Free Las Vegas
From Steal This Wiki
Go back to Liberate
Return to Table of Contents
Contents |
General Guide
The most important thing to know is that the Las Vegas of both the Rat Pack and Hunter S. Thompson's "Fear and Loathing" is long gone and is never coming back. Another helpful hint is that the "Las Vegas Strip" is really named "Las Vegas Boulevard South", and most of it isn't in Las Vegas itself, but rather unincorporated land within Clark County. The real city limits on the Strip begin (or end) on Sahara Avenue.
"Las Vegas" is usually meant to refer to the Las Vegas Valley itself, which also includes Henderson, North Las Vegas, Boulder City and Blue Diamond. The area has, in recent years, had a very large influx of Mexican expatriates, much to the dismay of many of the long-time (and considerably right-wing) residents. Politically, the city is rather conservative, but there are pockets of liberalism, mostly in the suburban regions.
The telephone area code is 702 (the rest of the state is 775), and is located in the Pacific Time Zone. Summer temps are VERY hot (weeks of over 100 degree heat are common in the Summer) and the temperature drops quickly at Sunset. Bring a high number SPF sunscreen, a wide-brimmed hat and a jacket in the summer, and a heavy coat in the winter.
There's a Minors curfew on the Strip. You have to be 21 or older to be on the Strip on your own after 9PM, or be in the company of a "parent, legal guardian, or responsible adult over the age of 21" . The cops have already seen all the fake IDs there are, so don't even try.
There are local terms that may confuse a visitor. When someone refers to "Metro", that's the Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department (LVMPD). The "Spaghetti Bowl" is a clusterfuck of bridges and intersections where I-15, I-515, US 93 and US 95 tie into a knot. The same roads are involved with the "Henderson Spaghetti Bowl", with State Route 564 added for good measure. The "Rainbow Curve" is an interchange of US 95 and State Route 595 near Rainbow Boulevard.
If you arrive at the airport and you're staying on the Strip or Downtown, tell the taxi driver "Take the Strip or Paradise Road, NOT the tunnel.", since that's the long way around and you'll be charged more.
In case you're asking a local for directions, "Industrial Road" was renamed "Dean Martin Drive" in 2005, but many still call it by the old name.
Keep in mind that Las Vegas has been subject to great and drastic change, so some information listed here may become out of date even as you read it.
Housing
Las Vegas has three hostels. As with most hostels, you might not get a room if you're a "local", so consider this only if you have a valid Student ID or a foreign passport. Check the respective websites for full amenities and rates.
- Sin City Hostel (1208 Las Vegas Blvd. South) 702-868-0222 - http://www.sincityhostel.com/
- Tod Motor Hotel (508 Las Vegas Blvd. South) 702-477-0022 - http://www.todlasvegas.com
- USA Hostels (Formerly the Las Vegas Backpacker's Hostel - 1322 Fremont St., Downtown) 702-385-1150 or 800-550-8958 - http://www.usahostels.com/lasvegas/
CALL FOR RESERVATIONS BEFORE YOU GET HERE!!! Cheap rooms in Las Vegas are rare! This is no joke or exaggeration!
There are a number of homeless encampments scattered throughout the valley, but due to police "interventions" they only last a few days (a month at the most) and move quite frequently.
The major homeless shelter is the Las Vegas Rescue Mission on 480 West Bonanza Road (Phone: 702-382-1766). Lodging is first come-first served, so good luck finding a bed. Free dinner is served every day at 5 PM (4:30 on Sundays). You can also call one of the Salvation Army centers (see below) and plead poverty, if you don't mind a heavy dose of religion.
Food
The many cheap buffets that Las Vegas was known for are now almost all gone. There are still buffets, but they're more expensive, especially on Fridays when they are often serving seafood specials (It isn't cheap to ship fresh or frozen seafood across the desert!). Your best bets for a decently priced buffet would be the casinos located off-Strip that are designed to appeal to the locals, including places like The Cannery, Joker's Wild, Railroad Pass, or any of the "Fiesta" or "Station" casinos (except Main Street Station off Fremont and Palace Station, which is too close to the Strip). On the Fremont Street Experience, there are a number of souvenir shops that sell hot dogs very cheap (The prices will eventually go up as times get tougher). Vegetarian fare can be had at Rainbow's End at 1100 E. Sahara Ave., Souper Salad (yes, that's how it's spelled) at 4022 S. Maryland Pkwy and 2051 N. Rainbow Blvd #102, and a few Indian & Thai restaurants. Check the "Vegetarian" listings under "Restaurants" in the phone directory, or check the on-line reviews at HappyCow.net.
