Las Vegas Sands, majority owned by CEO Sheldon Adelson, has filed a pair of petitions with the State of Nevada, seeking to put two initiatives on the state ballot. In the summary of commentator Steve Sebelius, "one [seeks] to divert room tax money used by the Las Vegas Convention and Visitors Authority and use it on schools, the other to divert room tax money and use it on schools, roads and cops." Both would have to pass in two consecutive election cycles to become law.
The petition texts, in PDF form, can be found at Stiffs & Georges.
An excellent article by Eric Felton, titled "The Point of Tipping," appears in the "Weekend Journal" section of today’s Wall Street Journal. There’s no mention of Las Vegas, but the article is even more pertinent than usual for our tip-mad city (see LVA’s complete Las Vegas Tipping Guide), given recent events, including the dealer-tip controversy at the Wynn and the IRS’ tips- and cash-related raid on PURE nightclub. Felton writes an informative column on booze ("How’s Your Drink") that appears weekly in the Saturday WSJ.
Good news for neon fans: On March 3, the Nevada Palace will be donating its sign to the Neon Museum, where it will join such iconic artifacts as the signs from Binion's Horseshoe, the Stardust, and the Aladdin.
Defying Wall Street's skepticism, Las Vegas Sands is plowing ahead with its commitment to an $800 million, 3,000-machine slot parlor in Bethlehem, Penn. Although the project was originally budgeted at $525 million in 2005, neither cost escalation nor doubts on Wall Street have deterred Sands. Its CEO, Sheldon Adelson, spent the day in Israel, where he and right-hand man William Weidner were called to testify in a lawsuit stemming from Adelson's entry into the Chinese market. The suit was filed in 2002.
For full details, see Stiffs & Georges.
Las Vegans awoke to a scare, as local and national news outlets revealed that Metro had discovered ricin (and its source material, castor beans) in a room at an Extended Stay America, at 4720 S. Valley View Rd., early this morning. Ricin is said to be six thousand times as deadly as cyanide but it also had medicinal uses and is employed in cancer treatments. Seven people, including three Metro officers, were briefly quarantined.
Ricin is most notorious for having been used by the KGB to kill dissident author Georgi Markov in London, in 1978, after Markov was jabbed with a ricin-laced umbrella tip. Former casino exec Tomoo Okada used ricin in a 2003 suicide attempt. Lawrence Mower of the Las Vegas Review-Journal has a comprehensive report on this morning's incident.
A man who was occupying the Las Vegas motel room where Metro discovered ricin this morning has been located. The unnamed individual has been hospitalized since Feb. 14, according to CNN, which has online video coverage of the case, including a report from local station KLAS-TV. Three animals were found in the room, at an extended-stay motel near Valley View Road and Harmon Avenue, two of them alive and one dead. The building itself has been decontaminated.
The Nevada Palace closes tonight. The official closing has been set at 10 pm, but this couldn't be confirmed by operators. Look for Bob Stupak, who has shown up on the closing days of previous casinos and likes to throw the last hand at craps.
On this last day in operation before the metamorphosis to the Eastside Cannery takes place, there'll be one final United Blood Services blood drive till 3 p.m. today. All donors will receive a meal voucher for two for the new Eastside Cannery, plus t-shirts and special commemorative medallions will also be handed out. To schedule an appointment call 702/228-8400, ext. 241 or log onto www.bloodhero.com and use the sponsor code "nevadapalace."
Our own David Matthews found himself playing poker with 1988 Cy Young Award winner and World Series MVP Orel Hershiser at Caesars Palace. The Dodger great was in spring training, if you will, for the NBC Heads-Up Championship. What are Heshiser's tendencies at the table and what enabled Kirk Gibson to belt that game-winning blast in Game One of the '88 Series? Read Gambling in Space to find out.
Tuscany is awarding 10X players club points today. Silverton is awarding 5X points today and tomorrow. We'll add to this post if other deals are discovered.
The Aruba hotel (1215 S. Las Vegas Blvd.) continues its sporadic entertainment lineup tonight with a free comedy club hosted by Mr. Bigfoot. Doors open at 8 p.m. and there's a 2 drink minimum.
The ongoing STOMP OUT LOUD locals twofer deal has been extended through Mar. 31. Quote the new code of 241LOUD when you purchase tickets.
From 6 p.m. to 10 p.m. this evening comedian Adam Carolla will be broadcasting live from the Palms Lounge. The show can be heard on 107.5 FM (His regular slot's from 5 a.m. to 10 a.m. weekdays. Visit http://xtremeradio.com/ for more info.)
Boyd Gaming stock closed today at a 52-week low of $22.42/share, even though the company reported better-than-expected results in yesterday's conference call with analysts. Profit came in higher than expected but both that and revenues fell in year-over-year comparisons between the final quarters of 2006 and '07. Boyd's Atlantic City Borgata resort was cited for outperforming a decline Boardwalk market but its Blue Chip riverboat in Indiana continues to disappoint.
Even though the midsummer opening of Borgata spin-off Water Club is expected to fatten Boyd's balance sheets, that didn't stop at least two analysts from downgrading BYD stock. KeyBanc Capital Markets' Dennis Forst cut his '08 earnings estimate to $1.35/share, well below the consensus estimate of $1.81. Not far behind was Calyon Securities' Fritz Owens', whose estimate fell to $1.42/share from $1.83 and who also trimmed 50 cents off his per-share forecast for 2009. Owens lowered his price target for BYD from $38 to $27.
Next Tuesday, former Wall Street Journal gaming reporter Christina Binkley's new book, Winner Takes All: Steve Wynn, Kirk Kerkorian, Gary Loveman, and the Race to Own Las Vegas, hits stores. Las Vegas Sun Business Editor Jeff Simpson tells RateVegas.com, "I read it in one evening and couldn't put it down ... Pinnacle Entertainment Chairman Dan Lee, MGM Mirage President and COO Jim Murren and MGM Mirage PR king Alan Feldman are some of her best sources in the book, and there's sufficiently good inside information to give even the most knowledgeable Vegas expert a lot to digest. I give it two thumbs up, five stars, five diamonds and a 100 on American Bandstand."
Simpson's enthusiasm is not shared by Wynn Resorts CEO Steve Wynn, who previously unleashed his wrath on Binkley during the course of her reportage.
The stars and cars of NASCAR are here for their annual visit to Las Vegas and there are a ton of related activities to keep even the most rabid fan occupied and entertained. If you happen to lack the need for speed, cast your eyes over the list of other options available this weekend…
Gustavo Arellano's "Ask a Mexican!" column, which runs locally in Las Vegas City Life, is now set on reconquista-ing the YouTube world, as this video installment demonstrates. City Life was the longtime home to HP author Matt O'Brien and features occasional guest vignettes by LVA Managing Editor David McKee, who reviews the new movie The Walker in this week's edition.
Luxor's newest nightspot, CatHouse, remains closed indefinitely after structural concerns occurred during a Monday party in the ultralounge portion of the venue.
The floor in the "Loungerie" has slipped about eight inches since the club opened two months ago, several sources said, and in his R-J column Norm! told how a patron reported seeing security guards shining flashlights on an inch-wide, sixteen-inch long crack in the ceiling. We understand that guests were first moved to the restaurant section of the venue and then everyone evacuated in an orderly fashion. We'll keep you posted as we hear more but a spokesperson for CatHouse stated yesterday that, "The restaurant is expected to open in the very near future and the ultralounge shortly after that."
MGM Grand is applying to Clark County to enlarge its pool area, wrapping around its convention center and toward the Signature condo complex. For more details on this and Jones' downtown farewell, see Stiffs & Georges.
Impersonator Larry G. Jones, a fixture of downtown's Fitz Hotel & Casino, is ringing down the curtain for good after Friday night's showing, ending a Fitz run of 1,600 performances. After an undoubtedly well-earned vacation, he'll be back in action somewhere on the Strip, an LVA source says.
In crunching some new Majestic Research reports on Wynn Resorts and Las Vegas Sands, LVA has found a semi-hidden story tucked in amongst all the bar graphs and numbers: Harrah's Entertainment is growing its market share on the Strip (even at Imperial Palace and Bill's Gamblin' Hall) at the expense of almost everyone else. The properties that have withstood the Harrah's surge include a couple that might surprise you. Also, in less surprising news, Palazzo looks set to cannibalize business -- a lot of business -- from its older brother, The Venetian.
Full details can be found in Stiffs & Georges.
England's Guardian today joined the ranks of those heaping derision on the Labour government's busted "supercasino" plan. (A "supercasino," by U.K. measurements, would offer 1,200 or so slots; not much by American standards but a huge increase by British ones.) Having gone from proposing 96 supercasinos to eventually one, and now none, the administrations of Tony Blair and successor Gordon Brown made "a headlong and humiliating retreat," according to The Guardian, which contended "that most people regarded the arrival of supercasinos in their communities with about the same enthusiasm with which they welcome nuclear power stations." The paper did laud the "impeccably detailed and careful parliamentary process" with which the government arrived at its now-revoked award of the supercasino to Manchester.
For comprehensive coverage of the supercasino flap, in both textual and video form, go to GamingFloor.com, which has been consistently on top of this evolving (or, depending on your perspective, devolving) story from Day One and scroll down to Feb. 26. GamingFloor's coverage is updated on a daily basis.
RateVegas.com has gotten ahold of some of the floor plans for Steve Wynn's Encore resort. They can be seen at Stiffs & Georges. Also discussed are recent developments in on the dealer-tipping front at Wynn Las Vegas and at the MGM Mirage properties.
