How Much Do Casino Dealers Make In Las Vegas

When we arrived in the parking garage of the Flamingo Las Vegas Hotel and Casino on a Friday night, it was packed. The lot was already almost completely full at 10 p.m. And we had to wind our way.

• I spent a weekend in Las Vegas and the city's precautions made me feel pretty safe.
• The city had plenty of signs reminding visitors to keep their distance from one another and wear masks.
• Pool parties and massive concerts weren't happening, but many Vegas shows and mainstays were still open.
• Most of the people I saw were wearing masks and I also noticed staff members frequently cleaning chips and slot machines.
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I'm no stranger to Las Vegas, Nevada.

1. An Incalculable Loss. America has reached a grim milestone in the coronavirus outbreak — each figure here represents one of the 100,000 lives lost so far.
2. The Golden Gate is the oldest casino in Las Vegas, and it’s where Vegas got its start. Golden Gate opened in 1906, and is better than ever. Outside the Golden Gate is a unique sign that “rocks,” putting most other casino signs to shame.

Las Vegas welcomed over 42 million visitors in 2017 alone and usually makes the top five most-visited U.S. Destinations list every year. Much of the city was designed to keep tourists happy (and spending cash), and it is, indeed, a great place to party, eat, shop, gamble and gawk at the neon lights. Now $35 (Was $̶1̶2̶5̶) on Tripadvisor: Harrah's Las Vegas Hotel & Casino, Las Vegas. See 16,809 traveler reviews, 2,114 candid photos, and great deals for Harrah's Las Vegas Hotel & Casino, ranked #87 of 284 hotels in Las Vegas and rated 4 of 5 at Tripadvisor.

I've been to Sin City during its popular Electric Daisy Carnival when hotels are in such high demand that rooms cost over $600 a night. I've also visited in January when the colder desert temperatures leave the Strip pretty empty.

But this was my first time in Vegas during a global pandemic.

During my trip, I wanted to see if the city's 'Roadmap to Recovery' plan and new safety protocols were being followed. I was also curious how much of Las Vegas was open, especially since it usually relies on indoor entertainment.

Read on to see what my weekend in Las Vegas was like.

The hotels seemed crowded, but there were a lot of safety measures in place

When we arrived in the parking garage of the Flamingo Las Vegas Hotel and Casino on a Friday night, it was packed.

The lot was already almost completely full at 10 p.m. and we had to wind our way up to the top floor to find a spot.

I noticed some of the hotels on the Strip were still offering valet service, but I was more comfortable with parking my own car.

There were a lot of people outside of the hotel, too.

Upon entering the hotel's lobby, it was clear that this was not the Vegas that I was used to visiting, but that was totally OK with me. I know all of the safety measures in place are designed to protect the city's visitors and residents.

As soon as I stepped into the hotel, I saw hand-sanitizer dispensers and spacing markers on the floor everywhere I looked.

The most prominent, center display at the hotel's gift shop was a selection of brightly colored masks, instead of the usual clubbing clothes and swimsuit displays.

The check-in process was also different from what I'm used to

This was my third time staying at the Flamingo, but it was my first time visiting since these stricter health and safety precautions have been implemented.

Before we checked in we waited in a line to have our temperatures checked in a large machine that reminded me of airport security.

There were more stickers on the floor to remind people to stay 6 feet away from each other while they waited in line.

Usually, upon arrival, we check in with a person at a desk who takes our credit card and checks our IDs by hand, but this time it was all done through a machine.

The machine asked us if we wanted housekeeping services during our stay. We opted out.

After dropping off our bags, we headed to The Cosmopolitan to get cocktails, which meant walking through the Strip.

Fortunately, the impressive views of the city had not changed.

The Strip was pretty busy, and there were social-distancing markers at popular attractions

The Strip was pretty crowded, which wasn't too surprising considering Las Vegas has always been the most bustling after the sun goes down.

On the way to get cocktails at The Cosmo, we stopped to watch the fountain show at The Bellagio, which is a Las Vegas staple.

The 'Fountains of Bellagio' runs every 30 minutes or every 15 minutes depending on the time - so there's no shortage of opportunities to catch the show.

