Throughout the month of May, South Point will be giving away a Chevy every day, plus free gas prizes, in an $800,0000 giveaway. Click here for complete rules and how to qualify.
The May issue of LVA's exclusive members-only monthly newsletter is online, with the lowdown on a new $1,000 loss rebate offer from a Strip casino, our annual round-up of the pool-party scene, and tips on how to get the most out of the Caesars Ent. "All Stage Pass." Plus, we have news of a lakeside brunch with unlimited Bloody Marys, the 2012 World Series of Poker schedule, Kentucky Derby, Cinco de Mayo, and Mother’s Day promotions, a dozen breakfasts for half price—even a play for homemade $1 tacos in a biker bar!
Today's the last day to toss your spare change into the fountain in the Miracle Mile Shops at Planet Hollywood to benefit Autism Speaks, a charity that seeks to benefit all those with autism spectrum disorders.
In more news from Golden Gaming, the PT’s and Sierra Gold tavern chain is hosting a job fair Tuesday, May 1 in Las Vegas, hiring for server, cook, and kitchen management positions. The job fair will be held from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the PTEG corporate office located at 8650 West Tropicana Avenue, Suite A-201. Those unable to attend in person may download an application at www.goldengaminginc.com/careers and fax resumes to 702/369-8646.
Station Casinos continues in promotional mode with a $5 million giveaway in cash, Cadillacs, and prizes during the "Cadillacs & Cash Super Swipe Giveaway" May 4-28. Boarding Pass members will have two ways to win each day: Firstly, members may swipe their card each day during the promo period at any Boarding Pass kiosk at Station or Fiesta properties to receive random prizes ranging from free slot play and dining credits, to a Cadillac or $10,000 cash. Boarding Pass members will also receive one entry for every 50 slot points earned for a chance to win a Cadillac and a $500 cash prize. See the players club for more details.
Part of the Strip will be closed early Tuesday morning for the implosion of the seven-story O'Sheas parking garage, which is being torn down to make way for the LINQ entertainment development. Crews will begin setting up signs at barricades 90 minutes before the 2:30 a.m. implosion, reports "Fox5 News," and Las Vegas Boulevard between Flamingo Road and the Mirage will be closed to both pedestrian and vehicular traffic until 6 a.m. Winnick Avenue and Audrie Street behind the IP and Flamingo will also be closed for the duration. The casino itself closes at noon today after a weekend of send-off celebrations.
Golden Gaming, Nevada's largest tavern owner, also now owns the approximately 2,200 slot machines operated in large grocery store chains statewide and is about to start awarding grocery store slot players as part of their player loyalty program, reports Howard Stutz in today's R-J. Beginning Tuesday, the company will launch Checkout Rewards, with a promotional $100,000 giveaway in cash and prizes, including free groceries, to run through Labor Day weekend. Albertson's, Smiths, and Vons are all participating in the new program.
The American Heart Association, in conjunction with Go Red for Women, has teamed with the Fremont Street Experience and Flightlinez zipline attraction to raise money for the fight against heart disease in women. Monday, all net revenue from the rides from noon to midnight will be donated to the cause, and Stratosphere headliner Frankie Moreno will be hosting.
It's the last Sunday to "Swipe and Win" at Palace Station, with $20,000 in prizes up for grabs, inculding $10,000 cash, plus slot free play, free buffets and show tickets, and more. Click here for more details.
Poker legend "Amarillo Slim" Preston, who won the World Series of Poker's Main Event in 1972 and in 1992 was inducted into the Poker Hall of Fame, died this morning after a long illness at the age of 83, reports the R-J.
Known for his trademark Stetson and ostrich-skin boots, Amarillo Slim had career earnings of roughly $438,000 in tournament events, according to the WSOP.
Coast to Coast Radio is doing an all-Mob show today, from 10 p.m. to 2 a.m. PST. Hosted by acclaimed investigative journalist George Knapp of Channel 8 in Las Vegas, the lineup will feature Henry Hill (Goodfellas) from 10 to 11 p.m., followed by Andrew DiDonato (Surviving the Mob) and Billy Cutolo, Jr until midnight. Ex-hit man Frank Cullotta takes over for the next two hours, and the whole show is co-hosted by ex-cop and best-selling "mob" author Denny Griffin. For station information, visit coasttocoastAM.com and click on "Stations."
It's day two of Silverton's gastronomic happening, with foodie fun for the family. Check yesterday's item for more details.
In a recent interview, Sheldon Adelson reinforced his opposition to the legalization of online gambling of any kind. "You don't want a casino in every home," he said. "Legalization will cause a ten to twenty percent decrease in land-based gaming revenue."
Silverton is hosting a weekend-long food festival in the parking lot starting at noon today, with more than 30 gourmet food trucks, 15 food-vendor booths, a farmer’s market, eating contests, a beer garden, carnival rides and games, live demos by chefs, a tequila party tent, and live entertainment featuring bands and DJs. Tickets are $10 and a portion of the proceeds goes to benefit Three Square Food Bank. The festival runs until 11 p.m. tonight and 9 p.m. Sunday.
It's the annual Peace, Love, and Hoppyness bash at Big Dog's Brewery (4543 N. Rancho), with 54 beers to sample, BBQ fare, music from live bands and X107.5 FM, a raffle, and more. The party runs from 2-9 p.m., or later.
It's Tommy Rocker's ninth annual Crawfish Broil today from noon to 4 p.m. at the Dean Martin Dr. location, featuring live crawfish flown in from Louisiana and cooked on site with corn and potatoes, plus a jamabalaya cook-off, live music from Tommy Rocker, The Pete Contino Band, and Ian & Gino, plus a football throw, a crawfish race, face painting, and more. A $30 wristband gets you one pound of crawfish and unlimited drinks. All proceeds go to benefit the Sin City Tigers Scholarship Endowment.
It's Bonus Point Day again at Station Casinos, with 6 bonus points for every dollar spent on video poker and 10 bonus points for every dollar spent on all slots for Boarding Pass members at all Station Casinos, Fiesta, and Wildfire Gaming locations. Swipe your card at a kiosk to become eligible for point bonuses.
The Wall Street Journal's "Off Duty" columnist Jeff Bush takes a stroll back in time with a video visit to the Neon Museum.
If your car could use a wash, head on over to the Hooters parking lot and let the orange shorts give it some elbow grease, while raising money for the Dave Rice Foundation.
Flamingo Road is now closed in both directions in the area between Pecos-McLeod and Sandhill Roads, following an earlier accident involving two vehicles that left at least one person in critical condition.
The Absinthe MC, along with co-star Penny Pibbets, will be the guests on tonight's Rober & CC radio show, broadcasting live from Rockhouse at Imperial Palace from 5 p.m. Join them in person for drink specials, or make your own cocktail at home and tune in via HookJawNetRadio.com.
A crash that took place around 1 p.m. has closed eastbound lanes on Flamingo near Pearl Street. A vehicle apparently crashed into a wall. We'll have more details as we hear them.
The week-long festivities continue at O'Sheas, pending the property's final closure on Monday, with $1 10-ounce drafts of Miller Lite and $4 O’Sheas souvenir shot cups filled with any call liquors (while supplies last) from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m. The official party, with live bands and giveaways, kicks off at noon tomorrow.
Tonight's season finale of Travel Channel's "Ghost Adventures" is being billed as the scariest episode to date, and features Vince Neil, Jamie Gold, and ex-Sinatra pianist Bruce Westcott attempting to summon the spirit of Frank Sinatra at the Riviera, apparently with some bizarre and unsettling results... The show airs at 9 p.m. ET/PT.
Thanks for the heads-up from PulseofVegas that O’Sheas has issued limited-edition (just 3,000 were produced) commemorative gaming chips, celebrating the property's 23 years on the Strip. The chips haven’t been put into circulation and are only available for purchase from the cashier's cage, and expect them to sell out fast.
