Mostly all frequent Las Vegas visitors know the difference between Downtown and the Strip. Old vs. new, zip lines vs. volcanoes – there are a lot of contrasts between the two. When it comes to sports books, the sizes of the spaces are the biggest difference between Downtown and the Strip. Some will also argue that Downtown sports books are more fun, if not funkier than their mega-sized counterparts on or near Las Vegas Boulevard. What is there to like about Downtown Vegas sports books? Well, a lot. Here’s a rundown of which Downtown Vegas sports books to visit…..depending on what you’re looking for.
Downtown Vegas is Fun and so are the Sports Books
Fun
The D sports book is operated by William Hill and is located on the second floor – it isn’t very big in terms of size, but it’s big on fun. The Sigma Derby horse racing game has somewhat of a cult following and is only steps away from the sports book. There’s also a Keno lounge connected to the sports book space – “hint” the cocktail servers will come by often if you have a live Keno ticket on the table. What else is fun here? The adjacent Vue Bar has video poker and HD screens as well as “Not Your Father’s Root Beer” stocked. If you’ve never tried a bottle, you should. And yes, they’ll take a sports book free drink ticket.
Not Your Father’s Root Beer Served at the Vue Bar at The D
Comped Drinks
The Fremont sports book is a good bet as ticket writers here are pretty liberal, especially for horse players – they become even friendlier if you tip a buck or two. The Fremont has on old school set up but plenty of screens and good seating. Drink tickets can be redeemed via a cocktail server or at the connected sports book bar. The Plaza sports book is another option as it seems to be the most liberal, as far as drink tickets go, amongst the William Hill operated spots Downtown. The Golden Nugget was once at the top of the list but, in terms of free drink tickets, things have gotten a bit tighter as of late.
Free Drink Tickets at The Fremont Sports Book
Comfort and a Cigar
Binion’s sports book has one of the better set ups in terms of comfort. Lounge like leather chairs and couches are positioned directly in front of several flat screens making for a nice spot to relax. This sports book is tucked in the back of the casino but it still picks up a decent crowd on busy sports days. You can also pick up a fresh stogee at the adjacent Vato’s Cigars – but you’ll have to enjoy it in the cigar room, located next to the sports book. The cigar room, which sits within Benny’s BBQ and Brews, also has a very comfortable set up with multiple HD screens showing sports.
Binion’s Sports Book
Racing Forms
For a horse player, there’s nothing better than quiet time at a Vegas sports book reading the Daily Racing Form in the morning trying to handicap winners. If you’re downtown, the Fremont sports book has “community” racing forms available at a desk at the rear of the sports book, or they can be purchased below their cover price at the betting windows. The Golden Nugget also provides free Racing Forms if you are a guest of the hotel. Just make sure to advise the sports book staff that you are a guest and would like a Form.
Community Racing Forms at the Sports Book
Food
Here’s where it gets fun as Downtown Vegas has a plethora of “sports book food” choices. Pretty much every Downtown Vegas sports book has an option nearby for some good grub. The D has American Coney, which serves chili dogs and some of the best chili cheese fries you’ll taste. Downtown Grand has Pizza Rock, which is about a two minute walk from the sports book across 3rd Street.
American Coney Chili Cheese Fries at The D
Pop Up Pizza at The Plaza serves up some tasty slices of pie you can take right back to the sports book. If for some reason you find yourself at The California sports book and have a sweet tooth for some quality ice cream, Lappert’s is an absolute must. Chicago Brewing at Four Queens has some tasty garlic knots you can take over to the William Hill operated sports book.
It really doesn’t matter what you’re looking for – at a Downtown Vegas sports book, you’ll probably find it!
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