The short answer is – yes, absolutely! If you are actively playing poker in one of Las Vegas‘ iconic casinos, you can enjoy complimentary alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks. But how often are drinks served? Does it depend on the stakes? Do you have to tip? What about getting cheap drinks even when not gambling? This definitive guide has all the insider info to maximize free cocktails during your Vegas poker trip.
As an avid poker enthusiast and Vegas visitor, I‘ve spent many trips working on perfecting the art of keeping my whistle wet with free drinks while grinding it out at the poker tables. And what happens in Vegas definitely doesn‘t stay in Vegas thanks to those tasty complimentary cocktails!
So whether you are a poker newbie headed to Vegas for your first real casino experience or a grizzled vet looking to brush up on getting the most out of drink service, this guide will prepare you to drink in the Vegas poker room ambiance while saving money. Let‘s get started!
Free cocktail basics in Vegas casinos
Before diving specifically into drinking while playing poker, it‘s helpful to understand the overall free drink policies in Las Vegas casinos.
The standard rule of thumb in gambling dens across Vegas is…
If you are actively playing any casino game, your drinks are free!
This applies not just in the poker rooms, but also at slots, blackjack tables, craps games, sportsbooks, and other gaming sections. As long as you have money in action, the cocktail waitresses will gladly bring alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks at no charge. All you need to do is:
- Sit down at a game and buy-in
- Wait for the waitress to come by
- Order your drink of choice!
Now, you are expected to tip the waitress, usually $1-$2 per drink. We‘ll cover why good tipping is key to better service shortly.
The drinks flow especially freely out on the main casino floors. There is a reason Las Vegas is sometimes joking referred to as a city built on booze, bets, and bad decisions!
But what about enjoying free drinks at the poker tables specifically? Are there any special rules to know about?
Yes, drinks are complimentary for poker players too!
Las Vegas casinos apply the same general policy of free drinks to poker rooms:
If you are seated in a live poker game or playing video poker, your drinks are on the house. Cocktail waitresses will serve you alcohol and non-alcoholic beverages at no charge as long as you:
- Buy into the live poker game
- Actively play hands when dealt to you
- Remember to tip the waitress!
The waitresses may not be as speedy about asking for your order compared to when you are playing slots. But by law, you are entitled to the same free drink service as long as you are participating in the poker game.
One advantage of playing live poker over slots is that your drink lasts longer since the hands take more time. This means less waste from abandoned half-empty glasses compared to slots where your spins are over quickly.
Getting to know the poker room drink ladies
Cultivating a good relationship with the poker room cocktail waitresses is key to ensuring speedy, uninterrupted drink service.
The waitresses‘ income depends largely on tips, so they definitely appreciate poker players who:
Regularly tip $1+ per drink
Politely get their attention for a drink order
Thank them by name for each round
Being rude, impatient or a poor/stingy tipper at the poker table is a surefire way to have your drink service slowed down. So always be polite to the ladies working hard to get you those free beers, shots and cocktails!
Speaking of tips…
How much should you tip the cocktail waitress?
When playing poker in Vegas, the standard tip per drink delivered is $1-$2. Higher limit games may expect larger tips up to $5+ per drink.
For example, at a low stakes $1/$2 NLHE table, $1 per beer or simple mixed drink is fine. At higher stakes like $25/$50 LHE, tip at least $5 for premium cocktails.
Typical per drink tips:
$1-2 per drink at low stakes tables
$3-5+ at mid stakes games
$5-10+ at high roller games
Why higher tips at bigger games? The waitresses know high limit players have more money to spread around. Don‘t forget tipping is how they make a living!
Always tip in poker chips for convenience when at the tables. But cash works too if you run low on chips.
Getting more comped drinks at the tables
Vegas poker rooms host games at all stakes and action levels. The most active games with bigger betting tend to attract the most waitress visits. Here are some insider tips for maximizing free drinks:
Seek out busy tables over quiet corners
Play in higher limit games
Bet aggressively when dealt strong hands
Avoid folding or sitting out too many hands
Order food to remind waitresses you‘re thirsty
Politely request faster service if drinks are too slow
The cocktail waitresses have to feel you are an active poker participant gambling frequently to warrant stopping at your table. Passive play or taking long breaks make you less likely to get speedy refills.
If the wait time between rounds is too long, don‘t be shy about politely asking your waitress to speed up the pace a bit. Just remember to say please and thank you – these ladies work hard!
Are free drinks better in high roller rooms?
For poker pros, whales, and other deep-pocketed players, Las Vegas offers lavish high limit poker rooms. These include:
- Bobby‘s Room at Bellagio
- Ivey‘s Room at Aria
- High Limit Room at Wynn
The minimum buy-ins can be $20/$40 or even $100/$200 blinds. Does drinking for free change at these exclusive tables populated by celebrities, millionaires, and poker legends?