Today through Sunday, Caesars Entertainment serves as host for the Girl Bar Dinah Shore Weekend's inaugural visit to Las Vegas, with LGBT parties and events taking place inside and out at Planet Hollywood, Flamingo, Paris, Rio, and Caesars Palace.
Masa Takayama's Shaboo restaurant in Aria, an adjunct to his barMASA flagship, is slated to close its doors April 28, reports Eating Las Vegas author Al Mancini. The pricey Shaboo is to be replaced in August by a teppanyaki restaurant called Tetsu, which will feature four blackjack-style tables and two communal teppan grill tables.
Passenger traffic at McCarran International Airport reached 3.7 million passengers in March, up 2.5 percent compared with the same month last year.
We just posted the latest offer for LVA members at couponsinvegas.com. It's a $20 match play, with a chance to win a 3-day vacation for two in San Diego in May, so check it out!
Rí Rá Las Vegas, the Irish Pub at Mandalay Place, is introducing the Rí-Wards Card, a new loyaltyprogram that allows guests to collect points for every dollar spent at Rí Rá, redeemable against exclusive offers and gifts from the pub. The launch is being celebrated with a chance for new sign-ups to win a trip for two to Ireland.
Rancho Drive has been reopened to traffic following this morning's presumed standoff. Police were apparently called to the residence earlier this morning under the belief that a man -- possibly armed -- was barricaded inside the home, but when they entered the property, it turned out to be empty.
Contrary to initial announcements about the proposed pool for Sapphire gentlemen's club, in which it was clearly stated that the pool would not be European-style, comes word direct from the horse's mouth that the venue is under construction and that, "Of course it's going to be topless! The more skin, the better!" It should be ready to debut later in the 2012 season, so look out for a review in the next "Update" to Topless Vegas, which was just released as v.5.2 yesterday, featuring major revisions and new pictures throughout.
What are your thoughts on whether or not Nevada should have a state lottery? Vote in our current Reader Poll.
We hope Nevada doesn't get hit by another meteor this weekend, because if it does, it could be the end of male comedy as we know it, with every funnyman and their dog in town:
Caesars poker room is to host a WSOP Warm-Up Series starting May 4, with more than $365k in guaranteed prize pools, plus seats at 15 WSOP bracelet events up for grabs. The 33 events will be played across 17 days, culminating in a final Wild Card Weekend tournament with at least one $25,300 seat to the Big One for One Drop Mega Satellite event guaranteed. For every additional $25,300 in the prize pool, one extra seat will be awarded to the satellite held at Rio June 30.
A standoff with police resulting from a "domestic situation" has closed part of Rancho between Jones and Gowan. We'll keep you posted.
Celebrate with Pretzelmaker (locations in the Boulevard Mall and Meadows Malls, plus at McCarran Aiport's A/B Rotunda) and get a free pretzel.
The eastside bar we've written about in previous LVA newsletters (e.g. April, 2012), primarily for its good video poker promotions, closed unexpectedly Wednesday night, due to issues with the rent structure. Tomorrow, from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. they're hosting an "everything-must-go" yard sale, featuring everything from bar furniture and an Easybar system, to office and cleaning equipment. The Brewery's located at 3088 E. Sunset.
Hong-Kong-based casino operator Galaxy Entertainment has announced plans to invest HK$16 billion ($2.1 billion) in the second phase of its Galaxy Macau resort on the so-called "Cotai Strip." Construction is alrady underway and the new phase is expected to be completed by mid-2015, ahead of the plans for Wynn Macau and MGM China, which are still awaiting government approval for their developments.
Las Vegas Sands Corp. announced Wednesday that it more than doubled its profits during the first quarter, thanks to massive growth in the Singapore, Las Vegas, and Pennsylvania markets. Sands' gambling revenue in Singapore jumped 51 percent to $701.3 million, and nearly doubled in Las Vegas to $158.7 million, easily beat Wall Street's expectations.
Actress and sex symbol Carmen Electra has signed on to be the new face of Pokerist.com, a leading free-to-play Texas Hold'em game for mobile and online platforms, including Facebook. A poker fan and Las Vegas habitué, Electra will launch the newest version of the game, in which she will greet players, deliver the game's tutorial, and even deal all the games!
Evil Dead the Musical, which previously played the Onyx Theater, will take up an ongoing residency at the Plaza starting this summer at The Insurgo Theater, a 100-seat showroom located on the 3rd floor of the casino. If you've seen this production before, expect more effects, bigger sets, and other elements that were not possible in the show's past incarnation.
Starting May 3, every Thursday will be Ladies Night at Toby Keith's I Love This Bar & Grill at Harrah's, with female guests receiving a $10 Red Solo Cup for unlimited refills of Coors Light and Miller Lite drafts from 8 p.m. to 2 a.m. The live music begins at 9 p.m.
Check out Hooters Casino's Facebook page for the 'Exclusive’ word of the day today to receive 10 free wings on Wing Wednesday. Plus, show your valid out-of-state ID for a free prime rib dinner, Thursday through Sunday, 11 a.m. to 11 p.m.
With the lowdown on Las Vegas' first rock 'n roll strip club, plus the rise of the burlesque scene, openings, closings, new specials, and much more, the latest update to our fully-illustrated Topless Vegas strip club guide just went live, and it's even bigger and better than ever. Sign up for the "Upgrade" package for just $6.95 and stay in the loop with exclusive access to all updates for a full year.
The Barrymore at The Royal Resort has introduced a new prix-fixe dinner priced at $37 Monday through Friday, from 5 to 6 p.m. The delicious three-course meal a choice of two items for each course, plus complimentary soda and coffee. Unlimited red or white house wine is available for an additional $23 per person. Don't forget there's an exclusive deal at the Barrymore for LVA members at couponsinvegas.com, too.
Memorial Day Weekend sees the start of 100 days of free entertainment on Fremont Street, with with Vince Neil kicking off the concert series and Survivor now confirmed for the previously unfilled spot on Aug. 18. Other bandss scheduled to perform for the '80s-themed "Rock of Vegas Summer Concert Series" include Dennis DeYoung, Night Ranger, Asia, Warrant & Skid Row, Bret Michaels, and Dee Snider.
NFL Week 1 lines are up at Cantor, LVH, Lucky's, and South Point. According to LVASportsboards moderator Fezzik, LVH has a $5,000 wagering limit on Week 1, while at other books it's $500 (Cantor hadn't announced their limit when he posted, but he guessed they'd match LVH).
Robert Phillip Manz, a veteran slot-machine game designer whose claims to fame include Blazing 7s and the Black and White slot series, has been killed in a traffic accident in Las Vegas, reports Vegas Inc.. Manz, who was 65, reportedly suffered a medical emergency while driving on Saturday and lost control of his vehicle.
In celebration of the new CLUB CSI book series, "CSI: The Experience" at MGM Grand is hosting a book-launch event today with author David Lewman from 5 to 6:30 p.m. at the new Windmill Library (7060 W. Windmill, at S. Rainbow). The books are based on the popular CBS television series, but feature a crew of Las Vegas junior high school students inspired by their forensic science class to form a "Club CSI" to solve crimes and mysteries at school. The event is free to the public.
Rapper 50 Cent is set to launch an interactive blackjack game on Facebook, developed in conjunction with Game Show Network Digital. Details remain sketchy, but apparently the game is "filled with fun twists and innovative features" and allows players to build and customise their own virtual avatars. It will go live on Facebook before eventually becoming available on Androids and iPhones.
The Sammy Hagar party spot in the Miracle Mile is always cheerful, but now it's poised to become positively ecstatic, with the introduction of a new "reverse" happy hour and late-night food menu from midnight on Fridays and Saturdays, with items starting at $3.
The latest word from the gossip columnists is that Britney Spears is in talks with the Hard Rock about cementing the singer's first multi-week deal as a Las Vegas resident headliner, while Olivia Newton-John of Grease fame is apparently also in talks about a Las Vegas residency. Spears was rumored to be looking to a Palms residency back in 2008 (see "Today's News" 5/22/2008) but that plan came to nought.
