Las Vegas News

TNF Cardinals/49ers:

The San Francisco 49ers are -10 favorites over the Arizona Cardinals in tonight's Thursday Night Football game. The total is 43.5.

Las Vegas Halloween Weekend Highlights:

• Festival-wise, you've got First Friday Downtown (11/1), The Day of Dead Beerfest at the Artisan (11/1), Dia de Muertos at Springs Preserve (11/1-3), and the Great Las Vegas Taco Festival at Craig Ranch Regional Park (11-1-3)
• The Dodge NHRA Nationals takes place at Las Vegas Motor Speedway (10/31-11/3)
• Shin Lim, the winner of America's Got Talent, performs his stunning card tricks at the Mirage (11/1-3) while Daniel Tosh does stand-up (11/1-2)
• Ventriloquist and stand-up comedian, Jeff Dunham, brings his international tour, “JEFF DUNHAM: SERIOUSLY!?” to Caesars Palace (11/3) and comedian Carlos Mencia is in the spotlight at South Point (11/1-3)

If you're still looking for something to do for Halloween you can check out the full round up of events here.

Airport Parking Fees Increasing:

This one impacts locals more than visitors, but parking charges at McCarran are expected to increase early next year. Rates will rise on February 3 for the first time since 2013 if approved by the County Commission (and we're laying 100-1 that they will be). Long-term parking in garages will go up from $16 to $18, valet from $23 to $30, and the economy lot from $10 to $12. The rates for short-term garage parking and leaving a car in the remote long-term lot will remain the same.

Wall Street Journal: MRI Looking To Sell MGM:

According to a report on WSJ.com, MGM Resorts International is "working toward a deal" to sell the MGM Grand by the end of the calendar year. The story quotes MRI CEO Jim Murren as saying that the Bellagio sale and leaseback transaction with Blackstone Group "provides a likely blueprint for the future," as the giant casino corporation continues to trade on its real estate to build cash reserves and reposition the company. And in a more detailed story about Murren's third-quarter earnings call with investors, CDC Gaming's Howard Stutz writes that MGM is also "looking to sell and leaseback the operations of its two CityCenter properties, Aria and the non-gaming Vdara Hotel ... and is considering its options for MGM Springfield in Massachusetts." MRI, "shifting the business model to that of a pure operator, is looking to expand its presence in other areas, such as sports betting."

Unlimited Slices at Inaugural Pizza Festival:

Like pizza? Can you eat $45 worth of slices? If the answer to both is yes, then the first-annual Las Vegas Pizza Festival is your cup of marinara. The pizza fest will be held Saturday November 16 from 1 to 4 p.m. at the Industrial Event Space, 2330 Industrial Road, just north of Sahara. Twenty or so of Las Vegas' pizza parlors will showcase their pies by offering free slices for the price of admission: $45 per person, $50 adult and one child under eight; VIP tickets are $85 and include entry at noon, complimentary beer and wine, and extra foods in the VIP lounge.

World Series Game 7 Line:

The Houston Astros are -140 favorites over the Washington Nationals in tonight’s deciding Game 7 of the baseball World Series. The total is 7.5.

Jeopardy James in the Tournament of Champions:

Las Vegas's own James Holzhauer will be back on "Jeopardy!" next week in the annual Tournament of Champions. He'll appear on Wednesday November 6 in the first round of the tournament, which matches the longest-running contestants and biggest money winners from the past season. Emma Boettcher, the Chicago-based librarian who beat "Jeopardy James" to end his 32-game winning streak, will appear on Thursday. The two could meet for a rematch if they both make it to the semi-final or final round the following week. Holzhauer won $2,464,216 in his 33 appearances on the show; the tournament contestant with the second-highest winnings came away with $163,721 over seven games. The championship earns $250,000, with second place $100,000 and third place $50,000.

Inside Game Premieres Tonight:

Inside Game, the movie about the 2007 National Association Betting scandal in which Tim Donaghy, a long-time referee, got caught betting on games he worked, premieres tonight in 30 NBA cities. Donaghy, who served 15 months in prison and is banned for life from the NBA, is played by Eric Mabius (Daniel Meade on the ABC "Ugly Betty"). Scott Wolf and Will Sasso play Donaghy's partners in crime. From the press release: "Donaghy claimed that  two men associated with the Gambino crime family, a bookie named Baba Battista and a drug dealer named Tommy Martino, threatened to kill his family if he didn't give them gambling picks. That's what he told the FBI, that's what he told '60 Minutes,' and that's what he testified in court. But that's not what really happened. It's not even close. Inside Game is the untold true story of one of the biggest scandals in sports history."

Comp City Slots App -- Up Close and Personal:

Have you been curious about our free social-gambling app, Comp City Slots? Now you can watch a 24-minute YouTube video on this 

state-of-the-art slot and video poker playing environment for both Android and iOS mobile platforms. The Ace of Vegas YouTube-channel video goes through all the motions that a first-time user will encounter and you'll see how easy it is to open the app, get a million coins when you download it and another two million for joining the free VIP Club, and see the LVA products and travel perks from our affiliate partners you can win for accumulating tickets. Just like all social-play apps, monetizing options are involved, but you don’t have to pay a penny to download and play whenever you like. Watch the video here. 

Pay (through the Nose) To Stay during NFR:

The National Finals Rodeo will take place between December 5 and 14 this year and is expected to attract upwards of 100,000 participants and spectators. A survey conducted by the Las Vegas Review-Journal finds that room rates are surging toward the ionosphere during NFR. For example, on December 7, the first Saturday of the rodeo, Mandalay Bay is charging $331 for a standard room, compared to $85 on Saturday Dec. 21. Excalibur's rates are $169 and $42. And OYO's (formerly Hooters) are $135 and $29! Golden Week, the week between NFR and Christmas, is looking better and better all the time. 

World Series Game 6 Line :

The Houston Astros are -175 favorites over the Washington Nationals in Game 6 of the baseball World Series. The total is 7.5.

New Non-Stop Frankfurt, Germany, to Las Vegas:

Eurowings, a subsidiary of Lufthansa, celebrated its inaugural flight from Frankfurt, Germany, to Las Vegas on Sunday. The three round-trips per week, on Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Sundays, are aboard the wide-body 310-seat Airbus A330-200. The 11-hour 10-minute flights provide convenient connections to Eurowing's Europe and Middle Eastern destinations: Barcelona, Budapest, Florence, Rome, and Tel Aviv. And Eurowings hooks up with United Airlines in Frankfurt, with more than 1,300 global destinations from Frankfurt Airport (FRA).

Red Rock Going to Daylight Savings Hours:

Starting Friday, the hours at Red Rock Canyon will change from 6 a.m.-8 p.m. to 6 a.m.-5 p.m. The change coincides with shorter daylight hours and Daylight Savings Time pushing the clock back an hour starting this Sunday. The visitor center’s hours are consistent year-round: 8 a.m.-4:30 p.m.

Spaghetti Bowl Lane Closure:

US 95 southbound to the southbound Interstate 15 ramp will close at 10 p.m. tonight and reopen at 5 a.m. tomorrow morning. A bridge joint casing needs replacing; it's among the last few details of Project Neon. In addition, if you'd like to be kept up to date on road closures around downtown, you can sign up for an email alert from the city (including press releases on other matters, such as news and events) at www.lasvegasnevada.gov/newsletters. 

MNF Steelers/Dolphins:

The Pittsburgh Steelers are -14 favorites over the Miami Dolphins in tonight's Monday Night Football game. The total is 43.5.

