Las Vegas sportsbooks expecting betting excitement for Chargers-Raiders finale

Las Vegas, Nev.

The NFL season is entering its regular-season finale this week but it doesn't end until the Chargers come to town to face the Raiders.

The Chargers-Raiders game has been flexed to Sunday Night Football as the two teams battle for a playoff berth.

All eyes will be returning to Las Vegas and Allegiant stadium from the casual fan to those who are wanting a little more action.

"The playoffs start Sunday night. The winner moves on and the loser goes home. Raiders-Chargers, what could be more exciting with the game happening in our own backyard," said Chuck Esposito, Red Rock Resort sportsbook director.

Esposito says there is already excitement in the air about Sunday's matchup, especially with a betting line that has opened so close between the teams.

"The Raiders are at home but they are the underdog at home Sunday night. The game opened up with the Raiders at +2.5 but the public has surprisingly bet the Chargers so far. That line has moved to three but I think our fan base with back their team with their love and their pocketbook," Esposito said.

The Raiders enter Sunday's game at 9-7 with a shot at the playoffs in what has been a turbulent year for the team after losing players due to off-the-field conduct and even their head coach Jon Gruden.

But they enter Sunday one of the league's hottest teams.

"The Raiders are still a little bit of a long shot to win the big game. But they have won three in a row and this season has been a bit different and anything can happen in the playoffs. Love the way they have been playing," Esposito said." They have literally been playing playoff football already and have three straight wins. They are one of the hottest teams in the league and you want to play Week 18 at home and that's what the Raiders have at Allegiant Stadium."

And the Chargers are no pushovers themselves as they also enter Sunday's game with a 9-7 record with even Las Vegas sportsbooks giving them the initial edge.

"This has been an easy one to make. What else are you going to do then make the Chargers a three-point favorite? And it will come down to a lot of the matchups. The Raiders game is going to be a huge matchup no matter what with so much on the line," said oddsmaker Jimmy Vaccaro at the South Point hotel-casino.

If we are wondering about the betting options, you are not alone as football is king in Las Vegas.

"People have fallen in love with football and we can do a lot more now with gaming. It's a great tribute to those who just love to come and even now for a little bit of an escape," Vaccaro said.

The betting experts both say to stay within your means if you are starting off in the betting world but to also pay attention to the information that is out there.

"If you are just getting started, we are in an information era and I would say to stay within your means but also look at all of the information out there. We are in such uncertain times with players' availability in question," Esposito said. "So, just pay attention and stay within your means and have fun."

Whatever the outcome, football has brought an extra element of action and excitement to Las Vegas.

"Football is football and it carries everything throughout the year," Vaccaro said.

Enchant continues winter wonderland at Las Vegas Ballpark

Las Vegas, Nev.

The Las Vegas Ballpark has transformed into a dazzling winter wonderland for the holiday season.

The festive display is called Enchant, and it's something that can't be missed in Downtown Summerlin with an 80-foot Christmas tree at the center of the display as the holiday celebration continues.

"Enchant is a holiday adventure for all ages. The holiday spirit has not subsided. It just extends the holiday season, so Christmas doesn't end in just one day," said Gene Lubas, experience and talent director at Enchant.

Enchant is making its Las Vegas debut and is one of the largest Christmas displays in town, with a maze, ice skating, and even a reindeer scavenger hunt.

"We have a light-up maze that is something similar to that of a corn maze. But Enchant's maze gives those a chance to wander through a ballpark to help locate Santa's lost reindeer. An elf has left the gates open, and all the reindeer have scattered," Lubas said.

Upon entering the maze called The Great Search, visitors walk through a mystical forest of millions of lights with several large art installations as they journey to save Christmas.

"The theme of Enchant this year is The Great Search -- the search for the missing reindeer. So, it's the job of our guests to find all of the reindeer and present their scorecard at the end to get a present," Lubas said.

The Enchant adventure also includes an ice skating trail, a Christmas Village for gourmet holiday treats, a Santa visit -- all among a dazzling Christmas light maze.

"The maze is the star of the show. There are sculptures made in Ukraine with lights from China. It's something unique and something you really don't see a lot," Lubas said. "There's an ice path where guests can skate through the magical lights of the display. Also, next to the maze, there's a dance floor where the lights change as the kids step."

Enchant will remain open until Jan. 2, 2022, and features several local businesses as a part of the holiday event.

"On the concourse level, we have a Village -- a European Christmas market -- where guests can get clothing, crafts and food from several featured local restaurants," Lubas said. "We have brought in a lot of local entertainers that include local choirs and universities. So, along with the local small businesses here, we wanted to create a local representation."

Enchant will be back next year with an entirely new display, but there's still time to enjoy it in its final week at the ballpark, along with a few specials.

"We wanted to bring Enchant to Las Vegas for the locals of Las Vegas and for the tourists. And if you do, come this week. We have a family four-pack where families can get 20% off. So, bring your family," Lubas said.

Las Vegas-area map featuring hundreds of homes decked out for Christmas

Las Vegas, Nev.

It's the holiday season, and in a town known for its glitz and glamour, Las Vegas residents are not disappointing when it comes to their holiday lights.

And a local group is making it a lot easier to find some of the top decorated homes in the valley.

Parents of Las Vegas and Henderson have a dedicated Facebook page showing fun things for kids to do in Southern Nevada. Of course, one of those activities is enjoying our neighbors' holiday decorations.

At last check, the map includes about 600 addresses of drive-up worthy decorated homes in the valley covering all parts of town from Henderson to Centennial Hills - showing plenty of families helping us get into the holiday spirit.