Following news earlier today of the collapse of the proposed deal from Groupe Bernard Tapie to purchase Full Tilt Poker, comes word that European giant PokerStars has now stepped in and reached an agreement to acquire its former rival. The deal reached with the US Department of Justice includes a commitment to repay all players still owed money -- what proved to be an insurmountable sticking point in the Bernard Tapie negotiations.
$1=6 points on video poker and 10 points on all slots at Red Rock today, while Palace Station's offering 7 points on video poker and 11 points on all slots -- a first, as far as we know. And they're doing it all over again next Monday and Tuesday, too!
The Video poker expert just posted his weekly column and the subject under the microscope this week is the correct strategy for Build a Wheel Poker, so if you play the game check it out and wise up! (Check it even if you don't -- there's always wisdom to be gained from reading Bob's articles, even if it's a lesson in life.)
Festivities are underway to commemorate the closing of O'Sheas, which closes at noon on Monday, April 30, after nearly 23 years on the Strip. Commencing Saturday, April 28 at noon, the casino invites you to drink 'em dry, with $1 draft and $4 shot specials, plus take advantage of discounted memorabilia and enjoy live entertainment from bands including Bullzeye, Publin Draught, and Rock Your Souand.
A smaller version O'Sheas is scheduled to re-open in a dedicated area within The LINQ when it opens in 2013.
Penn Jillette, long one of the front-runners in the current season of "Celebrity Apprentice," was fired last night by Donald Trump because his proposed name for a new Trump fragrance was deemed "too pompous."
Pete Vallee, a.k.a. "Big Elvis", will leave his home for a decade May 3 when he relocates his popular tribute to the King from Bill's Gamblin' Hall & Saloon to Harrah's, reports lasvegasblog.harrahs.com, the official blog of Caesars Ent.
A second customer has left downtown's Heart Attack Grill on a stretcher after suffering an apparent medical episode Saturday night, reports "Fox5 News." Apparently the female victim, believed to be in her mid 40s, was eating, drinking alcohol, and smoking prior to falling onto the floor unconscious. The incident at the fast-food eatery, which prides itself on oversized portions of cholestrol- and fat-laden meals, follows an incident last February when a diner suffered a heart attack in the middle of eating a Triple Bypass Burger.
Popular Motown tribute act Human Nature, currently headlining at IP, will be the guests on "Dancing with the Stars" tonight on ABC, for a Motown-themed week that will also feature performances tonight by Human Nature producer Smokey Robinson, plus The Temptations and Martha Reeves. The show airs from 8-10 p.m., ET.
According to a new survey carried out by leading online gambling group Bellerock Entertainment, which is behind a number of the top UK sites, the number of women who play casino games online quadrupled between 2007 and 2010, although women tend to favor bingo and slots over the poker, sports betting, and roulette favored by their male counterpoints.
As the world remains poised for the unambiguous legalization of of online gambling, interested parties continue to move into the busy social media and online gaming arenas, with the latest news being word that IGT is about to premiere "American Idol" on Facebook, with plans one day for players to wager online on the interactive version of its slot machine, reports gaming columnist Howard Stutz in today's LV R-J.
After Sunday's official high of 99 degrees at 3:37 p.m. broke the previous record for that date, set in 1939, of 98 degrees, comes word from the National Weather Service that we can expect a high today of 98 degrees, which would tie the record set 18 years ago. Remember, stay hydrated and drink plenty water, everyone.
While the weekend saw a group-wide Bonus Point Day, Palace and Red Rock Stations are continuing the largesse, with additional Bonus Point Days today and Tuesday. $1=6 points on video poker and 10 points on all slots at Red Rock, while Palace Station's offering 7 pointgs on video poker and 11 points on all slots, which is something we've never seen before.
The Downtown 3rd arts collaboration is hosting a free al fresco screening of There's Something About Mary at 7 p.m. as part of an ongoing "Mugs N Movies" series. Beer, hot chocolate, and popcorn will be available, and guests are encouraged to bring lawn chairs, blankets, and bean bags. Note that this sexy comedy is R-rated.
The parking lot at the famous "Welcome to Fabulous Las Vegas" sign is being expanded from 10 to 30 spaces. The $500,000 project is necessary to accommodate demand from tourists who come to site on the the median at the south end of the Strip to pose for photos in front of the 53-year-old sign.
Las Vegas’ most famous dog show returns to the Orleans Arena today, hosted by magician Nathan Burton and Peepshow's Holly Madison and featuring 50 furry contestants from the Lied Animal Shelter. The event, which takes place from noon to 3 p.m., is Southern Nevada’s premier fundraiser for benefitting the more than 50,000 lost, unwanted and abandoned animals passing through Lied Animal Shelter’s doors each year. All participating dogs will be available for adoption immediately following the show. Tickets are $12.
Join Shark Reef Aquarium at Mandalay Bay and local conservation organizations to learn about environmental stewardship and what positive actions you can take to help the earth and ocean at "Party for the Planet" today. The event, which takes place until 4 p.m., features an eco-scavenger hunt and other family-friendly Earth Day activities. For more information call 702/632-4555.
In one of the biggst UFC matches in UFC history, Jon Jones is closing at about a 4.5-1 favorite over Rashad Evans. The line has moved around, with some late money coming in on Evans, but come-back betting pushing the price back up to -500 (5-1) for a bet on Jones.
Catch The Cleveland Orchestra, one of the most sought-after performing ensembles in the world, performing for one night only tonight at 7:30 p.m. at downtown's new Smith Center for the Performing Arts. Tickets start at $39.
The Women's Expo Shopping Event takes place inside the Ballroom at Texas Station today until 5 p.m., with fashion, handbags, jewelry and accessories for sale, wellness coaching and health screenings, free flu shots, and two free performances by American Storm at noon and 2 p.m.
Today is another Bonus-Point Day for Boarding Pass members, with 6 bonus points for every dollar in coin-in on video poker and 10 bonus points on slots. This offer is available at all Station Casinos, Fiesta, and Wildfire Gaming locations.
Town Square is gearing up for Earth Day on Sunday with the annual Green Fest, which now runs Saturday and Sunday and features live entertainment, a farmers' market, pet adoptions, food vendors, a kids' zone, information and exhibits about sustainability, recycling and collection services, and more. Click here for additional info.
There's a sobriety checkpoint to be staffed by Metro between 7 p.m. Friday and 3 a.m. Saturday on Lake Mead Boulevard, east of Buffalo Drive, following a spate of 175 drug or alcohol-related violations recorded in that vicinity in the past 90 days.
LasVegasSun.com has been recognized as the country’s top "Newspaper Affiliated Website" in the 2012 National Headliner Awards. Founded in 1934 by the Press Club of Atlantic City, these awards are among the oldest and largest annual contests recognizing journalistic merit.
Rick Rizzolo, former owner of the long-shuttered Crazy Horse Too strip club and currently serving time in prison, has been ordered by a federal court to pay $1.05 million to a tourist left paralyzed after he was beaten by club employees in 2001. Federal prosecutors made restitution part the agreement when Rizzolo pleaded guilty in 2006 in a separate criminal tax evasion case, for which he served a one-year prison sentence; he was ordered back to prison last fall for failing to pay the victim and for lying to probation officers.
There's more entertainment in the works for Bally's, with news that the interactive dinner show Tony 'n Tina's Wedding will close at Miracle Mile's V Theater on May 26, pending a move to the long-vacant buffet space at Bally's.
With its final show in its current home at Monte Carlo tomorrow, the dance crew Jabbawockeez will temporarily transplant its MÜS.I.C. production to an 800-seat tent adjacent to the resort’s porte cochère beginning the first week in June, making way for Blue Man Group's move to Monte Carlo. The Big Top will remain Jabbawockeez home until September, before the show relocates yet again to a new venue at Luxor in 2013.
The results of the Nevada State Tourism Commission's "Discover Your Nevada" online survey of the state's scenic treasures are out, and neither the Strip nor Hoover Dam made the Top 5. Nature proved more popular than man-made, with Valley of Fire State Park, Red Rock Canyon, and the Colorado River all selected as top sights to visit in the Las Vegas Territory.