More Details about Virgin:

According to Las Vegas Weekly, Virgin Hotels has released a few more details about is restaurant line-up when it reopens around this time next year after a complete remodel of the Hard Rock. MB Steak, Pizza Forte, and Nobu will all return, with MB and Nobu adding space to their existing locations. In addition, the Funny Library coffee shop will be part library, part grab-n-go eats and coffees, including from Laughing Man, actor Hugh Jackman's coffee company.

Bundle Up:

The weather turned late-autumn-like yesterday, with temperatures dropping 20 degrees and winds gusting up to 40 miles per hour. The thermometer will barely break into the 60s today and is predicted to reach only the mid-50s on Wednesday. But then normal seasonal temperatures are expected into the first week of November: highs in the low 70s, lows in the upper 40s.  

Babes Now Minks:

Babes, the easternmost-located gentlemen’s club in Las Vegas, has been renamed Minks. The change was made several months ago. We need to pay more attention to our adult sister website, ToplessVegasOnline.com, which reported the name change when it happened.

(NOTE: ToplessVegasOnline is fully illustrated throughout and contains adult language and imagery. NSFW!)

SNF Packers/Chiefs:

The Green Bay Packers are -5.5 favorites over the Kansas City Chiefs in tonight's Thursday Night Football game. The total is 48.

World Series Game 5 Line:

The Houston Astros are -230 favorites over the Washington Nationals in Game 5 of the baseball World Series. The total is 8.

Las Vegas Aviators Led All Teams in Total and Average Attendance:

Fees and More Fees:

The Las Vegas Review-Journal called around and uncovered a few new fees and automatic gratuities on drinks at entertainment venues. Here's what the reporter, Bailey Schultz, came up with: Light Nightclub and Daylight Beachclub at Mandalay Bay charge a 7% service fee on food and drink orders; Encore Beach Club and XS nightclub charge a $1 service fee; and the Sahara's live-entertainment venues charge an automatic 15% gratuity. The Sahara must have forgotten to mention the 5% service charge it also tacks onto its bar tabs. And the story didn't cover the dreaded concession and franchise fees (CNF), such as the new two-percenter at Mama Rabbit at Park MGM. And apparently, a 1007% markup on drinks is better for the Light Group than just 1000%. 

World Series Game 4 Line:

 The Houston Astros and Washington Nationals are pick 'em in Game 4 of the baseball World Series. The total is 8.5.

Vegas Interchange 41st Worst in the Country:

The American Transportation Research Institute measures how freight moves around the country by collecting GPS data from one million trucks, which it analyzes to quantify the impact of traffic congestion on freight at 300 specific locations. The 1-15 and I-515 interchange in downtown Las Vegas, also known as the Spaghetti Bowl, ranks 41st on the Institute's worst bottlenecks in the U.S. Passing through the interchange, trucks maintain an average speed of 44.1 miles per hour, but during rush hour, the average falls 20% to 35.5 (which we think is a bit fast). The worst interchange is in Fort Lee, NJ; Atlanta has three of the worst 10, while Los Angeles has two.

Michael Mina's Pub 1842 at MGM Grand Closing:

Construction To Start Soon on Convention Center Tunnel:

The Las Vegas Convention Center has passed the midway mark in the construction of its 600,000-square-foot expansion out to the Strip and Elon Musk's Boring Company is getting ready to start building the people mover that will run under the entire property. The initial hole has been dug and the boring machine is being assembled to be lowered into the pit. The Boring Company is awaiting permits from the county to begin drilling the tunnels. The $52 million project is scheduled to be completed in January 2021 in time for the Consumer Electronics Show. 

World Series Game 3 Line:

The Houston Astros are -150 favorites over the Washington Nationals in Game 3 of the baseball World Series. The total is 8.5.

Detroit MGM Opens Sports Book in Advance:

Does Detroit MGM know something no one else knows? The Detroit Grand MGM has opened the Moneyline Sports Lounge with 60 screens, seating for nearly 300, not including special VIP sections, personalized audio of the games, and a wraparound digital marquee displaying the latest lines on the day's sporting events. Though the previous governor vetoed sports-gambling legislation last year, the current governor of Michigan "seems open to" legal sports books, though she wants a larger cut of the action than the originally proposed 8%. Some gaming analysts believe that Michigan could launch legal sports betting in time for the Super Bowl.

Las Vegas Fifth Most Haunted:

By searching its reviews for words like "ghost," "haunt," and "creepy" (though ignoring Haunted House businesses), the online review platform Yelp has compiled a list of the most haunted cities in the U.S. and Las Vegas ranks fifth, behind Savannah, New Orleans, Fort Collins (Colorado), and Santa Cruz (California). Los Angeles placed 10th and Reno 11th. Las Vegas' spookiest attractions include Zak Bagan's Haunted Museum, the Haunted Vegas Ghost Tour, the Ghost Walking Tour, and the Hotel Apache's Seance and Talking Paranormal shows.

Zappo's 747 Headed to Las Vegas -- on Land:

Zappo's is paying $400,000 to California-based Valley Wide Movers to transport a 747 it owns, and has displayed at Burning Man for the last four years, to Las Vegas. The largest portion of the jumbo jet, a section of the fuselage, made its way on US 95 from Reno to Vegas yesterday on a super-oversized-load tractor-trailer, escorted by six Highway Patrol cruisers. The rest of the plane filled up another four semis. Zappo's hasn't announced where the 747 will be reassembled, or for what purpose. All we can say is, wouldn't it have been easier just to fly the thing down? 

TNF Vikings/Redskins:

The Minnesota Vikings are -16.5 favorites over the New York Jets in tonight's Thursday Night Football game. The total is 42.

Las Vegas Weekend Highlights:

There's plenty going on for Halloween this weekend but if you're looking for something a little less spooky, here's some of the other stuff going on:

• Paula Abdul entertains at the Flamingo Las Vegas (10/25-26)
• Journey is center stage at Caesars Palace (10/25-26) and Dionne Warwick performs at Cleopatra's Barge (10/25-27)
• Willie Nelson & Family is in the spotlight at the Venetian (10/25-26)
• Red Rock Resort welcomes Chase Rice (10/25)
• Green Valley Ranch hosts Clint Holmes (10/25-27)
• The Las Vegas Balloon Glow takes place at Craig Ranch Regional Park (10/25-27)
• And it's Last Friday Just Add Water Street at Henderson Events Plaza (10/25)

Psychic Medium Thomas John Brings His Show to Cleo's Barge:

Further diversifying the entertainment offerings at Cleopatra's Barge, Caesars Palace has announced that Thomas John, an international psychic medium and host of the TV series "Dinner with the Dead," will appear at the Barge starting January 16 for an open-ended residency. John's shows will take place Thurs.-Mon. at 6 p.m. Tickets start at $49 (16 and older) only. 

Big Foodie Festival Coming to the M:

The Great American Foodie Fest will be held at the M Resort from Thursday November 7 to Saturday November 10. The Foodie Fest advertises itself as an "epic lineup of food trucks" and showcases some of the best gourmet food trucks from all over the country: waffles and funnel cakes, Mexican and barbecue, corndogs and comfort food. The festival will also feature a beer garden, carnival rides, and eating competitions. Admission is free, but you can also buy tickets for access to the inside-eating VIP tent, plus some souvenirs, for $50 a day or $100 for the four-day pass. 

World Series Game 2 Line:

The Houston Astros are -175 favorites over the Washington Nationals in Game 2 of the baseball World Series. The total is 7.