This year, there were markers on the ground for people to stand on so they could watch the fountains while staying a safe distance apart.

I was impressed by how people weren't crowding the railing like they usually can during these shows.

At the bars and restaurants we visited, it seemed clear that if you didn't follow the rules you'd be asked to leave

I'm not a fan of eating indoors right now, but it was challenging to find food on the Strip. Since desert temperatures can be high and the area is crowded, outdoor dining is limited. Plus there aren't any grocery stores on the Strip where we could just grab a salad to-go.

Fortunately, I think the places we visited seemed to be adhering to the current indoor-dining safety guidelines fairly well.

Editor's Note: Experts say and research has shown that indoor dining is still one of the most unsafe activities to do right now, especially in a place like Nevada, which is currently experiencing record-high cases and hospitalizations.

Upon arriving at The Cosmopolitan, we underwent a security check and temperature check. There were signs everywhere reminding people to wear their masks unless they were actively eating, drinking, or smoking.

At the Chandelier Bar, we were seated at a table in the lounge but told not to remove our masks until we were served our drinks. There were contactless QR code menus to use for ordering.

Everyone around us seemed to be respecting the safety protocols at the lounge because it seemed clear you would be asked to leave if you didn't.

Some eateries we passed had made a point to put masks on their mascots. Most of these places had markers on the floor, too, to help customers space out.

After drinks, we headed to dinner at Cañonita at The Venetian, which offered contactless services including QR code menus and mobile-pay options.

Before we were seated, we did another health screening and had our temperatures checked. The tables seemed to be spaced out pretty well.

The next morning, we saw crowded pockets as we walked down the Strip, and I'd say 85% of people were wearing masks

One of my favorite activities to do when I'm in Las Vegas is just to walk down the Strip and people watch.

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There were crowded pockets as we walked down the sidewalk - but it was nowhere near as congested as when I've visited around this time of year in the past. Since it was daytime, the area was even quieter.

Las Vegas is also well-known for is its fabulous pools (and pool parties). Some of the resort's pools were closed for the season but others remained open with strict capacity limits.

None of these resorts seemed to currently be hosting parties, and it was weird to see the pools so empty on such a warm day.

Eventually, we headed to the casinos.

In one casino, I saw workers spraying slot machines with disinfectant and cleaning the chips with towels and sanitizer

According to the reopening plan, casinos are currently supposed to adhere to 50% maximum-capacity requirements. Face masks are mandatory.

The casinos weren't quite as crowded as I've seen them in the past, but they were still pretty full - especially at night.

I saw casino workers constantly spraying down and sanitizing slot machines, which were mostly spaced out.

It was nice to see the machines physically being cleaned instead of just reading signs about the casino's disinfecting policies.

Editor's Note: Surface transmission was thought to be a major driver of virus spread early in the pandemic, but it's since become clear that COVID-19 is not primarily spread by touching a surface or object that has the virus on it and then touching your mouth or nose.

Some machines had bright-red stickers on them reminding people not to stand close to another person.

I even saw dealers sanitizing the chips between games. It made me wonder if this is what casinos should've been doing all along - you can never be too careful.

At one point, while gambling in Paris Las Vegas, the roulette technician told me to 'get back,' because there was a four-person limit at our table. Since my partner was gambling and I was not, I could not stand within 6 feet of the table.

The rule had slipped my mind - multiple signs in the area said 'Spectators are not allowed under social distancing guidelines' - and it was comforting to have it enforced, even if it meant I couldn't watch the game.

At the race and sportsbooks zones, chairs and tables in the viewing areas were also adjusted to allow for appropriate social distancing. Again, there were hand-sanitizer dispensers everywhere.

If you didn't have a mask on you because you forgot it in your room or in the car, the security desks at the casinos were giving them out.

I also appreciated how the signs inside the casinos were telling people that their masks must cover their mouth and nose.

Even the restrooms were different - the one I stopped in at The Venetian had what appeared to be plexiglass dividers between each sink. I was pretty impressed.

Even Caesar and Mr. Las Vegas were wearing masks

One of the details I appreciated is that Vegas has clearly put a lot of effort into how the eternal 'locals' are all proudly sporting their masks.