From 2:30 p.m. tomorrow, expect even slower-than-usual traffic on the Strip as the NASCAR team haulers conduct a parade from just south of Russell Road all the way to Sahara Ave. Approximately 40-50 haulers will travel initially in the right-hand and then the middle lane of northbound Las Vegas Blvd. all the way to the Sahara before taking I-15 north to Las Vegas Motor Speedway. Spectators will be able to watch the parade from both sides of the Strip.
Las Vegas-based Allegiant Air has announced a new partnership with the Blue Man Group, which will include heavy Blue Man branding inside the aircraft (cups, napkins, overhead bins, uniforms -- you name it) and will "focus on communicating the Blue Man Group message to the Allegiant customer at all phases of the experience," whatever that means. Allegiant customers will be able to purchase Blue Man tickets through the airline, including in-flight, and will receive some kind of yet-to-be-specified incentive if they do.
If you're interested in Allegiant, which focuses on providing low-cost transportation to major destinations for travelers living in small cities, then check out the upcoming Question of the Day for March 11.
For the fourth consecutive year, the poker room at Caesars Palace will serve as the backdrop for NBC's "National Heads Up Poker" championship, featuring pros and celebrities including Jason Alexander, Gabe Kaplan, Don Cheadle, Jennifer Tilly, Shannon Elizabeth, Orel Hershiser, defending champ Paul Wasicka, Ted Forrest (2006 winner), and Phil Hellmuth (2005).
The event runs from Friday, Feb. 28 through Sunday March 1 and there is a viewing gallery that will be open to the public on a first-come, first-served basis, but be warned: it's tiny. We spoke with the event organizers, who were sitting in the room when we talked and estimated there are only about 50 seats, which will increase to perhaps 100 for the final on Sunday. Spots are likely to be filled by people already present in the poker room, but it's worth a shot if you'd like to catch your favorite player or star in action.
Yes, as of tomorrow, joining the hallowed ranks of the long-beloved $7.77 off-menu Gambler's Special (steak, three grilled shrimp, a choice of potato or broccoli, and a salad served 24/7) will be an extra dining deal at the Hard Rock's coffee shop.
The new special will be All-You-Can-Eat Prime Rib for $9.99. It will, we've been assured, be served "with a first generous cut of a 13 oz cut of prime rib," plus a baked potato and fresh seasonal veggies. The meal also comes with a side salad or cup of soup de jour and you can keep going back for as much prime rib as you can handle. Like the Gambler's Special, it's an off-menu item you have to request and, as of tomorrow, it will be served from 4 p.m.-4 a.m. daily.
Aha! We just got a call from their very helpful manager, who pointed out a few errors and omissions in our original piece. They are as follows:
a) This deal is for locals only.
b) The show actually runs through March 16 (not March 11).
c) It's dark Mondays, not Thursdays.
d) The tickets are $49.95 each, plus taxes/fees (so locals using the magic word can get two for that price.)
Apart from that, we were all over this item! (We're just glad they read LVA.)
In a Las Vegas Business Press column, reporter Benjamin Spillman looks back on the second anniversary of the shutdown of the Lady Luck, "leaving one of downtown's most visible properties a lifeless shell." Metroplex Group President Paul Murad offers the obvious observation (that is, obvious to everyone but the Lady Luck's owners): "The biggest mistake ... was closing down the casino," a move which deprived Lady Luck of cash flow during its abortive remake as a condo-hotel.
The column also quotes Mayor Oscar Goodman and British newspaper columnist Matt Rudd complaining about the disincentives for international travelers to visit post-9/11 America. Rudd warns of "rubber-gloved rectal rummage" and nominates North Korea and Iran as likelier to roll out the welcome mat. And Stanley Ho does have a casino in Pyongyang, after all.
Carl Icahn's American Casino & Entertainment Properties is leaving Nevada somewhat ignominiously. It's going to have to pay $33,000 to the Gaming Control Board for neglecting to register 29 employees with the state. Four thousand dollars of that fine is for blowing off letters from the NGCB that alerted Icahn's casinos to the registration failure. The Las Vegas Sun's Liz Benston reports that this is the beginning of a bigger crackdown on companies that have been lackadaisical in this regard.
The current Reader Poll about your favorite LVA "Locals Corner" closes at midnight. There's a surprising leader and the #2 spot's currently tied.
As we mentioned the other day in this column, "Local Corner" is a popular feature in the LVA newsletter where we review a different non-casino eatery each month. We've discovered some real gems over the years and bagged coupons for some of them in the 2008 Pocketbook of Values. We'd like to get deals from more of them, so vote for your top pick and we'll see what we can do...
From tomorrow Wednesday, Feb. 27 through Saturday, March 1 and then again from March 4-8, Tao Beach at the Venetian will be holding open auditions for waitresses, porters, bussers, bar backs, security guards, runners, and VIP hosts -- yup, you name it, they want it. If you're interested, take yourself and your best swimsuit along to Tao nightclub between noon and 5 p.m. on the specified dates for an audition.
Bay City Rollers fans can score a two-for-one proposition when they queue up at the box office for the Seventies band's Feb. 26-March 11 gig (dark Thursdays) in Le Bistro in the Riviera Hotel Casino. Say the magic word "radio" when buying your ticket and you'll get two tickets for the price of one. Unfortunately, the Riviera doesn't list ticket prices on its Web site. The Riv might want to add that to its "Multi Million Dollar Transformation."
As for those tartan-clad rockers, remember: They only wanna be with you.
As the week unfolds, we'll keep you abreast of all the various NASCAR-related happenings around town. Looks like the first of them kicks off downtown tonight at the Fremont -- here's the scoop:
From 6 p.m.-8 p.m. this evening, the Jack Daniel's Race Car will be on display under the Fremont Street canopy outside the Fremont Hotel & Casino. The event will feature giveaways, drink specials, and appearances by the Jack Daniel’s girls. It's all free and open to the public.
Meanwhile, the Fremont's players club is holding a promotion for Players Gold members. Every 50 points earned between now and the drawing is good for one ticket to the drawing for a VIP package to this weekend’s race at the Speedway. The drawing's at 7 p.m. tonight near the Fremont Players Gold Booth and you must be present to win.
A story in today's Las Vegas Spring Valley View discusses the giant "lobster room" in a warehouse owned by Wynn Las Vegas. The room houses a tank with 40-degree water that's populated with 2,000 live lobsters. The article says that many of the "Maine" lobsters come from Canada and are flown in four times a week to supply the approximately 3,500 lobster dinners the Wynn serves every month.
Well, actually the deal's on coffees, but it's brought to you by Dunkin' Donuts. Yup, following in the footsteps of Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf, DD will be offering 99¢ small lattes, cappuccinos, and espresso drinks from 1 p.m.-10 p.m. today, so you won't miss your caffeine fix. Participating Las Vegas locations are: 7400 S. Las Vegas Blvd., 409 E. Silverado Ranch, and 5861 W. Craig.
Atlantic City will have to wait at least 15 more months before seeing Pinnacle Entertainment turn so much as a spadeful of dirt on its planned, $1.5 billion Boardwalk hotel-casino. Citing credit-market problems, Pinnacle says it won't begin work until midsummer 2009 -- and maybe never. "I've been asked ... 'How the hell are you going to build in Atlantic City?' The answer is, If the credit markets don't improve, we won't," Pinnacle CEO Dan Lee told The Press of Atlantic City. Lee's company continues with its design process and with the pursuit of additional land, to achieve a critical mass of 25 acres.
Pinnacle's announcement already appears to be sparking acrimony among former employees of the Sands. Lee bought, closed and demolished that casino, in anticipation of building a new resort in its place.
Tonight from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m., to coincide with the closure of all Starbucks venues for staff training, the Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf neighborhood locations are coming to the rescue of caffeine lovers by giving away free drinks – any size, any kind, any way. The participating locations are: Canyon Point, Town Center, Rainbow & Patrick, UNLV, Lake Mead & Tenaya, and Rainbow & Flamingo.
Thanks to everyone who's writing in re today's QoD about the best corned beef/pastrami sandwiches in Las Vegas. If you're a fan, keep checking back as the day progresses, so you don't miss out on any hidden gems we didn't know about, both here and nationwide.
According to Idaho TV station KPVI, the state's Shoshone-Bannock tribe is part of "a big business move" involving a nationwide consortium of tribes, pursuing a 70-acre land purchase on the South Strip. (LVA sources place it at the southeast corner of I-15 and Blue Diamond Road.) Oregon's Muckleshoot tribe is credited with brainstorming the project, which would result in "the city's first native-owned casino property." It would be bankrolled by tribes, like Florida's Seminoles and the Shoshone-Bannocks, who already have casino operations on their own land. The Seminoles would, however, be unable to employ their Hard Rock brand, as Morgans Hotel Group controls rights to the name west of the Mississippi River.
Clarion Events, owner of the International Casino Exhibition, a yearly must-see event in London, has been sold to Veronis Suhler Stevenson, a private equity firm. This isn't VSS' first flirtation with the casino world. Through subsidiaries, VSS used to own International Gaming & Wagering Business and Casino Journal, as well as the now-defunct World Gaming Congress and IGBE shows, and National Gaming Summary.