Poker in the Doldrums:

Despite a near record crowd at this year's World Series of Poker, poker in Las Vegas has been on a downward spiral for the past eight years. According to BettingUSA.com, at least 28 Vegas poker rooms have closed since Black Friday in 2011, when the U.S. Department of Justice indicted the nation's three largest poker websites, effectively stalling the poker boom that got going in 2003 with The Moneymaker Effect. The latest casualty is the poker room at the STRAT, which closed last week, after downsizing its first floor location from 12 tables to 4, then moving the room upstairs where it died a quick death. 

New Cirque Opens Tomorrow:

"Bike chases, gang fights, guys on fire, and badass girls calling the shots," is how Cirque du Soleil describes R.U.N., its new show that opens at Luxor tomorrow night at 7 p.m. And, "R.U.N is a living graphic novel with nonstop plot twists, crazy fights, and explosive action! Don’t worry, we’ve made sure the edge of your seat is comfy; we know that’s where you’ll be the whole show." A departure for Cirque, R.U.N. has been super-hyped; it's the first show from the production company since Michael Jackson One premiered in 2013 next door at MBay. The show plays Wed.-Sat. (yes, so far it's dark Sun., Mon., and Tues.) at 7 p.m. and again at 9:20 p.m. Saturdays. Tickets start at $59. By the way, we've heard it pronounced both ways: "Run" and "Are You In."

World Series Game 1 Line:

The Houston Astros are -210 favorites over the Washington Nationals in Game 1 of the baseball World Series. The total is 6.5.

USA Today's 10 Best Vegas Casinos:

USA Today has announced its Readers' Choice Awards winners for 2019's Best Las Vegas Casinos. A panel of Las Vegas experts teamed up with the newspaper's 10 Best editors to pick 20 nominees and the top 10 winners were determined by popular vote, which took place over 28 days. The 10 Best are: 

10) M Resort 

9) Bellagio

8) Red Rock

7) Caesars

6) Cosmoplitan

5) Venetian/Palazza

4) Wynn/Encore

3) Golden Nugget

2) STRAT

1) The D 

Top Restaurants for Seeing Celebrities:

HauteLiving.com, the lifestyle, travel, fashion, and celebrity site, has a new list of the seven best Las Vegas restaurants for seeing celebrities. Topping the list is Tao Asian Bistro at the Grand Canal Shoppes, followed by Lavo Italian Restaurant and Lounge at the Palazzo (also a Tao Group venue), STK and Beauty and Essex at Cosmopolitan, Hakkasan at MGM Grand, Spago at Bellagio, and Catch at Aria. The site lists dozens of celebrities who've wined and dined at these restaurants, everyone from Halle Berry to Mariah Carey, LeBron James to Madonna, Miley Cyrus to (Las Vegan) Floyd Mayweather.  

Kenny Edmonds To Do a Mini-Residency at the Mirage:

Kenneth Edmonds, also known as Babyface, will appear in the Terry Fator Theater at the Mirage for six shows: December 27, 28, and 29, and January 17, 18, and 19. The 60-year-old American singer, songwriter, and record producer has won 11 Grammy Awards and has written and produced more than 200 Top 10 R&B hit songs, of which 26 reached number one. Tickets start at $29.95 and are on sale now.  

MNF Patriots/Jets:

The New England Patriots are -9.5 favorites over the New York Jets in tonight's Sunday Night Football game. The total is 43.

True Food Kitchen Opens in Downtown Summerlin:

True Food Kitchen, the Phoenix-based restaurant chain that was co-founded by renowned doctor of integrative medicine, Andrew Weil, and in which Oprah Winfrey is a major investor, will open in Downtown Summerlin's Dining Arroyo on Wednesday in the space previously occupied by Crave American and Sushi. It's the 30th True Food in 15 states and the first in Nevada; a second location will open at the Forum Shops early next year. Subscribing to the idea that "delicious dining and conscious nutrition can go hand in hand," True Food's menu is mostly plant-based, with starters such as kale guacomole and edamae dumplings, butternut squash pizza, cauliflower polenta and teriyaki quinoa bowls, and spaghetti squash casserole, along with a few grass-fed beef and seafood dishes.  

New Pedestrian Bridge Completed Next Month:

The newest pedestrian bridge over the Las Vegas Strip, between Park MGM and the Showcase Mall, will open in "mid-November," nearly four months later than originally scheduled. Overpass construction commenced in July 2018 and was expected to take a year, but "utility conflicts tied to the escalators" have delayed completion.

SNF Cowboys/Eagles:

The Dallas Cowboys are -3 favorites over the Philadelphia Eagles in tonight's Sunday Night Football game. The total is 50. 

Astros Favored in World Series:

The Houston Astros are -225 favorites over the Washington Nationals to win the MLB World Series. Game 1 is Tuesday.

Crazy Girls Celebrates 32 Years in Vegas:

Las Vegas Review-Journal entertainment columnist John Katsilometes reports that Crazy Girls is entering its 33rd year on the Las Vegas Strip. It appeared for 28 years at the Riviera, then moved to the Sin City Theater at Planet Hollywood in 2015. The bronze "No Ifs, Ands, or ..." sculpture advertising the show in front of the Riviera (and on billboards and taxicab banners) for many years can still be seen at Planet Hollywood. 

Six of 50 Best Date Restaurants in Vegas:

Based on an analysis of more than 12 million reviews of 30,000 U.S. restaurants, OpenTable, the restaurant-reservations-and-review platform, has selected the top 50 restaurants in the country with "the perfect ambience, menu options, and more to create a truly unforgettable date." Las Vegas' entries include Eiffel Tower (Paris), Giada (Cromwell), Golden Steer Steakhouse, Gordon Ramsay Steak (Paris), Hell’s Kitchen (Caesars), and Top of the World (Strat).

Restaurant Phase for Planet 13 Dispensary in Progress:

Planet 13 has announced that it is now in possession of all the permits required to open two dining venues at its dispensary, purported to be the largest in the world. The 4,500-square-foot food court will include Rickety Cricket, a pizzeria and brewery with locations in Flagstaff, Kingman, and Prescott, AZ, and Purc Coffee Shop. Rickety Cricket's pizza bagged second place in the world at the 2018 International Pizza Expo in Las Vegas. Both eateries are expected to open by the end of year.

Keith Urban Announces Mini-Residency:

Keith Urban, country superstar, heartthrob, CMA Entertainer of the Year, and husband of actress Nicole Kidman, hinted about a Las Vegas residency during his last appearance here in September, so it's no surprise that he'll perform 12 shows at the Colosseum at Caesars next year: January 10, 11, 17, and 18, April 24 and 25, July 10 and 11, August 7 and 8, and November 20 and 21. Tickets for "Keith Urban Live – Las Vegas" start at $69 and go on sale Friday Oct. 25 at 10 a.m. Pacific Time.

Mississippi Lottery To Launch on November 25:

The Mississippi Lottery Corporation has moved up the debut date of sales of its first lottery product, scratch-off tickets, from December 1 to November 25. Powerball and Mega Millions sales will start in early 2020 as originally scheduled. More than 400 retailers have been approved to sell tickets throughout the state. When the Mississippi lottery launches, it will leave only Alabama, Hawaii, Nevada, Utah, and Alaska without lotteries (although Alaska has bingo, raffles, pull-tabs, fishing derbies, mushing sweepstakes, and the Nenana Ice Classic, with an annual jackpot of more than $300,000).

