May 2018 »« July 2018

Las Vegas News - June 2018


June 30, 2018 17:28 Fireworks Tonight:

Getting a jump on Fourth of July celebrations, there will be two fireworks shows tonight. Caesars Palace will present a 13-1/2-minute show starting at 9:15 p.m., then the Plaza will conclude its rooftop-pool party with a 4-minute display at 10:45 p.m. The Plaza party begins at 7 p.m. and is free to attend.

June 30, 2018 16:45 Summerland Tour on Fremont Street Tonight:

The Downtown Rocks free concert series presents the Summerland Tour tonight, with performing bands Everclear, Marcy Playground, and Local H. The concert starts at 7 p.m. on the 3rd Street stage.

June 30, 2018 15:55 Virgin for Locals?:

In an interview with the LV Review-Journal, incoming Hard Rock CEO Richard Bosworth made an interesting comment regarding the direction of the resort in its transformation to the Virgin brand. When asked about the casino’s reliance on locals, he responded, “It is a significant part of our business plan. We need the right food and beverage offering, the right price points, the right packaging, and it includes the right entertainment as well.” Bosworth went on to discuss the nightclubs, but his overall tone suggests that there might be a greater emphasis on value, which is necessary to attract the local market, than there has been with prior regimes.

June 30, 2018 08:18 World's Largest Chevron:

Terrible's is opening the world's largest Chevron Travel Center in Jean, 30 miles south of Las Vegas on I-15, in "a couple of weeks." The 50,000-square-foot Terrible’s Road House will feature 96 fuel pumps, 60 restroom stalls, 4,000 square feet of candy sales, a 30-foot-long coffee bar, a 72-head Coke machine, 15 slot machines, a drive-thru White Castle, the only Red Bull lounge and merchandise store in the country, and a Jack Link's beef-jerky store, complete with a 13-foot-tall Sasquatch.

June 29, 2018 18:18 Beach Casino Opens:

The $75 million Beach Casino has opened in Gulfport, Mississippi as an add-on to the Island View Casino Resort. The 43,000-square-foot smoke-free casino gives Island View a total of 126,000 square feet of gaming space, the most of any casino in the state. Island View’s owners commented, “[Our] understanding is it’s the only casino in the world to offer floor-to-ceiling all glass. When you’re in here you get the full effect of the Mississippi Gulf Coast.”

June 29, 2018 16:25 Gamer Gathering Tonight:

An event called “Fortnite in the Park” takes place tonight in The Park outside of New York-New York. It’s an open-to-the-public gathering for video-game enthusiasts that includes a free-to-enter contest for casino comps and prizes. The event runs from 7 to 10 pm.

June 29, 2018 16:15 New Club Coming to Park MGM:

A nightclub called On the Record has been announced for Park MGM, opening on New Year’s Eve. The 11,000-square-foot speakeasy-style venue will be run by established operators who own several high-end nightclubs in LA. A second, much larger, nightclub is also planned for the resort.

June 29, 2018 11:28 Club One:

The D and Golden Gate have combined their players clubs. The new Club One allows points to be earned and redeemed at either property.

June 29, 2018 06:20 Second-Floor Exodus:

After years of being one of the few two-floor gambling houses in Las Vegas, the California has removed all of its video poker and slot machines from the mezzanine. The move follows the relocation of the sports book to an area off the main pit, leaving only retail on the second floor and the gambling areas walled off pending an unspecified redesign.

June 28, 2018 14:00 Atlantic City Casinos Open a Day Early:

Both the Hard Rock and Ocean Resort opened yesterday, one day earlier than announced. Once the go-ahead was given by the New Jersey Division of Gaming Enforcement, apparently neither saw a reason to delay a day. Both held official grand-opening celebrations today.

