Las Vegas is known for its glitz, glamour, and endless entertainment, but lurking beneath the neon lights and the all-you-can-eat buffets is a world of scams and rip-offs that can easily spoil your vacation. While the city offers a wealth of experiences, it’s important to stay vigilant and prepared for the less-than-ideal situations that might come your way. From overpriced drinks to deceptive marketing, here are 20 ways Las Vegas might try to take advantage of you.
1. Early Check-In Fees
One of the more recent scams in Las Vegas is the dreaded early check-in fee. If you arrive before the designated check-in time, usually around 3 or 4 PM, you might be hit with an extra charge just to get into your room early. Expect fees upwards of $50, and in some cases, even higher, depending on the hotel. If you’re planning to arrive early, be prepared to either wait or fork out the cash to get settled in early.
2. Fake Pot Stores
While marijuana is legal in Nevada, not all pot stores are created equal. Some shops masquerade as dispensaries but are, in fact, selling chemical-based products that have nothing to do with cannabis. They might even have security guards to make them appear legitimate. To get the real deal, you’ll need to venture off the Strip to a licensed dispensary, and trust us, it’s worth the trip.
3. Overpriced Drinks
Las Vegas is notorious for its overpriced drinks, particularly by the pool or in upscale hotel lounges. It’s not uncommon to find cocktails costing upwards of $30, and if you’re at a popular club or bar, you might even see prices soar above $100 for a round. While enjoying a drink in a luxury spot might seem worth it, the prices can quickly add up. Be sure to check drink menus before committing, or look for cheaper options outside the main tourist hubs.
4. Themed Slots
If you’re a fan of slot machines, be aware that themed slots, those based on your favorite movies or musicians, tend to pay out less than traditional machines. The reason? These machines pay royalties to the intellectual property holders, which eats into the payout percentage. While they can be fun, don’t expect to win big at these slots.
5. Paid Parking
In a city like Las Vegas, you might expect free parking at most casinos and resorts. But over the years, parking fees have become more and more common. While some places still offer free parking, many others charge anywhere from $10 to $25 per day for parking. The worst part? These charges often don’t come with any warning, and you’ll be stuck with an extra fee at checkout.
6. Club Promoters
When walking down the Strip, you’re bound to encounter people trying to pull you into clubs with promises of VIP access or free entry. These “promoters” don’t work for the hotels or the clubs – they’re just independent hustlers looking to pocket your cash. Don’t be fooled by the promise of a “VIP list” or cheap deals. Always double-check before committing to anything.
7. Fremont Street Stands
Fremont Street, the iconic old-school part of Vegas, is known for its street vendors selling everything from sunglasses to T-shirts. While some of these items are reasonably priced, others are marked up significantly. The trick is to haggle. Don’t accept the first price – vendors will usually be willing to negotiate. Be prepared to walk away if the price doesn’t seem right.
8. Buskers Asking for Too Much
Street performers, or buskers, are a common sight in Las Vegas, and while many are entertaining, some might try to pressure you into giving more than you’re comfortable with. Whether it’s a photo with a showgirl or a quick song performance, be mindful of how much you’re tipping. If they ask for a $50 tip for a photo, that’s a serious red flag. Tip what feels fair, but don’t let anyone guilt-trip you into spending more than you intended.
9. Overpriced Hotel Food Courts
Hotel food courts may seem like a cheaper option when you’re hungry, but they often offer overpriced meals that aren’t even that good. A simple fast food meal can cost you $20 or more, and the portion sizes are rarely worth the price. It’s better to step outside the hotel and look for a more affordable option at nearby restaurants or food trucks.
10. Resort Fees
These mandatory fees are added on top of your room rate and are meant to cover things like pool access, fitness centers, and Wi-Fi. While some hotels might justify the cost, many guests feel they’re nothing more than a scam. Be sure to check the fine print when booking your room and know what’s included in the price. You might find that what’s offered isn’t worth the extra cost.
