During my most recent trip to Vegas, I was reminded that not all the action takes place on a slot machine when you head into your favorite casino.
No matter where you turn, there is something to take in from bonus rounds to highstakes blackjack hands and some non-gambling celebrations too. Casinos are designed to be fun and keep people engaged, so keep your eyes and ears open!
Although I was in Las Vegas, people watching in casinos is great no matter where you go. Yes, the gaming spots might look different but no matter if you’re in Vegas, Atlantic City, or your favorite local spot, there is something to be seen!
5 Universal Casino People Watching Spots
Casino Floor’s Center Bar
If I were able to trademark just one phrase or term that is deployed by casinos from sea to sea, it would be “Center Bar.” I have worked at a number of properties that even if the giant bar in the middle of the floor wasn’t officially called Center Bar, that was the name everyone Back Of House used.
The logic is there: you’d be hard pressed to name a casino that didn’t have a bar, and even harder pressed to say there wasn’t a center of the building. Bars are big revenue generators for properties, they want the bars to be easily found and large enough to accommodate a big group of people.
My favorite thing to do while observing from the bar is to settle into a table top game, if one is available, and passively listen to what is being ordered. I only ever order the same thing, (gin and soda, lime optional) so I find it interesting to see what other people like to sip on.
Head over to a center bar of your own next time you are at one of your favorite places to play for some prime people watching. No matter the vibe of that property, you’ll find more of the same, people looking to unwind and have fun- preferably with a tall beer and video poker.
Fun Fact: One of my favorite Brian memories is when we were at Seven Feathers Casino Resort for an event many moons ago. After the event, we went to their smaller bar and were going to get a drink before playing some blackjack. Before we could even get our drink, there was a guest dancing on the bar. She was only up there for maybe 30 seconds before she was made to come down but my goodness, that was some great people watching. Even after working in a downtown Las Vegas casino, this was the first time I saw a guest take it upon themselves to climb the furniture.
Restaurants
If people don’t visit a casino for the gambling, they’re typically visiting to celebrate something or just to enjoy a great meal.
The celebrations are where it’s at for prime people watching. These celebrations come in the form of expected annual celebrations like birthdays or anniversaries, but casinos and their restaurants can also serve as the setting for something a little more grand like a full scale wedding (ask me how I know 😉).
For this category, the type of activity you’ll be watching depends more on the type of food and ambiance that a particular outlet has. This can range from the luxury of a renowned steakhouse to the casual, but very loud, fun of a sports bar.
Table Games
This is a HARD pass for me, but if you like your people watching with a chance of aggression, the table games pit might just be the place for you!
I joke about the aggression because although I have been known to play tables from time to time, I cannot stand when players get grumpy and irritable because you didn’t play your hand exactly as they would.
While I’ve had my fair share of grumblings from fellow players over the years, we are here to talk about people watching. Sadly, this negative attitude from people actively playing at the table can sometimes bleed into the aisle. Yes, angry players can make for some, let’s say “lively” action, it is not my cup of tea and I’d rather go find something happier to take in.
The Casino Floor
Cue the happiness and lack of surprise! One of the best places to people watch at any given casino is right on the floor. No matter the time, you can meander around to check out what people are playing, spot any bonuses, and maybe even root on a big win.
Unlike some table games players, I find that the slot crew can be a little more welcoming. Every slot player has the same goal in mind; take the casino’s money! If I had to wager a guess, I would surmise that because slot players are truly just playing against the house, there is less competitive aggression and players don’t have the opportunity to blame someone else if the spin doesn’t go according to plan.
One of the games that I typically draw a little bit of a crowd when playing is the giant Wheel of Fortune cabinets. The game has great sound effects, a bench to share, and a big old spinning wheel. This particular cabinet is like a beacon to other players when you are able to score the bonus. All of a sudden there is an increase in the music, a beeping sound starts asking you to spin the wheel, and the whole thing lights up. Because the cabinet is so big, there is plenty of room to watch the spin without anyone feeling crowded or uncomfortable. Plus, if the bonus spin ends up to be a dud, it’s nice to have a passerby to commiserate with.
Drink Machines
I have strong feelings about drink machines and beverage carts! Aside from being an easy and cost effective way to keep guests happy, they are a prime place to watch people. You will see everything from the prim and proper players that make sure to clean up after themselves (I fall into this category) to the handful of guests that prove the point of my drink station adversaries- they make a mess and take advantage of the “free” offerings.
The people watching proves fruitful because nearly all players will saunter up at some point during their visit to quench their thirst. Pick a machine near one of these casino watering holes and you’ll see slot players, table game players, bingo enthusiasts, and people from all ages- granted they’re 21 or older.
Bonus Activity: Spot the Team Member
On my most recent trip to Vegas my husband was actually able to tag along. While we were enjoying some loaded fries at Circa’s Victory Burger, he asked me where I thought a door went. The door in question is located right off of the restaurant’s eating area and you probably wouldn’t notice it unless you were looking. My husband picked up on it because someone exited the door and then returned to go back through the mystery portal just a few minutes later.
In all actuality, that mystery portal is more than likely an access point to back of house, and the person that was using it was probably a team member. Next time you’re walking around a casino, see if you can spot a team member using one of the many hidden-in-plain-sight doors. Trying to spot the hidden doors may prove fruitful to those looking to order a drink because these are also used by the cocktail team, depending on where they’re located. Not all doors lead to alcohol; some lead to ordinary (for a casino) office levels like the one I used to call home.
Takeaway
Casinos make for some great and convenient people watching. No matter where you might be physically in the world, these little microcosms listed above can be found at nearly any (legitimate) casino. Next time you head out to a casino, let us know if you have a favorite spot to watch the gaming (and otherwise) action play out!
