Australian Pro Poker National Finals

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If you've never been to the Wrangler National Finals Rodeo (NFR) in Las Vegas, this is an event you must attend, at least once in a lifetime. 2019 will mark the 35th year for the Wrangler NFR to be held in Las Vegas.

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For 10 days in December the National Finals Rodeo (NFR) transforms the look and feel of Las Vegas in a spectacular way. Each year, thousands of rodeo enthusiasts decked out in Wrangler jeans, cowboy boots and outsized hats stroll up and down the Vegas strip, and fill Las Vegas hotel lobbies, casinos, showrooms and restaurants. You don't have to be a cowboy or cowgirl to have the time of your life. However the National Finals Rodeo might just make a cowboy out of you after 10 days of competition and entertainment.

Let's face it, Las Vegas is known for doing everything big. The Wrangler National Finals Rodeo is no exception. From the minute you arrive in Sin City, you will find action and entertainment everywhere to look. The Vegas strip is full of the rodeo spirit as hotel marquees are splashed with the names of the brightest stars in country music and casinos try to out-do each other with NFR entertainment and specials.

However, I am hoping you plan ahead and get your flight tickets early because things get pricey and sell out fast during the Wrangler National Finals Rodeo (NFR). If you haven't, no worries, it’s not too late to find something if you search now. There are still some tricks you can use to get decent prices. Also don't forget to use Las Vegas hotel discount promotion codes when booking your room.

If you like shows, check out the list of our recommended Las Vegas shows. These shows sell out fast, so if plan to see one, get your tickets as early as possible.

The 2019 Wrangler National Finals Rodeo (NFR)

Dates: Thursday, Dec 5th - Saturday, Dec 14th, 2019
NFR Start Times:All start times in 2019 are 6:45 p.m. - 9:00 p.m. (PT).
Location:Thomas & Mack Center (on the UNLV Campus)
4505 S. Maryland Parkway,
Las Vegas, NV, 89154.
On the corner of Tropicana Ave. and Swenson Ave.

Things you should know about the National Finals Rodeo (NFR) in Las Vegas

Everything will be open. I mean everything. shops, casinos, bars, restaurants, buffets, attractions. You name it, it will be open during the Wrangler NFR.

Most bars and restaurants will offer drink specials, and rodeo themed menus. All Las Vegas buffets also offer you an opportunity to experience new cowboy themed items nightly, all featuring good ol' home made BBQ.

If money is not an issue here is a list of highly recommended restaurants you might consider calling ahead of time to make a reservation.

There will be lots of free entertainment, live country music and dance halls on and off the Vegas Strip. Each night, before or after the rodeo competition, just throw on your best western attire and two-step your way to any of the cowboy parties listed below.

With that said, if Las Vegas is beckoning you this coming Wrangler National Finals Rodeo (NFR), below are a few things you might want to put on your to-do list. You'll also find lots of resources and some money saving tips on this site while planning your National Finals Rodeo in Las Vegas.

2019 Wrangler NFR World Champions

Source: www.nfrexperience.com
Rodeo Event2019 NFR Champions
Bareback RidingClayton Biglow
Steer WrestlingTy Erickson
Saddle Bronc RidingZeke Thurston
Tie-Down RopingHaven Meged
Barrel RacingHailey Kinsel
Team Roping (Headers)Clay Smith
Team Roping (Heelers)Wesley Thorp
Bull RidingSage Steele Kimzey
All-Around Gold buckleStetson Wright

Clayton Biglow (Bareback Riding) wins 2019 RAM Top Gun Award - Earning $243,891 over the 10-nights of the Wranger NFR

2019 Road to the NFR World Standings

2019 Bareback - World Standings2019 Steer Wrestling - World Standings
2019 Team Roping (Headers) - World Standings2019 Team Roping (Heelers) - World Standings
2019 Saddle Bronc - World Standings2019 Tie-Down Roping - World Standings
2019 Barrel Racing - World Standings2019 Bull Riding - World Standings
2019 All-Around - World Standings

Things to do during the NFR week in Las Vegas

Below is a list of 2019 National Finals Rodeo (NFR) Events

Don't miss all the action before and after the NFR each night at the Cowboy Corral located at the Cox Pavilion, next to the Thomas & Mack Center. Get to the arena an hour early and head over to the Cowboy Corral. Kick up your heels and enjoy live entertainment.

