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Re best casinos: downtown better for blackjack than the strip (as a rule, and certainly for lower limit games). Sams Town and other local's casinos also offer generally favourable rules / games.
For food Ellis Island has a great steak and salad meal for about $5 - very hearty.
There's something for everyone in the Mecca that is Las Vegas. I've been MANY, MANY times - it's always an enjoyable and profitable vacation.