To buy packaged food on the cheap, there are a number of discount stores scattered around the valley that sell canned and dry foods, such as Big Lots, Family Dollar and 99 Cents Only Stores (The latter also sells milk, fruit juices, fresh produce and some refrigerated & frozen foods). There are a few "Bakery Outlet" stores that sell baked goods that are close to their expiration dates.
A contributor writes: "Many buffets are easy to get into for free. Simply walk in the exit, make it seem like you belong there, grab a plate and chow down, either while walking, or at an empty table. I've done this at Texas Station and Main Street Station, as well as some others. If you get caught, you get your picture taken and are told never to come back from my experiences."
Medical Care
US Health & Human Services lists the Nevada Rural Health Centers and maintains a central switchboard in Carson City (the state capital) that can direct you to the nearest facility for your needs and schedule an appointment. It's a toll call: 775-887-1590
Legal Aid
If you're arrested on the Strip, you'll be sent to the Clark County Detention Center, 330 S. Casino Center Boulevard, Downtown Las Vegas. If you make a phone call from there, remember that before you get a chance to speak, there will be a pre-recorded announcement telling the person you're calling that the call is from the CCDC and is being recorded for security purposes. The information number at CCDC, in case you want to check in on someone who might be there, is (702) 671-3900. They take Western Union payments for bail.
Free legal service can be had from Clark County Legal Services at (702) 386-1070 or (800) 522-1070.
Armed Forces/Deployment Avoidance Counseling
Try Clark County Legal Services at (702) 386-1070 or (800) 522-1070.
Play
Las Vegas Strip
First, you have to be at least 21 to drink or gamble. Sorry, but that's Federal law. It's pretty much impossible to get booze at the hotel/casino bars or to gamble (and then cash out) without getting carded. The security and bartenders there are real picky on IDs, and they've seen all the fakes there are...so its probably well advised NOT to use a fake ID (unless your older brother or sister looks a LOT like you).
When you get here, grab all the tourist fliers and free magazines you can get. You'll find them in the hotel lobbies. Check the coupons and read the fine print as to how much the "free" stuff will cost you: some are 2-for-1 gigs or "BOGO's" ("Buy One, Get One Free/Half-Price"). Whatever you can exploit, do so.
Almost every casino has an arcade, but they vary greatly in the games offered. Some are mostly a place to dump off the kids while the parents spend their inheritance. There is a Gameworks on the Strip near the MGM Grand, but they have an enforced dress code (no torn, soiled or excessively baggy clothes; no clothing or tattoos with objectionable art or profanity; no chains of any kind), and they enforce the 9PM curfew for Minors.
The local NPR station is KNPR at 88.9 FM, with news on the hour and the BBC World Service overnight (Yes, they carry "A Prairie Home Companion" on Saturday evenings with a repeat broadcast every Sunday at 11 AM).
What passes for a college station, KUNV at 90.5 FM, is an NPR Jazz station Monday through Friday, with miscellaneous music programs on the weekends.
The major casinos have lots of free stuff to look at, such as the fountains in front of the Bellagio and a flower display inside, the fake Egyptian motifs inside the Luxor, the equally fake Manhattan motifs in New York New York, the even more fake Roman motifs in Caesars Palace, the replica rain forest inside the Mirage (and the fake volcano outside which "erupts" on the hour after 8PM, weather permitting) and the "canals" inside the Venetian. The "Sirens" battle ship show in front of Treasure Island (or "T.I." for short) has replaced the long-running pirate battle show (One of the last vestiges of the "Family-Friendly" Vegas of the 90's.). Sam's Town on Boulder Highway (yes, the place that The Killers named their CD after) has an indoor park with animatronic critters all over the place. There are night-time laser shows synchronized with music and water fountains.