Live Performance each night before the Wrangler NFR
Andy Griggs & D'em Boyz - Time: 5:30 p.m.

Live Performance each night following the Wrangler NFR
The Britt Stokes Band - Dec. 5 - 10
Sean Curtis and the Divide - Dec. 11 - 14

Doors Open 5 p.m. nightly Admission:FREE with Wrangler NFR Ticket

The Mirage Presents Rodeo Vegas 2019. The official Wrangler NFR After-Party of the PRCA. Offering the best FREE live entertainment from country music's biggest stars.

Dates: December 5 - 14
Time: 6:30 p.m. - 4 a.m.
Location:The Mirage Race & Sports BookFree Event

Besides joining over 70,000 rodeo fans in the ultimate rodeo party, here are a few other things to expect.

Parlor Lounge NFR Events

Parlor Lounge will provide live music to rodeo fans looking for a more intimate setting. Admission is FREE with live music beginning at 9:30 p.m. nightly. The artists scheduled to perform are:
Brit Stokes - Dec. 3, 5 - 7
Glen Templeton - Dec. 12 - 14
Nightly NFR action on High Definition Projection TV screens. Enjoy drink specials & nightly prize giveaways throughout the performance. Remember you can catch the FREE nightly shuttle service to and from the Thomas and Mack Center. Free EventGuests 21 and over only.

Enjoy FREE Live music, dancing, free viewing parties and giveaways nightly at the MGM Grand Gold Buckle Zone. Dates: December 5 - 14

2019 Gold Buckle Zone Nightly Entertainment
7:30 p.m. - 2 a.m.Pro poker tips
Location: The Central at MGM Grand, near the Sports Book Free Event

Gary Leffew's Legendary Buck'N Ball at Tropicana Las Vegas

The Legendary Buck'N Ball features Live country music, two-step dancing and drink specials.

Doors Open at 6:30 nightly. Live viewing party followed by Gary Leffew's Bucking Ball
Location: Cohiba Ballroom at Tropicana Las Vegas
Dates: December 5, 6, 7, 12, 13 & 14
Must be 21 and older Free Event

Buckin' Bash hosted by Justin Rumford at The Orleans Hotel & Casino

Buckin' Bash is home to Las Vegas' greatest cowboy party, featuring live country music, brews, two-step dancing and rodeo celebrity guest for a 'Toast of the Night' every evening.

Doors Open at 9:00pm - 2:00 a.m. nightly
Dates: December 5 - 14
Location: Inside the Bourbon Street Lounge at the The Orleans Hotel & Casino Free Event Must be 21 and older

Gilley's Saloon at Treasure Island

December 5 - 14
7 p.m. - 2 a.m.
Gilley's Saloon, Dance Hall & Bar-B-Que
Live entertainment and drink specials nightly! Free Event

Silverton Casino Presents Cowboys & Indians After Parties

December 5 - 14 (hosted by Justin Frazell on Dec. 5-7, 12-14)
6 p.m. - Midnight
Veil Pavilion inside Silverton Casino Hotel
Live, free all-ages viewing parties followed by live bands each night Free Event

NFR Gift Shows Around Town

Cowboy Christmas
Cowboy Christmas Gift Show / Co-located with the RMEF's Hunter & Outdoor Christmas Expo
Las Vegas Convention Center South Halls
Open Daily Dec 5 - 14
9 a.m. – 5 p.m. Free Event
Getting there By Bus, take: Routes 108 or SDX
Free Shuttle bus service will also be provided from the Cowboy Christmas Gift Show directly to the Thomas & Mack Center (one way route - only) for each night's rodeo performance.
Stetson Country Christmas
Rio All-Suite Hotel & Casino
Open Daily Dec 5 - 15
10 a.m. - 5 p.m. Free Event
Free shuttle to and from the Stetson Country Christmas to the Roper Cowboy Marketplace at the Mandalay Bay Convention Center, and complimentary shuttle to and from the ALL IN Barrel Race at The Orleans.
Cinch Western Gift Show
South Point Exhibit Halls C & D
Open Daily Dec 5 - 15
9 a.m. - 6 p.m. Free Event
Roper Cowboy Marketplace
Mandalay Bay
Open Daily Dec 5 - 14
10 a.m. - 5 p.m. Free Event

One of the great things about the 2019 National Finals Rodeo is that it coincides with the beginning of the Holiday Season in Las Vegas. The month of December is one of the most wonderful time of the year to visit Vegas as you will immediately find yourself immersed in the holiday experience, spectacular light displays, and lots of free entertainment up and down the Strip and beyond.