June 28, 2018 10:20 Las Vegas Weekend Highlights:

When the 4th of July falls on a Wednesday, you know that that means Vegas parties for a full week! This year's celebrations start this weekend and continue through the 7th. We will be posting our big round-up over on our Vegas with an Edge blog very soon but in the meantime here are some other things going on around town:

  • Downtown Las Vegas Events Center brings you the Vans Warped Tour (6/29)
  • Comedy-wise you have Ray Romano & David Spade at the Mirage (6/29-30); Wanda Sykes at Treasure Island (6/29); Steve Martin & Martin Short at Caesars Palace (7/1); and Norm MacDonald at the South Point (6/29-7/1)
  • Gwen Stefani is center-stage at Planet Hollywood (6/29-30)
  • Mandalay Bay features the Dirty Heads (6/29)
  • And Henderson Events Plaza welcomes Last Friday - Just Add Water Street (6/29)
June 28, 2018 07:49 Best Breakfast:

According to Delish.com, the best breakfast in Las Vegas is at Mr. Mama's Breakfast and Lunch. Described as a "hole in the wall" on S. Jones at the corner W. Russell, everything is praised: best pancakes, cinnamon rolls, vegetarian options, coffee, and service; the owner is usually out front greeting everyone. Be prepared for lines at lunch during the week.  

June 28, 2018 07:21 Stratosphere Settles With Union:

The Stratosphere has agreed to a five-year contract with the Culinary Union, making it the first casino outside of CET and MRI to come to terms. Fifteen properties representing about 9,000 workers remain without agreements.

June 27, 2018 15:11 The Wall Esports Venue at the Rio:

The latest entry into Las Vegas esports venues has opened at the Rio. The Wall Gaming Lounge is a 24,000-square-foot space in the Masquerade Village area, featuring 30 high-performance Alienware gaming PCs, along with a number of console gaming stations. Tournaments will include Local Lock In, MOBA, FPS, Battle Royal, FGC, and Twitch. The first phase has a self-serve beverage wall and mobile food/drink ordering; Phase 2, to be completed in the fall, will introduce more food and beverage options.

June 27, 2018 12:46 Las Vegas Marijuana Museum:

When it opens on August 2 at Neonopolis downtown, the Cannabition Cannabis Museum will feature multi-sensory exhibits on cannabis art, education, and culture, including a 360-degree theater (trippy visuals, anyone?). The museum’s centerpiece will be a 22-foot-tall bong. Tickets will start at $4.20. Of course. 

June 27, 2018 12:20 Golden Knights Sue StubHub:

The Golden Knights have filed a lawsuit against StubHub, the giant eBay-owned ticket reseller. The suit stems from the ticket site's "demand" that StubHub be allowed to resell playoff tickets, contravening the team's efforts to limit those sales through its Vow program. The suit claims that StubHub's “ultimatum” threatened to turn the Knights’ “historic inaugural season from an experience that encouraged fan loyalty and hometown spirit into a scalping money-grab." In contention is $1.5 million in ticket profits that the Knights organization claims StubHub unilaterally reduced to $255,000, splitting the rest with AXS, the team's primary ticketing site.

June 27, 2018 09:35 Wynn Buffet Shuffle:

There’s been an interesting shake-up at Wynn Las Vegas, where the excellent breakfast buffet has been discontinued. Also no more are the Champagne brunch and the gourmet dinner. The offerings have been consolidated and simplified so there’s now a daily brunch from 7:30 am to 3:30 pm for $28.99 weekdays and $36.99 weekends, and dinner from 3:30 pm to 9:30 pm for $49.99 weekdays and $52.99 weekends.

June 26, 2018 15:16 Hard Rock/Ocean Resort Open in Atlantic City:

The Hard Rock and Ocean Resort casinos in Atlantic City opened yesterday for live gambling. They were both “soft-play” openings, meaning that only invited friends and family were allowed in to play in order to test systems. The test periods are scheduled to run through tomorrow and the grand opening for both is Thursday.

June 26, 2018 09:45 RIP Richard Harrison:

Richard Harrison, known to millions as “The Old Man” on the show Pawn Stars, has died at the age of 77. Due to ill health, Harrison made only rare appearances on the show in recent years, but his role as the patriarch of the Harrison family that runs the Gold & Silver Pawn Shop on Las Vegas Boulevard afforded him rock star status around the world; Pawn Stars airs in 150 countries and 38 languages.

