Las Vegas sportsbooks, at least some of them, are becoming more and more stingy when it comes to handing out free drink tickets to patrons placing bets.
Although not ideal for bettors, we understand why it doesn’t make sense to distribute drink coupons as liberally as porn slapper cards on the Strip. After all, sportsbooks only hold, or win, about 5% of wagers placed on sports. If you place $200 in sports wagers, the house can reasonably expect to win only about $10 of it.
As sports betting and alcohol consumption are two topics near and dear to our hearts we figured it would be helpful to throw together a few tips for maximizing your drink ticket haul in Vegas.
Keep in mind, there are a lot of variables at play – most importantly the generosity of the establishment and your individual ticket writer, but, there are actions you can take to improve your chances of earning a free cocktail or two.
Get away from the big chain casinos
Earning free drink coupons at corporate-controlled mega-resorts on the Strip can be challenging if you are placing bets under $100. Check out casinos off the Strip, or the “lesser” options that may be more desperate to please their customer base.
I’ve personally had a lot of luck at Station Casino properties (Palace Station specifically) and Westgate.
Essentially, the best sportsbook in Vegas for free drinks are the least grandiose. Get away from the tourist centers where they want to earn your business.
Tip your ticket writer
My buddies and I were recently at a Westgate watch party during the opening weekend of March Madness this past year.
I was standing in a never-ending line to get my bets in for upcoming games and noticed nobody ahead of me were getting drink tickets.
I got to the counter to place my measly few hundred dollars in bets I slipped an extra $10 to the young lady writing tickets. Her mood went from dismissive and ornery to cheerful as she handed me a stack of 7 complimentary drink tickets.
Those same drinks would have cost me over $40 bucks at the bar – worth it.
Throwing a few bucks to your ticket writer is the right thing to do anyway, however, it’s also damn near guaranteed to earn you a few free drink tickets.
Don’t be afraid to ask
It’s happened to every casual bettor. You make your wagers at the counter, the writer takes your cash, hands over your bet slips and the transaction is seemingly over.
He or she tells you to have a good day which is a signal to you that it’s time to leave the counter without any coveted drink tickets.
Don’t be shy, this is your moment.
Politely ask if you can have a drink ticket or two and allow the awkward silence to settle in. In the worst-case scenario, they’ll say no, however, they’re much more likely to toss you a couple of drink tickets in my experience.
They want the awkward moment to end as quickly as you do.
You have nothing to lose. You’re never going to see this person again in your life. Shoot your shot.
Being a good person goes a long way
Think of your job. If someone is courteous and friendly to you, I imagine you’re willing to go the extra mile for them right?
The same goes for earning free drinks at the sportsbook. If I am writing tickets, the nice guy is getting more than the guy who’s a jerk. I don’t care if you’re so deep in a gambling hole that you can’t see daylight anymore – be courteous so you can drink your losses away.
Avoid App and Kiosks
Betting cell phone applications and self-service betting kiosks are becoming more popular in Las Vegas. Unfortunately, placing a bet with either won’t allow you to score free drink tickets. If a free cocktail is what you seek, you are still best served by placing your bet with a real human.
I also keep a running tab of Las Vegas March Madness and Super Bowl watch parties annually! Bookmark either page to reference as your event approaches.
I’m a former software salesman turned Vegas aficionado. While the craps table is my preferred habitat, I pull myself away to explore new attractions, shows, restaurants, and outdoor activities around Las Vegas with the intent of sharing my experiences.
Ultimately, I just want to help folks plan a better trip and save a few bucks in the process.
Thursday 17th of March 2022
In November of 2021, South Point no longer gave drink tickets when you made a sports bet.