If it’s your first visit to Las Vegas, odds are you’re planning on some gambling while you’re here—including betting on sports. But for those who are new to the activity, you’re in luck! Las Vegas Magazine’s Ken Miller interviewed two experts on sports betting in Vegas: Mike Palm, vice president of operations for Circa | Sports; and John Murray, vice president of race and sports at Westgate Las Vegas, to help load you up with the information you need to get the most out of your first experience.
Is there a guideline for gambling responsibly? Should it be a certain percentage of your overall entertainment budget?
Mike Palm: Absolutely, it is essential to set a budget. If you planned a trip to Hawaii, you would allocate a certain dollar amount for your hotel, for your meals, for any outings or entertainment. You should in the same way set a gambling budget. It should be just another form of entertainment for the novice player. Set a budget and stick to it.
John Murray: I would say that varies from person to person. I don’t think you can assign an exact percentage to it, but it should always be something you are OK with losing. Same as any investment.
What are the easiest bets to place, and what are some recent examples of this?
Palm: A simple bet to place is how many points will be scored in a particular game. For example, the first game of the NFL regular season was the Dallas Cowboys at the Philadelphia Eagles. The “total” on that game was 46.5 points. The “under” bet is a winner if 46 or less points are scored. The “over” bet is a winner if 47 or more points are scored.
Murray: Straight bets are the easiest to place and the easiest to understand. Let’s say you want to bet the Cowboys Week One against the Eagles. The Cowboys are +7. Think of it like adding 7 points to the Cowboys score when the game is over. If the Cowboys win or lose by 6 or less, you’re a winner. If the Eagles win by more than 7, you lose. And if the Eagles win by exactly 7 points, you get your money back.
What’s the easiest way to place a bet?
Palm: There are two ways to place a bet. One is at the counter of a sportsbook. The other way is to go to a sportsbook, sign up for a mobile wagering account, deposit money into your account, and place your bet on your mobile device.
Murray: I think placing the wagers on the phone is the easiest, but you always have the option of coming up to the race and sports book window and placing your wager(s) with a teller. Some people may be more comfortable with that, and they should feel free to ask questions if there’s anything they aren’t fully clear about.
What’s the best way to enjoy yourself while watching your wager play out?
Palm: Being among a crowd of people rooting on the game at a sportsbook here in Las Vegas is definitely an exciting and memorable experience.
Murray: The SuperBook at the Westgate Las Vegas is the best venue in the country to bet and watch games at, but with the mobile apps these days you can play from anywhere. Your couch. Your bed. Your favorite dive bar. Who am I to judge?
There are thousands of wagering apps out there. Are there any particular wagering apps you recommend?
Palm: Each app, like each sportsbook, has its strengths. As a novice bettor, the ease of getting money in and out (depositing and withdrawing) is likely most important. Of course, I would recommend that everyone look at the Circa Sport(s) mobile app.
Murray: Of course. The SuperBook mobile app. We were voted best in Las Vegas in 2025.
Does it matter what property you bet at? Does any property have advantages or benefits that another might not have?
Palm: The rewards program for sports wagers varies from company to company. You can get information on how your sports wagers are rated from each sportsbook. Some sportsbooks have a bigger menu of bets. Others may have a lower take-out percentage. There are also experiential differences from property to property. Maybe the customer is looking for a great culinary experience combined with their wagering. Maybe another customer wants an incredible pool experience while they are betting and watching. My advice is to shop around.
Murray: I do believe Westgate Las Vegas has the best venue for watching games in the city, but you can place your wagers with the SuperBook app from any property as long as you are in the state of Nevada.
Westgate Las Vegas. westgateresorts.com
Circa Resort and Casino. circalasvegas.com
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