If you're over 21, you can get a unique souvenir by buying a casino chip for $1. And since designs change and casinos close, it could go up in value! To buy a chip, just go to a gaming table that isn't busy, put a dollar bill on the table, and ask for a one dollar chip. The dealer can't take the money from your hand or hand you the chip, but will place it on the table for you to pick up.
A note about the Bellagio: The place has serious snob-appeal, and if you're not dressed "appropriately", you might be asked to leave. A clean shirt and jeans are okay, but if you have a mohawk or dye your hair a unique hue, wear a hat. Also, you won't be allowed entry if you're an unaccompanied minor.
There are stage shows and concerts along the Strip, but they are VERY EXPENSIVE! Las Vegas is trying to appeal to a demographic with deep pockets, hence the quick disappearance of the "family themed" attractions from a short number of years ago. (Yes, the Circus Circus still stands, but it isn't what it used to be!) Check the listings in the Las Vegas CityLife or Las Vegas Weekly (see below) for info on local bands.
You can get free passes to the Auto Collection at the Imperial Palace Casino on the Strip. There's almost always someone handing out free passes on the sidewalk in front of the casino. The catch is that you have to walk all the way into the casino, past the tables and machines, to get to the elevators to the collection. It's worth it just to look at the funky old cars, many of which are for sale!
Many of the larger casino resorts have "professional" art galleries you can browse for free. Mostly, they're shops for the very, very upscale. You might get a sales pitch aimed at you if they think you have money (or they think you're going to steal something).
The world-famous "Welcome to Fabulous Las Vegas" sign is down the end of the Strip near the airport. There's no official parking for it yet, so take your chances at the "Tourist Information" set-up nearby, and watch out for the traffic!
Fremont Street
The Fremont Street Experience, located Downtown, has something going on just about every weekend. If it isn't some cultural festival or trade show tie-in, there's usually live music. The nearby area will soon grace a proposed "Las Vegas Neon Museum", and some recently restored signs are scattered about the pedestrian walkways. Just look for the big neon signs on pedestals with the little metal informational signs next to them. If you can get to the "Neon Boneyard" near Cashman Center, you can look over the fence and see where the old signs are kept before they're restored. While you're at the Fremont Street Experience, there are hourly light shows on the canopy at night. Watch your stuff, because that's when the pickpockets go to work.
An ill-conceived attempt of revitalizing the area was "Neonopolis", which was supposed to be a vertical shopping mall with neon signs in a central column. It's now pretty much a ghost town. Worth a look to have a laugh at the futility of urban planning.
The cheapest place to park near Fremont Street is at the Plaza Casino. Get your parking ticket at the entrance booth, and for the first three hours you can park for free (There a sliding scale of per hour rates afterwards). You used to be able to park for free for an unlimited time, but people were going so far as to RV camp in the parking lot! There's a bus station inside the Plaza as well, so if you need to catch a Greyhound, that's the place. (Amtrak used to have their trains stop there, but in a boneheaded cost-cutting move, ended train service to Las Vegas. Now, you have to take Amtrak to Los Angeles or Baker, CA, Kingman, AZ, or even Salt Lake City and then take a bus to Las Vegas! Ah, don't you just love governmental logic!)
There is also a city-run public parking garage in the area (look for the blue signs), but it's metered, and you'll have to keep running back to your car every two hours or so. You might be better off parking your car at one of the Strip casinos and taking the bus downtown!
Downtown & Off-Strip
"First Friday" is a monthly event where local artists and performers strut their stuff. Since it is scattered within the Downtown area, you'll need comfortable shoes to get around. Try starting at The Arts Factory (101-109 Charleston Blvd). Events start around 6 PM and are held (When else?) on the first Friday of every month. Website here: http://www.firstfriday-lasvegas.org/
Sad to say, but there aren't very many All-Ages venues in the area. Check the listings in the Las Vegas Weekly and Las Vegas CityLife for local events. Since the night scene is prone to sudden and drastic change, your best bet is to read the listings once you get to Las Vegas, rather than rely on possibly outdated information.
You'll hate yourself if you don't visit the Liberace Museum at 1775 East Tropicana Ave (at Spencer) in the Liberace Plaza. Admission is $12.50 (students and seniors are $8.50), but it's worth it just to see all the glitz and kitsch the man was associated with (including a mirror paneled limo!). It's a major tourist attraction with the "bus tour" circuit, so you might find yourself amidst groups of senior citizens.
