PHOTOS : Opposing Super Bowl 2010 quarterbacks Manning and Brees  (courtesy public domain sources )      

This Sunday's (Feb 7 at roughly 3:25 pm Vegas time) Super Bowl game between the Indianapolis Colts and the New Orleans Saints will spur a routinely massive visitation draw for Vegas. Thousands of gamblers , sports fans, and party fiends will flock to Sin City for this huge 44th annual sporting event to immerse themselves in the action and excitement of betting on the big game. The Vegas casinos and sports books prepare for this event long before it happens every year. Typically, those sports books will endure their largest level of betting (handle) and casino table games will observe their largest drops of the year surrounding professional football's biggest game. The casinos enjoy more gambling action during the Super Bowl festivities than on New Year's Eve year in and year out. Las Vegas is typically the most popular tourist destination on Super Bowl Weekend and the National Football League (NFL) is never pleased that many fans would rather spend the weekend in Vegas rather than at the game's actual location city (Miami this year ).

 The NFL maintains a somewhat disingenuous position regarding their public gambling stance on football betting which primarily involves their disapproval of associating gambling and Vegas sports books with their football games. Yet , without the sports books and the associative betting on their games, the NFL would not be the mega - conglomerate entity it is today. Several years ago the NFL won an intellectual property judgement preventing advertisements for " Super Bowl Parties" involving admission charges and viewing of  Super Bowl games on theater - size screens. That situation was once the norm in Vegas casinos and gentleman's clubs prior to the judgement ruling. The NFL sends representatives to Vegas every year during the Super Bowl to ensure those judgement rules are followed. Advertisement revenue generated by the NFL from all those Vegas sports book and casino TV's during the game is seldom discussed. The NFL has one regular season game in Womble Stadium in London every year and attendees of that game have the option of betting on the game right there. I'm unaware of the NFL's position on that hypocrisy regarding gambling association. Until this year, the NFL prohibited any type of Vegas advertisement during postseason playoff games including the Super Bowl (see previous LVE article ). Regardless, it's all eventually about revenue and cash in the NFL's pocket despite what their in - house public relations lawyers are encouraging and publicizing. Ultimately, Vegas is very good for the NFL in direct monetary terms despite their public image aversion to the town and gambling. In further consideration of the way things are, there's not many things more enjoyable for this author than watching an NFL game involving my team. That team isn't playing on Sunday but this game should prove to be interesting and competitive. Both quarterbacks have some class and extreme talent and it's the Saints initial trip to the gig which adds some merit to the game's allurement.

The following depicts a number of Super Bowl "parties" (or hoo-rahs, wing - dings, or shindigs for the NFL- politically - correct among you) , events, and big name entertainment this weekend in Vegas. The sports books on the strip of course fill up early and some have high - roller - only - areas reserved for the big dogs. In planning, arrive at the strip locales very early or consider an off strip locale if you elect to be in a sports book for the game. Check the provided links or phone venues for more specific info. More party venues and descriptions can be found at this Las Vegas Advisor link .

Vegas sports books : Below is a representative listing of on and off strip Vegas sports book venues. Access links and / or phone numbers for more info. For a complete listing of Vegas sports books, check this link .

PHOTO : Bellagio's sports book ( public domain source )

Aria             Strip ; 90 screens and 10000 sq ft ; newest casino in Vegas ; 877 - 359 -7757

Bellagio      Strip ; posh sportsbook with high betting limits; 702 - 693 - 7111

Caesar's Palace       Strip ; a quintessential Vegas mega - book ; 800 - 634 - 6001

Green Valley Ranch    Off strip ; 200 + screens ; 702 - 617 - 7777

Hard Rock       Off strip ; good venue for rock music loving sports bettors ; 702 - 693 - 5000

Las Vegas Hilton    Off strip ; the original Vegas superbook, with over 400 seats ; 800-732-7117

Lagasse's Stadium at Palazzo   Strip ; luxurious place for a sports bettor ; 702 - 607 - 2665

Mandalay Bay   Strip ; 84 screens and 300 seats ; 877 - 632 - 7800

Golden Nugget   Downtown , off strip ; 57 screens and 100 seats ; 702 - 385 - 7111

Aliante Station   Off strip ;170 seats and a viewing patio ; 702 - 692 -7777

Red Rock Resort   Off strip ; offers 180 seats and individual player terminals ; 702 - 797 - 7777

Super Bowl Parties / Promotions : Vegas casinos, sports books, pubs, bars, and gentlemen's clubs will be hosting parties and / or promotional events this weekend through the game's completion. Some of these parties can be pricey, yet some are very reasonable and represent good values.