Las Vegas Tropicana owner Bill Yung, normally somewhat press-shy, is bristling at the media attention given his $1 million to a '527' organization allied with the campaign of Kentucky Gov. Steve Beshear. Should Beshear's plan to bring 12 casinos to Kentucky get through the state legislature and pass a popular vote as well, Yung is seen as a frontrunner for one of the licenses, a perception Beshear has striven to dispel. For more of the story, see Stiffs & Georges.
California's Colusa and Rincon Indian tribes have partnered with Wells Fargo Community Development Corp. to set up the first tribally led private equity fund. Both the Rincon Band of Luiseño Indians (owner of Harrah's Rincon Resort & Casino) and the Colusa Indian Community (owners of Colusa Resort Casino) will contribute $5 million in seed capital over a five-year period. The fund will be open to enrollment by other Native American bands and will target investment of $2 million-$3 million. Private-sector casino owners needn't worry: The fund's goal is tribal economic diversification. As Rincon Chairman Vernon Wright put it, "Gaming's been good for us, but it's a one-trick pony."
Is the trip for the Barcalounger to the home computer too wearisome after a day at the office? The government of the Australian state of Victoria has a solution. Reports CasinoGamblingWeb.com's Tom Jones, "the government has decided that it would be beneficial to allow people to gamble from their living rooms, or anywhere else in their houses where there is a television." (Which, in Nevada, would mean that HP's managing editor could wager without even getting out of bed.) Would-be punters can set up, through a "long application process" and PIN numbers, accounts for wagering on horse races. "This is just another example of why the states can't be trusted on gambling. This is a very dangerous precedent," harrumphed incoming state Sen. Nick Xenophon, clearly unamused.
With Broward County slot revenues less than expected, one racino is taking it out on horse owners and trainers. Isle of Capri's Pompano Park not only does not cut horsemen in on its slot take (roughly $60 million annually), it just decreased purse sizes by over one third. For further details, see Stiffs & Georges.
British Prime Minister Gordon Brown isn't going to make a clean getaway in his attempts to back out of the award of a 'supercasino' concession to Manchester, it appears. The city plans to sue Brown's Labour government for $492 million in lost investments. To that end, it has retained litigator John "The Assassin" Howell. Blackpool, one of the cities that ultimately lost to Manchester in the selection process, will receive a consolation prize in the form of $1.8 billion worth of infrastructure and education improvements.
The legendary British DJ, who changed the face of dance music and is actually in the Guinness Book of World Records as the "Biggest DJ in the world," will be making a one-night only appearance at the Palms' Moon nightclub tomorrow as part of his "Greatest Hits & Remixes Tour."
Oakenfold's mixed everyone from Snoop Dogg to Madonna, Justin Timberlake to U2, in addition to creating his own original compositions. It's an event not to be missed if you're a dance fan.
On Wednesday, Feb. 27, Twin Creeks at the Silverton will be hosting a special dinner and bourbon pairing to promote the recently remodeled restaurant's new range of signature boutique bourbons.
Fred Booker Noe, master distiller and great grandson of Jim Beam, will be in attendance at the event, which is limited to 100 people. Tickets are $85 per person and only available at the restaurant. Those wishing to attend are urged to purchase tickets in advance.
From 5 p.m.-7 p.m. this evening, PURE nightclub at Caesars will be hosting the Draught Master Competition, where top bartenders will compete to show off their skills pouring the perfect pint of three Belgian beers -- Stella Artois, Hoegaarden, and Leffe.
Las Vegas has 12 entrants who'll be competing to demonstrate the nine-step Belgian pouring ritual and the winner will go on to take part in the World Draught Master Competition in Belgium this October. This event is, we've been informed, open to the public.
Macao's Gaming Inspection & Coordination Bureau reports that January visitation to the former Portugese enclave represented a 16% increase, year over year. Chinese from the Mainland represented almost 60% of the total. Southeast Asia represented the biggest growth market (+58%), followed by Europe and North America. Visitation from Hong Kong and Taiwan grew only slightly. Day trippers represented slightly over half of the total volume.
Rescue for the troubled Cosmopolitan condo-casino project has materialized, in the form of Marathon Asset Management, a Virginia-based hedge fund, and an increased ownership stake by Hyatt. The duo have bought out developer Ian Bruce Eichner, reports the Las Vegas Sun (making the Cosmo at least the third high-rise project he's had taken away from him). The $3 billion project is scheduled for a December 2009 opening.
In the whatever-it-takes department, government officials in Macau are reportedly considering building a 23-mile bridge from Hong Kong to Macau. The bridge would make it easier to get to the gambling district, which now is accessed by planes and ferrys. The estimated cost of the bridge is more than $7.5 billion.
Station Casinos' Jumbo Jackpot is at $144,000. It must hit by $150,000, so has a good chance of going today. Everyone playing at a Station Casinos machine with their Boarding Pass card inserted when the Jumbo hits gets $50 in free play.
Probably at least a small one. Plans for the remodeling of the Sahara have been given the OK by city regulators, and they appear to include another implosion. SBE Entertainment Group, which operates the Sahara, says it will demolish the smallest of three existing towers (with 200 rooms) and build a new 520-foot 1,000-room tower in its place, raising the total room count to 2,506. New restaurants and nightclubs will also be added. No costs were disclosed, though a 2011 completion date was set.
If you're interested in casino implosions, check out the upcoming QoD for Feb. 29, which is all about them.
Over $30K in Strip expenditures, including $25K at Bellagio alone, is being held up as symptomatic of complacent, spendthrift tendencies that have depleted Sen. Hillary Clinton's war chest. So goes a New York Times story, which also cites Planet Hollywood and Four Seasons as having benefited from Clintonian largesse. For more information and a link to the NYT story, see Stiffs & Georges.
Today's USA Today contains a article in its "Travel" section about the economic slowdown's potential affect on Las Vegas. The Palms' George Maloof and LVA's Anthony Curtis are quoted.
Onetime Atlantic City mayor (and current state assemblyman) James Whelan is taking on current Mayor Scott Evans over the city's proposal to award Bader Field, a local recreational complex, to Penn National. Penn would get the land for $800 million and probably re-sell three-fourths of it to other casino companies. Whelan, along with allies in the Casino Reinvestment Development Authority, think Penn's offer is too low, among other objections. Evans, in turn, argues that Atlantic City will get more property tax relief from Penn's proposed deal.
For more coverage, along with updates on the Pure investigation and the Culinary Union's surveillance of the Las Vegas Tropicana, see Stiffs & Georges.
Ameristar Casinos has pulled the plug on $100 million or more in renovations and expansion of its Kansas City riverboat complex, including the addition of a hotel tower, taking a $4.5 million write-down in the process. It cited a combination of factors in its decision, which came during a quarter which saw profits come in 30% below Wall Street expectations.
For the rest of the story, see Stiffs & Georges.
If you haven't already, don't forget to vote in our current Reader Poll for your favorite LVA "Locals Corner." If you're not familiar with the column, it's an item we run every month in the Las Vegas Advisor newsletter, where we review a non-casino eatery that's worth venturing off-Strip for, from hot dogs to ceviche, sushi to steaks.
We bagged coupons for some in the 2008 Pocketbook of Values and it's an area we'd like to expand on in the future, so let us know your favorites and we'll see if we can't get some deals...
Not the city, the TV show. After five years and 106 episodes, NBC has pulled the plug on its weekly drama, "Las Vegas." The show provided an interesting mix over the years of good and bad casino portrayals, though it was always difficult to get past its premise that the Chief of Surveillance (James Caan) ran the casino.
There are still tickets left for tonight's 6 p.m. special 2000th anniversary performance of her show by the performer voted "Best Comedian in Las Vegas" six years straight. Tickets are offered at a special flat rate of $33 and are available online at www.harrahs.com or by calling 702/369-5222. The show will be taped for PBS's first-ever comedy special and will be made available on DVD. The 8:30 p.m. performance is sold out.
Today through the weekend, Las Vegas Harley-Davidson (2605 E. Eastern Ave.) and Red Rock Harley-Davidson (7100 W. Sahara) are holding a three-day demo event from 9 a.m.-4 p.m. daily. Bike enthusiasts are encouraged to show up and sample bikes from the 2008 model lineup, including the Rocker and the Cross Bone. Demo rides will be guided by experienced lead and trail riders. Proper riding gear, including DOT helmets, eye protection, and footwear required. (They can supply if you don't have.) Riders must be at least 18 years old and possess a valid motorcycle license. Special sale room merchandise will be available for purchase and complimentary food and beverages will be served at both locations. Call 702/431-8500 or 702/876-2884 for more info.
Wanting to support fellow a Arkansan, middleweight Jermain Taylor, and with a free weekend in her schedule, Janet Huckabee (wife of Mike) did what many an American would do: Take in a fight in Vegas. Unfortunately, the trip did not work out as planned. Taylor lost the fight and Mrs. Huckabee found herself staying at Hooters Casino Hotel, of all unlikely places. Thanks to UNLV's David Schwartz for digging up this news nugget.
RateVegas.com has held its second casino-business roundtable, in which LVA Managing Editor David McKee joins Hunter Hillegas of RateVegas, Chuck Monster of the Macau Tripping Web site, UNLV's David Schwartz, whose musings can be found at DieIsCast.com, and Jeff Simpson, business editor and columnist of the Las Vegas Sun. This fortnight's topics include 2007 Nevada gambling revenues, MGM's new Detroit hotel-casino (no mention of Lafayette Coney Island, alas), James Packer's buy-in to Harrah's Entertainment and Station Casinos, the possible end of the Las Vegas Tower project, the likelihood of a Nevada gaming-tax increase, etc. The podcast can be found at RateVegas.com or downloaded as an MP3 file.
