People Can Get Paid $2,000 Just to Review Las Vegas Buffets
A trip to Las Vegas already comes with bright lights, heavy foot traffic, and a long list of places to eat. This Thanksgiving, it also comes with a chance to earn real money for rating buffet tables along the Strip. The offer has started when classic buffets are fewer than they used to be, which makes the idea of someone getting paid to review them even more interesting.
Why A Buffet Job Exists
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Vegas Insider, a company known for sports betting insights, created a seasonal role called the Thanksgiving Buffet Tester. The position pays $2,000 through PayPal, and the amount is intended to cover travel, hotel, and a full buffet spread. The assignment is straightforward: visit several Strip buffets and share honest reviews online.
Applicants must be at least 21 years old and live in the United States. The form asks for basic information and links to TikTok or Instagram accounts. Submissions close on November 25 at 11:59 p.m. Pacific Time, and the winner is named the next day.
The tester will produce at least one video and a written breakdown of highlights and rankings. Applications showing humor, personality, and attention to detail will stand out.
Buffets That Once Ruled Vegas
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This new role was created during a period when buffets on the Strip have experienced a sharp decline. A few years ago, the city had more than 70 casino buffets. Today, they are closer to a dozen. Rising costs and new dining preferences have pushed many properties to replace buffet rooms with food halls.
Several changes show how common this trend has become, including what happened with Rio’s Carnival World Buffet. This service closed in 2020 and reopened in 2024 as Canteen Food Hall. ARIA Buffet shut down in 2020 and returned two years later under a new format called Proper Eats Food Hall.
Circus Circus introduced the Big Top Food Court in 2021 in a space previously used for buffet seating. Rick Harrison of “Pawn Stars” recently commented on the decline and described it as an example of how guest preferences evolve.
His view aligns with that of frequent visitors who have noticed that food halls attract large crowds, and traditional buffets no longer have the presence they once had.
Tourism Trends Shape The Timing
Data from the Las Vegas Convention and Visitors Authority reports just over three million visitors in September 2025, representing an 8.8 percent decrease compared to the same month in 2024. Analysts credit higher food prices as a contributing factor.
Even with fewer buffets, the Strip still hosts major holiday spreads at places such as the Bellagio, Wynn Las Vegas, and MGM Grand. Pew Research Center found that about three percent of adults in 2024 expected to have Thanksgiving dinner at a restaurant or hotel.
Creating a role centered on buffet stops highlights the locations that remain and brings attention to a shrinking part of the city’s dining options.
What The Tester Will Do
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The chosen tester will visit multiple buffets, film social videos, and write a clear summary of standout dishes and weaker spots. They will focus on flavor, variety, value, and the overall atmosphere.
No professional background is required. The role suits someone who enjoys sharing reactions online and can present their thoughts in a straightforward and engaging way.
It will also give the tester access to holiday menus that often include carving stations, seafood, pies, and themed setups popular among visitors who prefer an easy Thanksgiving meal without cleanup duties.
The idea has gained attention because the task is light, the pay is substantial, and the theme taps into a long-running part of Las Vegas culture. Buffets may not dominate the Strip anymore, but they still hold a nostalgic place among travelers.