Bally's and Paris Las Vegas sports books : Enjoy $20 Miller beer product bucket specials with prize giveaways, $5 Absolut cocktails, and a commemorative tee shirt when purchasing a $25 game parlay bet card. Phone 877 - 603 - 4390 or 702 - 946 - 7000.

Bally's Indigo Lounge and Napoleon's Lounge at Paris : Both will offer tailgate buffets for $65 per person plus gratuity and tax. That pricing includes two Miller products , a tee shirt, and memorabilia giveaways. Phone 877 - 603 - 4390 or 702 - 946 - 7000 .

PHOTO : Bally's Indigo Lounge (public domain source )

Le Burger Brasserie at Paris game party : Attend their tailgate buffet involving specialty burgers, Miller beer, a tee shirt, and entry for memorabilia giveaways all for $75 per person. A professional player is supposed to attend the festivities. For those who want to spend way too much on a gourmet burger, this venue offers one for $777 (depicted in a previous LVE article ). Phone 702 - 967 - 4000 .

Encore's Blush Nightclub Big Game Sunday : Beginning at 2 PM until game completion, open bar wristbands can be purchased for $100 , and table prices range from $500 to $5000. Phone 702-770-3353.

Encore's Society Cafe Big Game Viewing : Enjoy spicy signature finger foods, sliders, wings,and warm donut bites for dessert for $75 per person. Domestic beers are $3 each , with bottle service starting at $195 per bottle. Phone 702-770-5300.

Flamingo Burger Joint and Sports Bar Big Game Showdown package : This package includes an all - you- can - eat - buffet from 1 - 6 pm, two free pitchers of domestic beer, a halftime football celebrity viewing, and Miller - Coors game day cheerleaders. All those amenities can be had for $44 per person. Phone 702-733-3111.

Treasure Island sports book : They're giving away 22 - ounce "Sirens of TI" commemorative glasses with each $20 or larger BIG GAME parlay card bet. Phone 702 - 894 - 7111 .

Tropicana's Celebration Lounge Big Game celebration : Former NFL legend and Heisman Trophy winner Paul Hornung will sign free autographs in the Celebration Lounge between noon and 2 pm on game day. There will be many food and drink specials at the Tropicana which will be displaying the game throughout the casino on big - screen televisions. Phone 702 - 739 - 2222 .

Gold Coast's Arizona and Nevada Ballrooms viewing parties : Watch the game on multiple screens in these two venues at Gold Coast while enjoying food and drink specials including $2 Coors Light draft beers and more than $28,000 in prizes. Phone 702-367-7111 .

Mirage's Rhumbar hosts Super Tailgate Party : Stoli cocktails, Miller Lite beer, nachos, brats, and hotdogs hot off the grill will be served for $100 per person. This event kicks off one hour prior to kickoff and the venue has 8 total big screen televisions on their patio and inside the lounge. Phone 702-792-7615 .

Dos Caminos at the Palazzo party : They're serving up all kinds of spicy Mexican cuisine delights and buckets of Dos Equis beer. Phone 702-577-9600 .

SushiSamba at the Palazzo bowl party : Get specially themed cocktails and dining twists on football favorites such as wings, ribs, and chili cheese dogs along with a combo dish that includes shrimp, chicken, seabass, and beef at this venue. Dish pricing ranges from $4 - $18 plus gratuity and tax. Phone 702-607-0700 .

Planet Hollywood Casino Tailgate and Big Fame party : This event held in the casino features pro football celebrities , Playmates, and prizes . The Super Bowl Party costs $799 and includes a three night stay , a commemorative football, and two tickets to see "Peepshow" at Planet Hollywood. Phone 702 - 785 -5555 .

Blondie's Sports Bar & Grill at Planet Hollywood party : Enjoy an open bar and buffet ( including prime rib, steak, salmon, and crab legs ) for $200 per person. Phone 702-737-0444 .

Super Sunday Big Game Fiesta with UFC  legend Wanderlei Silva at Cabo Wabo Cantina (Miracle Mile Shops at Planet Hollywood ) : Silva hosts a bash at Sammy Hagar's place involving margaritas and Mexican cuisine presented at an open bar with all you can eat nachos, fajitas, chicken wings, and hotdogs for $150 per person. Silva will be giving away prizes throughout the game action which includes a new snowboard. Phone 702-385-2226 .

Hawaiian Tropic Zone Viewing Party at Miracle Mile Shops, Planet Hollywood : The viewing party begins at 3 pm and patrons can be served drink and dining specials by bikini - clad HTZ girls. Phone 702-731-4858. 

