The Super Bowl weekend is among the most bustling periods of the year in Las Vegas casinos, with an estimated 300,000 visitors flooding the city. It almost seems as if every one of them is there to watch the Big Game, making the viewing experience of the Super Bowl slightly more demanding than a usual Sunday of NFL matches.
The Super Bowl is not merely another football match. It’s an event that goes beyond any regular game. Over the past four years, the Big Game has attracted more than 110 million viewers annually. In 2017, it was broadcasted on roughly 70% of all televisions. The excitement of viewing the Super Bowl is heightened in Las Vegas, as almost everyone has at least one bet placed on the game. Multiple Super Bowl prop bets are also common among many bettors.
Just to clarify, merely watching the game on television isn’t much of a task. The Super Bowl is going to be accessible on nearly every television in a casino. The real challenge lies in locating a cozy spot to view the entire Super Bowl. While there are numerous ways to watch the game, it might not align with your usual way of watching sports in a casino.
Sportsbooks
Las Vegas sportsbooks continue to offer open seating on a first-come, first-served basis. However, finding a casino where you can watch the game in the sportsbook for free might require some effort. Many sportsbooks along the Vegas Strip have begun setting aside seats for customers who are either prepared to pay upfront or place substantial bets with the sportsbook operator.
Finding a free general admission seat in a sportsbook off the Vegas Strip is often simpler. However, you’ll need a bit of patience if you’re looking to snag a free spot in the sportsbook for the Super Bowl viewing. By the time the game starts, every free seat in and around the sportsbooks will be taken.
To ensure you find an available seat or three at the sportsbook, it’s best to arrive no later than an hour before the kickoff ceremonies commence. However, to be on the safe side, consider taking a seat a couple of hours prior to kickoff.
Free watch parties
Casinos located off the Vegas Strip, such as South Point, are known to open their ballrooms for viewing the Big Game. Although it doesn’t offer the typical sportsbook experience, it’s quite impressive. The seating is general admission and food and beverages can be bought onsite. The ballroom party experience in Las Vegas is superior to that of any other ballroom in the USA.
Betting stations are frequently available at these parties. If the room lacks these stations, you’ll always find a sportsbook in close proximity. Alternatively, you can pre-fund a mobile sports wagering app prior to Super Bowl Sunday, allowing you to place bets without ever leaving your seat.
Paid watch parties
You can locate these parties in venues such as restaurants, bars, and even casino ballrooms. There is an entrance fee, which ensures you’ll have a seat to enjoy the Super Bowl. The party may also include a meal, drinks, or both, depending on the specifics.
This year, Virgil’s at The Linq is offering a $40 Pig-Out meal that should be more than sufficient to appease any appetite. An unlimited drinks option is also available for an additional $75. However, unless you intend to indulge excessively in drinks, you might find it more cost-effective to simply purchase a few individual beverages.
If you’re looking to enjoy the Super Bowl without the stress of securing a seat, these parties can provide a great solution. The experience of simply enjoying Las Vegas without waiting in a sportsbook for the Big Game to start is definitely worth considering.
VIP parties
Casinos typically organize complementary parties for their most extravagant spenders. For instance, top-tier members of the Caesars Entertainment Total Rewards may have the privilege to watch games in the Diamond Lounge, accompanied by free food and drinks.
Check with a casino host immediately to see if you are eligible for a special Super Bowl experience. Other members might be invited to a private viewing at a restaurant or bar, available to a limited number of members.
Casino bars and restaurants
Regardless of whether they host a party, bars and restaurants may still be accessible to everyone. Without a reservation, there’s a possibility you could get in for dinner and/or drinks before the game starts. However, there’s a high likelihood you may have to wait for seating. As is customary, all guests will be expected to make purchases on food, drinks, or both.
At a casino video poker bar, you might be able to find a seat to view the Super Bowl. However, these seats are typically reserved for those playing the machines. The introduction of new drink monitoring systems means your play is tracked, which could affect whether drinks are provided free of charge, as was the case in the past.