June 26, 2018 07:44 Best Barbecue in Nevada:

Lovefood.com ranked the best barbecue joints in all 50 states and Las Vegas' John Mull's Meats and Road Kill Grill took top honors in Nevada. John Mull's, featured on Guy Fieri's "Diners, Drive-Ins, and Dives" on the Food Network, has two locations: the original at 3730 Thom Blvd. and a second at 11357 at N. Decatur. Hours are somewhat limited, so check before you go. 

June 25, 2018 16:44 Convention Center Shifting:

The Las Vegas Convention and Visitor’s Authority has purchased the Somerset Shopping Center, Somerset Gardens apartment complex, and two adjacent vacant lots, all located off Convention Center Dr., for $50 million. The 8.3 acres in total will be used to shift the footprint of the Convention Center expansion west by about 50 feet, which will free up some tight spaces in the design. The shopping center and apartment buildings will be demolished after their current tenants are relocated.

June 25, 2018 15:07 Jackpot at Silverton:

An unidentified player hit for $3.2 million playing a Wheel of Fortune Winning Wedges machine at Silverton, the largest jackpot ever at the casino. It was the second WoF payout of over $1 million this month, with the other hitting for $1.1 million at the Venetian.

June 25, 2018 10:57 CET Building Convention Center:

Caesars Entertainment has been approved to build a 550,000-square-foot convention center. The $375 million project will be located east of the High Roller observation wheel on what is currently a surface parking lot. Work on the project is expected to begin immediately, with completion expected in 2020.

June 24, 2018 14:11 Food Trucks at G.O.A.T.:

The “Feast or Famine” food truck gathering at G.O.A.T. bar (3805 W. Sahara) takes place tonight from 5 to 9 p.m. Four food trucks will be in the parking lot for this inaugural event that may become an every-second-week staple. As a bonus, G.O.A.T. is running a play-$500-get-$50 machine bonus today from 6 to 9 p.m.

June 24, 2018 12:01 Big Casino in Cyprus:

What’s being touted as “Europe’s biggest casino resort” is planned for the island of Cyprus. The $650 million City of Dreams Mediterranean casino will be built and operated by Melco International Resorts. A temporary casino will open this month, with the complete resort scheduled to be completed in 2021.

June 24, 2018 10:39 Marilyn Talks Dice:

Today’s “Ask Marilyn” column that appears in Parade magazine fields a question about the possibility of dice being unbalanced due to mass being removed from the cubes to create the 1 to 6 indented spots. The answer correctly points out that this factor is accounted for in casino dice, which are engineered to exacting standards to ensure that they are unbiased. Unlike the media in general, “Ask Marilyn” has a good history of correctly answering gambling questions.

June 23, 2018 18:34 Cannabis on the Corner:

A new marijuana dispensary opening in Las Vegas isn’t exactly news these days, but the newest, Cultivate, has opened on the corner of Procyon and Spring Mtn., a stone’s throw from our office. Don't get too excited yet, it’s currently dealing only in medical marijuana. However, we understand that a recreational license is in the works, so soon you’ll be able to pick up your MRB while you score a side of cannabis gummies in the same swoop – truly only in Vegas.

June 23, 2018 15:53 Wynn Convention Facility in the Works:

While plans still aren't finalized for one, two, or no new casinos from Wynn Resorts on either side of the Strip, one project that is happening is a new convention center. The 280,000-square-foot facility that will overlook a lagoon is being built on former Desert Inn Golf Course land behind Wynn Las Vegas and is scheduled to open in March 2020.

June 23, 2018 09:17 Trump in Town:

President Trump will be in Las Vegas today to speak at the Nevada Republican Party convention. While the President’s travel route during the four-hour visit has not been disclosed, Air Force One will land at McCarran around 11 a.m. and traffic disruptions in the area are expected.

