las vegas scams

Big Las Vegas Hotels' Scam EXPOSED and More Casino Closures?

Nothing ever stays the same in Las Vegas, and this March 2023 Las Vegas update makes that very clear once again. We will cover the biggest Las Vegas news and rumors that you need to be aware of, as well as the can’t miss shows and concerts coming to Las Vegas in March 2023.

New Rumors about the potential home of the Oakland A’s

Las Vegas is constantly changing, and history has shown that casinos once considered iconic can be closed and imploded for the next big thing in Las Vegas. Examples include such iconic Las Vegas casino resorts as The Dunes, The Sands, and The Stardust, and we don’t expect this trend to change anytime soon.

Oakland A’s (photo by The Athletic)

There has been a lot of rumors about potential sites for the future home of the Oakland A’s. The Tropicana on the south end of the Strip has been much talked about as potentially going away to make room for the A’s new baseball stadium. A new potential site has recently surfaced however and has increased speculation about the future of this once iconic Las Vegas casino resort. 

The latest rumor is that the Oakland A’s are considering building their new baseball stadium on a part of the huge parking lot behind the Rio. It’s unclear what this would mean for the Rio casino resort itself, but current speculation is that the Rio would not be imploded to make room for the stadium. The Rio’s new owner, Dreamscape Properties, has previously announced plans to make significant renovations on the property, so this latest rumor could be part of the Rio’s overall transformation and rebirth. 

A class-action lawsuit has been filed claiming Las Vegas hotels & casinos colluded to artificially inflate hotel room prices

A law firm recently filed a class- action lawsuit against MGM Resorts, Caesars Entertainment, Treasure Island and Wynn claiming that they "artificially inflated the prices of hotel rooms above competitive levels" by sharing (purportedly illegally) room-rate information with each other via a third party revenue-management platform called Rainmaker. It will be interesting to follow this case to learn whether this approach has had any impact on the historic high hotel room rates we have been recently experiencing in Las Vegas. 

Is the MSG Sphere in trouble?

According to the New York Post, the MSG Sphere is having trouble signing on corporate sponsorships and is quickly burning through cash. The MSG Sphere has been betting on its massive 60,000-square-foot LED screen to attract entertainers and corporate sponsors. Many acts are reportedly concerned that the visual shows might overpower their music. Stay tuned for more on this as we get closer to the MSG Sphere opening date.

MSG Sphere Las Vegas ( rendered photo by MSG Sphere)

U2 finally “officially” announced to open the MSG Sphere in Las Vegas

U2 has finally made the announcement that it will open the MSG Sphere in Las Vegas. Show dates and ticket prices have not yet been announced, but are reportedly to include about 12 shows beginning around September 29th. U2 is also reportedly being paid $10M for the production in addition to 90% of the earnings from ticket sales. 

Nascar Weekend at the Las Vegas Motor Speedway this weekend, March 3rd – 5th

Nacar at Las Vegas Motor Speedway (photo by Turn It Up World)

  The best Nascar race car drivers are on their way to Las Vegas for the Spring Nascar weekend March 3rd – 5th at the Las Vegas Motor Speedway.  The highlight of the weekend event is the highly anticipated Pennzoil 400 on Sunday, We were fortunate to attend Nascar weekend in Vegas last year and it was such a fun experience.  Just a word of advice, if you are sensitive to loud noises, you may want to bring some earplugs because those race cars scream loudly as they come down the track.

The Punk Rock Museum is opening on March 10th in Las Vegas

Punk Rock Museum (photo by Punk Rock Museum)


The Punk Rock Museum is located at 1422 Western Avenue in the industrial area between the Arts District and I-15 – just a quick Uber ride from the Strip or Downtown. Exhibits will feature handwritten lyrics, instruments, clothing and other punk memorabilia. The space will also have a bar, tattoo parlor, wedding chapel, as well as a stage for live music. General admission will be about $30.  Members of punk bands such as The Offspring, NOFX, Sick of it All and The Vandals can be hired to provide guided tours for about $100.  


Martin Yan’s M.Y. Asia is opening March 13th at the Horseshoe

Chef Yan ( Photo Almanac Online)

Martin Yan, who is the star of the PBS cooking show "Yan Can Cook", plans to open M.Y. Asia at the Horseshoe on March 13th. The restaurant will feature pan-Asian cuisine and will include a noodle bar. M.Y. Asia will be open 11AM-11PM Mon.-Thurs., and until 1AM Friday -Sunday.

