The Rex Swagger Show

The Rex Swagger Show At 35, I’m twice divorced, politically incorrect & prouder than a peacock in a velvet suit.

"Ladies and gentlemen, gather 'round the digital hearth for the one, the only, Rex Swagger—podcasting provocateur and recovering newsman, disgraced yet undaunted!

Hello Everyone Rex Swagger here! As of mid-May 2026 (around Memorial Day weekend and into early summer), Las Vegas is of...
05/21/2026

Hello Everyone Rex Swagger here!

As of mid-May 2026 (around Memorial Day weekend and into early summer), Las Vegas is offering some seriously solid budget options for hotels, packages, shows, and dining, here in Las Vegas!

Although true rock-bottom buffets are a rarer thing versus as in the past. But they DO exist again in several places!

Here's some tips for you that WORK--

Midweek stays (Sun-Thu) are generally cheaper than weekends. Prices fluctuate daily—check sites like Vegas.com, Expedia, Caesars.com, Kayak, or VisitLasVegas.com for real-time quotes.

Off-Strip or downtown spots often save the most. 

Here are your current (as of the date of this post) Hotel Deals (Nightly Rates, and they ALL include those pesky Fees)

Many properties are now listing rooms in the $50–$100 range for standard stays right now, with bundles saving more.

Here are some Examples from current listings: 

• Budget-friendly (~$50–$80/night):

Excalibur (~$52), Luxor (~$54), Flamingo (~$59), Horseshoe Las Vegas (~$58), Circus Circus, STRAT (~$65), Planet Hollywood (~$72). Many include "bundle & save" options.

• Mid-range value (~$100–$150):

Virgin Hotels, Park MGM, Palms, Plaza Hotel & Casino (downtown), Harrah’s/LINQ/Flamingo cluster.

• Higher-end with perks:

Venetian/Palazzo, Bellagio, Cosmopolitan, Wynn/Encore—often $200+ but with food/beverage credits or discounts (e.g., up to 20% off + credits at some MGM properties through May 2027 travel). 

Notable packages that I think are worth a look:

• Caesars Entertainment: “$300 for 2 nights” at Horseshoe or Planet Hollywood + $200 F&B credit (you can add a 3rd night cheaply).

Caesars Properties also have an All Inclusive Summer Package (~$200/night starting) covers room, meals, drinks, High Roller tickets, etc., at LINQ/Flamingo/Harrah’s. 

• MGM/Caesars are also conducting some all-inclusive experiments--which I think are worth a grab:

Luxor/Excalibur options bundling meals/shows (only $330--and up--for 2 nights/2 people). You can also check for stackable nights. 
Remember this is FOOD, ROOM, DRINKS (at select bars) AND selected shows! Now that's crazy.

• Memorial Day/summer promos:

Up to 30% off 3+ nights at some spots (May 19 through June 2, 2026). 

There are Flight + hotel bundles via Southwest Vacations, Expedia, Vegas.com, or Costco Travel often dip under $300–$400 pp for short trips from many US cities. 

Tips: Book direct for best rates/perks. There are now No Resort Fees at many downtown spots (e.g., certain Caesars properties via opt-out). You also can use certain player’s cards for comps/discounts. 

Shows & Attractions Deals

Tickets start low for variety/comedy/tributes; big productions run $70–$200+. Last-minute or discount sites help. 

Pro tip? Use GROUPON. There's amazing vegas stuff on there too.

• Budget picks: Jabbawockeez, Thunder Down Under, Mac King, Piff the Magic Dragon, V – The Ultimate Variety Show, Purple Reign (~$20–$90 via Tix4 or Spotlight.vegas), Magicians Room ($35 And up) and tons of Comedy Clubs with excellent prices. 

• Packages: Caesars has 3-show package for $149. Includes the High Roller at 20% off; some 2-for 1 deals or $30–$50 tickets (e.g., Jeff Dunham, certain residencies). 

• Free/cheap: Fremont Street Experience concerts (these are free right on the old strip--sometimes with great throw back bends), some hotel lounges, or afternoon shows. Check Tix4Tonight or Groupon for same-day discounts.