Las Vegas' tallest landmark has a new owner, as of Wednesday. Carl Icahn's American Casino & Entertainment Properties closed on the $1.2 billion sale of the Stratosphere Tower and three other Nevada casino-hotels to Whitehall Street Real Estate Fund. Also included in the sale are the two Arizona Charlie's properties, as well as the Aquarius Casino Resort, in Laughlin. In the cases of both the Stratosphere and what would become Arizona Charlie's East, Icahn bought financially star-crossed properties out of bankruptcy and engineered dramatic turnarounds. The purchaser, Whitehall Street, is an affiliate of Goldman Sachs.
It’s a 'tween weekend in Sin City – no big events and no major holidays to celebrate but still plenty to do. With the Wranglers and the Runnin’ Rebels on the road, AVP pro beach volleyball is the only game in town and they’ll wrap up their tour at the Orleans Arena this Saturday. Fremont Street hosts the Taste & Sounds of Soul – the first official (and free!) festival of the year, with art exhibits, live entertainment, and plenty of soul food (2/22-2/24).
In editorializing against a casino proposal by the St. Regis Mohawks, the New York Post may have crossed the line. Its most recent screed characterized the Mohawks as a "criminal enterprise." That, and a previous editorial that cast aspersions on the tribe's history, have earned the Post a $60 million defamation suit from three Mohawk chiefs. The St. Regis band earned the newspaper's ire by seeking a casino site near Monticello, N.Y,
Play to win a free seat in the upcoming WPT Celebrity Tournament, March 1-3 at the Commerce in Los Angeles. The prize pool has not been announced, but this is slated to be a televised tourney, so it figures to be decent. Only one seat will be given away, but taking the two-week trial doesn't obligate you to join, so it's a free play. To be eligible, you have to sign up for the free two-week trial membership to the ClubUBT before 9 pm EST today -- just click here. For clarification, post questions on our UBT Discussion message board.
Four executives changed jobs within MGM Mirage today and none was left without a chair when the music stopped. Lorenzo Creighton swapped posts with George Boyer, and William Hornbuckle is certain to rack up frequent-flier miles, as he added presidential responsibilities in Atlantic City to the ones he already holds at Mandalay Bay. A full analysis of the executive suite roundelay can be found in the Las Vegas Sun.
Boyd Gaming's Borgata hotel-casino, in Atlantic City, set a record it could probably do without: The largest fine ever imposed in New Jersey for underage gambling. The New Jersey Casino Control Commission dropped a $105K fine on Borgata (surpassing the cool 100 G's that Trump Marina had to pay for a similar offense three years ago) after a teenager, identified only as "A.P." managed to become a rated player, comped in excess of $1,000, when Borgata executives didn't bother to verify his I.D. The teen gambled $34K over a 13-month period, a spree that ended only when he was carded by a sharp-eyed dealer. Smaller fines -- $40K and $10K, respectively -- were levied upon Trump Taj Mahal and the Tropicana for similar infractions. Borgata was also fined 75 grand for allowing underage drinking on its premises.
Following yesterday's announcement that Rich Little's canceling his shows at the Golden Nugget comes word that Nathan Burton, the magician who came to prominence thanks to shows including "The Entertainer" and "America's Got Talent," is vacating the V Theater at the Miracle Mile Shops for an upgrade to the Flamingo, where he'll share the main showroom with Toni Braxton and George Wallace.
After nearly two years at the V, Nathan Burton Comedy Magic will close on April 13 and reopen at the Flamingo Las Vegas a week later, replacing the Society of Seven. We don't yet have word on where, if anywhere, the long-running comedy and improv show will be moving.
Tao at the Venetian will host a "Blondetourage" party tonight in celebration of Playmate Heather Renee Smith, who turns 21. Sounds to be provided by DJ Five and all blonde females receive open bar privileges from 10 p.m.-midnight. Usual cover charges apply. Call 702/388-8588 for table reservations.
Renowned nature photographer Tom Mangelsen will visit the Images of Nature Gallery at the Miracle Mile Shops (Planet Hollywood) from 5 p.m.-9 p.m. this evening. During the free reception, he'll present 18 new images from his 2008 collection and will be available to sign any of his works, including books and calendars. Complimentary refreshments will be served.
The IRS last night raided the offices of Pure, as well as the Caesars Palace nightclub itself. Though details are sketchy, speculation is that records were seized in an attempt to gain insight into the club's finances, much of which is tied to cash payments. In a comment on the raid in today's LV Review-Journal, gossip columnist Norm Clark wrote that doormen at the major clubs can make "$400,000 to $500,000 a year."
Crown Ltd. has bolstered its Las Vegas presence by acquiring minority shares of Station and Harrah's. The Australian company headed by James Packer has purchased a 4.9% share of Station Casinos for $242 million and a 2.5% share of Harrah's Entertainment for $172 million. Concurrent with the announcement, however, Crown indicated that its deal to build Crown Las Vegas on the former site of Wet 'n Wild is being reevaluated. Crown also owns a 19.6% share of the Fountainebleau and recently purchased Cannery Casino Resorts for $1.8 billion.
David G. Schwartz, director of UNLV's Center for Gaming Research, takes on the new book Zeropolis by Amiens-based philosopher Bruce Begout and it's not pretty. Begout's book appears to present a big, fat target, given its reliance on 44-year-old reportage of Vegas and fanciful claims of gambling in McCarran Airport toilets. The title of book refers to Begout's contention that Vegas' "urbanity is nothingness [which] makes every reality an object of mockery," and so forth. Prof. Schwartz faults the book for, among many other things, the author's "willful lack of focus and thoughtfulness," along with the "kind of superficial analysis that I wouldn't accept from a freshman." We're guessing he's giving Zeropolis an "F."
Dr. Schwartz's book include Roll the Bones, described as "the epic story of gambling."
This week's Las Vegas Business Press takes an in-depth look at the in-default Cosmopolitan, presently on the hook for $935 million in called loans. As reporter Tony Illia points out, Cosmo developer Ian Bruce Eichner has had two Manhattan high-rises taken from him under similar circumstances. Work proceeds at the Cosmo, underwritten by Deutsche Bank, while Eichner and others shop around for take-out financing. Illia chronicles how expansions of the Cosmo doubled its cost (to $3 billion) and how the modest size of Eichner's own investment -- basically consisting of the underlying land -- may be deterring potential rescuers.
Harrah's Entertainment is making 2003-07 gambling win/loss statements available online to Total Rewards members. For more details, see
Under the stewardship of New Labour, a 24% increase in the number of U.K. casinos has taken place. That could become a nearly 100% increase, if a flood of recent applications is honored. Taking advantage of a time loophole, the 141 applications were entered before a 150-casino cap was implemented by the Labour government, now led by Gordon Brown, successor to Tony Blair. A fiasco involving the award of a now-dead "supercasino" helped usher out then-Culture Secretary Tessa Jowell. Her successor, Andy Burnham is set to proceed with 16 "regional" casinos but Brown wants the matter studied further. "This latest development show that [Labour's] policy is in total disarray," huffed Tory spokesman Jeremy Hunt. Meanwhile, Nottingham Trent University boffin Mark Griffiths, showing a dramatic grasp of the obvious, observed that, "Generally, increased gambling leads to an increase in problems."
Britain has 144 casinos. Were every application approved, that number would swell to 285. GamingFloor.com Editor Ian Sutton has one word for this projection: "Laughable."
A Ms. Tsang (no other identification given), the blood relative of a Venetian Macao employee, has filed a formal complaint with the Macanese government after the Venetian balked at paying her a $130,000 jackpot. Since the jackpot was part of a promotional event, the Venetian replied, information pertaining to it -- such as the winning odds -- would be available to employees and (by extension) potentially to their relatives as well. Xinhau News Agency notes that the Venetian was ordered last year to pay a $94,857 slot jackpot to an underage gambler, on the grounds that the onus was on the Venetian to bar juvenile gamblers, making it liable for their winnings.
The celebrity impersonator has canceled all remaining shows at the Golden Nugget, where he was due to perform through early April, due to health issues. If you've already purchased tickets, call the box office on 702/386-8100 for information about how to obtain a refund.
Five days after the first, $125,000 installment was due on a $750,000 fine, Columbia Sussex -- former owner/operator of the Atlantic City Tropicana -- has asked the State of New Jersey for permission to withhold payment of the fine until the hotel-casino is sold. This could give Columbia Sussex as long as three months to scrape the cash together. The fine, imposed when Columbia Sussex was stripped of its New Jersey gaming license, was the penalty for the company's six-month refusal (or inability) to form an independent audit committee, as required by state law. As justification for withholding payment from the New Jersey Casino Control Commission, Columbia Sussex cited the worsening national economy and the slackening performance of Atlantic City's casino market. In January, Tropicana revenues were off $7 million from January 2007, by far the largest dollar decline among Boardwalk casinos.
Iowa's House of Representatives passed a ban on smoking in nearly all public venues except tobacconists' shops -- and casinos. Specifically, Iowans can't light up "in enclosed locations that are places of employment," according to the Des Moines Register. Violate the law and you'll be shelling out a cool $500. Restaurants and bars were not so lucky as casinos, as efforts to shield them from the ban failed. An amendment to strip casinos of protection failed, not least because lawmakers were warned that gambling-tax revenue could plummet $100 million were casinos not exempted. (Tribal casinos would have exempt under any circumstance, being on sovereign land.) The bill still has to pass the Iowa Senate.