Beyonce is coming to Las Vegas for two shows at Allegiant Stadium

Beyonce has announced two shows at Allegiant Stadium as part of her world tour later this year. She will perform at Allegiant on August 26th and 27th.  Tickets start at about $149.



Madonna is coming to Las Vegas for two shows

Madonna will perform at T-Mobile Arena on August 7th and 8th as part of her Celebration Tour. Tickets are currently on sale starting at about $155.

Notable musical artists performing in Las Vegas during the month of March include

Taylor Swift is performing two shows at Allegiant Stadium March 24th and 25th.  Both dates are officially sold out so you will need to check the resale sites for tickets, which are currently running about $400 and up, way up.

Adele continues her “Weekends with Adele” residency at the Colosseum inside Caesars Palace March 3rd through the 25th.  Tickets are sold out and resale prices continue to be through the roof starting at $1,400. 


Stevie Nicks is performing in Las Vegas on March 18th:  Legendary artist Stevie Nicks is coming to the T-Mobile arena on March 18th.  Her Las Vegas show is part of her 23-date U.S tour. Tickets are on sale now starting at about $110.

Depeche Mode will be at the T-Mobile Arena on March 30th for a much anticipated performance.  Tickets are sold out and resale prices are running about $300 and up.

Usher (March 1st through the 18th) and Maroon 5 (March 24th through the 31st) will perform at Park MGM.  Tickets are on sale now starting about $100 and up. 

Speaking of Usher, he recently announced that he has extended his Las Vegas residency adding new 15 dates through October 2023. And, just a word of advice, don’t wait to snag your tickets, because they will likely sell out.

John Mellencamp will perform two shows at the Encore Theater at the Wynn March 24th and 25th. Tickets are sold out and resale prices are running about $400 and up for seats.

Michael Bolton plays the Pearl Theater at the Palms on March 9th. Standard tickets are sold out with resale prices currently starting at about $200 and up.

Keith Urban begins his new residency at Zappos Theater inside Planet Hollywood March 3rd through the 18th. Tickets are on sale now starting at about $79.

Miranda Lambert continues her Las Vegas residency at Planet Hollywood with shows March 24th through the 30th. Tickets are on sale now starting at about $79.

Katy Perry (March 3rd and 4th) and Luke Bryan (March 22nd-31st) continue their residencies at Resorts World.  Tickets are on sale now starting at about $65.

Bonnie Raitt (March 15th – 18th) and Foreigner (March 24th – 31st) will perform at the Venetian. Tickets are on sale now starting at about $65 for Bonnie Raitt and $42 for Foreigner.

Jimmy Buffett will be at the MGM Grand March 4th and 11th. Tickets are on sale now starting at about $74.

Barry Manilow will be back for his residency at the Westgate March 23rd through the 31st. Tickets are on sale now starting at about $55.

Classic rock band Grand Funk Railroad will perform at the Golden Nugget on March 3rd.  The band’s hits include classics such as "We're an American Band" and "Some Kind of Wonderful", among others. Tickets are on sale now starting at about $69.

Frankie Valli and the Four Seasons will perform at the Westgate Showroom on March 10th. Tickets are on sale now starting at $55.  

Calibash, a global reggaeton concert is back in Las Vegas at the T-Mobile arena on March 17th. Tickets are on sale now starting at $81.

The legendary Undertaker of WWE is coming to the Cosmopolitan on March 24th

Mark Calloway, who played the Undertaker on WWE, will be in Las Vegas for an evening of story telling about his Hall of Fame WWE career. Tickets are on sale now starting at $75. 

Undertaker bringing his show to Las Vegas ( Photo by Las Vegas Review-Journal)

If you planning to spend St. Patrick’s Day in Las Vegas, you may want to check out O’Sheas at The LINQ, Nine Fine Irishmen at New York New York, or RiRa Irish Pub inside the Shoppes at Mandalay Bay. All should be fun and lively Irish pubs to celebrate the day and night!

The Las Vegas Water Lantern Festival is on March 18th at Sunset Park. Pricing is on a sliding scale with the admission price gradually increasing from $27 today to about $56 if purchased the day of the festival. Admission includes materials to create your lantern illuminated with an LED candle. At 7 p.m., participants launch their lanterns into the water. 

A big MMA fight is taking place at T-Mobile arena on March 5th. Former lightweight champ Jon Jones is returning after a three-year absence, and will move up a division to fight for the vacant heavyweight championship against Ciryl Gane. 