Fodor's Travel Picks Affordable Vegas Extravagance:

An article on Fodors.com, "10 Most Extragavant Experiences in Vegas You Can Still Afford," lists, in order from one to 10: dinner on the patio at Lago by Julian Serrano at the Wynn ("a table with a similar view at the Hyde nightclub next door goes for $10,000 per night"); mezcal and nachos at the secret Ghost Donkey Bar at Cosmopolitan; golf at Lake Las Vegas; a session in the hamman (a giant heated circular rock) at the Sahra Spa at Cosmo; the happy half-hour on the High Roller (read our Question of the Day about this here); dinner at Hugo's Cellar at the Four Queens; a bottle of Moët & Chandon Champagne from the vending machine at the Waldorf Astoria; Myron's Cabaret jazz at the Smith Center for the Performing Arts; oysters at the Oyster Bar at Palace Station; and stocking up at Eataly at the Park MGM. The Oyster Bar's a head-scratcher, to us; perhaps it's on the list because it's so hard to get a seat there. And prices at Eataly do reflect one of the highest-rent districts in Las Vegas. 

WHO Invasion Hits Sand Dollar Tonight:

One of our favorite tribute bands, The WHO Invasion, with sports handicapper Alf Musketa on bass, plays the Sand Dollar Lounge tonight (3355 Spring Mtn.). The show starts at 10 p.m. No admission charge and parking is free. Get there early, this one gets crowded.

UFC Weidman/Reyes:

Dominick Reyes is a -180 favorite over Chris Weidman in tonight’s UFC main event. In the other featured match, Yair Rodriguez is -125 over Jeremy Stephens.

Doobie Brothers and Chicago Announce Mini-Residencies:

The Doobie Brothers will do an eight-show "Doobie Brothers Live in Las Vegas" mini-residency at the Venetian Theater: February 7, 8, 12, 14, 15, 19, 21, and 22 at 8 p.m. It will be the Doobies first extended engagement in Vegas. Ticket prices start at $49.95, not including taxes and fees, and they go on sale tomorrow, Oct. 19 at 10 a.m. Pacific Time. Following immediately after the Doobies, the 10-member rock band Chicago will appear at the Venetian Theater for the third year in a row in an eight-show mini-residency: February 28 and 29; March 4, 6, 7, 11, 13, and 14. All shows will be at 8 p.m.; ticket prices start $49.95, not including taxes and fees and they go on sale next Friday Oct. 25 at 10 a.m. Pacific Time.

Ellis Island's Front Yard To Open in Early December:

Christine Ellis, marketing director of Ellis Island, told the Las Vegas Sun that the new two-story glass-roofed Front Yard restaurant, beer garden, and entertainment venue will open sometime during the weekend of December 5-7. It will pour 18 draft beers on the first floor and 12 on the second, plus a "new menu filled with family favorites." 

Cashless Casinos?:

In a speech to assembled casino- and gambling-industry principals at the Global Gaming Expo in Las Vegas, the new CEO and president of the American Gaming Association, Bill Miller, floated a trial balloon over casinos that no longer accept cash. He said, "We are the embodiment of the 21st century hospitality industry with cutting-edge technology and world-class entertainment. We have millions of customers. Billions in revenue. So why is the casino floor one of the last cash-only businesses on Earth — right down there with garage sales and flea markets?” Miller suggested that eliminating cash would enhance the customer experience, especially the younger generations who pay for everything with their cell phones and debit cards, and provide a digital-transaction record that would discourage problem gambling and money laundering.

TNF Chiefs/Broncos:

The Kansas City Chiefs are -3 favorites over the Denver Broncos in tonight's Thursday Night Football game. The total is 49.

Las Vegas Weekend Highlights:

• The 2019 Downtown Brew Festival takes place at Clark County Amphitheater (10/19)
• Comedy-wise, you've got Daniel Tosh at the Mirage (10/18-19) and Frank Caliendo performs at Aliante (10/18) and the Orleans (10/19)
• Gwen Stefani continues her mini-residency at Planet Hollywood (10/18-19)
• The Jonas Brothers are center stage at MGM Grand (10/18) followed by Jimmy Buffett (10/19)
• Caesars Palace welcomes Journey (10/18-19) 
• Lynyrd Skynard is in the spotlight at T-Mobile Arena (10/18) and Phil Collins entertains the following evening (10/19)
• And it's the 2019 Monster Energy Cup at Sam Boyd Stadium (10/19)

And it's only 2 weeks until Halloween and many venues are already well into their ghostly celebrations.  For a full listing of events and things to do, see our complete round-up at VegasWithAnEdge.com.

Ruffin Talks Circus Circus:

In an interview in today's Las Vegas Review-Journal, Phil Ruffin reveals some interesting tidbits about his purchase of and plans for Circus Circus, a deal that's expected to close by the end of the year. He's paying $662.5 million in cash and $162.5 million in notes due in 2024. He had the more than a half-billion left over after buying Casino Miami last year and he wanted to invest it. It's still too early in the process for any definitive plans for redevelopment, but he can also afford to hold off, given the arrival of Resorts World, the Drew, and the Convention Center expansion over the next year or so. He did admit that he'll keep the property in the low end of Strip pricing. In the meantime, he's happy with Circus' cash flow and 2,800 employees, though he's looking hard at the 10-acre RV park, about which he's "skeptical," even though it's the only one of the Strip, and his first change will be to renovate Slots A Fun. The current LVA.com poll is a mostly light-hearted look at what Ruffin might ultimately do with the property. Weigh in with your votes and comments!

A Record Number of Americans View Gambling Favorably:

Annual research conducted by the American Gaming Association has found that a record 49% of American adults have a favorable view of the casino industry, up four points from 2018. "The increase in favorability coincides with a surge in casino visitation and a widespread perception that the industry provides innovative high-quality entertainment, while supporting economic growth." The number of American adults who visited a casino in the last year jumped to 44% in 2019, up 9% from 2018 and 49% say they'll visit a casino to gamble over the next 12 months, up from 41% in 2018. In addition, 49% say that casinos help the communities where they're located; 57% believe casinos specifically help local economies and 71% believe they create jobs.

Las Vegas Ballpark Hosts VGK Watch Party:

The Las Vegas Ballpark will host its first Golden Knights watch party tomorrow evening. Gates open at 3 p.m. for the game, against the Pittsburgh Penguins, that starts at 4. Several food and beverage concessions will be open throughout the event. Admission is $5 and all proceeds will be donated to the Vegas Golden Knights foundation. Tickets are available through ticketmaster.com or at the box office the day of the watch party.

Defending the Caveman at the D Gone:

It looks like Defending the Caveman, the long-running show at the D (and on Broadway) that combines stand-up comedy, therapy, and shock value on the subject of the battle of the sexes, has gone permanently dark. Nothing official has been announced as yet, but in a search for tickets, none are available as of today. 

Forbes Article Details Facebook "Brainwashing" Gamblers:

An article on Forbes.com reports that the Spinner, "a secretive U.K.-based startup that provides social media ad targeting of individual users, has used Facebook (and other social-media sites) to help gambling companies manipulate people into spending more money at online casinos." By employing “sniper targeting,” the Spinner aimed a recurring supply of posts on gambling at Facebook users, including children under 18, and some under 13, surreptitiously manipulate them with, for example, accounts of jackpot winners around the country. Facebook is considering taking legal action against The Spinner.