Arcade purists need to visit the Pinball Hall of Fame (yes, a real pinball museum!) at 3330 E. Tropicana Blvd (look for the large multi-panel sign with the word "PINBALL" screaming at you). Open 11 to 11 (till Midnight Friday and Saturday), all the machines work and are playable (!), with proceeds from the Non-Profit operation going to the Salvation Army. Free admission. Yes, they have a website ( http://www.pinballmuseum.org/ ) and they use quarters, not tokens!
If you're over 21, go to the Double Down Saloon at 4640 Paradise Rd. There are live bands just about every night, and there's no cover charge. The decor looks like a nightmare inspired by a back issue of Zap Comix, and the jukebox is a college radio DJ's dream come true. Despite how they look from the outside, the bathrooms are perfectly safe and well-lit. Decent prices for the drinks, too! The Double Down is located within a small circle of Gay-oriented businesses known locally as the "Fruit Loop". Band list at their website: http://www.doubledownsaloon.com/
LGBT
While Nevada frowns upon gay marriage, there are a number of Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender spots in Las Vegas. The two main areas are the "Fruit Loop" at Paradise Road near the airport, and a "rough around the edges" collection of spots at the Commercial Center at East Sahara Avenue. GayCities.com has a full listing: http://lasvegas.gaycities.com/
The monthly publication QVegas (which merged with Out Las Vegas), is available at bookstores and gay-friendly businesses around the city.
Henderson
On Boulder Highway in Henderson (all the way down towards Boulder City), there is the Clark County Museum which features a nature and historical diorama, a changing exhibit space, a historical self-guided tour of rebuilt houses from the valley's history, and a desert walking trail. There's wild rabbits, hares and reptiles about, so watch your step on the trail.
In Henderson proper, the main business area is Water Street, which has undergone much renovation in recent years. There's a few galleries, a used book dealer, and more than a few places to eat. The plaza at the City Hall often holds public events, a farmers market on Thursdays and an art event dubbed "Third Thursdays" held, obviously, every third Thursday (http://www.thirdthursdays.net/). Check here for events:
- http://ecalendar.cityofhenderson.com/
- http://www.hendersonfarmersmarket.com/
- http://www.waterstreetdistrict.com/
Lake Mead National Recreation Area & Hoover Dam
If you have a car (or access to one), check out the Lake Mead National Recreation Area, just outside of Boulder City. It's a fee area (you pay $5 per car load, or get a annual pass for $20), and there is a beach for swimming in the summer months (The water can be VERY COLD at times!). Call (702) 293-8990 or (702) 293-8906 for info.
While you're in the area, also check out Hoover Dam (park for free up the hill on the Arizona side and walk, otherwise it's $7 per car, cash only). Remember to get there early, since due to Post-9/11 security regulations, no one is allowed to walk across the dam after sunset. There are guided tours of the dam (inside and out), and tickets are $11 for adults, $6 for ages 7 to 16, $9 if you're over 62 or have a Military ID, and free for kids 6 or under. The tickets stop selling at 4:15 PM, and is closed Thanksgiving and Christmas. (Just a reminder; It's illegal to throw ANYTHING off the dam!) For full information while you're there, you can tune into two low-power informational radio stations provided by the government: 530 AM gives info on Hoover Dam, while 1610 AM plays info on Lake Mead (The time check is always a few minutes off). If you notice that big white "bathtub ring" around the lake, that's where the water USED to be!
(In case you're curious, the highway leading from the dam into Arizona leads all the way into Kingman and US Route 66.)
Boulder City
Boulder City was built for the workers who were building Hoover (originally Boulder) Dam, and it was a "Federal Zone" for a number of years afterwards until it officially became part of Nevada. Since many of the buildings, parks and roads were built by the folks who normally build Army bases, the city looks like a little model railroad town. There's funky antique shops, arts & crafts stores and a few boutiques around, as well as a museum inside the old Boulder Dam Hotel on Arizona Street (Paid admission, but worth it). And if you think something is missing in town, you're right. Boulder City is one of only two towns in Nevada where gambling is illegal (The other is the village of Panaca, which also prohibits the sale of alcohol), but there is the Hacienda casino just outside of Boulder City on a parcel of private land within the Lake Mead National Recreation Area (so it's not "officially" in Boulder City). They have decent food specials and a modest buffet.