Las Vegas is hosting the NCAA Division 1 Men’s Basketball West Regional March 23rd to 25th at the T-Mobile arena. Tickets are sold out with resale tickets starting at $225 and up.

Some notable comedians coming to Las Vegas in March 2023

Kevin Hart performing at Resorts World. Photo by New York Post

  • Kevin Hart March 17th and 18th at Resorts World

  • Tom Segura will perform at The Chelsea inside the Cosmopolitan March 17-18.

  • Tim Allen (March 3-4), Bob Marley (March 18) and Daniel Tosh (March 24-25) will be at the Aces of Comedy Series at the Mirage. 

  • Iliza Shlesinger will perform the Wynn's Encore Theater March 10-11 and Jay Leno will perform on March 31st.

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In other Las Vegas News

Turn It Up World at Resorts World - (photo by Turn It Up World)

Resorts World is now offering six-figure Formula 1 Experiences: Resorts World is offering its “Lucky 888 Experience” for high roller Formula 1 fans. For just $888,000, lucky fans receive 3 nights in a Crockford Palace Suite with butler service, an Entourage Suite, and four Superior Rooms. The experience includes 6 Paddock Club and 10 Grandstand tickets, private domestic or international first class airfare, as well as resort credits and free play. Have fun!

Billy Idol concert at Hoover Dam:  Billy Idol has announced that he will perform a show at Hoover Dam on April 8th. The concert will be limited to only 250 people and show packages are currently going for about $2,000 and include a room at the Waldorf Astoria, transportation to and from the show, food, drinks, and a party after the concert. The concert is a fundraiser to help increase awareness of the current drought in the American Southwest. 

The We Bridge K-Pop Festival and Exp will be at Mandalay Bay April 21st – 23rd: The We Bridge K-Pop Festival is a new music festival and expo that will celebrate K-Pop entertainment and Asian culture. Tickets are on sale now starting at about $65 for entry to the expo only and $113 for a one-day music festival pass. 

Secret bar at new Aria Food Hall:

Easy’s Cocktail Lounge at Aria Las Vegas ( photo by Eater)

 There is a new speakeasy in Las Vegas. Easy’s Cocktail Lounge is located behind Easy Donuts inside Aria’s new Food Hall, Proper Eats. Look behind the cappuccino machine at Easy Donuts for a hidden entrance into the lounge. The lounge offers live jazz and swing performances and is open Thursday through Monday, 6PM to 2AM.

Bottled Blonde coming Center Strip in front of Horseshoe casino:  A new bar will be coming to the Center Strip currently occupied by the Grand Bazaar Shops in front of the Horseshoe casino.  Bottled Blond has announced plans to build a $50M four-story bar and entertainment venue at the site.  The bar will reportedly include an open-air rooftop with views of the iconic Bellagio fountains. Bottled Blonde Las Vegas is expected to open in the latter half of 2024.  Bottled Blonde will join Bake Shelton’s Ole Red Las Vegas as part of the Bazaar Shops transformation.

James Taylor will perform 5 shows in Las Vegas in June:   Singer-songwriter James Taylor has announced five shows at the Cosmopolitan on June 3rd, 4th, 7th, 9th, and 10th. Tickets are on sale now starting at about $144.

The Chicks (formerly known as The Dixie Chicks) are coming to Las Vegas: The Chicks have announced a mini residency for six shows at the Zappos Theater at Planet Hollywood on May 3rd, 5th, 6th, 10th, 12th, and 13th. Tickets are on sale now with prices starting at about $89.

Van Morrison is coming to Vegas for 3 shows: Irish artist Van Morrison will perform three shows at the Zappos Theater at Planet Hollywood on September 6th, 8th, and 9th. Tickets are on sale now and start at about $129. 

Vic's Las Vegas Italian restaurant and jazz club is now open at Promenade Place near the Smith CenterVic’s Las Vegas is, of course, named after the famous Vegas Vic sign located on Fremont Street. The main dining room is open daily for lunch from 11AM – 3PM and dinner from 5PM – midnight with nightly live entertainment. The lounge and bar are open from 11AM – 2AM and there is no cover to enter the venue for the shows. 

Horseshoe continues to make the transition from Bally’s with new Signs Going up:  We have been waiting to see this. You can finally now see a Horseshoe sign on one of the former Bally’s hotel & casino towers. There is a lot of construction going on so expect to see much more changes as we progress through 2023. 

