Professionals in the know say that "for the serious player, the Binions are this town." Benny Binion could neither read nor write, but boy did he know how to run a casino. His venerable establishment has been eclipsed over the years, but it claims the highest betting limits in Las Vegas on all games (probably in the entire world, according to a spokesperson). It offers single-deck blackjack and $2 minimums, 10-times odds on craps, and high progressive jackpots. Real gamblers won't consider going anywhere else.

We especially like the older part of the casino here, which -- with its flocked wallpaper, fancy lighting fixtures, and gold-tasseled burgundy velvet drapes -- looks like an Old West bordello. Unfortunately, all this adds up to a very high claustrophobia level. They do, however, have a giant slot machine, which has been very, very good to us.