MGM Resorts Confirms: Circus and Bellagio Sold:

MGM Resorts International has announced two major developments in its efforts to raise cash and pay down debt. First, as long rumored, Circus Circus is being sold outright to "an affiliate of" Phil Ruffin, owner of the Treasure Island and partner in Trump International, for $825 million; the property includes the 25 acres of the hotel-casino, the 10-acre RV park, the five-acre Adventuredome indoor amusement park, and the 37 acres that the Las Vegas Festival Grounds occupies. In a more complicated arrangement, MRI is partnering with Blackstone Group, a real estate investment trust, in a Bellagio joint venture; MRI will be paid $4.2 billion in cash, while retaining 5% of the venture; it will also continue to operate the hotel and casino, which it will rent from the venture for $245 million a year. Both deals will need the approval of shareholders and regulators. 

Wynn Slapped, Hard, by Gaming Control:

The Nevada Independent reports that the Nevada Gaming Control Board has asked the Gaming Commission to formally rescind Steve Wynn's gaming license, declaring him "unsuitable" for the privilege. The Control Board's complaint says that Wynn is not “a person of good character, honesty, and/or integrity,” based on the numerous accusations of "a decades-long pattern of sexual misconduct,” then covering it up with settlements in the multi-millions. The GCB complaint, which also seeks a monetary judgment against the former casino mogul, stems as well from Wynn's refusal to obey a subpoena to appear at a Control Board hearing last month. 

Tim Burton Exhibit Opens Today at Neon Museum:

The long-awaited and highly anticipated "Lost Vegas: Tim Burton @ The Neon Museum” exhibit by the Golden Globe and Emmy Award-winning filmmaker, animator, and artist opens today at the Neon Museum and runs through Feb. 15. Described as “an exhibition of sculptural and digital installations that celebrates Burton’s link to Las Vegas’ historical neon heritage,” a reported 90% of the pieces on display were created specifically for the show, such as a 40-by-20-foot six-neon-sign grid and the 40-foot-tall "Lost Vegas" sign tower. Some make use of remnants from Las Vegas preserved at the Boneyard, such as six sculptures of pirates against the old skull at the entrance to Treasure Island and three flying saucers over a sign from Ellis Island. Still more are characters from Burton's movies (aliens from Mars Attacks!) and books. Tickets to the primary exhibit, an hour-long experience, cost $30; a separate admission fee to the 30-minute nighttime light show, "Brilliant," is $24.

Global Gaming Expo in Town:

Upwards of 30,000 gambling-industry personnel, 4,000 of them from out of the country, are attending the 19th annual Global Gaming Expo this week at the Sands Expo and Convention Center. Approximately 400 exhibitors will demonstrate gambling products and services, from 4D slots and facial-recognition software to casino security and food and beverage trends; the new "Jeopardy!" machine will make its debut, introduced by -- who else? -- our own James Holzhauer. Educational sessions on issues facing the industry abound and keynote speakers will include former New Jersey governor Chris Christie, NHL Commissioner Gary Bettman, and former race-car driver Danica Patrick.  

MNF Packers/Lions:

The Green Bay Packers are -3.5 favorites over the Detroit Lions in tonight's Sunday Night Football game. The total is 47. 

Floyd a New George?:

A blurb on the New York Post's PageSix.com reports that boxing champion Floyd Mayweather, who lives in a 22,000-square-foot home in Las Vegas, went to Catch Las Vegas, the steak and seafood restaurant at Aria, "with 16 friends for a pal’s birthday, and after dinner, he visited the kitchen and gave $300 to every cook ... and personally thanked everyone." It's the first time we've heard about Mayweather being George. The last story connecting him to tipping was in 2014, when he reportedly stiffed a Hard Rock cocktail waitress on a $25,000 bar tab run up by his 150-party entourage. The Hard Rock comped the bill, but the waitress claimed that no one toked her. The Hard Rock quickly denied it, stating, "There is no merit to this story." Either way, it's cool to add Mayweather to the list of local Georges, at least temporarily.

Looking for Cheap Fares to Las Vegas? Look No Further:

Our travel blog, the Travel Game, has a new post on low low bargain airfares (one-way as low as $48) to Las Vegas early next year, especially January and February, as identified by SkyScanner.com. If you're not familiar with SkyScanner, a link in the post takes you to a page with some helpful hints on optimizing your search there. Keep an eye on the Travel Game; the writers, Mike Friedman and Michael Traeger, know this scene inside and out, love Las Vegas, and won't fail to up your own travel game. 

New York Times Takes on Las Vegas Weddings:

The Saturday New York Times examined the Las Vegas wedding industry, which the article claims is "in trouble." The 74,534 marriages performed in Clark County in 2018 were down 42% from the record set in 2004 at 128,238; though the industry earned $1.5 billion last year, that was down from $2.5 billion at its peak. The article spotlights Charolette Richards of Little White Chapel, who has been doing weddings for 68 years (50,000 at her drive-thru) and is selling her business for $12 million (with no takers), along with Viva Las Vegas, Graceland, Little Church of the West, and Paradise chapels. Marriages are down so significantly since 2008, vow-renewal ceremonies account for 50% of the chapels' business, according to the article. 

SNF Steelers/Chargers:

The San Diego Chargers are -6 favorites over the Pittsburgh Steelers in tonight's Sunday Night Football game. The total is 42. 

Free Shuttle from Downtown Grand to Fashion Show Mall:

Here's one we flat-out missed. Thanks to Roy for alerting us to the free shuttle that runs from the Downtown Grand to the Fashion Show Mall on the Strip, which launched five months ago in May. The 24-seat bus picks up and drops off on the Ogden Street side of the main entrance, leaving at 10 a.m., then on the hour till 1 p.m., returning from the Forever 21 entrance at the mall on the half-hour. At 2:30, the times switch and the bus leaves downtown, returning on the hour through 9 p.m. The front desk told us that it's for registered guests only (but if it isn't full, you might have a chance by showing a Grand Rewards card or flashing some cash, but don't tell anyone we said so). 

What's That Big White Square Tent across from Ellis Island?:

An interesting article in today's Las Vegas Review-Journal by TV and movie reporter Christopher Lawrence reveals what goes on inside the 48,000-square-foot white tent-like structure on Koval Lane behind Bally's and directly across from Ellis Island. It's Caesars Entertainment Studios, Nevada's first TV production facility, which opened in 2017. "Catch 21," a resurrected game show on the Game Show Network that debuts Monday night at 6 p.m., was filmed there, along with two seasons of "Who Wants To Be a Millionaire" and the upcoming season of "Hell's Kitchen"; "Get a Clue," hosted by Rob Belushi (son of James Belushi), is currently in production. 

Last Home Game for Las Vegas Lights:

Tonight at 7:30 at Cashman Field, the Las Vegas Lights play what could be their biggest game of the season. The Lights are one point away from making the playoffs and they play their arch rivals, the Reno 1868, in their last home game of the season. The Lights are in 12th place in the USL Championship Soccer League's 18-team Western Conference with 41 points, one point behind the New Mexico United and 13 behind the 1868, third in the Conference. It's Fan Appreciation Night at Cashman, with lots of prize giveaways (including a 2019 Chevy Silverado). Tickets are a bargain, starting at $15.

Monorail Gets Financing for MSG Station:

The Las Vegas Monorail has announced that it has obtained a $33.6 million loan that will cover the cost of building a new station on Sands Avenue near Koval Lane to connect to the Sands Convention Center and MSG Sphere, the 17,500-seat arena being built by the Madison Square Garden Company. The Monorail was seeking $90 million for both the MSG station and an extension to Mandalay Bay, but by separating the two projects, it borrowed enough money to proceed with the first. The loan, from Dallas-based Preston Hollow Capital, will also pay off short-term debt and establish a reserve fund.

