Relax, gamblers: Casinos still giving out free drinks

One of Las Vegas’ most entrenched traditions is under siege.

The practice of giving free drinks to gamblers at casino bars is now subject to stricter auditing at some of the biggest casino companies, and others are expected to follow.

The controls monitor play and alert the bartender when a player is eligible for a complimentary drink, either by dispensing a voucher or via another prompt (some are using a light system attached to the machines).

While it sounds dastardly, there’s no reason to panic yet. Indications are that the controls have been put in primarily to thwart employee theft and that the awarding of free drinks remains liberal.

Casinos currently employing a control system are Cosmopolitan, MGM Grand, Mirage and all Caesars Entertainment properties.

Carnegie West: With the news that New York’s Carnegie Deli will close at the end of this year after nearly 80 years in operation, devotees of the restaurant’s giant sandwiches still have an out in Las Vegas. While you’ll no longer be able to eat a Carnegie corned beef in NYC, you can still get one in its Las Vegas outpost at the Mirage (there’s another Carnegie in Bethlehem, Pa.).

New sports book: As expected, the sports book soon to open at the new Klondike Sunset will be operated by William Hill.

It will also be an outlet for the casino version of daily fantasy sports, which is showing up in an increasing number of spots. The book is expected to be up and running by mid-October.

Question: With all the recent talk focusing on the possibility of an NFL team coming to Las Vegas, has the new hockey team been overshadowed?

Answer: Not at all. The Las Vegas NHL hockey franchise says it’s reached its limit for season-ticket sales with 16,000 sold, and a waiting list has been started to handle the ongoing demand.

Meanwhile, it looks like the team name will be something “Knights,” as the names Desert Knights, Golden Knights and Silver Knights have all been trademarked.

The official announcement is expected this month.

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