Despite tough times, downtown Las Vegas continues on a steady pace of casino upgrades. The formerly dilapidated Gold Spike casino has a new look and improvements are ongoing. Up the street at the Golden Nugget, it's been announced that a $150 million, 500-room tower will be completed on schedule and open in December; the 25-story tower will give the Nugget a total of 2,400 rooms. And a 47-story, 1,000-room hotel and casino has been proposed for a 6.4-acre corner of the Union Park development, right behind the Plaza.

WICKED NUMBERS: Reports show the January casino win on the Strip plummeted by 15 percent, compared with the same month last year. It was the 13th consecutive year-over-year decline. Additionally, following a decline in visitors in 2008, January visitation dropped a whopping 12 percent. The upside? The casinos have to discount and room rates are down 20 percent and more.

ENVIABLE: The non-casino Envy Steakhouse, inside the Renaissance Hotel on Paradise Avenue, has debuted a new Sunday brunch called "Mimosas & Music." The brunch comes with unlimited mimosas, sparkling wine and build-your-own Bloody Marys. It's served 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. for $25 and live music accompanies. This compares with two others that debuted recently — Springs Preserve ($29) and Simon Brunch at Palms Place ($45).

Q: What's the play for St. Paddy's Day?

A: You've got plenty of options at several Irish-themed pubs in town. Here's the list: The casino pubs include Jack's (Palace Station), Brendan's (Orleans), JC Wooloughan (Rampart), McFadden's (Rio), Quinn's (Green Valley Ranch) and Nine Fine Irishmen (NY-NY).

For information about Las Vegas shows, buffets, coupons and deals, see www.LasVegasAdvisor.com.