Last Updated: March 2025
Las Vegas is full of entertainment, but also full of **tourist scams and overpricing tricks**. Here’s what to watch out for in 2025.
Legal dispensaries cannot operate inside casinos or directly on the Strip or Fremont Street. If you see a store advertising weed in these areas, it’s not selling legal cannabis—just overpriced CBD.
How to Avoid It: Use **Leafly or Weedmaps** to find real licensed dispensaries.
Taxi drivers may **take longer routes** to increase fares or push you toward businesses that pay them kickbacks.
How to Avoid It: Always use **Uber/Lyft** or tell the driver to take "The Most Direct Route."
Scammers place **fake QR codes** over real parking signs, tricking people into sending payments to them.
How to Avoid It: **Check that the QR code is part of the official signage** or pay inside the casino.
Some flyers **look like real pizza delivery ads** but steal your payment details when you order.
How to Avoid It: Only order from **legitimate food delivery apps** or well-known restaurants.
People may **offer to sell you casino chips for cash**, but many are **fake or stolen**.
How to Avoid It: Only **buy chips from the casino cashier.**
Performers on the Strip **offer you a free CD or QR code, then demand money.**
How to Avoid It: **Do not accept anything from strangers.**
Street performers **expect tips** for pictures, but some will **demand extra after the photo is taken.**
How to Avoid It: **Negotiate the tip amount before taking a picture.**
Scammers play **fake street card games** and **use actors pretending to win big** to trick tourists into playing (and losing money).
How to Avoid It: **Never play street gambling games.**
Hotels **advertise cheap room rates** but **add mandatory resort fees** ($40-$60 per night).
How to Avoid It: Book hotels with **no resort fees** or use loyalty programs.
Casino ATMs charge **$8-$12 per withdrawal.**
How to Avoid It: Withdraw cash from a **CVS, Walgreens, or bank ATM.**
Hotel mini-bars **charge $10+ for a soda**, and some have **automatic sensors that bill you if you move an item**.
How to Avoid It: **Don’t touch mini-bar items.**
Many hotels **limit Wi-Fi to 2 devices per room**, charging extra for more.
How to Avoid It: **Check hotel Wi-Fi policies before booking.**
Many businesses **force tipping prompts** even for **self-service purchases.**
How to Avoid It: **Only tip where it’s truly deserved.**
For more Vegas travel tips, visit our Local Guide section!