Score!: The Haute 5 Places to Watch the World Cup in Las Vegas

Whether you’re cheering for the United States, England or favored Portugal, the 2010 FIFA World Cup is about to take over South Africa and the world’s television sets for the next month. For Vegas, that means gambling and bars. There are estimates that more than $84 million in bets will be placed on matches covering everything from the point spread to who will score the first goal. With the huge international crowds in Las Vegas, expect to see team jerseys from France, Mexico, Ghana and Japan about town. Cheer on Las Vegas’ own Herculez Gomez and the rest of Team USA at 11:30 a.m. Saturday. Here’s a look at the Haute 5 places to watch the World Cup in Las Vegas.

Todd English P.U.B.
Nothing like an English pub for your World Cup viewing. Three-time James Beard Award-winning celebrity chef Todd English opened his Todd English P.U.B. (Public Urban Bar) inside Crystals at CityCenter where you can find more than 50 international bottle, keg and cask beers including rare finds such as Van Diest Fruli Strawberry, Rogue Chocolate Stout and Strongbow Cider. Dine on rotisserie-cooked meats from the Carvery or play a game of beer pong or darts while England plays the United States Saturday morning.

Todd English P.U.B., Crystals at CityCenter, 702.489.8080, www.toddenglishpub.com.

Lagasse’s Stadium
You can check out all the big matches at Lagasse’s Stadium Race & Sports Book at the Palazzo. You can bet on your brackets and chow down on Emeril Lagasse’s famous New Orleans cuisine. Ask for one of the casino’s pocketcasinos to bet on the money line, point spread and over/under during the game from the comfort of your stadium-style seat.

Got a wager on Italy? Try munching on Italian sausage arancini or Stromboli while sipping on a frosty Peroni. Visiting from England? Nothing goes better with Emeril’s fish-and-chips than a rich Newcastle Brown ale. Locals and other American supporters will be able to pair Bud or Bud Light perfectly with Emeril’s signature BAM’wich, a hearty and delicious prime steak sandwich.

Lagasse’s Stadium, Palazzo, 702.607.2665, www.palazzolasvegas.com/lagasse.aspx.

Yard House
Place your bets ahead of time and check out the matches from Yard House at Town Square and newly opened at Red Rock Casino. The two bars boast the world’s largest selection of beers on tap. Try some of the lettuce wraps or spinach cheese dip to go along with your beer.

Yard House, Town Square, 702.734.9273; Yard House, Red Rock Casino, 702.363.9273; www.yardhouse.com.

The Gossy Room
For a special viewing party, hang out with Brit headliner Matt Gossy as he hosts a viewing party Saturday morning when England takes on the United States at the Gossy Room at Cleopatra’s Barge. Look for a 16-ounce Guinness for $5 and a buffet station. The match starts at 11:30 a.m., but doors open at 9 a.m. Get there early for good seats in front of the projector screen on stage or the 42-inch plasma screens throughout the room.

Gossy Room at Cleopatra’s Barge, Caesars Palace.

Playing Field Lounge
Don’t want to cheer for England on Saturday? Head over to the Playing Field Lounge at Planet Hollywood Resort where celebrity soccer pro Joe-Max Moore hosts a viewing party cheering on the Americans. Look for drink special from Jose Cuervo and giveaways like scratch cards and T-shirts. The game starts at 11:30 a.m.

Playing Field Lounge, Planet Hollywood Resort, 702.785.5555.