Martin Lawrence Galleries in the Forum Shops at Caesars is holding a Spring Art Auction on Saturday, April 21st, featuring works by iconic modern artists including Salvador Dali, Andy Warhol, Felix Mas, Takashi Murakami, Kerry Hallam, Liudmila Kondakova, Marc Chagall, and others. Previews begin at 6:30 p.m. and the auction starts at 8 p.m. You can view the entire catalog by clicking the link.
As announced on "American Idol" last night, Taylor Hicks, winner of the show’s fifth season, will have an eight-week engagement headlining at Bally’s beginning Tuesday, June 26, 2012. Hicks will perform in The Indigo lounge nightly at 7 p.m. (dark Wednesday and Sunday). Tickets start at $29.99 and advance sales begin Saturday, April 21 at 10 a.m. by calling 888/746-7784 or 702/777-7776. They'll be available in person at the Bally’s Box Office and online at ballyslasvegas.com beginning Tuesday, May 15.
Numerous well-known PokerStars pros have shared their thoughts on Kenny Rogers' classic song "The Gambler" in a promotional short to publicize upcoming poker documentary All In, slated for release this July. You can catch it at RollingStone.com.
Today's Wall Street Journal carries a feature about how a Filipino billionaire has plans to turn his country into a gambling hub to rival Macau or Las Vegas.
Notoriously volatile Brit. chef Gordon Ramsay will debut his first Las Vegas restaurant, Gordon Ramsay Steak, at Paris on May 11, it's been announced.
Las Vegas planning officials have given approval to Luxor and Excalibur to run a set of zip lines between the buildings. Plans for the attraction must still receive final approval from the FAA and the Clark County Commission.
After a quiet few weeks, the city is back with a vengeance this weekend, with pool openings, food fests, music, comedy, and ... Disney on Ice!
According to Hotwire.com’s April 2012 Travel Savings Indicator, Las Vegas is ranked as a deal market for hotel rates. The indicator features the top five cities in the U.S. where hotel, airfare, and car rental rates have dropped the most compared to the same time period last year, and our fair city ranked fourth.
The first-ever Metro McDonald's has opened in the Harmon shopping center, opposite CityCenter and Cosmo, and features 24-hour service, digital menu boards, and Wifi access in a vibrant, funky setting. To showcase the restaurant's 24-hour convenience, the restaurant is hosting an after-hours grand opening celebration -- open to the public -- on Friday, May 4 from midnight to 6 a.m., featuring live music, celebrity servers, and prize giveaways.
Westbound lanes of Hacienda west of Topaz St. are closed due to a large bee swarm in the area. We'll keep you posted (but in the meantime, keep your windows closed!) The Clark County Fire Department is at the scene and is requesting that residents in the area stay in their homes.
Talking of LVA member benefits, we just posted a new Member Rewards Online offer at couponsinvegas.com. It's an upgrade offer for the awesome pizza at Naked City Pizza (inside Moon Doggies bar), which is about to be featured on Travel Channel's "Diners, Drive-Ins, & Dives" series: pay for any size, and automatically get upgraded to the next-biggest pie (and these pies are BIG). Enjoy!
The long-running Gospel Brunch at House of Blues now features new items, an updated entertainment lineup, and guest hosts. Seating times are at 10 a.m. and 1 p.m. each Sunday, and there's an awesome 2-for-1 offer for LVA members in the 2012 MRB.
Local event organizers CollectiveZOO will host a "Pool Party Safari" series this summer, with themed parties at nine separate pools in the downtown area and an out-of-town extravaganza in San Diego for Labor Day Weekend. The first event takes place at Rumor on Saturday, April 28, from 12-7 p.m., and will feature NERF Super Soaker water guns, an 18-foot tall inflatable water slide, a 30-foot Slip 'N Slide, a blow-up boxing ring, and drinking game relays, plus an open bar from 12 to 1 p.m.
In case you didn't read today's
The National Post reports how Caesars Ent. has joined MRI in expressing interest in opening a new "entertainment destination" in the Toronto area, following news last month that the Ontario Lottery and Gaming Corporation plasn to close some facilities and open new high-end gaming center.
Celebrated chef and television personality José Andrésm, who made his Las Vegas debut with the opening of two restaurants at Cosmopolitan (Jaleo and China Poblano, both in the Eating Las Vegas "Essential 50"), has made Time magazine's "100 Most Influential People of 2012" list.
Huntington Press authors Denny Griffin and Andrew DiDonato host their weekly "RealWiseguys Radio" show tonight (9 p.m. EST) on BlogTalk Radio, with guests Jane Ann Morrison, columnist and former crime-beat reporter for the R-J, and Wendy Mazaros, author of Vegas Rag Doll and former wife of Mob hit man Tom Hanley.
Today's Wall Street Journal reports how the $8.5 billion CityCenter metaresort is attempting to jump-start condo sales by lowering prices of 602 unsold units in Mandarin Oriental and Veer Towers, where the lowest-priced condo is now priced at $315,000, down from $500,000, with additional incentives thrown in.
Today's LV R-J carries coverage of the deepening GSA scandal, which saw over $800,000 of taxpayers' money squandered on an extravagant trip to Las Vegas, and publisher Anthony Curtis is a significant contributor to the piece.
A retired couple from southern Illinois has claimed the third and final share of last month's record $656 million Mega Millions jackpot. Merle and Patricia Butler are the only winners whose names have been made public; the retired analysts chose to accept the prize as a lump-sum payment of $158 million (after taxes).
Edwin Silberstang, author of more than 50 books, including The Winner's Guide to Casino Gambling and Winning Casino Craps, and consultant on the 1987 movie Big Town, starring Matt Dillon as a professional craps player, passed away at his home in Henderson this morning. Silberstang, who was 82, had been battling Parkinson's disease.
The nation’s largest home-mortgage lender today announced that its NeighborhoodLIFTSM program is coming to a fourth market, Las Vegas, on May 4 and 5. The event's being hosted by the Riviera and will involve Wells Fargo collaborating with officials from the City of Las Vegas and non-profit organizations on helping the city overcome the effects of the country’s housing crisis, which struck this market particularly hard and continues to leave many families struggling.
"Beachlife," the name Hard Rock has collectively given to its pool-party offerings this season, also kicks off Friday with "Summercamp," featuring Dragonette. The first Rehab of 2012 is this Sunday -- you have been warned! (As have they: Gaming Control is taking a zero-tolerance approach to illict daylife shenanigans this year and has already warned the hosts of the more infamous parties that drug taking, prostitution, public lewdness, and other issues that have plagued some events in the past will not be stood for and that casinos will put their licenses in jeopardy if they are seen to be aquiescing in any outlawed behavior, even if the host is a third-party company.)
This Friday sees the return of Ditch Fridays pool party to the Palms, with an appearance by Kelis and a $10K cash prize up for grabs for the hottest enoutourage (email [email protected] for details).
Virgin America is holding a 72-hour sale on fares from Las Vegas, including for dates as last-minute as May. Sample each-way fares with tax (based on roundtrip purchase) for travel May 1-30 include San Francisco for $69 and Chicago for $159, while for travel Aug. 22 though Oct. 17, fares include San Francisco for $89 and New York City for $199.
"Do AC!" is the new slogan from Atlantic City's marketing team and it's being pushed all over the Northeast in print ads, on billboards, and in TV and radio spots, as part of the new $20-million publicity drive to draw more tourists to the struggling East Coast gambling enclave.
McCormick & Schmick's is hosting its traditional Tax Day extended happy hour, with bar bites starting at $2.95 and specialty cocktails from 3:30 to 11 p.m. today.
Long-time Las Vegas headliner Rich Little will be bringing his brand of comedy and impressions to LVH, startring April 30. Little's Jimmy Stewart & Friends one-man show features more than 25 iconic celebrity icon voices, will be performed Saturday – Wednesday in the Shimmer Cabaret and tickets are $63.90 (plus tax and fees). Locals and LVH hotel guests receive a $10 discount.