June 22, 2018 16:35 Downtown Enchilada:

A new downtown beautification project has been dubbed Project Enchilada, referencing the saying “the whole enchilada” to describe its comprehensive aim. Starting with a stretch on E. Fremont that’s home to several closed motels, then moving to other areas of downtown, building facades and landscaping will be upgraded, with a later goal of bringing new retail to the area. A timetable and budget for the project was not divulged.

June 22, 2018 15:03 Baz Bagging it:

Baz -- A Musical Tour de Force is closing at the Venetian after a two-year run. The final performance will be July 29. No replacement has been announced.

June 22, 2018 09:50 MRI Labor Contract Approved:

Following suit with Caesars Entertainment, Culinary Union members from MGM Resorts International properties have voted overwhelmingly to ratify a new five-year labor pact. There are now approximately 14,000 union members from other properties still working without a contract, though there are still no signs of walkouts.

June 21, 2018 20:44 More Protection on the Strip:

After only a portion of the protective steel posts intended to protect pedestrians along the Strip were installed, a labor dispute interrupted the project. Not to worry, a new company has been engaged to finish the job. About 600 bollards will be added to the 800 already in place, with work set to start within 60 days and completed before the end of the year.

June 21, 2018 09:55 Las Vegas Weekend Highlights:
  • The Lon Bronson Band is center-stage at the Smith Center (6/23) while the musical Hamilton continues its mini-residency (6/22-24)
  • Rod Stewart returns to Caesars Palace (6/22-23)
  • Park MGM welcomes comedian Trevor Noah (6/23)
  • Barry Manilow is back in the spotlight at Westgate Las Vegas (6/22-23)
  • Alanis Morissette will perform at the Palms (6/22)
  • And you can see Petty And The Heartbreakers at the Suncoast (6/24)
June 21, 2018 09:11 Puck Ponders Parking:

In an interview with the LV Review-Journal, Wolfgang Puck indicated that he’s trying to negotiate a parking-fee discount for locals who eat at the new Spago at Bellagio. MRI give up parking revenue? Don’t bet on that.

June 20, 2018 16:06 Chip Convention at South Point:

The 26th Annual Convention of the Casino Chip and Gaming Token Collectors Club (CCGTCC) runs Thursday through Saturday at South Point. Multiple dealers will be in attendance buying and selling casino collectibles and vintage gaming memorabilia. Admission is $10 on Thursday, $5 on Friday, and free on Saturday.

June 20, 2018 11:20 Mizrachi Wins Third PPC:

Michael Mizrachi won the prestigious Poker Players Championship at the World Series of Poker, outlasting John Hennigan in heads-up play to take the $1.2 million first prize. Mizrachi has now won the PPC three times, the only player to do so. Brian Rast has won it twice. Participation was down for the $50,000-buy-in event, with 87 players compared to 100 last year.

June 20, 2018 08:49 Smith & Wollensky:

Smith & Wollensky has announced that it's reopening in a two-story "female-friendly" space that formerly housed Zeffirino's at the Grand Canal Shoppes at the Venetian. Construction is expected to begin sometime in the fall, with an opening date next spring. 

June 19, 2018 16:49 WSOP Seniors Tournament Biggest Ever:

Bucking what appears to be a trend toward reduced player counts at the World Series of Poker, the Seniors event drew 5,918 players, 529 more than last year (+9.9). It was the biggest field in history for this event. The winner was Matthew Davis, who took down the $662,983 first prize.

June 19, 2018 15:52 Strip Club Opening at Atlantic City Hard Rock:

Scores gentlemen's club is preparing to reopen at the Atlantic City Hard Rock in the same space it occupied before the changeover from Trump Taj Mahal. At the Taj, dancers were required to wear pasties and perform "modified" lap dances devoid of touching; it's not clear if those rules will persist. Hard Rock sought to prevent the opening in court, but the case was dismissed.