Electric Playhouse coming to the Forum Shops at Caesars

Electric Playhouse Las Vegas (photo by Electric Playhouse)

Electric Playhouse plans to open this summer at the Forum Shops at Caesars. Electric Playhouse is “an immersive-experience” where “the walls and floors react to players' movements and no headsets or controllers are required." This will be the attraction’s second location, with the original in Albuquerque, New Mexico. 

New Sports Book is now open at the Virgin: Betfred sports book has opened at Virgin Betford is a U.K.-based sports betting company and this is its first sports book in the U.S. 

Ojos Locos Sports Cantina Y Casino is now open: The popular latino restaurant and casino Ojos Locos is now open at the former location of the Lucky Club on Fifth Street in North Las Vegas. According to the owner, Ojos Locos is the first hotel & casino dedicated to the latin community. 

The New Wildfire Casino on Fremont Street is now open: The new Wildfire Casino on Fremont Street is now open.  This locals casino is slots-only and is located on the former site of the old Showboat/Castaways. There are several food options including IHOP and Tacos El Pastor.

The first Caesars Sports Book located in Downtown is now open: The first Caesars Sportsbook downtown location is now open at Downtown Grand. It’s in a small space and more of a lounge type atmosphere for sports viewing and betting. 

Naxos Taverna and it’s Kallisto Oyster Bar are now open at Red Rock Casino Resort: Naxos Taverna and its oyster bar, Kallisto, specialize in Mediterranean style seafood with a goal of creating a Greek Island inspired dining experience.  Naxos is open daily 4pm – 10pm (11pm Friday & Saturday nights), while Kallisto is open daily 11am – 11pm (1am Friday & Saturday nights). 

The Cannabis-Friendly Lexi Hotel is expected to open in Spring: The Lexi will have all new renovated guestrooms and suites, including an entire fourth floor that will be designated cannabis-friendly. Each room will include an air-filtration system that employs advanced oxidation cell technology.  The Lexi will also offer a new Cajun-inspired steakhouse concept led by Executive Chef Jordan Savell from “Hell’s Kitchen” Season 19. 

Read Next: What’s New in Las Vegas for 2023?

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15 CRAZY Las Vegas Scams, Rip-Offs, and Tourist Traps Exposed in 2023



With over 40 million visitors to Las Vegas every year looking for fun and exciting things to do, Las Vegas has its share of scams and ripoffs that you need to be aware of.  In this Las Vegas blog, we share with you 15 of the worst scams and ripoffs in Las Vegas to watch out for in 2023. 

Arriving at the Airport


1. Airport Slot Machines

For many Las Vegas tourists, their visit begins when they arrive at Harry Reid International Airport. You can’t miss the many slot machines inside the terminal beckoning you to take a chance with your luck. The truth is that the slots at the Las Vegas airport have some of the worst odds in Las Vegas. A study conducted a few years ago showed that the airport slots returned just 85% of a player’s money over time, compared to 90-92% on the Strip. 



2. Taxis

Taxis in Las Vegas are generally about 30% more expensive and Uber’s or Lyft’s. In addition, Las Vegas taxis have also been notorious for long hauling passengers (i.e. taking unnecessarily long routes to increase fares).  Las Vegas authorities have now put in place fixed taxis rates from the airport to locations on the Strip – so long hauling fortunately is no longer a significant risk from the airport but definitely watch out on other routes. 



3. "Official" Photographers 

For many visitors to Las Vegas, a photo at the iconic “Welcome to Las Vegas” sign is a must do. Just beware of “official” looking photographers who may attempt to charge you to take a photo. There are no official photographers post to the sign. It’s a scam. You can take your own photo, or ask someone in line for help taking the photo. If you do ask the “official” looking person to take it – we advise negotiating any tip in advance to avoid any awkward situation.


At Your Hotel



4. Early Check-in or Late Check-out Fees

You arrive early and check to see if you room is available. Great new, your room is ready! BUT, there’s a catch.  The hotel won’t let you in before 4:00pm, unless you pay an early check-in fee, which can easily be $50, maybe even more. This is a total scam and ripoff by the Las Vegas hotels. The same is true for late check-out – many hotels are charging high rates for a little extra time checking out in the morning even if no one is coming into room later that day. 

Keep this in mind if you decide to do a split stay – where you stay in multiple hotels during your visit – you will likely have to check-out of the first hotel by 11AM and may not be able to check-in to your new hotel until 4pm. This has happened to us many times and you just need to be ready for it. Perhaps store your luggage at the hotel and head off for an activity before coming back to check-in later in the day.

