Like snowbirds invading a remote Southern beach town at the first sign of summer’s end, bettors are about to triple the population in Las Vegas sports books for the start of football.

It’s never a bad idea to take advice from a townie in a situation like this. With choices abound regarding where to place a wager and watch a game, it’s nice to gather as much knowledge as possible.

In an effort to keep everyone in the loop, Covers.com offers visitors five hidden gems of the local sports book scene.

RED ROCK RESORT


Great venue options don’t start and stop on Las Vegas Boulevard. There are plenty of betting oases off the Strip as well. Tourists are usually skeptical when natives report Henderson’s Green Valley Ranch or Summerlin’s Red Rock Resort as two of the best places to spend a football afternoon. But the two properties, which are both owned by Station Casinos, have high-end sports books that each offer around 200 televisions and seats.

LUCKY'S


Lucky’s — which operates sports books at Terrible’s, the Plaza and Fitzgerald’s — runs one heck of a contest that doesn’t receive much attention with its progressive carryover. Bettors can enter an unlimited number of $5 tickets weekly into the contest, which requires picking the winner of every game without the spread for a minimum pool of $10,000. All the money is paid out and the jackpot keeps building until a player is successful. The last three winners have made an average of $43,115.

MGM GRAND


The best, and perhaps only, sports book capable of quenching Vegas visitors’ thirst for celebrity sightings is at the MGM Grand. The MGM has three skyboxes hanging over its book that are reserved for high rollers and dignitaries. Look close enough on the right weekend and it’s possible a familiar face will stare back. Rumored sightings last season included Charles Barkley and Brent Musburger.

LAS VEGAS HILTON & THE M RESORT


If nearby food is an important part of the equation, then no one can compete with the Las Vegas Hilton or The M. The Hilton’s Superbook Deli and The M’s Vig Deli — both are attached to the action — are the rare sports book concession stands with food that tastes better than cheesy plastic. Maybe the best numbers and highest limits aren’t the only reasons why The M and Superbook are staples in any sharp’s rotation.

THE TROPICANA


There’s no longer any need to interrupt a stroll down the Strip to stop inside at a book and gaze at the most up-to-date lines. The Tropicana, whose sports book is run by Cantor Gaming, now projects its betting board on an outside screen for those passing by. The display points northeast and is located at the end of the walkway connecting the resort to the MGM Grand.

Case Keefer covers sports, poker and the betting scene for the Las Vegas Sun.