Place Your Bets on a Big Win: This Is Las Vegas for Sports Lovers

Sin City is no longer an exclusive playground for nightclub revelers and casino hoppers. With the arrival of professional football and a hockey team that’s already made a championship run, the burgeoning Las Vegas sports scene is now making this a bona fide sports city.

Here’s how to get in on the action.

As always, check for travel restrictions and closures before planning your trip.

Place Your Bets

You might see sports jerseys up and down the Strip, but make no mistake: This is a city built on gambling — including a whole lot of Las Vegas sports betting.

Have faith in your team? Put your money where your mouth is at JW Marriott Las Vegas Resort & Spa, home to Rampart Casino and its revamped Race and Sports Book.

A short drive from the Strip, this 6,000-square-foot space boasts a 55-foot LED screen so you can watch multiple games at once, along with a new sports bar and lounge featuring bar-top gaming machines, TVs and plenty of libations. Bet on all major sports, along with horse and auto racing.

Most properties on the Strip have their own sportsbook. You can’t go wrong with any of them, but the mecca is just off the main drag at the aptly named, 30,000-square-foot SuperBook, which is loaded with a giant 220-by-18-foot 4K video wall, more than 350 seats, the largest wagering menu in Nevada and a mobile app.

It’s also home to the SuperContest, a football handicapping challenge where first place takes home at least $1 million, and Football Central, a free Sunday viewing party with 1,500 seats, food and drink specials, and satellite betting stations.

Get Fitted

You left the house with those on? Hop over to Fashion Show mall, where you can find stores dedicated to Las Vegas’ home teams. Complete your game day look with a pair of the rarest kicks around at Urban Necessities, a sprawling resell store stocked with hard-to-find “grails” like the Nike Air Max 1/97 hybrid or rapper Travis Scott’s Jordan 1 Retro sneakers.

Where to Pregame

If you want to experience sports in Vegas the right way, hit the Strip for your pick of lavish lounges and lively sports bars. Lagasse’s Stadium at The Palazzo is an upscale tailgate party with plush couches, more than 100 screens, game day specials and elevated fare. Watch your favorite team while eating Chef Emeril Lagasse’s classic shrimp po’boy or spice-rubbed baby back ribs.

Feeling cooped up? Head to Beer Park. Paris Las Vegas’ rooftop bar has some of the best views of the Strip, along with a mouthwatering menu and a selection of more than 100 beers.

If you’re indecisive, Ellis Island Casino’s indoor/outdoor beer garden, The Front Yard, is the best of both worlds. The two-story venue serves up the Ellis family’s favorite recipes and craft beers from the in-house Ellis Island Brewery, with a side of live entertainment.

Hockey fans should make their way downtown to Able Baker Brewing Co. The homegrown brewery features collaborative brews with professional hockey player Ryan Reaves’ 7Five Brewing Co.

While you’re there, make sure to grab a bite from Arts District Craft & Kitchen, located inside the brewery, for Asian-inspired gems like the pork belly burger and a selection of banh mi.

The Royal Treatment

T-Mobile Arena is ground zero for ice hockey action. Book a tour and get a behind-the-scenes look at the stadium, peek inside the dressing rooms, pop into the swank Hyde Lounge and check out the video control room.

Since Allegiant Stadium opened, it’s been a sight to behold. You can sign up now for a tour and get an exclusive look at the $1.8 billion stadium.