The latest addition to Mandalay Place's cool line-up of casual dining options is a pizza parlor called Slice of Vegas, which opened earlier this month. The restaurant features a window serving pizza by the slice, plus there's an interesting happy hour schedule.
In this week's column, Bob Dancer concludes his two-parter about the Leap Day points confusion at South Point, with some useful advice for players who think they may be entitled to have their points doubled. Tip: It's one of those, "If you don't ask, you definitely won't get" scenarios.
According to Variety, Ben Affleck has signed on to star opposite Justin Timberlake in Runner Runner, a thriller set in the world of illegal online. Few other details have been released, but the script is by Brian Koppelman and David Levien, who co-wrote Rounders and Ocean's Thirteen, among other movies.
CasinoCityTimes.com names its Top 10 picks for gambling scenes in non-gambling movies (a couple stretch that criterion somewhat, but it's an interesting list).
Drag seems to be making a big comeback in Las Vegas, with Frank Marino's Divas Las Vegas still going strong at the IP, the return of La Cage to the Riviera, the new Drink and Drag bar and bowling venue in hiring mode (see craigslist) and due to open downtown any day now (May 5?), and a one-off performance by long-time drag act and vocal impressionist David de Alba (no miming in this show) at the Onyx Theater when he performs Finocchio Club: Backstage Memoirs for one night only June 17 (tickets are $10).
The man who was responsible for the closure of the I-215 earlier today is now in custody and the freeway has been reopened. Apparently, the episode began at a rental-car agency and escalated when the man ran out and began shouting at drivers and then threatened to jump from the overpass.
We learned from an inside source at Caesars Ent. that former Jubilee! company manager Fluff LeCoque has apparently decided to retire in order to spend more time with her family in Seattle. That's the official line, anyhow. We wish one of Las Vegas' last remaining old-school characters a very happy retirement and nothing but the best.
The topless revue at Planet Hollywood celebrates its third anniversary tonight, and today's LV Sun carries a summary of the show's history and the numerous celebrities who've starred in Peepshow's leading roles.
I-215 is closed at Gillespie Street, just west of the Airport Connector, due to a man who's threatening to jump off the overpass and is asking police to shoot him. Metro has closed the freeway in both directions while negotiations with the man continue. We'll keep you posted.
The Don Arden topless revue that's been running at Bally's for more than 30 years has a new company manager in Diane Palm. Palm was previously assistant company manager under the legendary (and legendarily feisty) Fluff LeCoque (see Question of the Day 6/29/2005, 11/08/2010 and 3/30/2011), who is not even referenced in the official press release. We're guessing there's more to this than meets the eye; it will be interesting to see if the change has any noticeable affect on Jubilee!.
There was a major robbery last night at 24/7 Private Vaults, formerly Sovereign Security, on E. Sunset. And initial report that a night security guard left the premises to smoke and was jumped by a group of robbers appears to be unfounded. New information indicates the perpetrators broke into the VIP private vaults from the outside. It's only speculation on our part, but we're guessing millions were probably taken in the heist.
Serendipity 3 at Caesars Palace will celebrate its 3rd anniversary April 16 with a special three-course menu for $33.33 as part of the month-long festivities kicking off tomorrow. The party kicks off at 3:33 p.m. April 16 on the restaurant’s patio, with complimentary cake for all guests present. Three lucky tables will also be presented with special Serendipity 3 birthday cupcakes at 3:33 p.m. each day for one week starting tomorrow.
Adam Carolla won yesterday's pro/celebrity Grand Prix race in Long Beach. Anthony Curtis sets the odds on the race every year and had Carolla as the early-line favorite among the celebrities, though Brody Jenner and Adrien Brody went off slightly ahead of him on the final line. Carolla was listed at 8-1. Runner-up was 20-1 shot Hill Harper.
Today marks the one-year anniversary of "Black Friday," the day the Department of Justice shut down online poker giants Absolute Poker, Full Tilt, and Poker Stars. Efforts are ongoing to legalize Internet poker under state or federal government oversight.
A LV Review-Journal story on Mike Tyson's first night performing in his one-man show, "Undisputed Truth," was mostly positive. Although the reviewer called the performance "uneven" and too-long at 2 hours and 10 minutes, Tyson made it all the way through and mostly held his own. The show runs through Wednesday at MGM Grand.
Tomorrow's sees the 22nd Annual AIDS Walk Las Vegas to benefit Aid for AIDS of Nevada (AFAN). Registration starts at 8 a.m. at the UNLV Student Union and local celebrities participating include Mayor Carolyn Goodman, the casts of Thunder from Down Under and Fantasy, and many more, with Penn & Teller fulfilling their traditional roles as marshalls. The noon closing ceremony will be following by a food truck roundup and picnic.
Get a free slice of Marie Callender's strawberry pie today at the El Cortez. The pie is being distributed to slot and table-game players from noon to 6 p.m.
It's another bonus day at all Station and Fiesta properties. All are awarding double points, which works out to a .6% return on video poker and 1% on slots.
Crime writer Cathy Scott, author of Huntington Press best-seller The Killing of Tupac Shakur, launches her latest true crime book, The Millionaire's Wife from 5-8 p.m. in the library of La Mesa's Helix Charter High School. Childhood friend and fellow alumna Vickie Pynchon's will also be launching her latest book, Success as a Mediator for Dummies, and finger foods and beverages will be provided.
If you can't catch tonight's event, there's a second chance to hang with Cathy tomorrow, when she participates on a true-crime panel at Literary Orange and then signs copies of both The Millionaire's Wife and Tupac. Click the link for details.
With tomorrow being the centennial commemoration of the sinking of the RMS Titanic, more than one Las Vegas venue is marking the occasion. The most notable event we've come across so far is at Bar + Bistro downtown, which will feature two seatings, at 5 and 7 p.m. tomorrow, for a commemorative dinner featuring the final 10-course menu first-class guests ate before the unsinkable ship rammed into an iceberg and ... sank. It's $88/person; call 702/202-6060 for reservations.
Out at Lake Las Vegas, head chef Eric Bernard Tordjman at Bernard’s Bistro at is also recreating a 6-course "Titanic" final menu, featuring authentic dishes fused with his own flair. This one's $100/per and seating's at 7 p.m. Call 702/565-1155 for reservations.
Carmine's Little Italy westside location (2940 S Durango Dr.), which has been closed for "remodeling" for a seeming eternity, is finally open for business again. They're hiring experienced Italian cooks, too (see the recent ad on craigslist).
As of April 1, Michael Gaughan III, the latest member of the Vegas gaming dynasty, is now fully installed at the helm of the JW Marriott and the Rampart Casino, which is no longer affiliated with the Cannery properties and will become much more integrated with the hotel. Some cosmetic changes on the horizon, including the expansion of the coffee shop, a remodel the cashier's cage, a paint job, and an expanded race and sports book, the addition of poker and bingo, and additional food and beverage outlets, reports the R-J.
Now through Saturday, the John Lennon Educational Tour Bus will be parked at the Mirage -- home of Cirque's LOVE Beatles tribute -- for complimentary public tours and recording sessions from 3 - 8 p.m. daily. Guests will have an opportunity to interact with the latest in recording and video technology, including products from Avid, Epiphone, and Apple. The bus is located outside the main porte cochere. Meanwhile, over at Venetian, Madame Tussauds is hosting the Abbey Road Traveling Experience through May 28. The exhibit features a recreation of the band's iconic "Abbey Road" album cover.
R-J gossip columnist Norm! reports that Russell Brand and Julianne Hough were filming the wrap scene for an unnamed movie about a small-town girl who survives a plane crash but is left horribly scarred and faithless, until she meets a Las Vegas bartender (Brand). Other scenes have also been shot at the Riviera. Woody Harrelson, Michael Caine, Mark Ruffalo, and Jesse Eisenberg, were also in town this week. They wrapped a movie called "Now You See Me" on Tuesday.