Outlying Areas
Other natural places to visit are Red Rock Canyon and Valley of Fire State Park (both are Fee areas). At the entrance to Valley of Fire State Park on Interstate 15 is a small corner of the Moapa Piute Reservation, and the Moapa Tribal Travel Plaza, which sells gas, diesel fuel, food, liquor, tobacco products, fireworks (which are illegal in the rest of Clark County!) and Native American books, CDs, arts & crafts, all exempt from Nevada Sales Tax.
Laughlin
Many of the resident Las Vegans take their vacations (or even day-trips and weekend getaways) in Laughlin. Think of it as Las Vegas' poor cousin. No sleaze, but it has a nice long walkway alongside the Colorado River. The car collection in the Riverside Casino has free admission. Drive towards Boulder City on Boulder Highway or I-515 South and take US 93 South through Searchlight (Watch the speed limit!), turning left onto State Hwy 163 East when you get past Cal-Nev-Ari. It's about a two hour drive from the Strip. When you're there, buy your gas across the river in Bullhead City, Arizona, where it's usually cheaper. If you stay there overnight, you can take day trips into Arizona (like London Bridge in Lake Havasu or Route 66 in Kingman). Most of the time the cheapest place to stay at is the Pioneer Hotel & Gambling Hall, which is more of a very large motel than a hotel.
A word about Arizona: The state doesn't recognize Daylight Savings Time. In the Fall and Winter, they're in Mountain Standard Time (1 hour ahead of Nevada). In the Spring and Summer, they're in Pacific Daylight Time (the same time as Nevada).
Information
The free weeklies are Las Vegas Weekly and Las Vegas CityLife (read about them below). The local daily is the Las Vegas Review-Journal with another (more liberal) paper, the Las Vegas Sun as an insert within it.
One of the local NPR stations, KNPR (Nevada Public Radio), is at 88.9 FM and has local public affairs and news programs mixed in with NPR fare. It's also one of the few talk stations locally that isn't over-run with Right-Wing blowhards. The other NPR station, KCNV, broadcasts Classical music at 89.7 FM.
There are a few rock radio stations in Las Vegas, but all of them are corporately owned. In short, the overwhelming majority of them suck. Presently there is a halfway decent Alternative Rock station at 107.9 (KVGS or "Area 107.9") licensed in Laughlin with a transmitter in Dolan Springs, Arizona, but despite having a booster transmitter on Henderson's Black Mountain, its signal doesn't reach the whole valley.
Two of the few local talk show hosts worth listening to are Doug Basham and Lydia Cornell (she played Sarah Rush on the 1980's TV show "Too Close For Comfort"). Their show can be heard on KLAV (AM 1230), weekdays from 8 to 9 AM, and webcast via the website: http://www.bashamandcornell.com/ (Doug has his own website: http://www.dougbasham.com/).
Underground Papers
The closest Las Vegas has to an independent press are two free weeklies. Las Vegas CityLife (yes, that's one word) and Las Vegas Weekly. They both come out every Thursday and can be had at marked street boxes and convenience stores around the valley. They both have great information on local free and cheap events (that is, when they're not attacking each other in print!), as well as good local reporting.
QVegas (formerly the Las Vegas Bugle and merged with its sister publication Out Las Vegas) is a glossy monthly publication that covers the LGBT scene in the valley. It can be had for free at many bookstores and gay-friendly bars & businesses.
There are two local conservative papers called the Las Vegas Tribune and Penny Press. Both are limited circulation weeklies. The Tribune has had financial and distribution troubles as of late, and dwells heavily on local politics from a sharp conservative viewpoint, as well as featuring Former City Councilman Steve Miller's juicy reporting on criminal influence in local politics. The Penny Press, aimed at the Northwest part of the valley and the military market, is published by long-time Nevada broadcast station owner Fred Weinberg and has regular contributers such as economist Pat Choate, market contrarian Al Thomas and local libertarian figures such as Doug French.