Here are a few Christmas activities to add on your list of things to do this National Finals Rodeo in Las Vegas.

What is the Wrangler National Finals Rodeo (NFR)?

The Wrangler National Finals Rodeo presented by Polaris RANGER® is the season-ending championship event for the Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association. Known as the Super Bowl of Rodeo, the National Finals Rodeo in Las Vegas features an impressive list of entertainers to sing the national anthem prior to each rodeo performance. Competition starts following the opening ceremonies.

How to qualify to compete in the National Finals Rodeo

The Top 15 contestants in the standard rodeo events - Bareback riding, Steer wrestling, Team roping (headers and heelers), Saddle bronc riding, Tie-down roping, WPRA barrel racing and Bull riding, qualify to compete at the National Finals Rodeo based on the Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association World Standings for a share of the $10 million purse and the coveted PRCA World Championship Gold Buckles.

The National Finals Rodeo consists of 10 rounds. One round on each of the 10 consecutive days and each contestant competes once each day.

Selecting the National Finals Rodeo Winners

At the end of the NFR competition, there are two champions in each event (four for team roping). The first champion is the average winner with the best cumulative time or score over the 10 rounds. The second champion is the world champion who finished the year with the most money (including what he or she earned at the NFR). Mind you, for each event, the average winner and world champion may be the same person or different people.

University of Nevada
4505 S. Maryland Pkwy. Las Vegas, NV, 89154
Bus routes to Thomas & Mack Center: 108, 109, 201, 202, and Centennial Express (CX)

Did you know..
The NFR has been held annually since 1959, and every December since 1985 at the Thomas & Mack Center in Las Vegas.

NFR Clear Bag Policy

In order to enhance public safety and make the Wrangler National Finals Rodeo venue access more efficient, the NFR clear bag policy regulates the size and type of bag that may be carried into the Thomas & Mack Center.

Fans are limited to one clear bag per person and one small clutch for personal items.

The clear bag policy will be enforced from Thursday, Dec. 5 thru and including Saturday, Dec. 14.

2019 National Finals Rodeo (NFR) on a tight budget

We are constantly searching for ways to save you money at the Wrangler NFR in Las Vegas. In the coming weeks, this section will be updated with all the 2019 National Finals Rodeo FREE events you can take advantage of. From free show coupons, to free attractions, to free transportation. Check back regularly to take advantage of these offers. Also remember to checkout our Las Vegas money saving tips.

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Take advantage of the free shuttle buses to and from hotels and from the Las Vegas Convention Center, to the Thomas & Mack Center.

2019 National Finals Rodeo viewing parties

Don't have a ticket to the NFR!, No Problem. Here are places around Vegas where you can watch the show nightly for free. Free Event

ResortViewing location
Bally'sIndigo Lounge & Burger Brasserie
Caesars PalaceMontecristo Cigar Bar
CosmopolitanCiQue Bar & Lounge
The D Las VegasDowntown Las Vegas Events Center
Downtown GrandCasino & Furnace Bar
Flamingo Las VegasBird Bar
Gold CoastThe Red Zone
Golden NuggetThe Grand Event Center
Hard Rock HotelGoose Island Pub
Harrah's Las VegasToby Keith's I Love This Bar & Grill
Mandalay BayRhythm & Riffs
MGM GrandDavid Copperfield Theater
The MirageRace & Sports Book
The Orleans*The Showroom Honky Tonk Saloon
Planet Hollywood ResortExtra Lounge
The Plaza HotelThe Plaza Showroom
RioiBar Ultra Lounge
Sam's Town*Hawthorne Room
Silverton*Veil Pavilion
South PointGrand Ballroom
Treasure IslandGilley's Saloon
TropicanaCohiba Ballroom
WestgateShimmer Cabaret
*Family viewing

2019 National Finals Rodeo FREE Shuttle Bus Service

If you are planing to attend the 2019 Wrangler National Finals Rodeo in Las Vegas, you will be glad to know that FREE shuttle bus service will be provided from and to the following sponsor hotel properties listed below.