5. Resort Fees

Resort fees are a controversial subject to say the least. Resort fees allow Las Vegas hotels to publish cheaper hotel rooms rates and bury a significant added cost, which they call resort fees.  Unfortunately, almost all hotels on the Las Vegas Strip and many in Downtown now charge resorts fees. Even if your room is comped, or if you are using credit card or frequent flier points to cover the room cost, you will still likely be charged the additional resort fee, unless you have a certain status with that hotel’s loyalty program. 



6. Hotel Parking Fees 

Most hotels on the Strip are now charging parking fees. During the pandemic, most of the parking fees had been removed, but that is no longer the case. Parking fees are back! Most recently, Resort Worlds started charging for parking as well. Some of the remaining free parking hotel hold-outs on the Strip include Treasure Island, Venetian, Wynn/Encore, and Tropicana. 



7. Hotel Convenience Stores 

You are in your hotel and need some snacks or refreshments. Well, watch out for the “convenient” hotel store. The prices in hotel convenience stores are a major rip-off with prices for even just a small bottle of water often around $5-$6. Many of the hotel stores are also subject to variable or surge pricing based on hotel occupancy. Don’t buy from these stores, instead go to Target, ABC Stores, Walgreens, or CVS on the Strip.



8. Hotel Room Mini-Bar charges

The dreaded hotel mini-bar is a common ripoff at many hotels, and Las Vegas is no exception.  Unless you know that you want to spend the high price and take something from the mini-bar, we recommend that you don’t even open it.  Hotel mini-bars now often include devices that monitor if things are moved in the fridge and, if you move something, it will likely show up on your room charge. Be careful!




9. Poolside Food & Drinks

It’s great spending time poolside at your Las Vegas hotel. Just be away, that Las Vegas hotels typically won’t allow you to bring in your own food and drink to the pool. To make matters worse, poolside food and drinks are generally very expensive. We certainly enjoy poolside cocktails on occasion, but just be aware when ordering your drinks that a big bill may be on its way. 


In the Casino



10. Casino Coin Redemption Tickets

This next Las Vegas scam is aggravating. A few years ago there was apparently a coin shortage, so casinos began to issue you tickets instead of giving you your change when you put your cash-out card into the money redemption machine. Well, casinos never stopped this practice and it is long after any coin shortage that may have existed. This is just a money grab by the casinos, betting on customers never cashing in their coin redemption tickets.  We recommend that you just take your cash out ticket to a cashier’s desk to get you full cash out, change included.



11. 6-5 Blackjack

6-5 odds black jack has become very common on the Las Vegas Strip, versus the more traditional 3-2 odds blackjack.  With 6-5 odds, a $100 bet will pay you $120 versus $150 with 3-2 odds, a big difference. To put it another way, the house edge increases 400% with 6-5 blackjack.  If you want to play blackjack, we recommend going to a casino offering 3-2 blackjack and avoid any 6-5 tables.


12. Triple Zero Roulette

Triple zero roulette is becoming common in Las Vegas, especially on the Las Vegas Strip. We would not recommend playing triple zero and instead find tables offering at least double zero or, better yet, single zero roulette. On a single zero roulette table, the house edge is 2.7%.  On a double zero roulette table, the house edge is 5.26%. With triple zero, the house edge jumps all the way up to 7.69% - NO thank you.  Downtown Las Vegas casinos typically offer double zero roulette tables and some even offer single zero.



13. ATM Fees

ATM fees can be easily be $10 per transaction at Las Vegas casinos – a total ripoff. Watch out for this ripoff. We recommend bringing with you if you can to avoid those fees.  You may also want to contact your bank in advance to check if they cover the cost of ATM withdrawals. 


On the Strip



14. Photos with Showgirls and other Characters

Showgirls and Characters on the Strip will ask you if you want to take a photo with them. Just be aware that these people are working for tips. If you agree to take a photo with them, they will expect a tip. We recommend negotiating the tip upfront to avoid any awkward situations.


15. Time-share Reps

It will be hard to miss time share reps when you are in Las Vegas. They may try to intercept you as you enter your hotel lobby (this is very true at Excalibur and Westgate, for example) or when you are out on the Strip. A time share rep’s first questions is typically, “how long you are in Las Vegas?” Don’t waste your valuable time on your vacation at a time share presentation. You can expect time share reps to be very pushy and we have heard they often become rude when you decide not to buy a time share. Don’t do it!

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