Holiday winter wonderland on full display at Sam's Town Mystic Falls Park

Las Vegas, Nev.

You don't have to travel far or even go outdoors to enjoy a winter wonderland in Las Vegas.

Sam's Town Mystic Falls Park is transformed into a huge festive display every year for the holidays.

"Mystic Falls is one of those hidden gems that a lot of new people to town might not know about it. We've been here now for 27 years, and every year we transform the atrium at Sam's Town into a winter wonderland," said David Strow, vice president of corporate communications for Boyd Gaming.

The Mystic Falls display has helped thousands of families over the years celebrate the holidays, and it continues to be an experience for all ages.

"This is a lot of work to get the display going, but it really is an immersive experience and an intimate experience and something that all families will enjoy. The entire atrium is full of holiday lights, and it makes you feel like you are outside in the forest display," Strow said.

Visitors can take their time strolling through the atrium and take in the scenery and, of course, the lights.

"We have about 2.5 miles of lights in the display that include nearly 30,0000 individual lights. It is something that we have upgraded over the years, and we want people to come out and really see what it is all about. We have an 18-foot Christmas tree that serves as the display's centerpiece. We also have a dozen of other holiday decorations throughout the forest," Strow said

And the star of the display is the Mystic Falls laser light water show.

"You'll see in here what is similar to that at Disneyland. We have a state-of-the-art laser light show, and the fountain actually serves as a backdrop for the show," Strow said.

Returning for the first time in two years, it's a nine-minute holiday-themed show that even includes snow.

"It is holiday-themed with lasers, holiday songs, and animatronic animals dancing along to the music. And at the end of the show, we'll have artificial snow falling," Strow said. "I have an 11-year-old son, and I remember the first time I brought him to the Mystic Falls. I saw the wonder in his eyes, and now every year, he asks to come back to Sam's Town.

For those families who would like to stay a little longer in the winter wonderland, a dining experience can also happen under the lights.

"Our Angry Butcher Steakhouse has an outdoor patio that comes into the forest. You can make a reservation and be able to see the show while also eating your dinner," Strow said.

The display is open daily, but at night, the lights turn on, and the best time to visit will come after the sunset.

"We start the nightly show at 2 p.m., and it runs every hour until 10 p.m. I would come out around 5 p.m. when the atrium lights become clearer, and when the sun goes down, you get to experience the laser light show as it is meant to be seen," Strow said.

Sam's Town has been a staple for many locals, especially during the holiday season, and looks to continue to welcome those to its winter wonderland for years to come.

"It really is just a neat family-friendly experience that doesn't cost anything. We invite everyone to come out and experience the Mystic Falls and what it's all about," Strow said.

Magical Forest continues to shine bright at Opportunity Village in Las Vegas

Las Vegas, Nev.

It's not the local holiday season in Las Vegas until the lights go on at the Magical Forest at Opportunity Village.

"The Magical Forest was founded by a family in their backyard. Their own Magical Forest and carnival got so popular that we brought it on to our campus and it has grown to what it is today," said Taylor Judkin, donor engagement specialist at Opportunity Village

The annual event has become a family holiday tradition for those who call Las Vegas home, and 2021 marks 30 years of holiday magic.

"This is our 30th anniversary for the Magical Forest at Opportunity Village. We have a beautiful walk through the forest for you to see all of the decorations and more," Judkin said.

Last year, the trees were dark due to COVID, but the sparkling lights can't be missed again near Oakey Boulevard and Torrey Pines Road.

Visitors can travel through the forest of trees to see hundreds of decorated trees and other displays.

"When you enter, we have Christmas music playing and even a dancing light show. We also have a retail shop, and then when you head right, you enter the magical forest of trees. There are plenty of differently decorated trees along with house displays. As you move through you, get to see all of the different excitement in the forest," Judkin said.

And the forest is the star of the show, but there's more in the expanded area, including rides, food and a family favorite -- a train through the forest.

"We have rides such as the train that takes you throughout the forest, a carousel, and of course, Santa visits. We also have other rides and mini golf and carnival food and food trucks for different types of cuisine," Judkin said.

The event is also a way for the community to give back to the Opportunity Village.

"Our decorated trees are put together by different community members. It gives them an opportunity to help with our own mission at Opportunity Village and also a way we can show our community thanks for helping us throughout the year," Judkin said.

Every dollar spent at the Magical Forest goes toward programs or services for the people with disabilities the organization serves.

"The Magical Forest is one of our largest fundraiser events, and all of the money raised from the event goes directly back to help fund education and programs offered at Opportunity Village," Judkin said.

And the forest is made up of volunteers nightly, with opportunities still available.

"We typically have about 200 volunteers helping run our forest. We are always looking for volunteers. Volunteers run our entire forest, and it's really nice to see the community come out to help support our fundraiser event," Judkin said.

The attraction is open nightly until the new year, and weekdays could be your best bet to beat the crowds.

"We are open nightly starting at 5:30 p.m. and run through Jan. 2. The weekends are also are busiest. So, if you don't want a big crowd, I would come during the week. We still have a good turnout, but it isn't as much as on the weekend," Judkin said.

Even as new holiday displays come to town, take a page from us locals and make the Magical Forest part of your holiday celebrations.

"It's a great way to get you in the Christmas spirit. Everyone was closed last year, and we are back open this year. It's an outdoor event. Get out of the house, see the community, see the people and support a good cause. It puts a smile on your face, and it puts a smile on our face to see you at the Opportunity Village," Judkin said.