Beer Pong at O'Sheas is no more; but fear not! It has a new home, as of today, at Bill's Gamblin' Hall & Saloon. With $1 Miller Lite and Coors Lite 24/7 until it closes April 30, there's still plenty reason to visit O'Sheas, however.
During the next two seasons, the NFL will allow teams to accept advertisements for casinos and other state-licensed gambling-related venues in game programs, on local radio broadcasts, and in the upper bowl and inner concourses of stadiums. The move came after the League researched how other sports handle casino advertising, consulted with fans, and analyzed the potential impact of the likely return of online gambling soon. "We remain steadfast in our opposition to the proliferation of gambling on NFL games," said League spokesman Brian McCarthy. "There is a distinction between accepting advertising in a limited fashion and gambling on the outcome of our games."
It remains the case that no employees of the NFL and its teams, including players and coaches, can endorse or appear in any ads for any form of gambling.
This year's inaugural $1 million charity buy-in tournament at the WSOP is expected to generate the richest prize in poker history, with an anticipated top prize in excess of $12 million. Apparently, 30 players have already committed to participating in the "Big One for One Drop," the Guy Laliberte non-profit that seeks to make clean water available to all.
The massive Spring Clearance Sale at ShopLVA.com ends Saturday, so make sure you place your orders now on top Vegas titles and gambling books. Some items, like new bundled packages of Beneath the Neon/My Week at the Blue Angel, or More Frugal Gambling/Tax Help for Gamblers, are exclusive limited-edition products that won't be available after the weekend, so check out the Bargain Bin right now!
American Storm, the long-running male revue at V Theater in the Miracle Mile Shops, is to run no more, at least not at that venue: The show closes April 15.
The nightclub at Red Rock that closed in 2010 is due to reopen next month, according to a report in Las Vegas Weekly. Beginning May 25, Cherry Nightclub will be open on Fridays and Saturdays at 10 p.m. for the indoor/outdoor "Summer Affair" party, that will also involve the Cherry Pool, rebranded during the interim as the Cabana Pool Club.
We're scheduled for crappy weather this weekend, so we've heard, so here are some ways to stay warm, dry, and entertained, plus a few ways for the hardier among us to brave the great outdoors (with alcohol, which makes it that much more bearable):
As the pyramidal property continues its shift away from all things Egyptian, look out for a new interactive fantasy sports attraction called SCORE!, coming soon...
Yes, today's the day, so look out for specials from your favorite purveyors of all things cheese-sandwhichy (does @MuncheezeTruck even exist anymore? Can anyone confirm?)
New York-New York didn't waste any time reinventing the space occupied by ROK Las Vegas until April 1. The new Broadway Theater live-performance venue opens May 1, featuring Spirit of the Dance, with special guests Dublin’s Irish Tenors. The show will perform at 4 p.m., Tuesday through Sunday (dark Monday). Dancing Queen, a popular ABBA tribute show, is slated to open early May, too, and will fill the 8 p.m. spot. Tickets start at $49.95 and are available from the Zumanity box office or the hotel's website.
It's not too late to vote for your favorite in the Las Vegas "Burger Wars" championship, which has come down to a contest between Great Links' Jalapeno Guacamole Burger and Steiner's Pub's Ceasar’s Trojan Burger. If you tuned into Fox5's "More" show this morning, you'll have heard what Eating Las Vegas authors John Curtas and Al Mancini had to say about the two finalists; now it's up to fans to vote for the winner. You have 23 hours to go out, try the burgers, and then vote online. May the best burger win!
Don't forget the popular Prince tribute act debuts at its new home at the D downtown tonight and to celebrate, this and Friday night's performances are specially priced at $19.99.
Al Mancini and John Curtas, food critics extraordinaire and co-authors of Eating Las Vegas, will be on Fox5's "More" show tomorrow morning, as the quest to find the city's best burger continues in "Burger Wars."
No, we didn't get that backwards: The locally-based "America’s Got Talent" season-five winner Michael Grimm is set to become the first resident headliner at Green Valley Ranch's Ovation lounge, commencing Saturday, April 21. The show will take place at 8 p.m. and there's a $5 cover at the door.
The Barrymore at Royal Resort has launched a new happy hour on the patio, with select $5 cocktails, wine, beer, and small bites and appetizers offered from 4 to 6 p.m. every Monday through Friday.
Visitation was up to more than 3 million visitors in February, according to the latest figures from the LVCVA, which represents a 6 percent increase from the same month in 2011. Despite a recent survey that revealed average gambling budgets were down, February also saw an almost 6 percent jump in gaming revenues year-on-year, with downtown Las Vegas faring particularly well, with a 14 percent jump, and the "Boulder Strip" experiencing a 23 percent gain in revenues.
Atlantic City's casino revenue fell again in March. The 5 percent drop came in spite of unseasonally mild weather and the opening of the resort's newest casino, with table-game winnings off nearly 11 percent to $75.2 million.
Renowned singer Don McLean will headline at the LVH (formerly Las Vegas Hilton) on July 3. Tickets start at $39.
Sheldon Adelson continues to move forward with his plan to build a new $35-billion Las Vegas-style "Strip" in Spain, and also announced his intention to build a fifth resort-casino in Macau on the day that that its long-delayed fourth property, the $4.4 billion Sands Cotai Central complex, opened its doors. The resort is scheduled to open in stages, with the first phase featuring 340 gaming tables and 40 VIP rooms for high-rollers, with an additional 200 tables to be added later this year.
The coffee shop at Hard Rock, home of the famous off-menu $7.77 Gambler's Special, has undergone an upgrade, including new furnishings and décor, and the addition of a patio. New menu items are also on the way, although we're assured the traditional favorites will remain.
To celebrate the arrival of long-time popular Prince tribute act Purple Reign to its showroom, the D Las Vegas will offer tickets priced at $19.99 on Thursday, April 12 and Friday, April 13. The show will perform Thursday through Sunday at 10:30 p.m. (Tickets are regularly priced at $42.49 (inc. tax/fees), but locals receive a 2-for-1 discount with valid Nevada ID and groups of 10 or more people receive a $10 discount per ticket.)
There's still plenty of party left in Rockhouse, which is celebrating National Siblings Day today with 2-for-1 well drinks and domestic drafts all-day long for all guests who bring their sibling(s) with them.
Allegiant is to introduce non-stop flights from Vegas to Honolulu on Tuesdays, beginning June 29; flights from Fresno, Calif., will begin June 30, with plans to expand service to other mainland cities in the future. The airline's offering introductory one-way fares of $174.
Ex-Jersey Boys front man Rick Faugno will end his run in the Palms Lounge April 17, it's just been announced. He's been performing there since January, when Playboy Comedy vacated.
The newly remodeled Strip property is holding another 12-hour flash sale. Get up to 25% off, with rates starting at $67/night, during the Tax Season Summer Relief Flash Sale. But hurry -- this promo only runs until 9 p.m. tonight!
Las Vegas is literally awash with celebrity-owned restaurants and clubs, and the latest to join the ranks of Sammy Hagar, BB King, Toby Keith, Flavor Flav, et al., are the Motown stars who've opened a new Catfish Alley location in the Hawaiian Marketplace on the Strip. The co-owners include Otis Williams of the Temptations, Jackie Jackson of the Jackson 5, and Gladys and Bubba Knight of Gladys Knight and the Pips, and on April 14 a host of celebrities will host a "Spring Event" (formerly dubbed the Grand Opening) from 12:30 p.m.
Yesterday we heard about "Hangover Heaven" bus; today we just learned from SaveLV.com that there's a new "Pawn Stars" tour bus on the Strip. The behind-the-scenes "Pawn Stars Insider Tour," based on the popular History Channel series that features downtown's colorful Gold & Silver Pawn, will also include stops at The Toy Shack, Rick’s Restorations, and Count’s Kustoms. It departs from the north entrance of Bally's at 2:15 p.m. each day and ends at 6 p.m. (That's a lot of pawn.) Tickets are $69.99 for adults and $59.99 for children under 12 (whoa!).
