Las Vegas for the Seriously Broke

If you are dreaming of a Las Vegas vacation but think it will have to remain a dream due to a tight budget, think again. Although it is possible to spend a ridiculous amount of money in Sin City, it is also possible to find some great deals.

Timing Matters

When you go to Las Vegas will significantly affect the cost of your hotel room. In general, good deals are available during winter. However, be careful to avoid special occasions, like New Year's Eve and the Super Bowl, as well as big conventions. Weekend rates also tend to be very high, so consider going during the week if this is at all possible. Many hotels offer online calendars with room rates, so look at a few different dates to find the best deal.

Consider an Off-Strip Casino

The big, luxurious hotels on the Strip are expensive. However, there are lots of cheaper hotels, some of which are very close to the Strip and have their own casino, so you'll still be right in the middle of all the action. Terrible's Hotel & Casino, for example, offers inexpensive rooms and is only a mile away from the Strip.

Station Casinos owns a lot of hotel and casinos throughout the Las Vegas area. Wild Wild West is very close to the Strip and has very inexpensive rooms. If you're willing to stay farther away from the Strip, you could try Station Casino's Fiesta Hotel and Casinos, which both have nice rooms for under $50. The Fiesta Henderson is about a 20 minute drive from the Strip. The Fiesta Rancho is about 15 minutes away from the Strip.

Downtown Las Vegas also has many large hotels with excellent rates. This older and less expensive part of Las Vegas has its own shows, casinos, bars, and shops, making it a cheaper alternative to the Strip.

Remember, you are welcome to gamble and dine at the expensive casinos even if you are not staying there. You could also book a couple of nights at one of the more expensive hotels and a couple of nights at a cheaper hotel.

Get the Player's Card

Most casinos offer player's cards. By using these cards when you gamble, you earn points. These points can then be redeemed for, depending on the casino, free slot play, food, or hotel rooms. However, even if you don't plan on gambling enough to earn a significant amount of points, you should still sign up for the player's card at every casino you go to; many casinos offer great incentives just for signing up.

When I signed up for the Hooters Casino Hotel Owl Rewards Club, I received coupons for match plays, food, drinks, and a free show. Yes, that's right - a free show. There were no strings attached, and I didn't have to pay anything. It was even a good show. At the Tropicana, I received more coupons and a deck of cards. Terrible's also provides coupons, as well as a free hat or tee shirt.

Some casinos, including Terrible's, the various Station Casinos, and Binion's (in downtown Las Vegas), offer free slot play when you sign up for the player's card. You typically will only get between three and ten dollars, but it's still a good deal.

Free Entertainment

Many hotels offer free entertainment in order to bring in potential customers. Circus Circus, for example, offers free circus shows everyday. These shows, which occur throughout the day, are short, but they are good. The Flamingo has a beautiful wildlife habitat that's open to the public for free. You can relax among swans, ducks, koi, and (of course) flamingos. Over at the MGM, you can see the lions for free in the lion habitat in the middle of the casino. In downtown Las Vegas, the Freemont Street Experience offers free, spectacular light shows and music every night.

Las Vegas is always changing, so you might not be able to find exactly what is described above. However, great deals are always available, so keep you eyes open and you might find something even better.