Food & Buffets

Classic ultra-cheap buffets have largely shifted upscale (many $70–$175+ for dinner with premium items), but value options remain. 

• Affordable buffets include the Garden Court (Main Street Station, ~$25–$33), off-Strip/downtown spots like Ellis Island or AYCE at Palms (on certain themed nights). Some have 2-for-1 or locals promos. 

• Happy hours/deals: Peppermill (early HH ~$7 items), BrewDog mini combos, deli specials (~$13), or casino food halls. Off-Strip or downtown for cheaper meals (~$25). 

• Station Casinos has $1.99 margaritas, $3 beers, $3 shots, $2.99 shrimp cocktails...damn I love those guys. I mean, you can't touch that.

• Credits: Many hotel packages include F&B credits usable across outlets. 

General budget tips for now:

• Midweek/off-peak — Avoid big events for lower rates.

• Sites to check — Vegas.com (guaranteed best rate), Caesars/MGM apps for rewards, Kayak/Expedia for bundles, SmarterVegas or Groupon for dining. 

• Transport — Ride the Vegas Monorail, Deuce bus, or rideshares for legit off-Strip savings.

The deals are here--you just have to find them.
I hope this helps.

Have a blast on a budget...and as always...

Enjoy your Vegas, Baby!!!!

--REX

NOTE: Prices change fast—search your exact dates on the sites above or apps for the latest.

Caesars Palace Fremont Street Experience Palms Casino Resort Station Casinos Peppermill Vegas Ellis Island Casino & Brewery Groupon BrewDog Piff the Magic Dragon Purple Reign V-Variety Show Luxor Hotel and Casino Plaza Hotel & Casino Park MGM Las Vegas Flamingo Las Vegas Hotel & Casino

05/07/2026

What do you guys think of this fancy shmancy jacket I found in the Vegas Boutique shops over on the strip?

I was in one of the casinos today and checked out the new FO****IN JACKET in one of them "fancy shops". What do you guys...
05/07/2026

I was in one of the casinos today and checked out the new FO****IN JACKET in one of them "fancy shops". What do you guys think?

Welcome to pool season everybody!
05/04/2026

Welcome to pool season everybody!

The old daylight super day club is now becoming tailgate… A sports themed stadium, swim, sort of venue. What do you thin...
05/02/2026

The old daylight super day club is now becoming tailgate… A sports themed stadium, swim, sort of venue. What do you think? Is Vegas getting too heavy on the sports? Would it be smart to have two stadium swim like facilities one on the old strip, and one on the new strip? Weigh in and tell me your thoughts!

The Foundation Room at Mandalay Bay closed in September 2025 for renovations and is being rebranded as the Vinyl Room, s...
05/02/2026

The Foundation Room at Mandalay Bay closed in September 2025 for renovations and is being rebranded as the Vinyl Room, set to open this August 2026 on the 63rd floor. 

It’s the same spot, now run by Live Nation with a ’70s vibe, thousands of vintage vinyl records, hi-fi sound, and a focus on VIP memberships and private events.

The Vinyl Room is the rebranded, renovated successor to the Foundation Room at Mandalay Bay. It’s set to open in August 2026 on the 63rd floor, offering the same jaw-dropping panoramic views of the Las Vegas Strip but with a fresh 1970s Japanese hi-fi listening lounge vibe.

Thousands of vintage vinyl records on display (many featuring artists who’ve performed in Vegas, like big MGM residencies). Expect hi-fidelity sound via vinyl decks, live late-night entertainment, and a wide range of genres (’70s to 2000s, with crackle and warmth from real analog playback). It’s designed for music lovers rather than a typical EDM nightclub.

Design: Inspired by 1970s Japanese listening lounges—warm wood, brick accents, music memorabilia, cozy lounge seating, and acoustic tuning. No more heavy Foundation Room gothic/dark decor; it’s lighter, retro-cool, and immersive.

What do you think? Would you go?

Traditional blackjack (and closely similar “blackjack-style” games) has effectively been banned at California’s commerci...
04/17/2026

Traditional blackjack (and closely similar “blackjack-style” games) has effectively been banned at California’s commercial cardrooms as of April 1, 2026. 