The comic's Making %@it Up show at the Venetian has been extended through August 2009. The show was originally slated to run until mid-summer this year.
Macao's Government Tourist Office recorded a modest uptick in visitation during so-called "Golden Week," which encompassed Chinese New Year. Improvement in ADRs was more than modest, up almost 18%. Of the 720,000 visitors, a small majority were from Mainland China.
Earlier, spending per visitor to Macao (not including gambling) increased 3% during the last three months of 2007, says Macao's Gaming Inspection & Coordination Bureau. The vast majority (63%) of that higher spend went to retail, followed by lodging and eating/drinking. Visitors weren't staying any longer -- if anything, slightly shorter -- while the most open-handed were those from the mainland, who spent a well-above-average $455 per capita.
Missouri's loss limits are again up for debate in the Show-Me State's legislature. SB 1052 would repeal the $500 cap. It would also mandate a 1% increase in casino taxes -- provided the casino in question makes profits in excess of $40 million. Another provision would close the Missouri market to new competition, capping the number of casinos at the present 13 (counting Pinnacle Entertainment's in-progress casino in the St. Louis suburbs).
In California, state Sen. Jim Battin, a longtime tribal ally, is proposing an increase to 2,000 slots apiece for those tribes with 1999 compacts. Those compacts precede the 2,000-slot casinos approved by voters in Propositions 5 and 1A, for a total increase of 2,000 slots. If passed this session, it would mean 25,000 new slots for the California tribes in 2008 alone.
This Friday, Feb. 22, Galaxy Theatres will be showing the U2 3D concert film, featuring digital 3D imagery and surround sound. The 90-minute concert film includes a 14-song set captured from the 2006 "Vertigo" tour in South America. Tickets are $15 and can be purchased at the Galaxy Cannery box office, located at 2121 E. Craig Road inside the Cannery Casino Hotel or online at galaxytheatres.com.
After getting hit hard in December, slot play at Mohegan Sun normalized last month. But it's still 3% below where it was a year ago. Economic doldrums are blamed for the decline, as is the pincer effect of VLTs at Yonkers Raceway in New York State and at Rhode Island's Twin Rivers facility. Mohegan Sun CEO Mitchell Etess characterized the gloomy December results as aberrant, the consequence of a promotion by rival Foxwoods Resort Casino that saw free-play vouchers of as much as $500 mailed out in an effort to lure slot players to Foxwoods.
Mohegan Sun plans to add 822 slots in the third quarter of this year. Connecticut's tribal casinos do not report table game revenue.
If you're interested in Las Vegas' mob past, tune in to KNPR (88.9 AM) at 10 a.m. this morning, where ex-cop and author of The Battle for Las Vegas and Cullotta Denny Griffin will be discussing the history of the mob in southern Nevada. The show repeats at 7 p.m. this evening.
As casinos proliferate in the Northeast, Delaware is looking at adding yet another game to its racinos. Last year saw the advent of blackjack and poker, in digital form. Now that Pennsylvania slot parlors are offering computerized roulette, Delaware parimutuels want automated roulette, too -- but with a physical wheel and ball. Automated table games have been a disappointment so far, reports Delaware Online and players are losing patience with slots, which one punter criticized as "just a bunch of stupid cartoon characters." Roulette is considered the 'friendliest' of table games, hence the push to introduce it. The hold would range from 82% to 95%.
Next up: Sports betting and greater liberality in serving alcohol. Electronic baccarat, however, has proven a flop. Even though one poll shows a majority of Delaware citizens opposing racino expansion, the state has to consider potential competition from Maryland, growing rivalry from Pennsylvania and the potential of legalized sports betting in New Jersey.
Remember that second tower of Allure Condo Las Vegas that was supposed to be built, then was scrapped? It's back ... after a fashion. Developer Andrew Fonfa has consolidated the 2.3 acres where Allure Phase II was to have gone (at a cost of $17.4 million) and intends to build a 1,340-unit condo/casino/hotel tower, with the emphasis on "hotel." There will be nine stories' worth of underground parking and a 67,800-square-foot casino floor. Other amenities will include a health club, a showroom and a 37,000-square-foot convention center.
For further details, including building plans, see Stiffs & Georges.
Mark Adams' Vegas Today & Tomorrow has obtained renderings and floor plans of the proposed Moulin Rouge redevelopment. The storied, if short-lived, casino-hotel on Bonanza Road would be revived, in part, as a tribute to Las Vegas' African-American community, past and present. Stiffs & Georges has links to additional new plans, courtesy of Adams, including the total relocation of the Sands Expo Center. Also in today's S&G are an update on Tropicana owner Columbia Sussex's efforts to sell its Indiana riverboat and a plea for refurbishment of The Rio All-Suite Hotel & Casino.
Ongoing through the end of this month, South Point's offering players club members free tickets to NASCAR qualifying day at Las Vegas Motor Speedway on Friday, Feb. 29. Limited to two tickets per club member while supplies last. Tickets may be picked up at The Club counter through Feb. 29.
The Fiestas are also awarding bonus players club points for Presidents Day. Get 5X amigoclub points today at Fiesta Rancho and Henderson.
The singer will be making his home at the new Lava Room, the "tiki-chic" lounge above Trader Vic's restaurant in the Miracle Mile Shops at Planet Hollywood.
The extended headliner engagement begins Thursday, February 21, and runs indefinitely Thursday through Sunday with showtime nightly at 10:00 p.m. Admission's $20 and audiences must be 21 years or older. For table reservations call 702/405-4700.
For one night only, this Thursday, Feb. 21, the Grail Theater at Wynn Las Vegas will host a screening of Monty Python's Life of Brian: The Immaculate Edition to celebrate the film’s release on DVD and Blu-ray disc. The evening will feature a cocktail reception and special appearance by Spamalot star John O'Hurley. Tickets are $30 and can be purchased by phone at 702/952-5537. Proceeds will benefit Nevada Public Radio.
In celebration of Black History Month, Rain nightclub at the Palms is hosting the screening of a documentary about legendary boxer Joe Louis, produced by HBO. A reception featuring Louis’ son will precede the screening. Doors open at 3 p.m. and admission is free. RSVP to 888/745-7425.
Get 50% off at all Silverton restaurants except Twin Creeks today and tomorrow. This is an excellent deal that requires only that you be a Discovery Club member and show a valid ID. Two good choices are Mi Casa for Mexican and Mermaid for appetizers.
Bally's long-running Big Kitchen Buffet is scheduled to close Tuesday, apparently without plans to reopen. This was one of the first buffets to add special features, most noteably a baked-potato bar. The closing will make Bally's one of the few Strip casinos without a buffet. Use your 2-for-1 POV coupon now.
Regis Galerie at the Venetian’s Grand Canal Shoppes will hold its 2008 Annual Frogman Show and signing event today and tomorrow. Artist Tim Cotterill will personally sign all of your frog purchases on both days from noon to 4 p.m. Call 702/414-3637 for more information.
This weekend (through Monday, Feb. 18) the Las Vegas Monorail's presenting a "Sweet Deal" promotion in the form of a two-for-one three-day pass, a savings of $40, plus various forms of entertainment and giveaways at all the stops along its route, from speed dating and fortune telling to handwriting analysis and airbrushed tattooing.
For more information visit their Web site. The Sweet Deal is only valid at their station customer service booths.
Wall Street apparently doesn't welcome candor. That's the message it gave to Steve Wynn, whose Wynn Resorts stock has been on a downhill slalom since his latest analyst presentation. According to the Las Vegas Sun, Wynn said Sin City would feel the effects of the current economic torpor, an apparently obvious observation that wasn't what the Street wanted to hear. While the rest of the gaming group traded upward, Wynn stock (ticker symbol: WYNN) went on a three-day slump that dragged the price from above $120/share to below $104 -- more than a 13% drop. The stock appears to have bottomed out now and is presently trading at $105.
That's the conclusion of a Bloomberg report by Joe Saumerez-Smith, CEO of Sports Gaming. He suggests several strong upset picks, including 4-1 Ruby Dee (American Gangster) for Best Supporting Actress, 5-1 The Diving Bell and the Butterfly for Best Adapted Screenplay, There Will Be Blood Paul Thomas Anderson to score a 9-2 upset as Best Director, and for 9-4 Amy Ryan, of Gone Baby, Gone to nip Cate Blanchett (I'm Not There) in the Best Supporting Actress category, among other propositions. None of the other acting categories appears to be in play.
Sadly, Saumerez-Smith made no comment on the snooker-betting scandal now unfolding in the U.K.
Two separate items in the news today raise the alarm about aspects of Las Vegas' future. Analyst Bill Lerner of Deutsche Bank, speaking at the Reuters Travel and Leisure Summit in LA, predicted that it will be "difficult to impossible" to fill the 42,000 new rooms scheduled for the Strip corridor given the constraints on the city's infrastructure, particularly McCarran airport and the area's roads.
Lerner questioned whether some of the projects on the drawing board, including a second Trump condominium tower and even the Elad group's $8 billion Plaza project, would actually come to fruition, but predicted that among those projects that do, "you are going to see some spectacular failures." The good news is that the predicted over-supply of rooms means consumers are likely to have access to some high-end casino resorts at prices well below what operators had intended.
In a separate story, a study by the Scripps Institution of Oceanography at the University of California San Diego has calculated that, with the current drought situation and predicted future water usage, there's a 10 percent chance that Lake Mead will run dry in six years and a 50 percent probability that it will be gone by 2021. Yikes. A spokesman for the Southern Nevada Water Authority said his agency is also concerned about reliance on Lake Mead and is seeking alternate sources of water.