In general, the same comped drink policies apply. But being a VIP high roller does have some boozy advantages:
Premium booze – Top-shelf liquor, finest wines, imported beers
Faster service – More waitresses per table to cater to every need
Higher comp limit – potentially more than 2 drinks at once approved
Special treatment – Cocktail servers may know your favorites
So while high limit players pay a premium to buy into the game, they get an upgraded drinking experience compared to the masses playing 1/2 or 1/3 NLHE.
Drink tickets – another way to get cheap booze
In addition to free cocktail service while gambling, there are other ways to get drinks on the cheap in Vegas:
Drink tickets – Many casinos hand out free drink coupons, especially to loyalty club members. These are basically one free drink vouchers.
Happy hours – Casino bars often run daily early afternoon or late night drink specials.
BYOB policies – Most Vegas casinos allow you to bring your own beer, wine, or plastic bottle liquor to save money.
Loyalty clubs – Signing up for players cards can earn points redeemable for free drinks.
Slot bonuses – Some machines offer random free drink prizes for bonuses.
So don‘t just rely solely on the poker roomwaitresses for alcohol. Seek out drink tickets, happy hours, and other ways to quench your thirst on the cheap in Vegas!
Walking the Strip with your yard-long cocktail
Las Vegas also allows casinos to serve alcoholic drinks in open plastic containers. This means you can get a 50-oz monster margarita, 32-oz beer bong, or other hilariously oversized beverages and walk out on the Strip with them.
Just know the rules:
- Must be in a plastic cup, not glass
- Applies to Las Vegas Blvd sidewalks
- Other public areas prohibit open containers
Do keep in mind these drinks can creep up on you! The Nevada sun and alcohol don‘t mix well. So hydrate with water too and don‘t overdo it.
Are there Exceptions for under 21 poker players?
Now you may be wondering – can someone under 21 years old still drink for free if playing poker in Las Vegas?
Unfortunately, no. The legal drinking age in Nevada is 21, same as most other states. Casinos adhere strictly to this law.
While exceptions exist for underage drinking with parents/guardians or spouses in private settings, these do not apply for gambling in poker rooms.
So if you are joining friends for a poker trip before your 21st birthday, hold off on the booze until you hit the right age. Focus on soft drinks, Red Bulls or coffee instead.
Buying booze 24/7/365 in Las Vegas
Most American cities and towns have restrictions on when bars can sell alcohol. Last call is usually 1am-2am or earlier.
But one unique aspect of Las Vegas is there are no restrictions on late night or early morning alcohol sales. Nevada law allows venues to choose their own hours of operation.
This means enjoy 24 hour access to beer, wine, spirits, and cocktails thanks to:
Round-the-clock casinos – On-site bars never close!
24-hour liquor/convenience stores – Pick up a six pack even at 4am a block off the Strip.
Downtown late night options – Bars in the Fremont Street district stay busy overnight.
So if late night drinking is your thing, you‘ve come to the right town! In Las Vegas the party never has to stop.
Budgeting for a beer-soaked poker trip
Between gambling, fine dining, shows, and nightlife, a trip to Vegas can cost more than you expect. Here is an approximate daily budget to plan for per person:
| Expense | Daily Average |
|---|---|
| Gambling Bankroll | $100-$500 |
| Food | $70 |
| Lodging | $150 |
| Drinks & Alcohol | $50 |
| Entertainment/Shows | $150 |
| Shopping/Souvenirs | $50 |
| Transportation | $30 |
| Total | $600-$1000+ |
With an estimated daily total of $600+ per person, costs add up fast. So set a gambling budget and watch your alcohol consumption to avoid spending more than you intended.
A huge benefit is enjoying free cocktails while playing poker helps offset your booze costs compared to paying for each drink at full price. But those tips still add up, so imbibe responsibly.
Final thoughts on drinking free while playing poker in Vegas
Las Vegas offers a one-of-a-kind environment for poker players to test their skills against top competition coming from around the globe. The free-flowing drinks ensure you can do so in style and comfort.
Just pace yourself, tip your waitresses, and take advantage of all the ways to keep your wallet intact while enjoying beers, cocktails, and more. After all, no one wants to wake up with a crushing hangover and be broke from a disastrous poker run.
So next time you buy into a juicy game at Bellagio, Caesars Palace or Aria, be sure to utilize these insider tips. Know your drink ordering etiquette, establish rapport with the waitresses, and milk those comps for all they are worth.
Only in Las Vegas can you combine the mental challenge of poker strategy with unlimited free booze. So drink up – just don‘t go on mega-tilt!
Well, I‘m off to brew some coffee before my next poker session. Hopefully I‘ve convinced you that keeping your whistle wet with free drinks is one of the best perks of playing poker in Las Vegas. Let me know if you need any more tips before your upcoming trip to soak in all that Sin City has to offer.
Stay hydrated out there my friends!
