Paying for things that used to be free is the new normal in Las Vegas. You can still find free seats at many of Vegas’ sportsbooks on game day. But if you’re not keen to get there early to secure a spot or have a large group, making a reservation may be a good option.
Not all sportsbooks are created equal, and prices can vary wildly, even at casinos within the same company. The prices I provide below are the lowest I found when checking random dates, but you may be able to find lower.
Here are some sportsbooks that offer good value if you want to be sure you or your group have a reserved spot to watch your favorite team:
Best value for a single seat: The Cromwell
Tucked away in the boutique hotel and casino, The Cromwell’s sportsbook is modest in size, with a capacity of 50, but big in value. You can book individual bar seats or larger loungers as well as tables for a group of four. For a single seat, Sunday games will cost around $70, though $40 is a food and beverage minimum. $40 is like two chicken tenders at Vegas casinos, so you’ll have no problem meeting the minimum. The reservation also comes with two drink tickets.
You can reserve your seat at The Cromwell sportsbook online.
Best for two: Paris
There are cheaper spots for two, like Planet Hollywood ($75 rental fee), but the sightlines at PH can be iffy, and I tend not to like their screens. At Paris, VIP seating for two costs $200, with $100 of that being a food and beverage minimum. You get two comfortable swizzle chairs with a table. The screens aren’t as big as competitors, but $200 is a good deal for the day.
You can reserve your seat at Paris sportsbook online.
Best for four: Flamingo
I know, I know, I know. The Flamingo book is nothing to write home about. But listen, if there are four of you, you’re hungover from a long Saturday night/ morning, and you don’t want to wander around looking for a place to park your butt on Sunday to catch the games, it’s worth considering. A four person table or high top will only cost $110 on the right day, with $60 of that being a food and beverage minimum spend.
You can reserve your seat at The Flamingo sportsbook online.
Other spots to consider
If this seems like a Caesars-heavy list, it’s for good reason. All Caesars sportsbooks offer reservation options and they tend to be some of the best deals in town. Of course, you don’t have to pay. Many sportsbooks have a first come, first serve policy.
If you’ve never been, Westgate’s Superbook is a must. It’s a mainstay and a fan favorite for a reason. They do have reservation options, but they’re pricey for what they offer. Bonus: You can take the monorail.
I also can’t ignore Circa, which also offers reservations. They can be relatively expensive, but reserving a booth or skybox would be great if you’re with a group in town for a sports-centric trip. Check the reservation policy when perusing Circa’s options since several come without a designated reservation fee and are food and beverage minimums only. For single-seaters, Sundays can run $200+.
If you’re looking for free, try Park MGM’s BetMGM Sportsbook and Bar. That’s a mouthful. It’s just a restaurant and bar with a betting counter and kiosks outside. The nice thing is you can make reservations. There are plenty of screens, though the quality of sightlines can vary based on where you’re seated. The place is perpetually understaffed. I feel for the wait staff trying their best to serve a big crowd on game day. But that’s not always bad for you, especially if you want to nurse a couple of beers and watch the game since you won’t feel like they’re rushing you out to turn the table.
A cabana can be a treat if it’s early in the season and you know the game will be televised locally in Las Vegas. I watched a couple of games in a Resorts World cabana, which was a perfect solution on a trip with my wife, who is completely apathetic to all things football. And with mobile betting taking hold, you can place bets right under that shaded canopy.
If you have a preferred place to watch a game, whether it be a sportsbook, bar, or suite, share it in the comments. I’d love to hear more, cheap options. Just don’t go to NYNY.
Feature image courtesy of The Cromwell
God, I remember when this was such a gambling hotbed. Grind joint, elbow to elbow. RIP Barbary Coast!
It was a fantastic place to low roll. Bill’s used to have .50/$1 poker games with the tables right by the doors which had a view of the Strip.