The Monte Carlo is open again. A little less than half of the rooms are open, along with the casino, restaurants, and showroom. The balance of the rooms will open in stages over the next few weeks.
Banned for decades for its illegal absinthe content, the "Green Fairy" is now back on the menu, specifically at Luxor's new Liquidity center bar.
The once illegal liqueur, famed for its alleged hallucinogenic effects, is now legal once more in the U.S. and for $300, Liquidity is offering an "Absinthe Envy," served in an elaborate tableside presentation that offers a modern take on the tradition of serving the illicit concoction with a sugar cube and chilled water. Let us know if you try one.
No less than eight of Las Vegas' finest nightspots have received nominations (sometimes multiple) in various categories of the upcoming 6th Annual Club World Awards, which take place March 26 in Miami. Club and lounge nominees include Tabu, PURE, LAX, Jet, Blush, Eyecandy, Tao, and the Empire Ballroom.
Speaking at the Reuters Travel & Leisure Summit, Las Vegas Sands President William Weidner denounced British Prime Minister Gordon Brown for downsizing the casino expansion planned for the United Kingdom. That included scrapping a "supercasino" that had been controversially awarded to Manchester. British operators, Weidner said, "worked the system" in such a way as to end up with what he characterized as "suboptimal, lousy little casinos that kept them in the game and kept us out.
"If we'd known the game was stacked against us," Weidner fumed, "we wouldn't have wasted jet fuel going over there." Las Vegas Sands, he said, has no further interest in the British market.
Including estimated lost business, MGM Mirage is looking at an approximately $100 million hit from the Jan. 25 fire at the Monte Carlo hotel-casino, putting it out of commission during Chinese New Year and Super Bowl weekend. Water damage permeated every single floor of the building, which reopens for business tomorrow. The top five floors will be out of action far longer than that, with MGM Mirage spokesman Alan Feldman telling the local Fox News affiliate that some upper-level rooms had been stripped down to the bare steel. How much MGM Mirage will be able to recoup from its insurance remains to be seen.
Valentine’s Day love is in the air and Spring has nearly sprung, with warm temperatures and plenty of sunshine afoot in the Silver State. Entertainment highlights include celeb tattoo guru Mario Barth celebrating the grand opening of Starlight Tattoo at House of Blues on Saturday night. The event's by invite only, but the guest list includes the likes of Vivica A. Fox, Tommy Lee, Dave Navarro, and Ice-T, so conditions for star gazing promise to be favorable at MBay this weekend.
No, we're not talking about our new Internet-gambling blog, but rather the latest in a string of attempts to launch in-flight gambling.
The latest company to enter the fray is Airbus, who announced today that it's in talks with a number of customers interested in converting its superjumbo A380 -- the world's biggest passenger plane -- into a flying casino. They're not disclosing who's interested, but so far the plane has received firm orders from Asian, European, and Gulf-based customers. Las Vegas Sands, with casino interests in the U.S. and Asia, has already expressed hopes of launching VIP charter flights between Hong Kong and Las Vegas on Lockheed Martin planes equipped with baccarat tables.
A previous attempt in 2002 by Israeli interests to launch a similar project that would circumvent the country's gambling ban never got off the ground, while a short-lived experiment by Swissair ended in disaster when electrical faults with the in-flight gaming equipment was blamed for the crash of flight 111 in 1998, which left all 229 passengers dead and led to the technology being removed from all planes.
Yet more bad news for the east coast's casino city with news that Atlantic City's gamblers lost $355 million in January -- down 10 percent on the same period last year. Slot revenues fell by 13.9 percent and table revenues by 1.5 percent.
The Wynn is offering a "Fridays in February" package which, for $119 (plus tax) includes a premium ticket to Le Rêve, a complimentary Tango cocktail, and gourmet chocolates by chef Frédéric Robert. Remaining dates for the promo are 2/15, 2/22, and 2/29 and the offer must be redeemed at the Le Rêve Theater Snack Bar. Call 702/770-WYNN for more details.
Tuscany is holding $40,000 Red Hot Fridays Video poker tournaments every Friday through Feb. 22 from noon to 9:30 p.m. Earn a minimum of 200 points each Sun.-Fri. through Feb. 22 to qualify. Play one, two, or three sessions on Friday - top score for each session wins $500. There will be 20 sessions played each Friday. Limit three sessions per player.
South Point is awarding 3X players club points today and will award 2X points on Monday in honor of Presidents Day. All Station casinos are awarding 7X points every day from today through Monday. They include Palace, Boulder, Texas, Sunset, and Santa Fe Stations, plus Green Valley Ranch and Red Rock.
Galaxy Theatres will be providing a free Spiderwick Chronicles T-shirt to the first 500 guests to purchase a movie ticket for The Spiderwick Chronicles, in theaters Thursday, February 14. The Spiderwick Chronicles is an adaptation of the best-selling fantasy novel series that tells the tale of a family’s adventure in their new surroundings. Galaxy Theatres will open its doors for the first showing on Thursday, February 14 at 11 a.m. Tickets are on sale now and can be purchased at the Galaxy Theatres box office, located inside the Cannery at 2121 E. Craig Road, just west of Losee Road. Tickets and more information are also available by logging on to galaxytheatres.com
Friday, February 29 will be the last day for Nevada Palace. The doors will close at 10 pm for the transition to Eastside Cannery Casino & Hotel opening later this summer.
Forget about chocolate hearts -- the Gold Coast's all about the real thing. Tomorrow they'll be hosting a blood drive in the ballroom from 8 a.m.-4 p.m., with each donor receiving one lunch buffet ticket and a T-shirt. Appointments may be made online at www.bloodhero.com using the sponsor code: Gold or call 702/228-8400, ext. 241. Walk-ins are also welcome.
More word from the world of conjuring: It's been announced that magician Criss Angel has, for the fourth successive year, been honored with the Merlin award for Magician of the Year by the International Magicians Society. He'll receive the award at a celebration at the Luxor, the future venue of his collaborative show with Cirque du Soleil, tomorrow evening.
After a series of hints and rumors, Siegfried Fischbacher and Roy Horn have officially announced plans to make a tentative one-night-only comeback next February for a Lou Ruvo Brain Institute fundraiser at a venue as yet to be confirmed. It's been more than five years after a tiger attack left Horn critically injured and ended their long-running production on the Las Vegas Strip.
The Lou Ruvo Brain Institute, designed by architect Frank Gehry, is set to open in downtown Las Vegas next year.
Just in time for Valentine's Day, BOA Steakhouse in the Forum Shops has earned the "Best Romantic Date Spot" title in Las Vegas from Citysearch. In celebration of the most romantic night of the year, BOA will be offering its Red High Heel libation, a blend of Bombay Sapphire Gin, simple syrup, lime juice, fresh raspberries, rosewater, and champagne, which can be enjoyed, for $14, while enjoying the venue's terrace views of the Strip.
More visitors naturally resulted in more money for the casinos. The statewide win in 2007 was $12.8 billion, a Nevada record and a 1.8% increase over 2006. The Strip mirrored the state, taking in a record $6.8 billion for a 2.1% increase. The 2007 closings of the New Frontier and the Stardust may have affected the numbers, which represented the smallest year-to-year gains in four years. Casinos won $8.4 billion from slots versus $4.4 billion from table games, for a roughly 66% to 34% split.
Another year, another record for Las Vegas visitors -- though this one was less pronounced than in years past, reflecting the country's economic slowdown. The visitor total for 2007 was 39.2 million, surpassing 2006's 38.9 million, but about 100,000 below last year's projection. The visitation increase coupled with a stagnant room inventory resulted in a better-than-90% room-occupancy rate -- 27% higher than the national average.
Penn National Gaming opened the Hollywood Casino at Penn National Racecourse yesterday. Located just outside of Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, the racino has 2,000 slots.
The successful wine label/music-event company founded by sommelier Chris Hammond is teaming up with Lexus of Las Vegas (6600 W. Sahara) this evening to introduce the new Lexus IS F during an evening of wine, food, and live music. The new model Lexus will be on display, together with the full F-Sport Performance Accessories line, plus there will be a team of experts to answer your questions. The event kicks off at 6 p.m., runs until 8:30 p.m., and is free to all.
Freddie Bell, who along with the Mary Kaye Trio, the Treniers and Louis, Keely and Sam helped pioneer the lounge scene during the fabled 1950s in Las Vegas, has passed away.
The launch of the Marciano spring collection will be hosted by Blush ultralounge at Wynn tonight. Doors open at 9 p.m. and luxury gift bag giveaways will be provided by Marciano. As far as we know, there's no cover.
The newly extended ABBA musical at Mandalay Bay is reviving its on-off locals discount deal, with 50% off for Las Vegas residents now through Mar. 30. Regular ticket prices are $100 and $74. Subject to additional taxes. Limit four tickets per person: two paid, two free. Offer valid for shows Sun-Thurs at 7:30 p.m. and Sat, 6 p.m. and 10 p.m.
Just as we were about to report the happy news that a patron of Pennsylvania's Mount Airy casino had won a whopping $109 million yesterday, as an over-excited press release had earlier announced, came the correction revising the win to a mere $109 thousand. Oops.
No, for once it's not a story about Paris Hilton's driving but rather the marquee at the Strip hotel which, we've just learned, encountered some technical difficulties late yesterday that resulted in it displaying the so-called Windows Blue Screen of Death (BSoD) for some hours last night and into this morning.
