Vegas Sportsbook

Hey guys how are ya?  Looking for some advice on where to go in Vegas to watch and wager on sports when I am there for my first ever visit.  I will be there the first weekend of October and some of the Girls and Guys in my group want to watch College football.  So I was wondering if there any sportsbooks that come highly recommended?  Maybe ones that provide some free drinks or private rooms for larger groups?

Any help or recommendations would be greatly appreciated

First off, if it's your first trip, are you aware that the Rio is not on the Vegas strip? It's a close cab ride, but it's not in the middle of all the action you imagine Vegas to be.

Having said that, I always recommend Mandalay Bay as my favorite book. A few other good ones include Caesars, Bellagio and MGM Grand. Don't know about Rio's book, never been. Don't know anything about a private room either, but why would you want to go into an environment like a Vegas sportsbook and then seclude your party inside a private room? Just go party with Joe public and root for your bets with everyone - it's more fun!

This is his first trip to Vegas and he's with a large party... Unless you're extremely serious about watching these college games and that's all that is on the agenda, then stay on the strip and have some fun in Vegas!

Although I'm sure Red Rock is nice and new, you may as well just bet online and go party at a nice sportsbar if you're gunna be out at Red Rock!

Just my opinion.

The ONLY place to watch CFB (or CBB) is Mandalay Bay....If you are looking for free drinks, you will be disappointed everywhere you go....

Very simply....I am sure that you are not a VIP, do not have a host, don't gamble very heavy (casino or book), etc etc. You are looking for a young, fun environment...period. Forget the freebies and you won't be disappointed.

I've said this numerous times in this forum.....If you are concerned about $$$ BEFORE you get here, then you are...very simply...not going to be very happy when you leave. And trying to find free drinks to accompany your betting is only going to make you feel that Vegas is full of idiots that only want all of your money and could care less about your satisfaction....TOTALLY WRONG; but that's what I read here all the time.

Guys thanks for the feedback.  Let me clarify a few things so maybe this will help.  I have been to Vegas once before, but was hanging out with locals when I was there.  Some of the people I am with have not. 

Reason we are staying at The Rio is we got comp rooms.  Thanks for the warning about the Rio, We knew booking that it was off the strip. 

Some of the guys are big gamblers through a book online and others just want to experience a fun day watching sports, betting, and drinking. 

My friends and I are not rolling in cash, but we do alright and spending money on drinks is not a concern.  The drink tickets and free drinks is just want I was read on this forum, so I figured I would ask. 

Also since we are Staying at The Rio and I am sure in game betting is not required.  What would be some good sports bars to watch the games at, if we decide to just place the bets at The Rio and then go to a more bar atmosphere?

Thanks again guys you have been a great help.

Strictly sport bar, huh, I'm not an expert here cuz I prefer the books, but maybe ESPN Zone at NYNY or Lagasse's Stadium at Palazzo???

I think every major hotel will have a "sports bar" of some sort, but these two stand out to me.

...Lagasse's might be a good spot for you guys. It's a mix between a book/restaurant/lounge. The food is great and it's even a bit swanky. Check it out online. I'll likely drop by there this wknd for some lunch and NCAA action during my trip.

The sports bar was just another way.  I appreciate you checking back and responding.  I will check out Lagasse's.  I am just worried that if we dont' get to say Mandalay Bay early enough on saturday we won't get seats, that is where the sports idea came from.   Thanks

ESPN Zone has been shut down for several months now....NY-NY is reopening the sportsbar in 3 weeks...running it themselves.

All books and sportsbars get crowded early.....The key is just to find the one that you like and don't worry about the other stuff...

Mickey is right....Lagasse Stadium is pretty neat....Mandalay is always the best for CFB/CBB....