This stems from new regulations issued by the California Department of Justice and approved by the Office of Administrative Law. The rules took effect on April 1, 2026, with cardrooms required to submit compliance plans by May 31, 2026. 

So why are they doing this? California law (rooted in the state constitution and Penal Code § 330) generally prohibits “banked” games—where the house (casino or cardroom) acts as the banker and plays against players—outside of tribal casinos. Voters approved Proposition 1A in 2000, giving tribes exclusive rights to house-banked games like traditional blackjack. 

Combined player-dealer rotation + blackjack rules: Cardrooms could lose $464 million in annual revenue (≈50% hit in some scenarios, with partial replacement via new games).

Tax/fee revenue loss: Roughly $95 million to local governments + $15 million to the state annually (based on fee structures; actual taxes may vary). 

Industry groups (e.g., California Gaming Association) and cities warn of up to $500 million in combined state + local tax revenue at risk annually if operations shrink sharply, citing a 2019 study that pegged cardroom tax contributions at ≈$500 million/year ($399M state, $101M local). They argue blackjack-style games drive a large share of traffic and revenue.

San Jose: Could lose $30 million in annual tax revenue from its two major cardrooms (Casino M8trix and Bay 101), exacerbating a projected $55–65M city budget deficit. 

Los Angeles County: Cardrooms generate around $2 billion in economic activity and support more than 9,000 jobs; broader impacts could include thousands of job losses and service cuts. 

Smaller cities (e.g., Hawaiian Gardens, Commerce, Fresno): Some derive 50–60%+ of general fund revenue from cardrooms, raising risks of budget shortfalls, layoffs, or even bankruptcy proceedings in extreme cases.

Why is Fremont Street now up 9% and the "new strip" (Las Vegas Blvd) down 6%? Well, it's because people are going from o...
04/17/2026

Why is Fremont Street now up 9% and the "new strip" (Las Vegas Blvd) down 6%?

Well, it's because people are going from one to the other. That's why. Parking is less money, less hassle, prices are better --but the number one reason (in my opinion) it's easier to get around. Everything is closer. Less walking and you don't need to wait for Ubers over and over again. If the big strip were to get more efficient with its garages and extending their monorail with better access points, it would help ALOT. People want to see things quickly and easily and see it all--Fremont is easier to do so. Also the entertainment downtown is free and everywhere. On the strip the free lounges with entertainment have all been massacred. Where as on Fremont you pop in and the bar is paying for a band, singer, etc.
There's also the free concert series that goes on (thanks to Derek Stevens) and it doesn't take a rocket scientist to see it more than pays for itself.

No, construction of the Hard Rock Las Vegas (the guitar-shaped hotel replacing the former Mirage) has not been halted.Th...
04/06/2026

No, construction of the Hard Rock Las Vegas (the guitar-shaped hotel replacing the former Mirage) has not been halted.

The project remains active and on schedule for a planned late 2027 opening (Q4 2027). As of late March 2026:

• The iconic 660-foot guitar tower had reached 36 of its planned 42 stories, with concrete pouring, steel work, blue glass installation, and “guitar strings” visibly progressing. 

• Crews continued work on the tower, interior demo of the old Mirage structure, and a new theater (including additional cranes and steel er****on). 

• Recent on-site footage and updates from early April 2026 (e.g., April 3–4) show ongoing activity, with the structure already impacting the skyline and partially blocking views of nearby buildings like Trump International. 

Major outlets like the Las Vegas Review-Journal reported in mid-March 2026 that construction was “strumming along” steadily, with no interruptions noted. Earlier milestones included over 650 workers on site in January 2026 and consistent monthly progress throughout late 2025 and early 2026.

Vegas is declining, Vegas is dead...why are people saying this? Here's the free concert Marshmello threw on Fremont. If ...
04/06/2026

Vegas is declining, Vegas is dead...why are people saying this? Here's the free concert Marshmello threw on Fremont. If that's dead, someone tell me what busy is. Don't harsh my Mellow, man.

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