May 5 will be the last party for Rockhouse at its Imperial Palace location -- it's closing as part of the remodel taking place to accommodate The Linq project. Apparently, the popular bar will move temporarily into a venue in Miracle Mile Shops, pending finding a new permanent home.
Fitch debt-rating agency has lowered its outlook on Las Vegas from "stable" to "negative," citing the anticipated difficulties the city will encounter in balancing its budget and controlling rising police costs. Las Vegas' dependence on tourism was also seen as a risk factor, as was the ongoing crisis in the housing market here.
You've seen the movie, now, ride the bus! That's the plan of board certified anesthesiologist Jason Burke, who intends to launch a service called "Hangover Heaven" on the Las Vegas Strip, which will allow the afflicted to hop on board to receive an FDA-approved concoction of vitamins, medications, and amino acids via IV drip. According to an article in the U.K.'s Daily Mail tabloid, the white and blue bus features two lounge areas and six bunk beds, and will begin circulating on the Strip starting April 14. Once onboard, a physician will take a brief medical history, and assess the "hangover severity score," then administer the recommeded dosage, before dropping you back at your original location. A basic package starts at the special introductory rate of $90 for the mobile service (escalating to $400 if you require a doctor's visit to your room and more harcore treatment, including IV anti-nausea and anti-inflammatory medicine). Time will tell whether Hangover Heaven will fare better than the infamous Stripper Mobile, the last novelty vehicle to operate -- briefly -- on the Strip.
In the meantime, if you're already hurting, check out our previous Reader Poll, with the best of LVA staff and readers' hangover remedies.
We have posted "Updates" to both today's and yesterday's QoDs, concerning activities fit for an 11-year-old, and "Mr Happiness," respectively, so check 'em out.
Ontario's Windsor Raceway horse track and slot casino will close April 30, it's been announced.
Tickets for CeeLo Green Presents LOBERACE at Planet Hollywood go on sale this Saturday, April 14, at 10 a.m. PST. Members of his official Fan Club (sign up at www.ceelogreen.com) and Caesars Ent. Total Rewards members will have the opportunity to purchase tickets before the general public. The first show is slated for Aug. 29, with irregular dates running through Dec. 29, and tickets start at $49.50, plus tax and fees.
It's been announced that Rod Stewart, whose headlining run at the Colosseum at Caesars Palace ended April 7, will be back by popular demand to perform more dates this fall, commencing September 19 and running though October 7. Tickets go on sale Friday, April 13, at 10 a.m.
Expect temperatures in the upper 80s today -- accompanied by some windy conditions that have prompted the National Weather Service to issue a fire weather watch for the Las Vegas area through this evening. A fast-moving weather system is then expected to bring cooler temperatures and the chance of rain by Wednesday.
The popular nightclub at Bellagio hosts its third annual Easter Egg Hunt tonight from 10 p.m., with a $5,000 top prize and other giveaways up for grabs.
It's been announced that the MDA Telethon will move back to Los Angeles this year. The telethon originated in Las Vegas, moved to Los Angeles, then back to Las Vegas for a six-year run, all at South Point.
Ventriloquist Terry Fator will celebrate his third anniversary at the Mirage tonight with the introduction of a new character named Monty Carlo during a special milestone show.
Capriotti's made the list of "10 Great Places for a Surprising Sandwich" in the April 6 USA Today, strangely referred to as "Las Vegas-based," though it originated in Deleware. Each pick had a specific sandwich mentioned, and Capriotti's was the Bobbie, made with turkey, stuffing, and cranberry sauce.
Easter dinner is being served all over town. South Point is awarding 5X points on slots and 2X on video poker all day.
Several poker pros and entertainment celebrities, including Annie Duke and Penn Jillette, are playing against the public today in the Opportunity Village Celebrity Poker Tournament. Cash prizes are paid for the first 10 finishers and the top prize is a $10,000 WSOP Main Event seat.
Today is another bonus-point day at all Station and Fiesta casinos. Earn 6 club points on video poker and 10 points on slots. It works out to a .6% return on video poker and 1% on slots.
Huntington Press author and ex-mob killer Frank Cullotta will be signing copies of his memoirs from 1 to 5 p.m. today at the new Mob Museum downtown.
There's a free spring festival and one-mile fun walk in Henderson today from noon to 4 p.m. The event takes place at Floyd Lamb Park at Tule Springs from noon, featuring family-friendly activities including amusement rides, jump houses, make-it-and-take-it children’s crafts, music, games, a farmers’ market and more.
Las Vegas chocolatier Ethel M Chocolates will be hosting its annual Spring Spectacular today and tomorrow at its factory and gardens in Henderson, from noon to 5 p.m. April 7 and 1 to 5 p.m. April 8. Families are invited to stroll the three-acre Botanical Cactus Garden and participate in free Easter activities, including photos with the Easter Bunny, face painters, balloon artists, and free factory tours. Saturday will also feature TheArt Walk, with artwork created by individuals with disabilities from Opportunity Village on display.
Notorious ex-Las Vegas mobster and hitman Frank Cullotta will be signing copies of his eponymous book at downtown's new Mob Museum from 1 to 5 p.m. tomorrow. Frank Vincent played "Frankie," a character based on Cullotta, in the movie Casino, for which he was a paid consultant. (LVA members, remember to check couponsinvegas.com for an exclusive offer.)
Following March's mass towing at downtown's First Friday event, Metro has announced a plan to keep the situation from repeating, having met with representatives from the Las Vegas City Attorney's Office, Clark County District Attorney's Office, National Transportation Authority, and various tow companies. While the latter have been advised to adhere to correct procedure, attendees are reminded to only park in areas where parking is allowed, reports "Fox5 News." Shuttle service is available for attendees from 5:30 p.m. until 12:30 a.m. and legal parking spots (some of which charge a $5 fee) and shuttle times are listed on the event's website.
The Las Vegas 51s continue the season kick-off celebrations tonight with a fireworks display. They play the Sacremento River Cats at 7:05 p.m. today.
Injured UFC star George St-Pierre will apparently be using his rehabilitation time to hit the poker tables, with a sponsorship from online poker site 888 that will see the Canadian fighter playing in this year's Main Event. He'll also play in special online games that will benefit his anti-bullying charity.
The Kansas winner of last week's mega Mega Millions jackpot has come forward to claim their $218.6 million prize. The $656 million jackpot will be split by the owners of three winning tickets in Kansas, Maryland, and Illinois, should all three come forward. A McDonald's worker in Maryland claims to have a winning ticket but to have "misplaced" it; her co-workers claim any jackpot belongs to their pool and should be split.
On April 14, Scotch whiskey enthusiasts will have the chance to get a taste of some teenage Glenfiddich, including a special limited-edition, during a seven-course meal hosted by the Queen Victoria Pub at the Riviera and co-sponsored by the Las Vegas Celtic Society. Each course will be paired with a single malt, concluding with a sampling of the "Cask of Dreams," a blend of Glenfiddich American oak whiskeys, aged 14 to 16 years, of which only 3,500 bottles have been made and are being sold only in the U.S. Tix are available online.
As part of the International House of Blues Foundation's "Action for the Arts" initiative, HoB Las Vegas is inviting 6th through 12th grade students to participate in Drawing Us Together and create original artworks based on the theme: The Arts Inspire Hope. Registration ends Friday, April 13 at 5 p.m. A panel of judges will select first and second place winners, who will receive gifts certificates for art supplies. For competition details and registration information, go to www.actionforthearts.org, call 702-632-7682, or email [email protected].
According to Pulse of Vegas, the official blog of Caesars Entertainment, the Karaoke Club inside the Imperial Palace -- a Las Vegas institution -- has closed to become the new home of the poker room.