Miscellaneous
If you're in need of some small item, remember that the stores on the Strip (especially those inside the casinos) charge more, since they have to pay higher rent. It's best to buy stuff you might be needing (dental floss, medicines, condoms, etc.) in advance. If you need to get something, try going to the stores on the main streets off the Strip.
While it is legal to drink from an open container while walking on the Strip, if you act stupid or are seen to be TOO drunk, the cops will take you in. Casino security guards have a reputation for acting like police when they aren't. Also, while the sidewalks in front of many of the casinos are public walkways, due to a strange law in the County Code, the casinos can actually OWN them if they provide the upkeep! Yes, the sidewalk in front a major casino is often casino property! If you find yourself hassled by casino security, just say "I'm leaving now." and then leave! Don't make a scene, don't be rude, just leave. If they hassle you any more, stay cool and ask them politely but firmly, "Are you police officers? If not, I want one present." That should calm things down a bit. Just remember that the best way to get out of hot water in Las Vegas is to not get in it in the first place. Stay cool, watch your back, and don't make a scene. Remember, you're here to have fun.
There is a quasi "Chinatown" slowly springing up on Spring Mountain Road. Two large Chinese shopping centers (a short drive apart) offer all sorts of stuff, and both have well-stocked Asian supermarkets. Chinatown Plaza is on Spring Mountain Rd. between Arville and Valley View, and Pacific Asian Plaza is at 5115 Spring Mountain Rd, on the other side of Decatur Blvd.
The Broadacres Swapmeet is an outdoor flea market selling just about anything (legal) you can think of. Thanks to Nevada's unique liquor laws, they also sell beer you can drink while you shop! It's on 2390 Las Vegas Boulevard North and open every Friday, Saturday & Sunday. Admission is $1.50 a head (and may go up as the economy worsens) and worth it just to see all the stuff available and watch the amazing parade of people go by. Get there EARLY (the gates open at 6 AM) because parking is a nightmare! Drive away from the Strip into Downtown and keep going into North Las Vegas. You can't miss the black and yellow billboard on your right.
A good indoor flea market is Fantastic Indoor Swapmeet at 1717 S. Decatur Blvd. (Corner of Decatur and Oakey Blvd.), open 10 to 6 Friday through Sunday. Admission is $1 but you get a coupon for $1 off a purchase of $15 or more (at most vendors). The "Fastastik" sign on the building is leftover from those pre-Costco days when it was the site of a members-only department store.
There are a number of good used book and CD/record stores in the valley. Record City has three locations scattered in the valley. Their store at 300 E. Sahara Ave also sells used DVDs. As for used books, Dead Poets Books (937 S. Rainbow Blvd) and Book Magician (2202 W. Charleston Blvd #2) are the big two, but there are others, like Amber Unicorn (2101 S Decatur Blvd., next to Trader Joe's) which has a mind-bending assortment of cookbooks. Check the phone book while you're here.
If you're in the need of things spiritual, the Unitarian Universalist Congregation of Las Vegas is located at 3616 East Lake Mead Boulevard (not to be confused with Lake Mead Parkway). Sunday services start at 10 AM.
Public Transit
The main bus service is Citizens Area Transit (CAT), and is rather dependable. It's run by the Regional Transportation Commission of Southern Nevada (RTCSN). Visit the website at http://rtcsnv.com/ or call 702-228-4733 (CAT-RIDE) for Customer Services. There is a bike map on the site at http://rtcsnv.com/mpo/cycling/map_tour.cfm, or you can call 702-676-1500 to request a copy.
(The local joke is that "CAT" stands for "Can't Afford a Taxi".)
The Route 301 bus on the Strip has been replaced by "The Deuce", a double-decker bus system which has also been expanded to other heavy routes. Check out http://www.rtcsnv.com/transit/deuce/ . There is also a much maligned monorail system linking many of the Strip casinos with a website at http://www.lvmonorail.com/. Plans are to extend it to Downtown and to McCarran International Airport.
Free Clothing and Furniture
Thrift stores abound here, and there are yard sales scattered about every weekend. Just look for the signs posted on carboard boxes weighed down with rocks at the major intersections. With people moving in and out with great frequency, lots of stuff is thoughtlessly thrown away. Go out on garbage night in the suburbs with a pick-up truck. Happy hunting!
