F1 Arcade Makes the Forum Shops Worth a Detour at Caesars Palace

^{Stroll away from the casino floor at Caesars Palace, and you might find the opulent main bar at F1 Arcade, located inside the Forum Shops. (Photo: Vanessa Alves-Johnson / Casinos.com)}

LAS VEGAS – When most people think of F1 in Las Vegas, they think of sky-high prices and streets being torn up for weeks of construction.  But F1 Arcade is looking to banish that perception by creating a year-round spot where Formula 1 can live on the Strip.

Inside the Forum Shops at Caesars Palace, the F1 Arcade Vegas location serves as the brand’s flagship location, spanning more than 21,000 square feet across two levels. The arcade brings the excitement of F1 racing and the fun of an arcade together with high-tech racing simulators and a menu full of unique food and cocktails. 

This place offers something for both diehard racing fans and casual visitors who can’t name a single driver. 

Casinos.com sat down with marketing director Jeff Ferrari to learn more about what makes F1 Arcade worth a visit for both locals and tourists.

Race Day is Every Day at the Forum

F1 Arcade offers a competitive social environment where you can move between the café-style lounge downstairs or journey upstairs to their larger main floor, where their race watch parties are held. The outdoor terrace upstairs overlooks the Strip and the iconic Caesars Palace signage.

You can jump right into the action on the arcade’s racing simulators that make you feel like you’re behind the wheel of a Formula 1 car on a real circuit. The experience is designed to be approachable for anyone, whether they have a driver's license or it’s their first time behind the wheel.

“Being able to race on something that makes you feel like a Formula One driver definitely has a real feeling to it, said Ferrari. “It's fun. All ages, all abilities. There really isn't anyone who can't sit on this machine and drive and just have a great time.”

To enjoy the racing simulators, you can either make a reservation in advance or inquire upon arrival. Walking around the venue and ordering food or drink is free, but using the simulators has a cost. Their sessions start at $26 a person and can range from 3 to 5 races for two people.

The venue is family-friendly during the day. After 9 p.m., it becomes a 21-and-over venue with a more lounge or club vibe. On weekends, they bring in DJs who make it feel upbeat from the moment you walk in.

Because of its placement inside the Forum Shops, the crowd is a mix of people who stumble in while shopping and others who make a dedicated trip to check it out. It’s also easy to access, regardless, with valet right in front of the venue for only $11 for those who don’t want to navigate deep into Caesars Palace’s massive casino.

Food and Drinks: More Than a Pit Stop

At F1 Arcade, the menu does not feel like an afterthought. It’s a major part of the experience, with premium offerings that feel more like elevated sportsbook food than what you may find at a traditional arcade.

The cocktail program was developed by LP O’Brien, F1 Arcade’s Global Creative Director of Beverage, who won Netflix’s Drink Masters. According to Ferrari, the drinks are designed to be visually appealing and layered before you even take a sip.

The VIP Pass cocktail (right) and a selection of shareable plates at F1 Arcade. (Photo: Vanessa Alves-Johnson / Casinos.com)

The must-try drink here is the VIP Pass cocktail, F1 Arcade’s take on a pornstar martini, served with a dusting of raspberry and a side pour of Moët & Chandon Brut. It’s best enjoyed by sipping the cocktail, sipping the champagne, and then pouring it into the drink. 

“These drinks are all highly curated and have some really fun mixers too,” Ferrari explained. “They're not just a typical cocktail. A lot of them have multiple parts that make you say, ‘Well, that's a beautiful cocktail,’ and then you taste it, and you realize all the different layers. There's a lot going on in most of our cocktails.”

Even the non-alcoholic “designated driver” options ensure mocktails are thoroughly accounted for on their menu.

During my visit, I tried some delicious appetizers and drinks that I would absolutely come back for. A first-time visitor can come in planning to race and end up staying for a full meal and a cocktail.

Pricing is also relatively affordable compared to other spots on the Strip. Their shareable plates are reasonably priced, while higher-end options like a seafood tower are available for groups who want to splurge.

The venue does a great job of creating a full experience where guests can eat, drink, and play all in one place, without feeling the need to leave and explore other entertainment.

F1 Fans and Newcomers Equally Welcome

One of the biggest takeaways from F1 Arcade is that you do not need to be a serious Formula 1 fan to enjoy it. The space is designed to be welcoming to everyone, regardless of how familiar they are with the sport.

I experienced this firsthand when I attended the Shanghai Grand Prix watch party for my birthday. Even without knowing much about Formula 1, it was easy to get caught up in the experience. Between the massive screens all around, live commentary, and the DJ’s set, it felt more like a major event than just watching a race.

The watch parties are a big focus for the venue, especially around North American races that don't require people to be up early or stay up late to tune in. These events bring in DJs, hosts, and themed elements that make it feel like a Super Bowl watch party.

The next big F1 races are coming up in May. The F1 Miami Gardens Watch Party will be on May 3, and the Montreal Watch Party will be on May 24. Tickets are currently on sale on the F1 Arcade website. Whether you live in Vegas or are in town when a watch party is happening, it’s a great way to enjoy some entertainment. 

Both are on Sundays at 12 pm, so it’s easy to work into an itinerary. Locals also get a bonus: a special happy hour after the race.

Every Day Local Happy Hour

While F1 Arcade is clearly built to attract tourists, the team has put real thought into welcoming locals. The venue recently introduced a happy hour program designed to be accessible to Las Vegas residents, with deals starting after 5 p.m. Monday through Thursday and at 1 pm on weekends. It's perfectly timed for locals just getting off work who want a quick bite to eat somewhere fun, or for those looking to have some fun on the weekend.

Unlike many Strip venues that I’ve covered before, the discounts are not limited to a small selection of the menu. A good majority of their food and drink offerings are included, rather than a small handful of items designed to steer you toward full-price orders.

“We offer exceptionally reasonable pricing for a premium offering,” said Ferrari. “We also value locals, so our 50% off offer for Nevada residents is much more substantial than a typical happy hour. It has expansive hours and includes nearly all of our food and drink menu.”

The result is a space where locals and visitors can mix together and experience the joy of getting their race on. During my visit to the Shanghai watch party, my partner and I ended up sitting next to a couple of UK tourists who were huge F1 enthusiasts. By the end of the race, we were invested all the same.

The team at the F1 Arcade in Vegas is working to expand its presence in the local community through events and partnerships, aiming to become more than just a hotspot for racing fans.

F1 Arcade plays a big role in how casino resorts compete for your time. Caesars Palace has always had the casino, restaurants, nightlife, pools, and the Forum Shops. But nowadays, nongaming revenue is just as important as gaming revenue. The new playbook is about stacking reasons to stay on property all day, across every preference and budget. Entertainment venues like F1 Arcade at Caesars Palace offer family fun and a place to try something that doesn't require gambling or spending a fortune.