Advertise on podcast: Lights and Dice: Vegas, Casinos and Travel

In Episode 14 of Lights and Dice, Chris and Steve catch up after the 2026 FIFA World Cup, looking back at the tournament and discussing why Las Vegas missed out on hosting matches despite its growing reputation as a global sports destination. The conversation then turns to one of the most anticipated projects on the Strip – the Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Las Vegas guitar-shaped hotel tower. With construction really starting to transform the skyline and a planned 2027 opening on the horizon, we discuss what the new resort could mean for the future of the south Strip. We also take a trip down memory lane, sharing stories from past Vegas visits and debating favourite hotels. Steve reveals why New York-New York Hotel & Casino has climbed to the top of his wish list for a future stay, and talks about a potential August trip to see Kelly Clarkson in Las Vegas. As always, it's a relaxed conversation filled with Vegas news, trip planning, casino chat and plenty of stories from the Entertainment Capital of the World. 🎰✈️🏨

In Episode 13 of Lights and Dice, we tackle one of the biggest stories in Las Vegas right now — the potential sale of Caesars Entertainment. What could a deal mean for some of the most iconic names on the Strip, and how might it reshape the future of Vegas? We also take a look at the growing popularity of pro football contests, including Circa Grandissimo, and why these huge prize pools continue to attract players from across the country every season. Plus, we discuss the incredible run of the Vegas Golden Knights as they battle their way to the Stanley Cup Final, and what another championship push means for the city. As always, we round up the latest Vegas news, casino updates, and everything happening in the Entertainment Capital of the World. 🎰🏒🏈

In Episode 12 of Lights and Dice, we dive into one of the biggest weekends in Las Vegas — Electric Daisy Carnival. From the atmosphere on the Strip to the impact on casinos and hotels, we talk about how EDC has become one of the defining events on the Vegas calendar. We also discuss the surprising news surrounding the future of the legendary Heart Attack Grill, and what it says about the constantly changing face of downtown Vegas. Plus, we look at the collapse of Spirit Airlines and what potential changes in the budget airline market could mean for Vegas tourism, cheap flights, and the overall visitor experience. It’s another relaxed episode packed with Vegas news, casino talk, and everything happening in and around the entertainment capital of the world. 🎰

In this episode of Lights and Dice, we dive into how Las Vegas is continuing its transformation into a global sports city, with more franchises and major events heading to the Strip and beyond. We also head onto the casino floor to talk about the new high limit room at the Plaza Hotel & Casino, and catch up on a major change we missed while we were off air — the updated slot machine hand pay tax threshold that came into effect earlier this year. What does the new limit actually mean for players, and does it make a difference in the real world? Plus, we preview Downtown Rocks 2026, one of the best free entertainment offerings in Vegas, and why downtown continues to offer something a little different from the Strip. It’s another relaxed episode packed with Vegas news, casino insights, and a look at where the city might be heading next. 🎰

After a long break, Lights and Dice is back for Season 2. In this episode we catch up on what’s been happening in Las Vegas while we’ve been away, including the news that WrestleMania 42 is heading to Vegas and what that could mean for the city during one of the biggest weekends in sports entertainment. We also look at a surprising trend emerging in the casino world – all-inclusive style packages in Las Vegas. From downtown deals including food and drinks to hotels bundling credits and perks, is Vegas experimenting with a new way to attract visitors? Plus we talk about the increasingly global push for Vegas as a sporting destination, with Australian Rugby League returning to Allegiant Stadium, bringing thousands of travelling fans to the Strip. It’s a relaxed catch-up episode as we kick off the new season, talk Vegas news, and get back into the swing of things.

In this bonus episode, we launch our new 20 Minutes on… series, where we focus on one Vegas hotel and casino at a time. First up is Mandalay Bay. We cover everything from the casino floor and its underrated table games scene, to the famous pool complex, Shark Reef, dining, nightlife, and whether the rooms still live up to the resort’s luxury reputation. Plus, we talk about why its South Strip location can either make or break your stay. It’s a quick, sharp dive into one of Vegas’s biggest resorts – perfect if you’re planning a trip and want to know if Mandalay Bay deserves a spot on your list.

Is Vegas really dead, or just evolving into something unrecognizable? In this episode of Lights and Dice, we dive into the some of the hottest debates on the Strip in 2025 — from a long, heated chat about Golden Gate removing live table games in favour of electronic ones, to the future of resort fees and the death of free parking - this is one episode you won't wanna miss!

Vegas isn’t just about the casinos – it’s about where you grab a drink, people-watch, and maybe sing along to a cover band at 1am. In this episode of Lights and Dice, Steve and Chris take you on a bar crawl through their favourite spots in Las Vegas. From rooftop lounges with jaw-dropping views to smoky cigar bars, hidden speakeasies, live music joints, and classic casino bars on the Strip, we cover it all. Whether you’re looking for a perfectly mixed cocktail, cheap beers downtown, or just a place with the right Vegas vibe, we’ve got you sorted. So grab a drink, settle in, and join us as we explore the best of Vegas nightlife – one bar at a time.