Pearl Jam front man Eddie Vedder has been forced to postpone his 15-city U.S. solo tour due to temporary nerve damage in his right arm stemming from a back injury. All postponed dates will be rescheduled for November and December 2012 and tickets will be honored for rescheduled dates, or obtain a refund from the point-of-purchase. Vedder had been scheduled to play The Pearl at the Palms April 10 and 11; these shows will now take place on Oct. 31 and Nov. 1.
Here are the entertainment highlights for Easter weekend in Las Vegas:
Atlantic City's 11 casinos' gross operating profits amounted to just under $495 million last year, a 7.4 percent decline on the previous year. The beleaguered New Jersey gambling destination is hoping that the debut of the new Revel resort complex and an aggressive new marketing strategy will help turn things around.
The robbery suspect who barricaded himself into an appartment complex near Boulder Station is now in custody and Metro has reopened Boulder Highway.
Night School 4 Girls!, the pole and burlesque dancing experience at Excalibur, will close April 29. Fear not, though, ladies, as there are still stripper classes available, including Flamingo's X Burlesque University, Stripper 101 in the Miracle Mile Shops, and Stripper for a Day classes at Sapphire gentlemen's club. Look out for the latest edition of Topless Vegas (v.5.2), which should be uleashed later today!
An incident involving a suspect who's barricaded himself into an apartment complex off Sandhill Road has closed Boulder Highway and the 95 off-ramps in the vicinity of Boulder Station. We'll keep you updated.
Paris has released some pictures of the construction underway at Brit. Chef Gordon Ramsay's new steakhouse there, due to open next month, and it looks pretty impressive. Gordon Ramsay Steak features a massive oval-shaped paining of the Union Jack on the ceiling, plus a large neon steak sculpture, among other details.
Allegiant passengers will now be charged to place bags in overhead bins. The airline estimates that the move will not only generate more revenue, but will also reduce the number of passengers who take two carryons by up to 60 percent, which will also result in planes burning less fuel.
Moody's ratings agency has stated it has a positive view on a proposed $300 million loan for the Sahara to convert it into SLS Las Vegas, the luxury hotel brand owned by SBE Entertainment.
Cantor Gaming and the Palms have signed a long-term agreement for the sports book operator to operate a poker area within its Race & Sports Book at the Palms, which is currently under construction, scheduled to open in early May.
Congrats to our friends at the
According to the New York Post, popular online social gaming site Zynga is in talks with Wynn Resorts about a potential online gambling partnership, although if online gaming is clearly legalized, it will most likely be on a state-by-state basis, and Wynn is only licensed in the state of Nevada. Facebook, which does not want to host online gambling, is apparently in talks with English bookmaking companies Ladbrokes and William Hill about a possible collaboration that would give Facebook fans access to play on their sites.
Back by popular demand, Jerry Springer will return to guest host The Price is Right Live at Bally's April 25 to May 6, and again from May 16 to June 3.
Pennsylvania's casinos clocked an all-time monthly hight of $233.1 million in gross slot machine revenue in March, confirming the state's status as the nation's second-largest gambling market, after Las Vegas. Valley Forge Casino Resort, which opened last Saturday, brought the total number of casinos in Pennsylvania to 11.
Now through the end of May, members of Caesars Entertainment's Total Rewards players club have the opportunity to enter an online sweepstakes for the chance to win prizes, including free trips, concert tickets, gift cards and more. There are several ways to play and win -- click the link for more details.
The Las Vegas Sun carries a story of how a tourist captured a mysterious set of orbs moving around the Luxor lightbeam a couple of weeks ago. It's not the first time this phenomenon has been captured on camera and while some are speculating that it's light reflecting off birds feeding on bugs, the formations appear to be too choreographed and an official spokesperson for the property, who also saw the lights from her home, agreed that there was no clear explanation for them. Click the link to see for yourself.
Tuesday's tornadoes in the Dallas area are having a knock-on effect in Las Vegas, where flight delays and cancelations have stranded some passengers trying to leave McCarran, especially those trying to return to Dallas-Fort Worth International Airport, where 400 flights have been canceled and more than a hundred planes suffered damage from hail.
Now through April 17 (excluding Easter Sunday), Via Brazil Steakhouse (1225 S. Fort Apache Rd.) is offering its entire happy hour menu of drinks and appetizers for $3 each.
The Fremont Street Experience has finally named its summer concert line-up, which features Vince Neil, Dee Snider, Bret Michaels, Asia, and others (see "QoD" 3/25/12), and is calling it "Rock of Vegas." We prefer the suggestions sent in by our readers, however, our personal favorite being "Big Hair, Open Air" (see "Today's News" 3/27/2012).
The Mötley Crüe rocker is once again in the headlines, this time following a dispute that took place in a restaurant at the Palms last night that escalated into a battle of words between the singer and the hotel when Neil took to Twitter complaining about "distrust and dishonesty at the executive level" at the off-Strip property. The Palms responded in a statement complaining about Neil's "inappropriate behavior" that's rendered him no longer welcome at the property.
Following yesterday's fatal hit-and-run accident on the Strip comes a report that Nevada traffic deaths are up by nearly 25% in the first quarter, with 57 fatalities to date this year. Pedestrian deaths are up 50%, with 12 deaths, mostly occuring in Clark County. Although the figures coincide with the introduction of a cell-phone ban for drivers, officials have stated that there is no one causal factor for the figures.
The Chinese gambling enclave continues on its meteoric upward trajectory, with gambling revenue of 24.99 billion patacas ($3.12 billion) in March, up 24% from the same month last year.
This week's article from Bob Dancer has him sharing a bizarre experience that neither he, nor we, have ever before encountered...
The Planet Hollywood restaurant inside the Forum Shops at Caesars will transplant to the space formerly occupied by BOA Steakhouse; no word as yet as to what will take the place of Planet Ho.
Atlantic City's 12th casino, the $2.4 billion Revel resort, opened its doors to its first guests today at 7 a.m. EDT for an eight-week "preview," gearing up for the grand opening Memorial Day weekend, with will feature concerts headlined by Beyonce.
ROK Vegas, the nightclub at New York-New York, closed April 1. The space is being transformed into a live-performance venue that's slated to open later this spring.
The property's Conservatory & Botanical Gardens has debuted its spring exhibit, which this year features a Dutch garden theme, with a 26-foot-tall windmill, 11-foot-tall carousel, and a floral interpretation of Claude Monet's Fisherman's Cottage on the Cliffs at Varengeville, plus live musical performances from 5-6 p.m. daily. The display runs through May 13.
The Flame Steakhouse is once again offering its seasonal jumbo Stone Crab special every Friday and Saturday for $28 per pound plus, due to their popularity, the Vintage Dining & Cocktail Menus introduced last year to commemorate the property's 70th birthday will continue indefinitely in the steakhouse Tuesday through Thursday. The menu features classic dishes from some of Vegas' most iconic old-school restaurants, including Sultan’s Table at the Dunes, Delmonico’s at the Riviera, The House of Lords at the Sahara, La Vie en Rose at DI, and Saver Room at the Aladdin.
Permissions are being sought to build four zip lines between Luxor and Excalibur. The proposed routes are from the Excalibur entrance 500 feet to the Tropicana pedestrian walkway, from the Excalibur roof 340 feet to the Luxor, from the top of the Luxor pyramid 950 feet to the Excalibur roof, and the biggest one from a corner of Luxor 1,440 feet to the Excalibur tram. Federal Aviation Administration approval is necessary, due to the proximity to McCarran Airport, and that has not yet been granted.
The Palms is running free slot tournaments on Sundays in April with $50,000 in slot free-play being given away. Play hours are 8 am to 10 pm each week.
Vegas Magic Theater, the show at Gold Coast that featured a different headliner each week, closes today for an indefinite hiatus.
Gabriel Iglesias invites fans to indulge in the "six levels of fatness" at BLT Burger at the Mirage this week, where they're introducing a special menu through April 8 that culminates in the $34 "Oh Hell No!" Burgee, in honor of the comedian's headlining gigs there April 6-7. Iglesias will be at the restaurant person on April 5 from 1 to 3 p.m. for a meet and greet with fans.