Southwest To End Senior Fare Discounts:

Southwest Airlines is eliminating the discount for senior flyers that it's been offering for the past nearly 35 years. Southwest's substantial fare reductions for those 65 and older will be discontinued on December 11. It was the most generous and easily accessible discount for seniors offered by any domestic airline. Discounted fares for children 11 and under, members of the military and their families, and government employees are still in effect by calling Southwest to make the reservations.

Little Ethiopia:

An effort is underway to designate an area of Las Vegas as “Little Ethiopia.” The proposed area is Decatur Blvd., from Spring Mtn. to Tropicana, where the majority of the city’s approximately 60 Ethiopian-owned businesses are located. There is currently no such ethnic designation for an area in Las Vegas, where even “Chinatown” is unofficial. There are an estimated 40,000 people of Ethiopian descent in Las Vegas.

Casa de Shenandoah Sold Again:

The former residence, ranch, and museum/theater of Wayne and Kathleen Newton has sold to a Portland, Oregon-based investment group, Harsch Investment Properties, for $10.53 million. The 36-acre ranch sold for $5.56 million and another 10.3 acres across from the ranch, which hosted the gift shop and theater, along with another six nearby other properties totaling six acres, sold for $4.97 million. Newton sold the ranch originally in 2010 for more than $18 million; the buyer opened it to the public for tours that lasted three years. It's not known yet what Harsch plans to do with the real estate. However, according to John Katsilometes of the Las Vegas Review-Journal, Newton is entering into a court battle to recover the keepsakes that Harsch and company refuse to let him remove: "irreplaceable memorabilia that I have collected my whole life -- the antiques, art, and other personal possessions, including family photos,” Newton told Katsilometes.

Help Women and Children at Shade Tree:

This crossed our desks and we thought it a worthy item for Vegas News. The Shade Tree, a 24-hour-accessible shelter for women and children in crisis, is hosting a “Trunk ‘R Treat” event on Halloween at which the 50 or so children living at the shelter, ranging from infants to 18, dress in costume and trick ‘r treat by visiting the cars of staff and volunteers parked safely behind the shelter’s gates. The Shade Tree is asking the public to donate costumes and candy, ensuring the children have a happy Halloween. To make a costume or candy donation, call 702-385-0072 or send an email to Jordan Berkowitz at jberkowitz@theshadetree.org. Donations may also be dropped off at The Shade Tree, 1. W. Owens Ave., North Las Vegas, 89030.

TNF Patriots/Giants:

The New England Patriots are -17 favorites over the New York Giants in tonight's Thursday Night Football game. The total is 43.

AL Divisional Playoffs Game 5 Line:

In today’s deciding Game 5 of the American League Divisional Playoffs, the Houston Astros are -280 favorites over the Tampa Bay Rays. The total is 7. This game carries important implications for the fascinating story that’s described in our blog, “Mattress Mack and the Astros Hedge.”

Las Vegas Weekend Highlights:

• Festival-wise, you've got the Las Vegas Pride Parade & Festival at the Downtown Las Vegas Events Center (10/11-12) and the 26th Annual Age of Chivalry Renaissance Festival taking place at Sunset Park (10/11-13)
• Comedian Tom Green does stand-up Downtown at the Plaza (10/11-12)
• Gwen Stefani performs Just A Girl at Planet Hollywood (10/11-12)
• Journey is center-stage at Caesars Palace (10/11-12)
• Dropkick Murphys is in the spotlight at Brooklyn Bowl (10/12)
• Billy Idol entertains at the Palms (10/11-12)
• WWE Smackdown Live takes place at T-Mobile Arena (10/11)  
• And it's the Monster Jam All-Star Challenge at Sam Boyd Stadium (10/11-12)

Hawaiian Hits for $930k on Madonna Machine:

A Hawaiian visitor to the "Ninth Island" hit a jackpot for a little more than $931,640 on a Madonna-themed slot machine at Main Street Station yesterday. She lined up four Madonna symbols and a Wild symbol to take down the progressive jackpot. Initially, she thought she won $9,300; imagine her surprise when the slot attendant told her she'd hit for nearly a million. 

Aria Has Origami:

To celebrate autumn, Aria has more than 13,000 origami maple leaves hanging from the ceiling of the main hotel lobby. Another 300 origami flowers and 16 Japanese maple trees also adorn the lobby. The north hotel lobby's ceiling has 3,500 maple leaves on display.

More Resort Fee Data:

According to MarketWatch.com citing statistics from ResortFeeChecker.com, the mandatory hotel add-on fee increased 11% between July 2017 and July 2018 and the number of hotels that charge resort fees went up 14%. Florida has the number one and two cities (Orlando and Miami) in which the most hotels charge resort fees; California has three (Anaheim, Palm Springs, and San Diego), Hawaii has two islands (Oahu and Maui), and Las Vegas rounded out the top nine. “The most dramatic growth of resort fees took place in the Big Apple, where the number of hotels doubled from last year," the MarketWatch story states.

NL Divisional Playoffs Dodgers/Nationals Game 5 Line:

 In the second of today’s deciding Game 5s of the MLB's National League Divisional Playoffs, the Los Angeles Dodgers are -170 favorites over the Washington Nationals. The total is 7.

NL Divisional Playoff Cardinals/Braves Game 5 Line :

In the first of today’s deciding Game 5s of the MLB's National League Divisional Playoffs, the St. Louis Cardinals and Atlanta Braves are pick ’em. The total is 7.5.

Celine and Elton: Four out of the Five Top Residencies:

According to Billboard magazine, Celine Dion and Elton John hold the records for four of the top five-grossing Las Vegas residencies. Celine's "A New Day …" series at the Colosseum at Caesars grossed $385.1 million from 2,814,577 tickets sold across 714 shows from 2003 to 2007. Her "Celine" follow-up placed second with 1.7 million tickets grossing just under $300 million between 2011 and June of this year. Elton took third place with "The Red Piano" at the Colosseum between 2004 and 2009 that grossed $166.4 million from 982,090 tickets to 247 shows. Britney Spears "Piece of Me" residency at Planet Hollywood grossed $137.7 million from 916,184 tickets to 248 shows from 2013 to 2017. Finally, Elton's "The Million Dollar Piano" at the Colosseum grossed $131.2 million from 776,518 tickets sold to 189 shows from from 2011 to 2018. 

Home Prices Just Below Record High:

A report by the Greater Las Vegas Associated of Realtors shows that the price of a single-family house in Las Vegas is approaching its all-time high. The median price is of an existing single-family home in September was $310,000, up 3.3% from $300,000 in September 2018 and only $5,000 less than the record high price of $315,000 set in June 2006. The median price hit a low of $118,000 in January 2012. Even at these high prices, inventory is about half of the mark of a well-balanced market at a three-month supply.

Donny and Marie Get a Star:

Donny and Marie Osmond are the latest recipients of a star from the Las Vegas Walk of Stars. On Friday night, the star was embedded in the sidewalk in front of the Flamingo, where the pair have performed more than 1,700 shows over the past 11 years. The Donny and Marie show closes for good on November 16.

