Huge IRS Handpay Changes, Caesars In Hot Water Again & Hard Rock's Controversial Guitar!

Dec 30, 2025

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Episode Description

This week the IRS finally updated their guidance on handpays for 2026 jackpots. Not only are we seeing the new $2K threshold officially being implemented, but the number is finally tied to inflation. How much will handpays be reduced and will this cost big tips?

In other news Caesars Entertainment once again found themselves in a PR nightmare with an erroneous late checkout fee and a new ghost policy that they deny exists. We also discuss: The stunning Vegas Museum of Art, Tuscany's questionable Smash Burger, 5 restaurant trends that need to die, where you can find $5 blackjack still and how the Guitar Tower is dividing the Vegas community.

Episode Guide

• 0:00 Letting the Good Times Roll at Plaza
• 1:00 IRS guidance for handpays in 2026
• 2:09 Big cut in handpays and tips?
• 2:55 Stranger Things insane Vegas drone show
• 3:54 Las Vegas Museum of Art renderings - Big culture in the desert
• 6:09 Guitar Tower is dividing Vegas lovers + new looks
• 7:35 Florida’s Guitar Tower holiday celebrations and free Strip entertainment
• 8:56 Tuscany’s questionable “Smash Burger”
• 9:53 Excalibur’s great drinks specials & happy hours
• 11:03 5 Las Vegas food trends that need to die
• 12:30 Water scams and influencer woes?
• 14:41 $5 Blackjack still exists in Vegas
• 16:46 Late checkout gate at Horseshoe
• 19:20 Why does Caesars keep running into these issues?
• 21:15 Has Vegas forgotten about the customer?

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