There are several ways to obtain money in Las Vegas, in general the more advance preparation you do, the less expensive it is.

Ways to send cash to Las Vegas (in increasing order of expense):

1) Bring cash. Fee-free, but problematic if large sums are involved as you may encounter unwelcome attention from airport security and you must declare amounts over $9999 US to Customs (upon entering/leaving the US). Foreign currency is accepted at the cashier's cages of most casinos (at their exchange rate).

2) Credit line. Fee-free. You set up a credit line and draw "markers" at the gaming tables. These have to be repaid, usually at the conclusion of your stay.

3) Check to the casino cage. Fee-free, but should be done sufficiently in advance so that the check has time to clear. Call the casino cage for more information.

4) Wire transfer to the casino cage. Instant; wire transfer fees charged by your bank. Note you must withdraw your money in chips at a gaming table due to money-laundering regulations.

[Do #s 2, 3, or 4 in a substantial amount prior to your arrival, telling them what date you will arrive, and you will get much love in the form of comps.]

5) GameCash. Apply for a GameCash card and you can withdraw money (usually limited to $500 every 12 days) at the casino cage. Fee-free at many Las Vegas casinos. Also accepted at many smaller casinos which sometimes charge a 1% fee. Normally requires a US bank account that is debited the next business day.

6) Check cashing. The casino cage at nearly any hotel will cash a personal check for $500 if you have ID and if you have not cashed a check in Las Vegas within the last two weeks (I forget the exact time limits). The hotel where you are staying may cash your personal check in a greater amount. If it bounces, the casinos will remember forever; and hanging paper in Nevada is a criminal offense.

7) Harrahs check-cashing ATM machines. Sign up using a blank check and the machine will take a picture of your eyeballs and will thereafter issue cash up to a $500 limit, debited to your bank account in 7 days. Fee-free. I recently had my account double-debited and am getting the runaround from Harrahs trying to get the extra $500 back.

8) ATMs. Subject to your bank's fee and exorbitant (for ATMs) fees ranging from $2.50 to $4. Away from the casinos there are $1.50 ATMs or one that is affiliated with your bank. Good for international withdrawals as exchange rates are favorable.

9) Credit card withdrawals through ATM (using PIN code). You pay the ATM fee, and usually an extra finance charge of 3% to your issuer.

10) Credit card or debit card withdrawals not using PIN code. Very expensive (maybe 5-6% of amount withdrawn) plus card issuer's cash advance fee.

11) Have your friends or relatives wire you money via Western Union. Can be sent or received at most (off-strip) supermarkets.

If you win money, you will get much less help from the casino cage in wiring it to your bank or giving you a check (although they will, grudgingly, if you insist, and you are just then checking out of the hotel). It's a good idea to drive or take a cab off the strip to a convenience store or supermarket and get the money out of town via money orders, or Western Union, or registered mail, or any way you can. Similarly, any time you find yourself with lots of chips in front of you, go cash them in.