Beware visitors, you will be long-hauled

In Vegas, they will try to long haul you.  Guaranteed. 

Long hauling is basically overcharging you for a taxi ride by taking the longest route.  The most common practice is for taxi drivers to pick you up at the airport and take you to your hotel via the highway, which, unless you are staying downtown, is almost always the long way by far.  The Las Vegas Review-Journal had an article today which basically said "No one really cares and this practice will continue."

So beware my friends.  Before you step into that taxi line, know where you are going and how to get there. A bit of time spent on google maps can seriously save you a good deal of money and time.

My personal tactic, being a very polite sort, is to say something like "I'm going to Bally's.  Is Paradise or Koval quicker right now?",  knowing full well it's basically the same route.  Saying this tells the cab driver that I'm not a rube and I know the scam, without being blatant about it.  If you are less worried about offending than I am simply say "Don't take the tunnel.  Don't take the highway.  Use the back roads. Please."  By law, drivers are bound to take you via the route you state. 

Oh, and if you get an honest ride, please tip.  Conversely, if you are long hauled, don't tip at all.  And don't feel bad about it.

If you are at the casino and need a cab, you can always ask the guy who hails them what the best route is.  He will even right it down or tell the driver if you ask him to.  Of course, you need to shoot him a tip as well, but it's money well spent.

And maybe the best tip ever, Never Never Never say to the driver "This is my first time ever in Vegas!"  or even worse "This is my first cab ride ever!"  Act like a pro, even if you aren't, and you'll be fine.