Assorted Freebies
Casinos will give out free drinks if you play the slot machines long enough (Drunk gamblers are happy gamblers, and happy gamblers spend money!). Tip the waitresses, however, since their's is a rough job.
Many of the locals join "players clubs" at the casinos. If you gamble using your slot club card, you often get mail notices of promotional freebies (ranging from chess sets to clothes hampers and kitchen bowls). Some folks have furnished apartments this way. The downside to this is that your personal information is in the casino's database.
Survive
Police Non-Emergency - 311
Suicide Prevention Center of Clark Country - 731-2990
Poison Information - 732-4989
Rape Crisis Center Hot Line - 366-1640
Domestic Crisis Shelter - 646-4981
Information and Referral HELP of Southern Nevada (includes Traveler's Aid International) - 369-4357
Juvenile Court Services Abuse and Neglect Hot Line - 399-0081
Crisis Mental Health Unit - 486-8020
Youth Runaway Emergency Shelter - 385-3330
Salvation Army Corps Community Centers
- 2900 Palomino Lane, Las Vegas - 870-4430
- 2828 E. Cheyenne Avenue, North Las Vegas - 651-9550
- 830 E. Lake Mead Drive, Henderson - 565-9578
Nevada Partnership for Homeless Youth
- If you're between 12 and 18, these folks can help you out with a number of services. Their main phone number is 383-1332, but their Mobile Crisis Intervention Team has a 24 hour toll-free line at 1-866-827-3723 (1-866-U-ARE-SAFE).
Anything else, dial "211" and ask the Operator for assistance.
Stay away from the sleazier joints, since they have a bad reputation for overcharging patrons and fights in the parking lot. Be careful about tempers flaring in the bars during any major sporting event, since the patrons will probably have large amounts of money riding on the outcome. (The Double Down Saloon, however, is an glowing exception to this, and is worth a visit, especially for the live music.)
Watch out for the "Official Tourist Information" storefronts. Nearly all of them are shills for time-share operations with little if any tourist information (One of our writers used to work for one). The truly official website is VisitLasVegas.com, which is run by the Las Vegas Convention and Visitors Authority.
Stay Safe
Despite all the pleasures you can indulge in in Las Vegas, its always best to be smart.
Small amounts of marijuana possession have been decriminalized for people over 21 as per a voter referendum. You'll still get a nice ticket and fine to boot, though. If you're under 21, it's a misdemeanor with (more than likely) no more than a night in the pokey and a stiff fine. Cocaine, Meth, and basically any other uppers are all-too plentiful in the 24/7 city that is Las Vegas, but the pig patrol is much more happy to bust a cat with hard drugs on him.
Don't even think of trying to cheat the casinos! With all the video security in the casinos (Ever wonder what those little glass domes on the ceilings are hiding?), you have a better chance of winning than cheating and not being caught.
Once again, avoid using a Fake ID in a casino. These people are not stupid when it comes to fake ID's, and know every trick in the book. Best case scenario if you're busted is that your ID will be confiscated and you'll get escorted out by LVMPD. Worst case scenario is if the casino presses charges against you (very possible). These places could very well lose their license (EXTREMELY valuable) if they turn a "blind eye" to under 21's in the casino. If you're under 21, stay away from any gambling machines or gaming tables. Nevada gaming laws are pretty tough on under 21's...you can't even watch if you're underage! The same should be said for bars, nightclubs, etc.
Almost all hotels in Vegas require you to be 21 to simply rent a room. Since its not illegal to do so and liquor laws are tight, you very well may get a room if you fork out enough bread. If you feel risky, get some booze delivered to your room by the room service. It's costly, but fake ID's are pretty much accepted at par with delivery staff (most don't even give a rat's ass so long as you tip them well)
Regardless of what anyone tells you, prostitution is illegal in Clark County (that includes Las Vegas)! All the legal brothels are outside the county, and they're not cheap.
In closing, never bet on an Inside Straight, watch your wallet (there's lots of pickpockets out here), and as soon as you think you're "getting the fever", cash out and quit. Remember, "Easy Street" is both a dead end and a blind alley!