From Caesar standing tall outside of his palace to Lady Liberty towering near The New York-New York - these iconic Vegas landmarks seemed to scream, 'Wear your masks!'

Even Mr. Las Vegas himself is everywhere on this poster, reminding people to mask up or ship out (but in a classy way).

The shopping displays throughout Vegas were uplifting and filled with masks

Indoor shopping was open at a limited capacity, and masks were mandatory.

The entrance had QR codes that you could scan to check updated store hours and see what's open.

I was impressed with how many of the shopping displays promoted a message of safety and positivity. I also noticed a lot of window displays were filled with masks.

Most mannequins were wearing masks and some of the signs in the windows even had encouraging messages, like 'You're Doing Great.'

Throughout my trip, I saw displays advertising indoor shows, which had been put on hold or modified

Some buildings had signs up for popular shows that are currently on hold, like Cirque du Soleil's 'The Beatles LOVE,' which suspended production in March due to COVID-19 concerns.

But plenty of other shows were back and running with new social-distance guidelines.

Most of the shows being advertised had limited capacity and, in some cases, performances were happening in larger theaters to accommodate social distancing.

Many of the returning comedy and magic shows had just begun running again in November after being put on hold earlier this year amid the ongoing pandemic.

Usually, live concerts are one of my favorite parts of Vegas and it was noticeably missing.

Concerts are understandably a no-go at the moment, but I couldn't help but feel like there was nothing to do in Vegas at night - I'm used to seeing a DJ come onstage at 1 a.m.

A lot of popular activities were still open, and the downtown area was pretty crowded, too

The High Roller, the Strip's enormous Ferris wheel is back up and running, as is the Eiffel Tower Viewing Deck Excursion at Paris. The Gondola rides at The Venetian seemed to be in full swing.

I also stopped by downtown Las Vegas, which seemed to be going strong. My guess is that a lot of people came here to try to avoid the crowds of the Strip.

There were a number of fairly new restaurants and hotels in the area, including the massive Circa Resort and Casino that opened to the public in October.

The 21 and up resort was huge and had a casino, pool amphitheater, and massive seating complex where you can participate in competitive betting.

In more normal times, I could see this pool amphitheater being totally packed with visitors. Currently, though, it was empty.

The downtown area also had a Fremont Street Experience, a pedestrian mall and attraction that's partially outdoors but covered by an LED ceiling.

There was security patrolling through on bikes to make sure everyone was wearing masks and ample signage about social distancing.

I felt completely safe during my trip, but I know it will take a long time for Vegas to fully recover

In 2019, Vegas had 42.5 million visitors. Since the city reopened in June, it's seen a 51% decrease in visitors from last year.

But even though there were fewer visitors and some activities were off-limits, the city was far from a ghost town.

Plenty of people were gambling, walking around the Strip, and dining in Vegas mainstays - the big difference is that hand sanitizer, safety-related signs, and masks were everywhere.

It seemed clear to me that the city is working really hard to promote and create a safe environment for guests. But, of course, no system is perfect. It's going to take a long time for Sin City to fully recover, especially without opportunities to host huge conventions, big parties, and massive concerts.

Above all, Las Vegas is still very much Las Vegas -it just feels a bit different right now.

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The only sure bet in Las Vegas is Lady Luck is fickle. When you’re playing in Vegas casinos, it’s good to know your limits and that includes how much you’re willing to spend on gambling. If you’ve blown your bankroll and decide to call it quits for the day, there’s still a lot to do and see on Fremont Street!

Here’s a list of fun things to do on Fremont Street while you’re waiting to get your gambling groove back.

1. Root for your favorite Sigma Derby horse.

The classic Sigma Derby slot machine on the second floor of The D Las Vegas is a blast, not just because the Sigma Derby machine is a classic, but also because Sigma Derby is more than a game of chance, it’s a communal experience. You can watch the races without wagering, and it’s a lot more fun when everyone’s rooting for their favorite horse or jockey.

2. Discover antiques at Main Street.

We’ve been to the Main Street casino a hundred times or more, but every single time we spot some new antique or artifact. Stop by Main Street’s hotel registration desk and pick up a “Guide to Artifacts, Antiques and Artworks.” (Download the brochure in .pdf format. You’re welcome.) Main Street is a treasure trove of impossibly interesting collectibles you would spend hours exploring. Oh, and don’t miss a section of the Berlin Wall in the casino’s men’s room.

