Huck...if you say the Bellagio is stuffy I'm in agreement,its a nice place to visit but I wouldn't want to live there...buffet is outstanding though my favorite.
Never did more than a walk through at mandalay.
I really think you should give the Orleans a good look its more middle class with no riff raff...Like I said great sports book,its is part of the Stations Casino chain and a good amount of 5$ tables...last time I was there Miss W.Virgina was walking around the casino in a bathing suit.Its classy and clean without being stuffy.You can walk around in shorts and tee shirt without feeling out of place.
Judge...I play a craps sytem when i stay downtown..I try hitting each casino along fremont street including the Nugget for a couple of units...takes all afternoon.
Also, Huck downtown has 2$ tables for craps,BJ.
If you go downtown make sure you check out the "Plaza" I think their lines come out the samtime as the stardust.
The Orleans is outside the strip but not downtown