Resort Fees Increased at Caesars, Nobu, and Rio:

Only two months ago, Caesars Entertainment CEO Tony Rodio said, “At some point, there’s going to be the straw that breaks the camel’s back. I don’t think we’re there yet, but I want us to be very judicious and cautious about taking resort fees any higher. It’s certainly a revenue stream that’s hard to walk away from and it’s been accepted at this point," he added, "but we’re getting pretty high.” Well, apparently, the hated resort fees weren't high enough, as Caesars Entertainment has announced an increase of $7 per night at Caesars and Nobu and $3 at the Rio. The RF at Caesars/Nobu will now be $51.02 with tax, the Rio's $39.68. CET says that the increase keeps pace with its competitors; MGM Resorts raised its resort fees at its fanciest hotel-casinos recently by $6.

Cereal Killerz:

A new restaurant called The Cereal Killerz Kitchen has opened at the Galleria Mall near Sunset Station. It offers 100 brands of cereal that you can mix and eat with a choice of 20 toppings and 10 kinds of milk, along with waffles and milk shakes.

MNF Browns/49ers:

The San Francisco 49ers are -5 favorites over the Cleveland Browns in tonight's Monday Night Football game. The total is 48. 

Museum of Selfies Coming to Miracle Mile Shops:

Direct from Hollywood, the Museum of Selfies will open at the Miracle Miles Shops later this month. It will be the second location for the museum that showcases selfie-inspired art and provides imaginative spaces to take selfies, particularly having to do with food and bathroom-mirror images. The Vegas museum will reportedly include interactive exhibits that explore the history of the selfie. Opening on October 25, selfie spaces will feature such immersive installations as the Upside Down Room, an emoji pool, a gold bath, and an optical-illusion bathroom. Pre-sale tickets start at $17 for children and $23 for adults. 

The Las Vegas Athletics? MLB Commissioner Thinks So:

Major League Baseball Commissioner Rob Manfred "laid down the law" to the Oakland City Council that unless they dropped its lawsuit blocking the sale of the Oakland Coliseum to the Oakland A's, the baseball team could and would move to another city. He specifically mentioned Las Vegas, as well he should, given that the other Oakland major-league team is moving here next year.

5,000 Attend RiSE Festival in Jean:

Five thousand attendees participated in the three-day RiSE Festival out on the dry lake bed near Jean, Nevada, 25 miles southwest of Las Vegas, which ended last night with the largest release of floating lanterns in the world. Music, food trucks, and fireworks all led up to the final release, in which participants write messages of hope on the paper lanterns and let them fly. An extra day was added to this year's festival after last year's had to be canceled at the 11th hour due to weather conditions.

SNF Chiefs/Colts:

The Kansas City Chiefs are -10.5 favorites over the Indianpolis Colts in tonight's Sunday Night Football game. The total is 56.

First Virgin Development Plans Revealed:

EaterVegas reports that when the Virgin Hotel reopens in late 2020, it will feature a venue called the Commons Club just off the main entrance to the hotel. "The restaurant and lounge originally opened at the Virgin Hotels Chicago in 2015 and expanded to San Francisco and Dallas," Eater writes. Patrons will sit inside or out and a fireplace will be the focal point. In addition, the Hard Rock Cafe at the corner of Paradise Road and Harmon Avenue will be demolished to make room for valet parking and commercial vehicles.

Diablo Cantina Expands to the Mirage:

Diablo's Cantina, which opened originally at the Monte Carlo (now Park MGM), then moved to Luxor last year, will add a new venue at the Mirage in December in the space previously occupied by LVB Burgers and Bar. Luxor's Diablo's serves Mexico City-style cuisine in a vividly colorful environment, with skull murals and a signature abstract sombrero; the new Diablo's should be similar. New to the Mirage venue will be a guacamole bar.

Encore Boston Harbor Abolishes Paid Parking:

Less than four months after opening, Encore Boston Harbor has eliminated all parking charges. Previously, Encore charged $22 for up to six hours and $42 for 24 hours. Encore's parking garage, with only 2,900 spaces, is too small to accommodate all the hotel guests, casino patrons, restaurant diners, etc., so the hefty parking fees were one way of encouraging people to use Encore shuttles and boats, rideshare, and public transportation. Apparently, parking fees at a casino, even the only one in eastern Massachusetts, are as onerous as they are on the Las Vegas Strip. 

UFC Whittaker/Adesanya:

Israel Adesanya is a -125 favorite over Robert Whittaker in today’s UFC main event. In the other featured match, Dan Hooker is -155 over Al Iaquinta.

Strip Bollards Shrinking:

Several hundred of the nearly 5,000 protective bollards that separate the Las Vegas Strip from the sidewalks are being shortened to remove obstructions to drivers' views of oncoming traffic. The bollards block the views especially coming out of casino driveways and have prompted enough complaints that the county is taking action. Road crews are lopping off the tops of around 283 of bollards lining 20 different driveways in and out of the Strip.

Allegiant Stadium Seat Licenses Going, Going ...:

Only 4% of personal seat licenses (PSLs) for the soon-to-be Las Vegas Raiders' home games at Allegiant Stadium remain for sale. The premium seats are sold out; a few PSLs remain for reserved seats on the first and third decks. The non-refundable deposit for PSLs is $100; then PSL holders pay for their seats or seasons tickets, $1,000 to $75,000, depending on the seat. The stadium opens on July 30.

Sample the Wares at Paiute Dispensary:

Nevada’s first marijuana "tasting lounge" opens to the public tomorrow at NuWu Cannabis Marketplace, the dispensary of the Las Vegas Paiute tribe on North Main Street just north of W. Washington. Customers can sample a hit of this and a toke of that to help decide which product to buy. Though the city of Las Vegas passed an ordinance allowing marijuana lounges, the state overruled it for at least two years. But NuWu is on sovereign tribal land, which isn't subject to local or state regulations. Budtenders, just like bartenders, will observe closely and call taxis or rideshares for smokers who shouldn't drive. The dispensary is open 24 hours. 

Shake Shack Opens at McCarran:

Shake Shack, one of the fastest-growing fast-food chains in history, has opened a large location at McCarran International along the concourse between the A and B gates just after the security checkpoint. The nearly 5,000-square-foot space is the company's sixth location to open in less than five years in Las Vegas. The first debuted at New York-New York in early 2015; since then, Shake Shacks have opened in Downtown Summerlin, T-Mobile Arena, Henderson, and the Premium Outlet Mall in downtown.

Attend a "Seance" at Binions Hotel Apache:

Opening tonight at 6 p.m., Seance is a "journey into a hidden area of the Hotel Apache, one of the oldest and most haunted hotels in Las Vegas," according to the press release. "In this room, you will enter a recreation of a 1932 séance. Seated around a table you will hear and see where the room's hauntings originated, encounter and interact with chilling paranormal artifacts. Prepare yourself as the medium attempts to pierce the veil between worlds to get your questions answered from the beyond." That's all we know about it, except that tickets are $110 (total price), you must be 21 or older to attend, and it goes on Fridays at 6 and 9 p.m. and Saturdays at 6 p.m.

Railroad Fans: See the World's Largest Steam Locomotive:

The world's largest steam locomotive, Union Pacific's Big Boy No. 4014, will be on display in Las Vegas on Sunday. The Big Boy will arrive from Provo, Utah, around 1:45 Sunday afternoon at the Union Pacific Rail Yard at 1001 Ironhorse Court downtown (just north of Charleston Blvd. and just west of I-15). Number 4014 is on tour to celebrate the 150th anniversary of the completion of the transcontinental railroad (the famous Golden Spike was pounded into the final railroad tie at Promontory Summit, Utah, on May 10, 1869). Weighing a hefty 600 tons, No. 4041 is one of 25 Big Boys built exclusively for Union Pacific Railroad in the 1940s to handle the steep grade between Cheyenne, WY, and Ogden. It's 132 feet long and articulated, flexible enough to negotiate curves; it has 24 sets of wheels and is the world's only operating Big Boy. Number 4041 will pull out on Tuesday at 8 a.m. on its way to Los Angeles.