3. Take in the light shows.

The ultimate free thing to do in Las Vegas, Viva Vision light shows happen throughout each night at Fremont Street Experience. The visuals are spectacular and the 550,000-watt speaker system is world-class.

4. Try your luck with a free slot spin.

Just because you ran out of gambling allowance doesn’t mean you have to stop playing. Outside Binion’s and Four Queens, take your turn on free spin slot machines and you could end up with tons of free play or other perks. Beware other free spins on Fremont Street, though. They’re sometimes used by timeshare salespersons to lure unsuspecting visitors into hearing their spiel. Get the straight scoop.

Related: Weird and Wonderful Slot Machines You Have to See in Las Vegas

5. Check out the city’s first movie theater.

The first movie theater in Las Vegas is still standing. It’s called El Portal, and it was also the first air-conditioned building in Las Vegas. Find it across from The D Las Vegas. It’s now a gift shop.

6. Get your photo with a million bucks.

This one’s a must-do whenever you’re downtown. Binion’s offers guests a free photo of a million dollars in cash. (You can take a photo using your own camera, too, but please, no flash.) It takes about 20-30 minutes for the photos to turn up at the casino’s player loyalty club desk. Make sure to grab a flyer at the photo op desk. It includes a ton of freebies for new loyalty club sign-ups.

7. Time travel on Fremont East.

If you’re up for a stroll to clear your head, make your way to Fremont East. Along this part of Fremont Street you’ll find 18 bronze “medallions” embedded in the sidewalk. Each medallion provides a glimpse into the history of Las Vegas, including interesting facts about Vegas icons like Benny Binion, “Bugsy” Siegel, Wayne Newton and Steve Wynn.

8. Pose with Vegas Vic.

He’s recognized around the world as a symbol of Las Vegas and its famed “Glitter Gulch” (a nickname given downtown Las Vegas because of its dazzling lights). Vegas Vic stands watch over the Pioneer Gift Shop, next to Golden Nugget.

9. Take the Banger Brewing tour.

Yes, Downtown Las Vegas has its own microbrewery, and Banger Brewing offers free tours of its facilities. Banger Brewing is located near the base of the SlotZilla zip line take-off tower. Check the Banger Brewing Web site for details about these intoxicating tours.

10. People-watch.

We can’t forget the most obvious free diversion at Fremont Street Experience, the people-watching. Visitors from around the world come to Fremont Street, and its denizens are truly a sight to behold. If you’d like to sit and watch the festivities, we’ve put together a list of 11 Great Places to Sit and People-Watch at Fremont Street Experience for your convenience.

11. Visit the world’s largest functioning fire hydrant.

Everything’s bigger in Las Vegas, and Fremont Street is home to what’s billed as the world’s largest functioning fire hydrant. The 14.5-foot-tall fire hydrant is a few blocks east of the SlotZilla tower, on Fremont East.

12. See the world’s biggest keno board.

It’s big, it’s fun and it’s free to see! Check out the world’s biggest keno board at The D.

13. Find the rocker sign at Golden Gate.

The Golden Gate is the oldest casino in Las Vegas, and it’s where Vegas got its start. Golden Gate opened in 1906, and is better than ever. Outside the Golden Gate is a unique sign that “rocks,” putting most other casino signs to shame. Another free diversion can be found inside Golden Gate. Near the casino’s valet entrance you’ll find several vintage slot machines, adding to the casino’s old-school charm.

14. Take in the toys at Neonopolis.

In the Neonopolis shopping plaza, there’s Toy Shack, a toy store known around the world thanks to the reality TV series, “Pawn Stars.” Stroll the aisles of this toy shop and you’ll see thousands of vintage and hard-to-find toys. It’s a family-friendly activity that’ll bring back some memories, whether you’re buying, selling or just killing some time.

15. Watch a craps game.

Craps games in Las Vegas casino have to be one of the best forms of entertainment in the world. Craps is almost always the loudest, most energetic game in a casino, and while it’s fun to play, it’s entertaining just to watch, too. Observing a craps game in progress is a wonderful way to learn the game’s jargon and rituals, and dealers are happy to provide information about the lively game.