Rodeo Starts: 6:45 P.M.
Dates: December 5 - 14, 2019

NFR Express Shuttle

The NFR Express shuttle buses leave approximately every 15 minutes from each of the hotels listed below.

Shuttle to Thomas & Mack Center (Pre-Event) - 5:00pm. - 7:00pm.
Shuttle from Thomas & Mack Center (Post-Event) - 9:00pm - 10:30pm.
*All times are subject to change.

RouteResortPickup/Drop off Location
Route 1Cowboy Christmas Gift Shop - one way route only LVCC South Halls (Bronze parking lot)
Route 13Bally'sNorth entrance
Route 10Caesars PalaceTour bus area - under the Planet Hollywood sign
Route 10The CosmopolitanMain entrance (north wall)
Route 8The D Las VegasMain Entrance
Route 9Downtown GrandEntrance at 3rd St & Ogden Ave
Route 12FlamingoTour Bus Area
Route 8Golden NuggetCasino Tower entrance
Route 7Gold CoastValet entrance
Route 12Harrah'sBus Tour Lobby
Route 5Hard Rock HotelMain entrance
Route 4Mandalay BayShark Reef Enterance
Route 2MGM GrandWest Wing entrance
Route 11The Mirage North valet entrance
Route 6New York-New YorkMain entrance
Route 6The OrleansValet entrance
Route 13Planet HollywoodTour Bus Area
Route 9PlazaPlaza Welcome Sign (Main St & Carson Ave.)
Route 3Sam's TownBack entrance behind the food courts
Route 14SilvertonMain entrance
Route 14South PointMain entrance (outside Porte-Cochere)
Route 7Rio All-SuitesRotunda entrance
Route 11Treasure IslandBus loading zone, near South Side Valet
Route 4TropicanaNorth Entrance
Route 5WestgateEast Tower entrance

2019 Concerts during Wrangler NFR week

John Michael Montgomery - December 7
Charlie Daniels - December 8
Ronnie Milsap - December 9
Location: The Showroom at Golden Nugget
Tracy Lawrence - December 10
Pam Tillis and Lorrie Morgan - December 11
Ray Wylie Hubbard - December 12
Jamey Johnson - December 13
Location: The Showroom at Golden Nugget
Aaron Watson - December 5 - 8
Josh Ward - December 9 - 11
Randall King - December 12 - 14
Location: South Point Showroom
Chancey Williams & the Younger Brothers Band - December 7 & 8
Reckless Kelly - December 9 & 10
Kevin Fowler - December 11 & 12
Rob Staley Band - December 13 & 14
Chad Prather - December 13
Location: Gilley's Saloon at Treasure Island

T-Mobile Arena
George Strait - December 6 & 7
Location: T-Mobile Arena

MGM Grand Las Vegas
Andrea Bocelli - December 7
Location: Garden Arena at MGM Grand

Mandalay Bay Las Vegas
Nashville Unplugged - December 6 & 13
Location: Rhythm & Riffs starting at 8pm. No cover

Australian Pro Poker National Finals

Cosmopolitan of Las Vegas
Kip Moore and Midland - December 14
Location: The Chelsea at The Cosmopolitan of Las Vegas

Caesars Palace Las Vegas
Reba, Brooks & Dunn - December 7, 8, 10, 11 & 13
Location: The Colosseum at Caesars Palace

Planet Hollywood Hotel & Casino
Shania Twain - December 7, 11, 13, 14 & 18
Location: Zappos Theater at Planet Hollywood

Wynn Las Vegas
Dwight Yoakam & The Bakersfield Beat - December Dec. 7, 10, 12 and 14
Location: Encore Theater at Wynn Las Vegas

