are there any groups i could join to get free or discounted meals,shows,etc.? i'll be going for only three days.

www.cheapovegas.com has great tips for cheap eats, shows, etc.

There are also two half-price ticket sellers on the Strip. One is in the Coke bottle by MGM and the other is by the Harley Cafe near Aladdin. They sell tickets the same day for that night's shows. They won't have the Cique shows, or headliner comedians, but they do have a lot to choose from.

Be sure to pick up one of those free Vegas magazines. There are lots of coupons in there for dinners, shows and match plays.

I'm also heading to Vegas for the first time in a few weeks so thanks for the tips. Have been reading the Bellagio review on cheapovegas.com I'd better pack some dressy clothes!

You can pack dressy clothes and get all dolled up or you can go causual or anything inbetween. You will "see it all" in Vegas, trust me on that. What I would recommend is take VERY comfortable shoes, you will do alot of walking (nothing is as close as it looks).

The hotels and casinos don't pass out the "fun books" with coupons much any more. Sign up for every players club. You might get a free cap or t-shirt or key chain for signing up. Some casinos will give you a free buffet after earning a relatively small number of points (compared to what it will take after the first free one) just to get you started gambling there.

We had coupons out of tourist booklets in the lobby and signing up for the players' club with several casinos. Now I don't remember which ones, will have some embarassing moments next time in Vegas

Here are a couple of urls for printable coupons:

http://www.vegas4locals.com/coupons.html

http://www.lasvegas-nv.com/las-vegas-coupons.htm

BTW - there are 2 companies offering same day 1/2 priced show tickets. ChristieP mentioned Harley Davidson location, but that closed. One company operates a office at the Coke bottle. The better of the two, tix4tonight, has 4 locations. Hawaian Marketplace near the Polo Towers, Fashion Show Mall, across the road from the soon to be defunt Stardust, and downtown at the Four Queens.

I'm also a fan of cheapovegas.com. And I like Jean Scott with her Frugal Friday articles on LV Advisor:
http://www.lasvegasadvisor.com/fruga...ys&men=1&sub=0

check the shopping cart section of vegasresource.com

They'll charge you 10 or 20 bucks to have all your coupons mailed (depending on how many you select)...but it may be worth it to you if they have 2-for-1 offers on the shows that you want, not to have to find the booths and stand in line day of show.

There are a few coupon books that can be foudn in the airport, the back of a taxi, or at the hotel:
24-7, Las Vegas Advisor, What's On, and Vegas Values.