16. Dance in the street.

Fremont Street Experience hosts free entertainment nightly on three stages. You’re sure to find a show that makes you want to dance in the streets. In addition to nightly entertainment, Fremont Street Experience also puts on a series of summer concerts featuring world-class acts in a party atmosphere. Check the Fremont Street Experience calendar of events for details.

17. Rub a piece of the Blarney Stone.

Legend has it this chunk of rock at The D is a portion of the Blarney Stone. Rub it for good luck, but don’t kiss it. That’s gross.

18. Enjoy flair bartenders.

Just about anyone can make a cocktail, but the flair bartenders at The D Las Vegas and Golden Gate take bartending to another level. Flair bartending, also called “flairtending,” has a lot in common with juggling, but on Fremont Street, it’s all about entertaining guests and giving them an unforgettable show. There’s more flair bartending inside at The D, at the hotel’s Vue Bar, upstairs, and Longbar.

19. Weigh yourself at Heart Attack Grill.

The Heart Attack Grill is a truly one-of-a-kind restaurant. The establishment is known for its decadent menu and irreverent sense of humor. Outside, there’s a weight scale touting the fact anyone who weighs more than 300 pounds eats free. Get up your courage, step on the scale and you’re bound to draw a crowd.

20. Sleep with the fishes.

Inside the famed Golden Nugget casino are two aquariums of note. One is in the hotel’s pool. The Tank is home to sharks and other fish, with a water slide running through it, making it one of the most talked-about and award-winning pools in Las Vegas. The other stunning aquarium is in the hotel’s Chart House restaurant. The exotic fish are endlessly entertaining, and keep an eye out for a massive green eel often hiding among the aquarium’s rocks and plants.

Related: Five Things to Love at Golden Nugget’s Chart House Restaurant

21. Seek out the world’s largest pint glass.

Hennessey’s Tavern is a bar and restaurant on the eastern most end of Fremont Street Experience (again, not far from the SlotZilla tower). Towering over the restaurant is what’s touted as the world’s largest pint glass. It’s not actually a pint “glass,” of course, but it does make a great photo op for lovers of frothy beverages.

22. Rub elbows with lucky arms.

Long, lucrative craps rolls are the stuff of legend in Las Vegas. On May 29, 1989, Stanley Fujitake rolled the bones for an incredible three hours and six minutes. In 2003, a Golden Arm Wall of Fame was created to honor other craps players with exceptional dice-throwing abilities. You can see the Wall of Fame at Fremont casino, and there’s another collection of honors on the bridge between The California and Main Street casino.

23. Rub Buddha’s belly.

In Vegas, you can never have too much rubbing. If you’ve depleted your gambling allowance, you could use a little help with your mojo. Rubbing the Laughing Buddha’s belly for good luck is a time-honored tradition, and there’s a large Buddha statue suitable for rubbing near the hotel registration desk the California casino, just off Fremont Street.

24. Have a brush with poker greats.

Outside the famed Binion’s poker room is suspended a poker table with the autographs of dozens of poker luminaries. Binion’s was the original home of the World Series of Poker, and many of its most famous players appear on this epic piece of Vegas memorabilia. And here’s our final suggestion of something to do if you’ve blown through your gambling allowance.

How Much Do Casino Dealers Make In Las Vegas

Related: Five Ways to Improve Your Mojo Before Gambling in a Las Vegas Casino

How Much Do Casino Dealers Make In Las Vegas 2020

25. Drink.

How Much Do Casino Dealers Make In Las Vegas Right Now

Hey, different allowance.

We hope you’ve found something fun to do on our list, and if you discover others, please leave a comment with your suggestion.

How Much Do Casino Dealers Make In Las Vegas Nevada

Ultimately, one of the best non-gambling things to do on Fremont Street is make new friends. Making new friends is free, and if it’s not, she isn’t looking to be your “friend,” and that’s illegal in Las Vegas!

Check out more fun things to do in Las Vegas.

How Much Do Casino Dealers Make In Las Vegas 2019

Have fun and good luck!