MGM Grand Race Book and Sports Book

Review

The MGM Grand promotes itself as "Maximum Vegas" and the resort strives to offer the ultimate Vegas experience whether it's shows, dining, nightclubs or gambling.

The result -- the mammoth 5,300-square-foot MGM Grand race and sports book with Vegas' only skyboxes.

To handle the constantly expanding casino, the race and sports book operations merged in 2006, and in the process, MGM added a new look with an almost theater-in-the-round feel. The sports book is in a circular shape and surrounds the poker room on the main casino floor near the Stage Deli restaurant.

The race and sports book recently upgraded to 47 plasma big screens, still anchored by three 16-foot-by-12-foot big screens, and continues to offer six electronic display boards.

A unique feature in the new race and sports book is the availability of skyboxes for guests. The four second-level skyboxes each range from 300 to 325 square feet and can fit eight to 10 guests. They are each equipped with plasma TVs, CD systems and surround-sound audio. It gives sports fans a vantage point unlike anywhere else -- a luxury box feel and elevated view of all the action. SkyBox 2 and SkyBox 3 can be configured to comfortably accommodate up to 20 guests.

The book offers pari-mutuel and nonpari-mutuel race wagering, daily games, sports futures and some proposition wagers, particularly for major sporting events. Complimentary beverages are served for players and the nearby Stage Deli provides the perfect solution to any race- and sports-driven appetite.

The MGM Grand race and sports book also offers seasonal events and contests for race and sports players.

-- Review by Sal DeFilippo