From steakhouse legends to greasy late-night tacos, we’re dishing out our ultimate Vegas food picks – across four no-holds-barred rounds. We cover:• Classic Vegas Dining• Cheap & Casual Eats• Unique Food Experiences• And the most Overrated Spots in town Whether you're a high-roller or a hot dog-for-breakfast kind of visitor, this episode will have you planning your next meal before your next trip. Agree with our picks? Think we’ve lost our minds? Let us know at @LightsAndDice or over at LightsAndDice.com

In this episode of Lights and Dice, we’re joined by the Vegas vlogging legend himself – Matt Bridger. With his trusty camera, a chilled Budweiser, and an unshakable love for Vegas, Matt has captured the highs, lows, jackpots, and buffet queues of Las Vegas like no one else. We chat about how it all started, what it’s really like filming in casinos, and how Vegas has changed over the years – from comps and coin-in to resort fees and tight slots. Matt shares his top tips for visitors, his favourite spots downtown, and the one machine he still can’t resist. Whether you’ve watched every trip vlog or you’re just discovering the Bridger universe, this is an episode packed with stories, insights, and a serious hit of Vegas nostalgia.

There’s no second chance once you’re on this list.In this episode of Lights and Dice, Steve leads us deep into the shadowy world of the Nevada Black Book — the state’s official list of people banned from every casino, sportsbook, and gaming hall in Las Vegas and beyond. Who gets on it? Mobsters. Cheaters. Inside men. And sometimes, legendary gamblers who pushed too far.We’ll uncover the law behind the list, the infamous names that shaped it, and how it still protects the credibility of gambling in 2025. From Tony “The Ant” Spilotro to high-tech roulette hackers — this is the story of the people Vegas could not allow to play. 🎲 Subscribe now and don’t miss the real Vegas blacklist.

It’s the ultimate Vegas showdown: Fremont Street vs. The Strip. In this episode of Lights and Dice, we break down two very different sides of Las Vegas—from flashy mega-resorts and fine dining to neon lights, cheap drinks, and old-school vibes. Whether you're a first-timer planning your trip or a seasoned visitor curious about switching things up, this one’s for you. Join us as we compare:🏨 Hotels – Luxury towers vs. affordable classics🎲 Gambling – Table minimums, odds, and where your money goes further🍸 Food & drink – Celebrity chefs or late-night street tacos?🎉 Entertainment – A-list residencies vs. free concerts and zip lines💸 Value – Which part of Vegas gives you more for your money? Is the Strip worth the hype? Is Fremont still the hidden gem of Vegas? We’ve got opinions.

Heading to Vegas soon? Already there and want to make the most of your trip? Whether it’s your first time in Sin City or you just want to make sure you’re doing it right, this episode of Lights and Dice is packed with essential tips to level up your Vegas experience. Join Steve and Chris, a real-life Vegas casino host, to help break it all down:🏨 Where to stay for the best Vegas experience🚕 How to get around without walking yourself into exhaustion🎰 Gambling tips to avoid rookie mistakes (and maybe last a little longer at the tables!)💸 Tourist traps that will drain your wallet (and how to avoid them!)🍽️ Vegas must-dos: Steakhouses, shows, Fremont Street & more! Already in Vegas? Listen in now and make sure you’re getting the full Vegas experience. 🎧

Casino Myths Busted – What’s True and What’s Not Ever wondered if slot machines are really “due” for a jackpot? Or if casinos pump oxygen into the air to keep you gambling? In this episode, we’re busting some of the biggest casino myths and uncovering the truth behind the stories you’ve heard on the gaming floor. Join Steve and Chris as they separate fact from fiction: 💸 Are slot machines rigged, or is it all about random chance? 🃏 Do other players’ bad decisions actually hurt your odds in blackjack? 🕶️ Is the “eye in the sky” watching your every move? 🍸 Are those free drinks just a clever way to keep you playing? 🤔 Plus, we tackle some of the craziest urban legends from the casino world! Don’t miss this deep dive into what’s real, what’s not, and what might surprise you. Follow us on X at @LightsandDice Follow us on Instagram at @LightsandDice Email us at [email protected]

Behind the Scenes with a Las Vegas Casino Host Welcome to the very first episode of Lights and Dice! In this debut, we introduce ourselves and set the stage for what this podcast is all about—casinos, travel, and the fascinating world that surrounds them. To kick things off, we’re pulling back the curtain on a side of the casino industry that most players never get to see: the life of a Las Vegas casino host. Co-host, Chris, isn’t just a casino insider—he is a host, working directly with players in one of the busiest gambling cities in the world. We dive into: 🎲 What a casino host actually does and how they decide who gets comps 💰 The biggest myths and misconceptions about hosts 🃏 How players get assigned a host—and what makes a “good” player from a host’s perspective 🏆 Some of the craziest, most extravagant requests Chris has handled Whether you’re a Vegas regular or just curious about how casinos operate behind the scenes, this episode is packed with insider knowledge, fun stories, and useful tips. Subscribe and stay tuned—this is just the beginning! Follow us on X at @LightsandDice Email us at [email protected]