One of the things you need to understand about Las Vegas is that it is HUGE - the streets are huge and the casinos are huge. That Casino that looks so close is actually a 30 (Bellagio) - 50 (Wynn) story skyscraper and the "little" sign out front is 100 feet tall. The casinos are set back from the main road and there is very little at "ground level" to give you visual clues or perspective about the size of these buildings So when you set out to take a walk, please wear comfy shoes. Even if you think you are a walker, and you love to walk, you will walk further in Las Vegas than anywhere else you have walked before. The casinos span many normal city blocks themselves, so when you look at a map and see that a casino/hotel you want to visit is three casinos down the street, it will probably take you 1/2 hour to get there. As an example, MGM Grand to Ballys is a 1 mile walk! Plus, there are lots of other walkers and you need to navigate around them, and navigate away from all the guys trying to hand you flyers for the ladies who wear practically nothing but who want to show you a good time. Just be sure to allow plenty of time to get from point A to point B.
If you want to "casino-hop", downtown casinos are virtually shoulder to shoulder and one can easily hit every one of them in a day even at a liesurely pace. This would be virtually impossible on the Strip, even with a bus pass on the "Deuce".
Everyone wears sneaks, and for a good reason. In fact, bring at least two pairs of comfortable shoes in case you wear one pair out. Even walking to the monorail will take you a while because they are usually buried in the back of the casino/hotel and by the time you navigate through the hundreds of people also walking around in the casino/hotel, it will be 10 minutes just to get there. And if you get a car, you will still have a long walk from your hotel room to the car, then from the car to the restaurant inside the casino. Some of the casinos are so elaborately laid out you literally need a map to find your way to the wherever you are going (unless you are seeking out a slot machine, of course).
Other tips for getting around LV: First, do not be afraid to utilize public transportation. On any given day (even at night) large numbers of people are walking but very few are taking the buses. Still, waiting in 100+ degree heat for a bus that may be late isn't as comfortable as window shopping inside an air-conditioned casino, right? The bus transfer tickets can't be used on the same route you first got them from, but you can use them twice or more. Bus passes that are valid for a 24 hour period are available from bus drivers for approximately $5USD. These allow you to take as many rides as you wish within a 24 hour period of purchase.
24 hour bus passes are now $7 and are a must when traveling the Strip to Downtown. The double-decker bus, "The Deuce", is a must-ride allowing you to see the Strip from the North Terminal downtown to the South Terminal near the airport. The pass is great for casino hopping. Beware that waits can be long and buses packed around rush hours especially heading South from downtown in the morning and North from the South Strip. Get a taste of local life and ride the Deuce!
Second, be wary of taking a taxi. Many cabbies take the "Tunnel route" which heads south from the airport to the roads with higher speed limits. It is actually faster to head north and travel on the side roads into the casinos.
You can catch a shuttle from the airport to the Strip for $6.50 one-way or to downtown for $8. Both are much cheaper than a cab. There is also a bus that heads downtown or you can connect to the Strip through the South Terminal Transfer station but toting much luggage might be difficult.
Third, do pick up one of the many free Las Vegas visitor publications available in the casino lobby areas or in your room. They have information on shows, attractions, restaurants, sightseeing, and casino promos. And this doesn't mean the pornographic material in sidewalk newsboxes
If you are not using the many coupons available in cabs, at hotels, etc. then you are leaving many dollars on the table. Purchase an American Casino Guide prior to your trip. They are laden with good coupons for freebies, match-play gaming, drinks, dining, attractions, etc. and will easily recoup the cost for the book even with one coupon. Also, join the casino players clubs for freebies and discounts. The Planet Hollywood fun book can literally save you hundreds of dollars. Don't be embarrassed - only newbies and fools fail to use coupons in Vegas.
Fourth, you'll see fellow tourists with barely any sun protection. Sunblock is essential, and a wide-brimmed hat is recommended -- but even a plastic visor is better than none. Also always carry with you water and refreshment in thermos or bottles. Las Vegas is a desert region, and as such the concrete and buildings reflect heat like an oven.
Be sure to watch your hydration. After all, you are in the desert and the dry air will suck the moisture out of you as well as the reflected heat. Be sure to drink water often, especially if consuming alcohol in the desert climate.