From Betsy Malloy,
Your Guide to California Travel.
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Let's start with the simple truth: Big headliners and popular performers in Las Vegas sell out far in advance. You're not likely to get Las Vegas discount show tickets to see them. In fact, if you don't plan ahead, you'll have to pay a premium to a broker, which will make their already-high list prices look like a discount by comparison.

However, if you just want to be entertained without paying top dollar, we've compiled some options for getting Las Vegas discount show tickets.

Outlets Selling Las Vegas Discount Show Tickets

The bulk of the shows offered by these outlets are magicians, hypnotists and variety revues.

• Tickets2Nite: Offers same-day, half-price Las Vegas discount show tickets. Located behind the giant Coke bottle at 3785 Las Vegas Blvd., in Showcase Mall near the MGM Grand. They open at noon, but start posting show availability about 11:30. Arrive early for the best selection. Some people mistakenly think Coca-Cola buys tickets at full price and sells them at a discount as a promotion, but it does not. Instead, they get their stock from shows that still have seats available on the day they're performing.

• Tix4Tonight: A simlar service that offers same-day, half-price Las Vegas discount show tickets along with last-minute tickets to some "always sold-out" Las Vegas shows at a smaller discount. Their offices next to the Harley Davidson Cafe, in Fashion Show Mall and across from the Stardust open at noon.

Other Ways to Get Las Vegas Discount Show Tickets

• Packages: Check to see if the hotel/casinos have any packages that include Las Vegas discount show tickets. For example, in early 2005, Treasure Island offered a package that included a hotel room and ticket to see Cirque du Soleil's Mystere starting at $105 per person, when tickets to the show alone started at $95 each.

• Discount Coupons: Another option for getting Las Vegas discount show tickets is Casino Perks, a two-for-one coupon book that includes Las Vegas discount show tickets as well as coupons for gambling and dining.

• eBay: While you may find some Las Vegas discount show tickets for sale here, it's a big risk. The tickets may be counterfeit, or the shows may refuse to honor transferred tickets. If you go this route, be sure that the show in question allows ticket transfers and what their transfer requirements are. Some may require a permission letter and other documentation.

• Players Clubs: These clubs are not just for high rollers. Check around to see if any of them offer Las Vegas discount show tickets to their members.

• You may find coupons for Las Vegas discount show tickets in the free booklets available at many hotels and casinos.