PHOTO : Hawaiian Tropic Zone interior ( public domain source)

McFadden's Restaurant & Saloon at the Rio : This venue is offering drink and dining specials on Saturday night prior to the game and then is offering an ultimate game day party during Sunday's game for $100 per person . There are indications that this venue is sold out for Sunday, so phone 702-270-6200 to obtain info .

Ballroom ( 2 venues ) Big Game parties at Southpoint Casino : Enjoy stadium style foods and drink specials at the Grand and Napa Room ballrooms beginning at 1:30 pm on Sunday. Southpoint is advertising free admission to these venues. Phone 702 - 796 - 7111 .

Boot Bowl at Bootlegger Italian Bistro : From 2 to 7 pm on Sunday, this bistro is charging $50 per person for an all you can eat Italian and stadium food buffet, halftime Bacardi shots served by Bacardi girls, and several gaming promotions. There is limited space at this venue so phone for reservations at 702-736-4939 .

Ultimate Super Sunday Football Party at Rockhouse Bar , near Imperial Palace : An open, all you can drink bar will serve from thirty minutes before kickoff until the next morning's wee hours for $100 per person, and for $25 more per person they'll be serving all you can eat bar fare at this venue. Phone 702-683-1388 ).

Feelgood's Rockin Football party : Beginning at noon on Sunday, this bar and grill originated by rock legend Vince Neil will present the game on 14 screens and offer stadium food specials along with $2 domestic beer, $4 imported beer, and $3 bloody marys or mimosas and free popcorn. Admission is free. Phone 702-220-8849.

ESPNZone Super Bowl Party at New York, New York. This party package includes three hours of food service and four hours of beverages with seating to begin at 2pm. Foods served will include a nacho bar, BBQ chicken tenders, sliders, hot dogs, dips and crudites, cookies, and brownies. Ticket prices range from $125 for beer drinkers to $175 for those who prefer premium drinks. Phone 702 - 933 - 3776 .

Casa Di Amore Big Tent Super Game party : For $75 per person, patrons receive entrance, entertainment, all food and beverages , and prize giveaways. This is one of the best party values this weekend if you can ply yourself off the strip. Phone 702 - 433 - 4967 .

Planet Hollywood Cafe at Caesar's Palace party : This venue offers an open bar and buffet for $120 per person. Phone 702 - 449 - 8559 .

Margaritaville Football party at Flamingo : Look for your lost shaker of salt and enjoy multiple angle viewing of the game while sipping your favorite boat and sand drink. This is a smaller venue so early arrival is encouraged. Phone 702 - 733 - 3302 .

Strip club / gentlemen's club/ adult clubs venue parties :

Red Rooster 7th Annual Swingers Super Bowl Party : This adult swingers venue party bills itself as offering "Las Vegas Sexiest 2010 Super Bowl party " . There will be five big screens to view the game with lots of food, prizes, erotic body painting, drawings, and contests. There is no dress code and there will likely be people without anything on at all at this bash. The event runs from 1 pm until 11 pm on Sunday. This is a BYOB event and entry prices are single women get in free, couples cost $30, single men are $40, and active military couples and singles gain entry for $20.

Sapphire's Strip Club Super Bowl Party : Prices at this gentleman's club bash are $25 or $75 (VIP package) with both including tailgate buffet food , raffles, and prize giveaways. Hundreds of Sapphire cheerleaders will be serving. Phone 702 - 861 - 0003 .

Olympic Gardens Super Sunday Party : For the $25 entry fee, patrons receive pizza, two drinks, $1 half - time dances, and an array of drink specials throughout the game. Phone 702 - 386 - 9200 .

Scores Super Sunday Party : The $25 entry fee provides a free buffet and halftime giveaways. They'll also offer $10 beer buckets and who knows how many ladies posing as servers. Phone 702 - 367 - 6040

Super Bowl weekend entertainment highlights :

Santana at Hard Rock :  Friday 2/5 and Saturday 2/6 at 8 pm ; $71.70 - $177.75

Drew Carey and the Improv Allstars at MGM Grand : Feb 5 - 7, 9 pm ; all seats are $89

Henry Cho at South Point :  Feb 5 & 6, 7:30 pm ; Tickets are $20,$25, and $30.

Jon Stewart at Mirage : Feb 5 & 6, 10 pm.; $89,$99,$119

George Strait with Reba McIntire at MGM Grand : Feb 6, 7:30 pm ; $73.50 - $125

PHOTO : George Strait and Reba McIntire (public domain source)

UFC 109 - Coutre vs Coleman : Feb 6, 7 pm ; $50 - $600

Enjoy that game and all the rest in Vegas this weekend!

Cheers...

Charles Higgins