March Madness 2015 hits Las Vegas

The 2015 NCAA Tournament is upon us, which means one of the biggest weekends of the year for Las Vegas visitation. Going to Las Vegas for the opening rounds of March Madness has become a pilgrimage for college basketball fans everywhere. The event has become so large that almost every hotel on the Las Vegas Strip host parties for high rollers and commoners alike. Ballrooms and theaters are converted into sports palaces, some with all you can eat buffets and open bars.

Several websites and a well known Facebook group have sprung up to help people plan their yearly trip. The Mirage sportsbook will open at 5:30 am for the early round games so spectators can stake their claim for a prime seat to watch the games.

I've always found it interesting that sports betting is a very small percentage of all gaming in Las Vegas (something like 1%). Having the exclusive ability to host these huge sports watching parties is so beneficial to the city though. The average Joe might only bet $10 or even $100 on the game, but he's going to hit the blackjack tables, eat at the buffet, check out a nightclub or two, and of course drop a couple hundred a night on a hotel room (not including resort fees).