy most bettors.

NFL lines go up on Monday morning for the following Sunday.

The book offers 15 to 20 props on an NFL Sunday, many of them unique. In addition to simple props like head-to-head passing yards, you’ll find over/unders on things like, “Combined passing yards of Drew Brees and Mathew Stafford – 672.”

The book has 15-cent baseball lines.

In-game betting is not available.

Caesars is one of the more aggressive books. It was the first to offer futures on the 2012 BCS

Championship. Caesars released the odds before the 2011 championship was decided.

Value:  From the staff in gladiator outfits to the Roman colonnades, pillars and faux-marble statues, Caesars is an over-the-top Las Vegas experience. It’s been around since 1966 but the resort maintains a luxurious feel thanks to updates like the recent renovation of the Garden of the Gods Pool Oasis – eight pools on three levels, adorned with granite columns and impressive sculptures.

The hotel features several world-class restaurants. Next to the sportsbook, you can grab a bite at Munchbar or try Mesa Grill for upscale Southwestern dining. It’s a short walk to Cypress Street Marketplace, a nicer-than-normal food court.

Experience: Arrive early to get a seat on a busy college football Saturday or NFL Sunday.
You can get a free drink ticket for a $50 sports bet or a $5 race bet. Waitresses come by often.
In peak season, the book opens at 8 a.m. on weekdays, 7 a.m. on weekends. It closes between midnight and 1 a.m. on Friday and Saturday nights, and 10 p.m.  Sunday through Thursday.

Extras: While you’re following your action, your significant other can browse the renowned Forum Shops – more than 160 boutiques and shops as well as 13 restaurants and specialty food shops. A recent expansion added 175,000 square feet and additional levels that extend the mall out to Las Vegas Boulevard. Both of you will enjoy the Qua Baths and Spa, a tranquil environment that uses the natural properties of water to soothe away stress. Qua includes Roman Baths consisting of three distinct pools varying in temperature and size.