I believe the Strat has "crapless" craps, which I prefer over regular craps table. BJ gonna be the same at most places on the strip, even though you're at the North End. Better "gamble" generally downtown, but not that big of a difference.
As for where to go, all depends what you want. If you want to watch sports in a nice environment, then Caesars Palace is the place to go. Emeril's stadium in Palazzo also a great place.
Dinner, can't go wrong at Hugo's, which is in the basement of the 4queens. Great restaurant but it'll run you $100 a head.
Margaritaville opened it's own casino now over in Flamingo if you're a parrothead and get into Jimmy Buffet. Margaritaville Restaurant also nice but the food is expensive as compared to what you're getting.
I stayed at JW Marriot for 2 days then over at the Cosmo for 4 for the week of the Superbowl. Not a big fan on the slots / video poker anywhere at Citycenter as it seems the hold is beyond crazy there.
Not once in the entire week did I see a handpay on any slots machine, and let me tell you I spent a lot of time on the casino floors.
Oh - one more - Taco's and Tequila, which is on the 2nd level of the Luxor, has a great steak fajita.
Have fun, but not too much.