Dana

My family is planning a trip to Las Vegas next month, and I was wondering what there is for someone my age to do (too young to gamble, too old for kiddie parks). Also, is the legal gambling age in Vegas 21 or 18? Thanks!!!

rick

Ya 20 a tough age..Its 21 in Nevada for the "fun stuff" however depending on what you like theres lots to do..Hilton just openned there star trek
adventure..virtual reality..New York New York has a hell of a roller coaster..Strataphere has a thrill ride on top..If he is staying at one of the nicer
Hotels on the strip, alot have GREAT pools..The Mirage's is fantastic..Dont miss the buffet at the Rio!!!!!..Just a short trip out of town is Red Rock Canyon..But hot as hell this time of year..Vegas to
for that matter..If you have a car, take a drive to
Hoover dam..Worth the trip..Excaliber and New York New York have midways, never too old hehehe..
If you like Magic, The show at The monti Carlo
is great..But IMO..the show at Treasure island "Mistr'e" is the best in town.
Have fun

Andre Chen

Being too young never stopped anyone...unless you look it. I got away with my first gambling experience in Vegas at the age of 18. Of course, I was somewhat confident due to the "ID" I was carrying. My advise if you really want to gamble: Go for it. The worst that could happen is they'll kick you off the tables. Dress up, and try some of the smaller places. They're usually hurting for business and are a little less strict. If you win a lot, I'd start worrying, so don't win too much at one sitting. Otherwise, some of your other responses have great ideas for non-gambling activities. Good Luck!

kam

It's my understanding that if you win enough, you are required to show a photo ID in order to cash your chips.(It happened to a 26 year old I know who forgot her license but was accompanied by her husband!! No winnings without ID) Even if you look old enough, you need to be the person on the photo ID and they are pretty strict about it. You can always plays the slot machines--they will ask obviously younger kids to leave the casino but who can tell a 20 year old from a 21 year old. Just be aware of the I.D. problem with any other kind of gambling. Our teenagers from LA always try to gamble in Las Vegas and they still can't always beat the system!!

Gambling George

I can guarantee that if you don't look much older than 21, you will be asked for ID everytime you turn around. We took our son for his 21st birthday to Las Vegas and he was asked for ID every 15 minutes. I told him to pin it to his shirt. It happens to anybody that doesn't look at least 25. If you happen to win a hand paid jackpot then they will really get serious about your age. Be patient and you will soon be 21. You are at that awkward age. Too young to gamble and cavort in the bars, and too old for the kiddie attractions.

David

Most Vegas casinos are now pretty strict about age--much more so than they used to be. My 20-year old fiancee was asked for ID just for standing in the casino. If they catch you, they will make you leave and they're not very pleasant about it. (After all, you are breaking the law and they're at risk from the gaming commission.) If you do gamble and get away with it, you are risking trouble when you go to cash in.

You should check out the Star Trek Experience at the Hilton, if you're a sci-fi fan. The amusement park at the MGM might be fun, and the roller coaster at New York, New York.

As for what else to do, there is not a lot of fun stuff for people your age. Shopping, swimming, sightseeing...that's about all that comes to mind.

kam

I'm glad someone made the point that the policies of the casinos are because of the Gaming Commission which is very strict. I would wonder if your family could compromise and combine Las Vegas (you could sit by the pool and get a beautiful suntan) and then the Grand Canyon or Sedona or somewhere where a 20 year old might find more of interest. Never took a 20 year old on vacation with us except to Europe and he had his agenda and we had ours!! That's much different. You might enjoy the shows in Vegas if you research who will be there. Hey, my dear, one more year and there are those of us who would give a lot to be in your shoes!!

Kitty

How about checking out the Hard Rock cafe? Also, I enjoyed a trip to the Hoover Dam when I was about your age...It's actually pretty cool...

Andrew

I agree that the hotels are getting stricter about carding. I'm 28 and have been going Vegas since I was 21. I rarely used to be carded. Now I am still carded regularly.

arp

go to the lonely planet and ask the same questions....it is an off beat travel message board and you will for sure get creative answers. lonelyplanet.com

Gary

i am 47 and just came back from Vegas...yeah, it was VERY HOT but still enjoyed it. You might love what I did and that is to call up "Escape The City Streets" (in book). They will pick you up at your hotel and drive you to either the base of Red Rock canyon with a mountain bike or do what I did...go with them (usually a group of about 7 20 yr olds) and bike through the desert (it is hot) to the mountain and back....It is a tough ride but great

Dan

Just returned from Vegas and it is true, they must be cracking down on under age gambling. Have been going for many years and have never seem them check so many people. Was at NYNY and the dealer was carding folks that were 30 if they were a day. One poor guy, didnt speak English to well, anyone could see he was well over 21. The dealer asked for ID..and when he either didnt understand what she was asking or thought she was kidding, didnt show it she called the pit boss over, who wasnt very pleasant. pulled the guy off the table and gave him the third degree

xxx

Geez Dan...how far back did you have to dig for this post? Check out the date man!

s

I dream of being carded again

teri

I went to Vegas a couple of years ago. I'm 48 and look pretty close to my age. The pit boss was checking the ID of a young looking person and some older guy joked around that he wanted his ID checked. The pit boss then asked me if I wanted my ID checked. When I replied I didn't have my ID with me, she kicked me off the table, not because she thought I looked under 21, but because she said it was a state law that you had to have a picture ID to sit at the table.