Football season is here, and in Las Vegas that means promotions, parties, betting specials and, especially, football contests. For the fourth 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.
Last year $500,000 was divvied up over 17 weeks, and this year the prize pool has been upped to $525,000 (though $100K of that is distributed in a drawing that will be difficult for out-of-towners to qualify for). 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 and get at least three entries (more for higher-ranking club members). Be sure to submit your picks before the kickoff of the first game each Sunday.
» Italian in Paris: Steve Martorano will open his second restaurant in Las Vegas at Paris, some time in 2014. Martorano’s at Paris is expected to have a similar menu to the restaurant of the same name at the Rio, which will remain open.
» Diego closing: The long-operating Mexican restaurant Diego at MGM Grand is closing this month. The space will undergo renovations and re-open as a new "restaurant concept," details of which have yet to be announced.
» Dollar blackjack: Dollar blackjack is back, and on the Strip, no less. The Riviera is dealing blackjack with $1 minimums 24/7. It’s currently the only casino in Las Vegas to offer a dollar game.
Question: Las Vegas was named the second-best city for pizza in a poll by Trip Advisor, finishing ahead of both New York City and Chicago. What are the top pizza places that earned it that lofty spot?
Answer: Some of the top shops in Las Vegas are Metro, Naked City, Dom DeMarco’s, Settebello, Due Forni, Five50 and the Cosmopolitan’s "Secret Pizza." San Diego finished first in the poll.
For more information about shows, buffets, coupons and good deals, go to www.LasVegasAdvisor.com.