We understand the problem has since been rectified, although we can't offer first-hand confirmation since we can't see it from our office window and mysteriously neither of the Webcams we know of that periodically point at Paris is currently showing the marquee... If you want to catch a glimpse of what it looked like last night, however, just click here.
From 5 p.m.-7 p.m. weekdays, Morton's The Steakhouse will offer complimentary two-ounce petite filet mignon sandwiches to guests at the bar.
Vox Wine Lounge in Henderson will be giving away a free bottle of Rock 'n Roll Wine's "The Grotto" Shiraz to dinner guests on Wednesday evenings throughout the month of February. Click here for more information or to RSVP. Offer good on Feb. 13, 20, and 27.
Downtown's Golden Nugget is offering a Defending the Caveman Valentine’s Day package for couples. $249 (plus service fee) gets you dinner for two at Grotto (a $75 value), VIP Show tickets, two complimentary drinks in the Showroom, chocolates, and a rose. Call 702/386-8100 for details.
Palms: Sweetheart Swipe & Win February 10-14. 8 am to 10 pm. Everyone is a winner. Spa packages, points, cupid prizes and more.
Suncoast and Gold Coast: Giving away a variety of free "Wild About You" stuffed animals in the Bingo Rooms with a minimum buy-in at all sessions on Valentine’s Day, Thursday, February 14.
El Cortez: February 11-13, receive a free heart-shaped box of See’s candy for every 1,000 points earned each day, and you keep your points.
Main Street Station: Earn 1500 points any day from February 12-14 and receive a free box of Valentine’s Candy. No points deducted.
Today's LV Review-Journal reports that another casino will open briefly in order to maintain its gaming license. The former Holy Cow! at the corner of Sahara and the Strip will reportedly open for about eight hours in March. Station Casinos made a similar move last month to preserve the license at the site of the former Castaways. The exact date for the opening of the temporary Strip site has not been named.
The Gold Coast marquee is trumpeting "$2 Corona." We don't know how long it will last, but it's available now.
Most of the Monte Carlo is set to reopen next Friday, Feb. 15, following a longer-than-expected shutdown after the fire of Jan. 25. About 1,200 of the resort's 3,000 rooms are expected to open then, along with the casino, most of the restaurants, and the Lance Burton show. Another 1,300 rooms are scheduled to come on line by Feb. 22, and the rest of the resort will reopen gradually as final repairs are concluded.
The 2008 Pool season is right around the corner and several casinos are putting out open calls for employment opportunities.
Hard Rock is holding their open call today from 10 a.m.-6 p.m. inside Body English nightclub. Positions available include cocktail servers, bartenders, bar backs, cabana attendants, lifeguards, and retail associates. Bring your best swimwear for your audition photo.
Bare Pool Lounge at Mirage is accepting applications on Monday, Feb. 11 from noon to 5 p.m. Bare is looking to fill positions for bartenders, cabana hostesses, pool guest attendants and security staff. Applicants are invited to show up poolside during the designated hours.
And finally (for now), N9ne Group is seeking bartenders, bar backs, cocktail servers, food runners, security, lifeguards, porters and promoters for the Palms Pool & Bungalows. Auditions will be held on Monday, Feb. 11 from 2 p.m.-7 p.m. inside Moon Nightclub. Visit www.jobflash.com/n9negroup for more information.
May 14 is D-Day for casino expansion in Kansas. That's the day when the state Supreme Court hears arguments on Kansas' plan to add casinos, whose operators will be selected by the state Lottery Commission (prime beneficiary of the expected gambling largesse). Interested parties certain to be following the hearing with bated breath include Sheldon Adelson, Jack Binion and the executive team at MGM Mirage, all of whom are in the hunt.
Florida's Senate Regulated Industries Committee is prepared to broaden the presence of slot machines in the Sunshine State far beyond parimutuel venues in Broward County (where they are currently in play) and Dade County, which just voted them in. Twenty additional parimutuels would be granted Class II machines, or video lottery terminals, at a 35% tax rate. (Broward and Dade's Class III machines pay 50% of their revenues to the state.) Bear Stearns predicts that, even if the bill makes it past the Florida House, Gov. Charlie Crist will veto it. Also on the Senate docket is a bill to cut the tax rate on Class III slots to 35%.
RateVegas.com's newest podcast features HP Managing Editor (and LVA contributor) David McKee, along with Chuck Monster of VegasTripping.com, David Schwartz, author of Roll the Bones, and Las Vegas Sun/In Business Las Vegas editor Jeff Simpson. Hunter Hillegas of RateVegas emcees the podcast, which can be found at the site or downloaded (as a 24MB MP3 file) here.
Dale Scott's Moulin Rouge Development Corp. and its partner, Republic Urban Properties, have submitted a detailed redevelopment proposal and rezoning request to the City of Las Vegas, Forbes.com reports. The plan would retain elements of the storied -- if short-lived -- casino, including its original sign and hotel tower. In addition to a museum highlighting African-American contributions to Las Vegas, the reborn Moulin Rouge would have 700 additional hotel rooms (for a total of 1,700-plus), a 72.6 thousand-square-foot casino, several music venues, a convention center, stores, a spa and a quartet of restaurant. The site is not presently zoned for retail or dining.
"Reviving activity at the Moulin Rouge won't be easy. It's in a blighted area of downtown Las Vegas near a soup kitchen, vacant lots and boarded-up storefronts," writes Benjamin Spillman of the Las Vegas Review Journal, whose offices face the Moulin Rouge. His story goes on to note the Republic Urban has a successful track record of redevelopment in Washington, D.C.
The RoundTable Buffet at Excalibur has done away with Champagne Brunch service effective immediately. The buffet will remain open for breakfast, daily from 7 a.m.-11 a.m. Lunch hours are 11 a.m.-4 p.m. and dinner hours are 4 p.m.-10 p.m.
Rosanne Barr has signed on to play the Sahara for an extended run beginning March 1. She'll replace The Amazing Johnathan in the Congo Room. Tickets are $59.50.
It’s New Year’s all over again! Sin City says so long to the Year of the Pig and rings in the Year of the Rat with Chinese New Year celebrations sprinkled throughout the city this weekend. The music venues in town are back to full song after the usual January lull. So check out the list below and if you can’t find something that tickles your fancy, you’re just not trying hard enough.
We're guessing an announcement on Good Morning America is about as official as it gets. Cher will play the Colosseum at Caesars Palace beginning May 6th and running through August 31. Tickets -- on sale today -- are $95, $140, $175, $250. Show times will be 7:30 p.m. on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, Saturdays, and Sundays. Also, there's a big article on both Cher's and Bette Midler's shows at Caesars in the "Life" section of today's USA Today.
Rockhouse Bar and Nightclub is holding an open casting call this evening from 6 p.m.-9 p.m. for bartenders, security personnel, door hosts, bar backs, bus persons, and cocktail servers. Rockhouse is located at center strip in front of Imperial Palace. Call 702/731-9683 for more information.
The Venetian and The Palazzo will welcome the Year of the Rat today during an elaborate celebration that will feature an authentic dragon dance, fireworks, and a traditional eye painting ceremony. The ceremonial dance begins at 3:00 p.m. this afternoon at The Venetian's Porte Cochere before making its way through the casino and into the atrium of The Shoppes at The Palazzo. The procession will then wind through The Palazzo casino and end in the upper Palazzo Porte Cochere.
A second dragon dance will be held this Saturday at 6 p.m. beginning in The Venetian Porte Cochere, traveling through the casino, and ending just outside The Venetian ballroom. The dragon dances are free to attend and open to the public.
Both casinos are decked out in the customary color scheme of red and gold, accented with cherry blossom flower accents and silk fabrics. Other adornments include ornate Chinese symbols and lucky coins, lanterns, and traditional tangerine trees. The decorations will remain at both locations through Feb. 17.
Based on the success of last year's inaugural event, Wynn Las Vegas will host the Wynn Classic poker tournament from Feb. 26 to March 19. This year's tournament schedule includes No Limit Hold 'Em, Omaha Hi/Lo, H.O.R.S.E. and Pot Limit Omaha. Wynn Red Card holders are eligible for tournament seat giveaways now through Feb. 21. Hopefuls need only present their Red Card to the poker room staff and play. One E-Ticket for each hour of recorded play in the poker room will be awarded to the player and then entered into a drawing for the chance to win one of twelve seats or the grand prize seat into the main event. To pre-register, call the Wynn poker room at 702/770-7654. Last year's Wynn Classic included nearly 2,600 players and awarded just over $4.5 million in prize money. Log onto www.wynnpoker.com for more information and a complete schedule of events.
The Golden Nugget will host the Super Bash Hangover Blackjack and Slot Tournaments on Feb. 8-10 with a $25,000 grand prize offered for each tournament. Entry fee for each tournament is $100 with $100 re-buys for blackjack and slots plus wildcard drawings into the slot re-buy round and several blackjack rounds including the finals table. Win a seat at the final table in blackjack and be the 1st-6th place finisher in the slot tournament and receive a bonus of $5,000 in free slot play or promo chips. Win both tournaments and receive a bonus of $10,000 total in free slot play or promo chips. Call 800/777-5687 for reservations.
The Gold Coast will host a USA vs Mexico soccer match viewing party in the Showroom today. Doors open at 5 p.m. with food and drink specials and prize giveaways.
