Football season is here, and in Las Vegas that means promotions, parties, betting specials and, especially, football contests. For the fifth year running, the best contest in town is "Pick the Pros" at the Orleans, Gold Coast, Suncoast, Sam’s Town, California and Fremont casinos.

It’s not an easy one to win, but it’s free and fun to play. And when you do win, you win big, as more than $500,000 will be split up over 17 weeks.

You don’t have to know anything about football to play; just pick the teams you like and watch the results unfold.

You must have a BConnected card to participate, but the players club is free to join. Just swipe your card in a kiosk, but be sure to swipe before the kickoff of the first game each Sunday.

Oyster happiness: Emeril’s at MGM Grand has a happy hour daily from 9:30 p.m. to closing, with $1.50 oysters, $5 gumbo and chowder, a $12 crawfish boil and $7 specialty cocktails.

Shop and eat: The Miracle Mile Shops at Planet Hollywood have announced a promotion called "Shop & Eat." Purchase $200 in merchandise and get a $20 dining certificate for a Miracle Mile restaurant. That’s a cool 10 percent rebate. Be sure to shop at a participating store; you can find the list at miraclemileshopslv.com.

Free caffeine: The free morning coffee at the Downtown Grand is back. It’s available in the lobby from 6 to 9 a.m., and not restricted to hotel guests.

QUESTION: Are any of the sports books offering betting discounts for football as has been done in the past?

ANSWER: As of now, no place is offering betting specials of any sort. That includes the Westgate (formerly LVH), which for the past several years has dealt 105 lines — bet $105 to win $100, as opposed to the traditional $110 bet — on Thursday nights. But last year there was also no indication that the promotion would run, yet it did.

For more information about Las Vegas shows, buffets, coupons and good deals, go to www.LasVegasAdvisor.com.