11. ATMs with High Fees
When you need cash in Las Vegas, ATMs seem like the most convenient option, but the fees are often outrageous. You might be charged anywhere from $5 to $10 for a simple withdrawal, and some casinos charge even more. To avoid these steep charges, consider bringing cash with you or withdrawing from ATMs that don’t belong to the casino, like those found at Walgreens or CVS.
12. Timeshare Presentations
If you’re offered free tickets to a show or discounted meals in exchange for attending a timeshare presentation, run the other way. These presentations can last up to five hours and are designed to pressure you into signing up for a timeshare that you probably don’t need. They’re not worth your time, and you’re far better off spending your vacation elsewhere.
13. Coin Redemption Scams
Casinos used to offer coin redemption stations, where you could cash in your leftover coins for vouchers. But now, some casinos keep the change as part of a coin shortage scam. If you don’t cash out your change immediately, the casino gets to keep it. To avoid losing your money, always redeem your coins as soon as you can or head straight to the cashier.
14. Triple-Zero Roulette
Las Vegas casinos have started offering roulette tables with a “triple-zero” option. This third zero significantly lowers your odds of winning, making it one of the worst bets on the casino floor. Always check the table before sitting down to make sure you’re playing on a double-zero or single-zero roulette table for better chances at winning.
15. MGM Buffets
The MGM buffet might seem like a great deal at first, but many guests find themselves disappointed by the quality of food and the high price. You can save money by downloading the “My Vegas” app, which often offers buy-one-get-one-free buffet deals. But even then, buffets might not always be worth it compared to dining at a local restaurant.
16. Paid Wi-Fi at Caesars Properties
At Caesars properties, Wi-Fi is often a hidden cost. Not only does the hotel charge extra fees for connecting additional devices, but the service itself tends to be unreliable. Guests often find the Wi-Fi to be slow or intermittent, leading to frustration during their stay. If you’re staying at a Caesars property, it’s worth considering whether free Wi-Fi is available at local coffee shops or restaurants instead.
17. Stay-Well Rooms
Some resorts in Las Vegas offer “Stay-Well” rooms, which include supposed health benefits like air purifiers and vitamin C-infused shower water. These rooms often come at a premium, but the truth is, most of these features are more placebo than actual improvements. You’re paying extra for something that’s not likely to make a noticeable difference in your stay, so unless you’re particularly health-conscious, it’s probably not worth the upgrade.
18. Club Entry Fees
If you’re looking to party in Las Vegas, be prepared for high club entry fees, especially if you’re not on a VIP list. While many people are drawn in by promoters offering free or discounted entry, these offers are often a trap. You’ll likely end up paying hidden fees once you get inside or, worse, be pressured into buying overpriced bottles at the table.
19. Strip Handouts
Be wary of the many people handing out free items on the Strip. You might be handed a CD, a flyer, or even a fake coupon, and while these might seem like harmless giveaways, many of them come with strings attached. Some might try to convince you to make a donation or buy something from them, or worse, you’ll be left with a bill you didn’t expect.
20. Taxis with Set Prices
When you’re taking a taxi in Las Vegas, always be cautious if the driver tries to charge you a set price. This is usually a sign that they’re attempting to scam you. Always ask for the meter to be turned on or consider taking a Lyft or Uber, which are often cheaper and more reliable.
Protect Yourself from Las Vegas Scams
While Las Vegas is an exciting and vibrant destination, it’s also a city rife with opportunities for scams and rip-offs. From inflated resort fees to deceptive street vendors, it’s essential to stay vigilant and make informed choices. By being aware of these 20 common scams, you can avoid unnecessary expenses and ensure that your trip to the Entertainment Capital of the World remains fun, exciting, and memorable.
Raised in a small Arizona town, Kevin grew up surrounded by rugged desert landscapes and a family of hunters. His background in competitive shooting and firearms training has made him an authority on self-defense and gun safety. A certified firearms instructor, Kevin teaches others how to properly handle and maintain their weapons, whether for hunting, home defense, or survival situations. His writing focuses on responsible gun ownership, marksmanship, and the role of firearms in personal preparedness.