The computer error that re-posted last week's poll this morning has been fixed and today's QoD about M Resort is now available for your perusal.
It's official. The Nevada Palace will officially close its doors on Feb. 29 after 29 years in business on Boulder Highway. Players club members are invited to pre-enroll for the Eastside Cannery Players Club throughout the month of February. They will be giving away free Nevada Palace merchandise and memorabilia to anyone who pre-enrolls while supplies last. Your Nevada Palace point balance will be doubled when the Eastside Cannery opens this summer.
After hinting at it all week, official numbers now confirm that the Nevada sports books lost money on this year's Super Bowl. The books collectively lost $2,573,103, which works out to 2.8% of the $92,055,833 wagered. The loss ended a run of 12 consecutive years of winning and marked only the second time in 18 years of keeping the records that the books lost. The other loser was the 1995 Super Bowl, when the 49ers trounced the Chargers to beat the bookies for $397,000. The $92 million handle was also a disappointment for the casinos, as not only was the expected $100 million mark not approached, but the total fell about $1 million short of last year.
California voters approved all four tribal casino compacts yesterday, but don't look for the additional 17,000 slots tomorrow. Pundits predict that the "surge" will take two to three years.
The Mirage volcano will remain dormant until further notice while it undergoes a "major renovation". This is the second makeover for the volcano since it officially opened on Nov. 22, 1989. In 1996, new water, fire, sound, and lighting effects were added. Details on the new design will be released at a later date and the project is expected to be completed by the end of 2008.
The Golden Tavern Group is offering a chance to win weekend passes for two to the NASCAR race weekend at Las Vegas Motor Speedway Feb. 29-Mar. 2. To enter, purchase any Miller Lite draft ($3 pint or $4 mug) or featured Jack Daniels Old No. 7 shot ($4) between Feb. 4 and Feb. 26 at participating PT’s and Sierra Gold locations. Winners will be chosen on Feb. 27. One hundred Rock-n-Race tickets will be given out at live remotes at selected locations. See bar host for details.
The Trump Tower on the Strip will begin accepting residents in March, marking its official opening. The non-casino residential tower will feature a restaurant called DJT.
It was announced today that Andrew Lai, a developer connected with the Las Vegas Chinatown district, has entered into an agreement to build a 386-room Crowne Plaza hotel just west of the Strip at Spring Mtn. Rd. and Polaris. We haven't confirmed, but this may be part of a multi-casino Asian-themed mixed-use project that was introduced as Dragon City in late 2006. The Crowne could be completed by 2010.
Californians vote today on four Native American compacts (Propositions 94 through 97) that will add up to 17,000 new slot machines in the Golden State, if it's passed. And it looks like it will be: Polls indicate that nearly half the state's voters favor the slot expansion, while 34% opppose and 19% are undecided. However, the momentum is in favor, with support increasing 13% in the last two months. If passed, the Sycuan and Agua Caliente tribes would each be allowed a total of 5,000 slots (an additional 3,000 each), while the Morongo and Pechanga tribes would each be allowed a total of 7,500 (5,500 additional apiece). By comparison, Foxwoods, the largest casino in the world, has 7,400 slot machines and the MGM Grand has 3,700. Stay tuned.
KÀ is offering a 50% off discount to all Nevada residents for $99 and $125 tier seats from Feb. 5 to Apr. 12. In addition, the first 50 ticket buyers for performances on Wednesday, Thursday and Friday between those dates will receive an exclusive backstage tour. Call 866/431-7111 and mention "local" to book your tickets and "tour" to reserve a backstage tour. Offer not valid on tickets priced for children. Buyer must present valid Nevada identification when picking up tickets at the KÀ box office at MGM Grand.
The Nevada State Museum (700 Twin Lakes Dr.) will debut the book, Howard Hughes: Power, Paranoia & Palace Intrigue with a reception, book signing and panel discussion tonight starting at 5:30 p.m. Join author Geoff Schumacher and Howard Hughes associates Robert Maheu, Peg Crockett, Paul Winn, and Gordon Margulis for a discussion on the impact of Hughes’ presence and actions in Las Vegas. Panel discussion moderated by Lynn Zook. Books will be available for purchase at the Museum Gift Shop. Admission is a $3 museum donation.
Just under 48 million travelers (47.7 million, to be exact) passed through McCarran International Airport in 2007, an increase of 3.1% over 2006's 46.2 million. Now that the official numbers have been released, we'll soon find out if McCarran rose to the nation's fifth busiest airport, or if it remains at sixth. Work continues on congestion-alleviating construction projects at the airport, including nine new gates and 12 new security lines.
Only six months after its last sale, downtown's Gold spike has been sold again. The purchase price was $21 million, more than $5 million more than the previous sale. Whereas the former owner had planned to turn the casino into an upscale boutique resort, the new owners have more realistic plans to renovate and appeal to the downtown bargain crowd. The group also owns the adjacent Travel Inn motel, which will add rooms to the Gold Spike inventory.
The Rat Pack is Back will debut downtown at the Plaza Showroom on Mar. 1 after a run at the Greek Isles. The show will be performed nightly except Sunday at 7:30 p.m. with an additional 10 p.m. show on Saturday. Tickets start at $49 plus tax and fees for general admission. Dinner packages are available for $59.99 plush tax and fee. Premium VIP packages including dinner, and a complimentary t-shirt or CD are also offered. The final show at the Greek Isles is scheduled for Feb. 28.
The early returns indicate that the Giants Super Bowl victory translated to a bad day for the books. Lots of Giants backers won on the money line at odds of about 3.5-1. Actual results, including a tally of the betting handle, will not be released for a few days.
Moon at Palms will host The Big Sleepover Pajama & Lingerie Party on Feb. 5 starting at 10:30 p.m. and followed by an after party in the Fantasy Suites. DJs Graham Funke and SoneRokk will be on hand to celebrate the release of their CD, Trabajo. For room reservations, call 702/942-7064 and mention the code "Sleepover".
Jerry’s Nugget will host the Big Game Blackjack Tournament Series (BGBTS) starting on Tuesday, Feb. 5 and running monthly through July 2008. Tournament dates are the first Tuesday of each month and drawing sessions for entry will be on the Monday one week before the tournament date. Each tournament date carries a $2,000 prize pool with $1,000 for first, $500 for second, $300 for third, $100 for fourth and $50 for fifth. For the various ways to earn drawing entries please see complete rules at the casino gift shop.
There's still two hours till gametime, but it looks like the numbers for the Super Bowl have settled at Patriots -12.5 and O/U 54.5. The Pats are about 4.50 favorites on the money line.
The books are mobbed today with bettors checking out the points on the Super Bowl. But if you don't care about the game, you can get points at the machines at Fiesta and Coasts. Both Fiestas are awarding 5X points today; Gold Coast, Suncoast, Orleans, and Sam's Town are awarding 6X.
The ever-morphing poll gremlin struck again this morning and managed to un-display the poll results, but they're back where they should be now, so check again if you'd like to see your fellow readers top picks on where to catch tomorrow's Big Game.
A story in today's LV Review-Journal says that the Reading Room bookstore at Mandalay Bay is closing. No date has been announced, but the closing is expected soon as part of a revamp of the Mandalay Place Mall.
The Playboy Club at Palms will host a Bunny Hunt on Sunday, Feb. 3. If you think you've got what it takes, be at the Playboy Club at 9 p.m. to interview with Playboy Playmates and famed Bunny Mom Pat Lacey. For more information go to www.playboyhunt.com.
In celebration of their 20th anniversary, Auntie Anne's Pretzels at Miracle Mile Shops is giving away free original and cinnamon sugar pretzels today from 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Go ahead and get ya' one!
Photographer Neil Leifer will hold a book signing in his gallery in the Augustus tower at Caesers Palace today from 9 a.m.-9 p.m.
Pro football Hall of Famer Bob Lilly and Daryle Lamonica, aka "The Mad Bomber" of Oakland, will make an appearance in the Orleans race and sports book from noon to 2 p.m. today. Free autographed photos available while supplies last.
While the cause of Tuesday's roof fire at Foxwoods casino-resort in Connecticut has been blamed on an electrical fault traced to a malfunctioning device meant to keep pipes from freezing, last Friday's fire at the Monte Carlo casino-hotel in Las Vegas was caused by flying molten metal from a hand-held cutting torch used by workers who did not have proper permits, fire officials announced yesterday.
Contractors were cutting corrugated steel to set up window-washing equipment at the Strip property but did not use proper mats to protect the roof, the Clark County Fire Department said. Had the contractor applied for the required permits, they would have been advised how to perform the work safely, reports Associated Press. Officials are now reviewing whether to cite the contractor, which could result in fines of $1,000 and up to six months in jail per citation (a misdemeanor). The first 911 call came from a passer-by.
Las Vegas' newest gentlemen's club debuts its "state-of-the-art" VIP entrance (how can an entrance be state-of-the-art, we wonder?) tonight, with a VIP member reception featuring a bevy of Penthouse Pets and special guest Gary "Baba Booey" Dell'Abate, co-host of the "Howard Stern Show." The (state-of-the-art) doors open at 7 p.m. and the club's located at 3525 W. Russell Road.
It’s Big Game (just don’t call it Super Bowl) time and yesterday's QoD will give you the lowdown on the plethora of pigskin parties around town. If football’s not your thing, there are plenty of other diversions for your entertainment enjoyment including A-list comedians at MGM and Caesars Palace and music concerts for all tastes – from hard rock to country to rhythm and blues. Read on for what’s hot this weekend.