Gary Allan - December 6 & 7
Cody Johnson - December 12
Location: The Joint at Hard Rock
Chris Heers - December 7
Holly Tucker & Chris Heers - December 8
Holly Tucker & Chase & The Pursuit - December 9 & 10
Lainey Wilson - December 10 & 11
Randy Brown & Roger Creager - December 12
Randy Brown - December 13
Voodoo Cowboys - December 14
Location: Veil Pavilion at Silverton Casino Hotel

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Disclaimer
LasVegasHowTo.com is strictly a travel information website and in no way affiliated or associated with Wrangler National Finals Rodeo, Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association and/or it's respective companies. If you have specific questions regarding the event, please contact the event organizers directly.

It appears the last-ditch effort of Australians to fight for legal online poker has fallen short.

The Australian Senate passed the Interactive Gambling Amendment Bill 2016 on Wednesday, effectively fencing the country in from regulated operators of online poker. The bill was initially meant to close off loopholes that allowed in play sports betting but also has the side effect of making it impossible for regulated online poker to be offered.

The passage comes on the heels of a final push from online poker players and advocates, led by the Australian Online Poker Alliance and Australian Sen. David Leyonhjelm.

After the bill's initial movement late in 2016, things looked grim for online poker Down Under. However, the AOPA formed in response to the bill and Leyonhjelm took up the cause, initiating an inquiry to highlight what he and others saw as a foolish and hypocritical law.

Poker players responded and the group presented their case before at an Aug. 1 hearing. Joseph Del Duca of the AOPA said the support was all he could have hoped for.

'The Australian poker community should be very proud of how they have held themselves through the campaign,' he said. 'We have rallied together as a strong community. The inquiry has received so many submissions from people who want to save our game that they haven't been able to keep up with the work load.'

The band also recruited a pair of expert witnesses who pushed the idea of regulation rather than prohibition. Dr. Sally Gainsbury, a university professor, pointed out that black market sides exist that will swoop into the vacuum in the market and cater to Australians.

'A lot of people will continue to play, and they will be forced to use sites that potentially have fewer consumer protection mechanisms and be exposed to risks related to developing gambling problems, as well as potentially being cheated or losing their funds,' she said.

Longtime Australian online poker player Oliver Gill, a key voice in the AOPA, also called into the meeting to voice his support for a regulated market.

'Prohibition has been tried in other countries with disastrous results, including the creation of black markets, with millions of dollars being stolen from players by illegal online poker operators like Lock Poker with no recourse for players who have been cheated or stolen from,' he said. 'I do not believe it's in any party's best interest to subject Australian online poker players to the reality of black markets, if the online poker industry is banned in Australia.'

In opposition, representatives of the Salvation Army voiced concerns about expansion of gambling in Australia. They argued the ease of access to online poker via credit cards and PayPal as 'the preferred method' of gambling made it a haven for problem gamblers.

A number of highly placed government workers also took the stand. In their interview, they admitted that online poker was a different beast from other forms of internet gambling.

'That would still be the department's view, that if any of the games under the IGA were allowed it probably would be online poker,' said Andrew Verdon, assistant director of online gambling in the Department of Communications and the Arts.

'We do acknowledge that online poker is a mix of skill and chance. There is a lot of skill involved, but there is still that chance element. But it would not be in the same area as roulette and slot machines, which is pure chance.'

However, the efforts of the pro-poker community appear to have done nothing to slow the guillotine from dropping. It took a merely a little over a week for the Australian Senate to come to a decision, and the decision means regulated online poker is likely finished in Australia. That means the 130,000 or so who play online Down Under face the undesirable choice between hanging up their mouse and keyboard or hopping into the murky waters that are home to black market operators.

While things are looking more grim than ever before for Australian poker players, Del Duca urged players and supporter to keep up the fight.

'Whilst it was unfortunate that the government did not wait for the Senate Inquiry findings to come through, we urge Australian poker players to not give up hope,' he said. 'Our game is not dead and we will continue to campaign for safe, legal online poker when the Senate Inquiry is handed down.

'Our call for a safe, regulated online poker market in Australia is still the only option that provides freedom for players, revenue for the government and protection for those in need.'

Pro Poker Players

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Australian Pro Poker National Finals 2016

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