Nevada Second-Most Tax Friendly:

TNF Rams/Seahawks:

The Seattle Seahawks are -1.5 favorites over the Los Angeles Rams in tonight's Thursday Night Football game. The total is 48. Note: This line was posted after the game started.

Greens Fee for New Wynn Golf Course:

The Wynn's renovated golf course, which opens a week from tomorrow, has announced its fee: $550 per person per round. Though it's now among the most expensive courses in the U.S., it's being touted as a luxury experience, complete with battery-powered golf carts and caddies, plus Rolls Royces to pick up golfers around town. The course, the only one of the Strip, closed in 2017, but the L.A. Times reports that the Wynn lost 16,000 rounds of golf, along with upwards of $15 million in casino business, during that period. It looks like they're trying to make up for lost time -- though parking is entirely free, saving golfers an extra $20 or so for self-parking and $40 or so for valet. Golfers with a room reservation at Wynn Encore can reserve tee times 90 days in advance, 30 days for non-guests.

Las Vegas Weekend Highlights:

• Festival wise, you have First Friday, Downtown (10/4), the Las Vegas Bikefest at Downtown Las Vegas Events Center (10/4-6), Tivoli Village welcomes the Las Vegas Food & Wine Festival (10-4-5), the Henderson Hot Rod Days takes place at Water Street in Henderson (10/4-5), and you have the RiSE Festival on the Jean Dry Lake Bed a few miles east of the 1-15 (10/4-6)
• Rod Stewart is in the spotlight at Caesars Palace (10/4-5) followed by comedians Steve Martin & Martin Short (10-6)
• Ray Romano & David Spade do stand-up at the Mirage (10/4-5)
• The Eagles are center stage at MGM Grand (10/5)
• Aerosmith performs Dueces Wild at Park MGM (10/6)
• And Billy Idol returns to the Palms (10/4-5)

Settlement between MRI and Oct. 1 Victims Announced:

MGM Resorts International has tentatively agreed to a settlement with victims of the mass shooting two years ago, ranging from $735 million to $800 million, depending on "how many claimants choose to participate." In return for the compensation, victims will "dismiss and release all pending litigation."  

2,700 More Parking Spaces near Allegiant Stadium:

The soon-to-be Las Vegas Raiders has announced that the team acquired 17.3 acres within a mile of Allegiant Stadium that can park 2,700 vehicles for home games and events. Shuttles will run between the lots and the stadium, though they're close enough for most people to walk. The sites, all owned by taxi company Frias Transportation, sold for a little more than $28 million. 

AL Wild Card Line:

The Oakland Athletics are -125 favorites over the Tampa Bay Rays in today's MLB American League Wild Card playoff game. The total is 7.5.

Big Fremont Street Road Project Begins:

A $15 million pedestrian-safety and road-improvement project will begin Monday that, over the next year, will upgrade Fremont Street from Las Vegas Boulevard to 14th Street. Included in the plans are "road repaving, sidewalk widening, removal of taxicab loading turnouts and center medians, and architectural and landscaping improvements"; the latter consist of moving the neon signs from the median to the sidewalks, new streetlights, more than 100 trees planted, storm and sewer upgrades, and new traffic signals. As for traffic, lane restrictions will cause delays weekdays between 7 a.m. and 6 p.m. through next August. 

$3.5 Million Bet Place on the Astros to Win the World Series:

Jim McIngvale, known as "Mattress Mack" for his string of furniture stores in the Houston metropolitan area, made a $3.5 million bet on the Houston Astros to win the World Series at the Scarlet Pearl Casino in D’Iberville, Mississippi, yesterday. It was booked by the DraftKings sports book there and is being reported as the largest sports bet ever in Mississippi. If Houston wins, McIngvale's bet will earn $7.7 million, for an $11.2 million total payout. Mattress Mack is hedging a promotion in which he's rebating $3,000 and more in mattress and furniture sales if the Astros win; the bet in Mississippi is a hedge against his marketing liability (he also bought some insurance to cover part of the cost). McIngvale also placed a $200,000 bet on the Astros to win the World Series at South Point and several other bets at Caesars, MGM, Treasure Island, and Circa Sports; the amounts of those weren't disclosed. Anthony Curtis has been involved in this process, which he describes in the October issue of the Las Vegas Advisor and in a new blog that will report on new developments as they materialize.

Nine Free Football Contests, $500 Loss Rebate, Multi-Million-Dollar World Series Hedge, and More:

Where can you find coverage of the Vegas football parties with the best deals on food, drinks, and drawings, along with 50 local bars that follow specific NFL teams and nine free football contests that you can enter mid-season? How about a happy hour with sushi rolls and ramen, a $500 loss rebate, two $1 oyster plays, a multi-million-dollar World Series hedge, the best hash and eggs in town, two new downtown breweries, and a way to win a vintage slot machine? Even free chili dogs in a strip club? We'll tell you where: It's all in the October Las Vegas Advisor. 

NL Wild Card Line:

The Washington Nationals are -175 favorites over the Milwaukee Brewers in today's MLB National League Wild Card playoff game. The total is 7.5.

Remembering the 58:

To commemorate the second anniversary of the mass shooting at the Route 91 Harvest Festival, on its front page, the Las Vegas Review-Journal has published thumbnail photos, along with the names, ages, and residences from Massachusetts to Alaska, of the 58 victims who were killed by the gunman -- under the headline "Not Forgotten." It's a simple yet profoundly moving tribute to the 36 women and 22 men whose lives were lost.

Resort Fees 3% of Total Revenue at MGM and Caesars:

A story on casino.org discusses "the most hated fee in travel." It quotes analysts who indicate that if passed, the Hotel Advertising Transparency Act, currently being considered by the U.S. House of Representatives, that would require all lodging places to advertise the full price of a room will have a definite impact on casino companies' bottom lines. "Analysts revealed that resort fees account for three percent of all revenue for both MGM and Caesars"; this is the first time we've ever seen resort fees broken out as a line-item percentage of revenue, as discussed in a recent Question of the Day. As for the bill's chances, the article cites OpenSecrets.gov, which reports that the gaming and lodging and tourism industries are powerful opponents, having spent just under $50 million in 2018 lobbying federal legislatures on behalf of its interests. The article also quotes a statement by Marriott: "These fees are not common practice in the hotel industry. Declining over the past decade, approximately seven percent of hotels currently charge resort fees –- and these are the properties that have far more available amenities than other lodging facilities.” And we know where a lot of those properties are.

Whiskey Licker Up Saloon at Binion's Now Revolving:

A big new bar and restaurant has opened on the second floor of Binion's, right on the corner of Fremont and First, overlooking the First Street stage. The 10,000-square-foot venue serves bar food and drinks and has a small stage and a big dance floor for live entertainment. The bar is situated on a revolving platform for a changing view of the Fremont Street Experience. Two open-air balconies also have seating and standing room for new and unique views of the street below. Whiskey Licker opens at 10 a.m. daily, closing at 2 a.m. Sun., Mon., Tue., and Thurs., midnight on Wednesday, and 4 a.m. Fri. and Saturday.