First time in Vegas - $2k bankroll for 4 days

[laura_BETTS]

Heading to Vegas for the first time next month for 4 days/3 nights. I've set aside $2,000 strictly for gambling (accommodations, food, etc. already covered separately). I mainly want to play:

1. Blackjack (I know basic strategy well)
2. Craps (still learning but understand the basic bets)
3. Maybe some slots for fun

I'm staying at Park MGM on the Strip. Given my bankroll and time frame, what would be a sensible betting strategy? Should I stick to $15-25 blackjack tables? How should I divide my bankroll across different games and days? Any specific casinos I should visit for better odds or lower minimums?
Not looking to make money necessarily - just want to maximize playing time and fun while giving myself a decent shot at coming out ahead

 

[BJill]

For a $2k bankroll over 4 days, I'd recommend the following approach:

1. Allocate $500 per day, with any winnings from previous days being a bonus
2. For blackjack with basic strategy, $15-25 tables are perfect - stay at that level
3. For craps, stick to pass line with max odds (3-4-5x at most places)
4. Avoid slots except for pure entertainment with small amounts

Specific recommendations:

• Downtown Las Vegas (Fremont St) has better minimums and rules than the Strip
• El Cortez has some of the best blackjack in Vegas (3:2, single deck, $15 min usually)
• For craps, Casino Royale often has $5 minimums with 10x odds

Most importantly, set win/loss limits each session. Maybe stop if you're up 50% or down 50% of your daily bankroll. This prevents both giving back big wins and blowing through your money too quickly

 

[laura_BETTS]

For a $2k bankroll over 4 days, I'd recommend the following approach:

1. Allocate $500 per day, with any winnings from previous days being a bonus
2. For blackjack with basic strategy, $15-25 tables are perfect - stay at that level
3. For craps, stick to pass line with max odds (3-4-5x at most places)
4. Avoid slots except for pure entertainment with small amounts

Specific recommendations:

• Downtown Las Vegas (Fremont St) has better minimums and rules than the Strip
• El Cortez has some of the best blackjack in Vegas (3:2, single deck, $15 min usually)
• For craps, Casino Royale often has $5 minimums with 10x odds

Most importantly, set win/loss limits each session. Maybe stop if you're up 50% or down 50% of your daily bankroll. This prevents both giving back big wins and blowing through your money too quickly

Thanks for the detailed advice! Setting daily budgets and win/loss limits makes a lot of sense. I've heard about downtown having better odds - is it worth the trip from Park MGM? Is it safe at night?

 

[Jono777]

Downtown is definitely worth the trip. You can take the Deuce bus from the Strip to Fremont Street for $8 (24-hour pass), or a rideshare will run you about $15-20 each way.
It's generally safe, especially in the Fremont Street Experience area which is well-lit, busy, and has security. Just use normal city precautions if you wander off Fremont proper. Besides the better gambling conditions, downtown has a completely different vibe than the Strip - more old-school Vegas, less corporate. The canopy light show, street performers, and people-watching are attractions in themselves.
One suggestion: if you hit a nice win at any point, consider taking half of it out of play and treating yourself to a nice dinner or show that wasn't in your original budget. It's a great way to "lock in" some winnings while enhancing your Vegas experience.