Question of the Day — 8 May 2005

Three -- two to empty the slot machines and ... Just kidding. These major operations obviously require a massive workforce. We contacted four Strip megaresorts and were given these totals:

• Mirage: 5,562
• MGM Grand: 8,499
• Bellagio: 10,029
• Wynn: They're not disclosing a figure down to the last individual, but at opening time it was around 9,600 (of the 105,000 or so who applied for jobs).

An oft-quoted ratio relative to service levels is employees-to-rooms -- the higher the ratio, the better the perceived level of service. Here's how these four megaresorts compare.

Mirage -- 5,562:3,044 = 1.8 MGM Grand -- 8,499:5,034 = 1.7 Bellagio -- 10,029:4,003 = 2.5 Wynn -- 9,600:2,716 = 3.5