June 19, 2018 09:23 Rehab on the Way Out:

If you haven’t experienced Rehab at the Hard Rock, this summer will be your last opportunity. After 15 years, the pool club that started the whole Dayclub phenomenon will close after this season as part of the rebranding to Virgin.

June 18, 2018 18:52 TI Buffet Closed for Remake:

The buffet at TI has closed for an overhaul, with part of the current space being converted to a sports bar. The buffet and bar are expected to open in early August.

June 18, 2018 13:51 Golovkin/Alvarez 2 Set:

The rematch between Saul Alvarez and Gennady Golovkin has been set, again. The boxing match originally scheduled for earlier this year is now set for September 15 at the T-Mobile Arena. The two fought to a draw in their first match. Golovkin is the -170 favorite.

June 18, 2018 09:36 Tony and Tina Return:

Tony N’ Tina’s Wedding has opened at Bally’s, bringing the longest-running off-Broadway show back to Las Vegas after its last appearance in late 2016. The interactive show that comes with dinner is playing in the Buca di Beppo restaurant, which makes sense given that it’s built around a wedding reception. The show has staged more than 15,000 performances worldwide with 3,300 of them in Las Vegas. Tickets start at $99.

June 17, 2018 15:49 Online Dreaming in Reno:

Boomtown in Reno has been assessed a $40,000 penalty by Nevada Gaming Control for providing online links to an offshore casino. A single employee in the web-designer department apparently made the decision to put up the links for affiliate revenue, but that’s not allowed, and the casino was docked for its lack of oversight.

June 17, 2018 10:43 Happy Father's Day:

Father's Day specials are being served at restaurants all over town today, but additional promotions are light. Silverton is awarding 8X points on reel slots. And if you want to ride the High Roller wheel, fathers ride free today with the purchase of one regular ticket.

June 17, 2018 10:34 Boyd Steakhouse Discounts:

Today’s LV Review-Journal contains an advertising page in the Sunday inserts with $15- to $50-off coupons for eight of the best restaurants at different Boyd casinos. They include Alder & Birch at Orleans, Cornerstone at Gold Coast, and Second Street Grill at Fremont. It’s a good collection that can be redeemed through July 15.

June 17, 2018 07:56 Caesars Labor Contract Approved:

The Culinary and Bartenders Unions have officially approved the labor contract with Caesars Entertainment properties. Next to be approved is expected to be MGM Resorts International, while talks continue with the several casinos still without agreements.

June 16, 2018 19:04 U.S. Open Golf Line:

Going into tomorrow’s final round of the wild U.S. Open golf tournament with four players tied for the lead, Dustin Johnson is the +215 favorite to win. He’s followed by Brooks Koepka at +360, Justin Rose at +530, Tony Finau at +590, and Daniel Berger at +816.

June 16, 2018 14:46 Doyle Brunson Retires:

Poker legend Doyle Brunson has announced his retirement from the game following a final final-table appearance in the $10,000 buy-in No-Limit 2-7 Lowball Championship at the World Series of Poker, where he finished sixth. He’s one of the most accomplished tournament players ever, with 10 WSOP bracelets, including two Main Event championships. Indicating that he wants to spend more time with his family, Brunson said, “I’m eighty-five myself, so it wouldn’t be any big upset if I didn’t wake up some morning.” Still, it seems like it would be an upset if he really was done for good. His book Super/System: A Course in Power Poker is considered a poker classic.

June 16, 2018 11:40 Strat Adds Bac:

The Stratosphere has installed six baccarat tables in a new Asian-themed pit. It’s the first time the casino has ever offered the game. An Asian menu has also been added at the nearby Roxy’s Diner.

June 15, 2018 18:48 SuperContest App:

The Westgate Super Contest expects to have an app in place this year that will allow in-state players to submit their picks remotely. Out-of-state players will still need to use proxies. The contest will also pay 100 positions, as opposed to 50 positions last year. Sports book director Jay Kornegay says he expects between 3,500 and 4,000 entrants in the $1,500-buy-in contest. The $5,000-buy-in SuperContest Gold will stay with a winner-take-all format.

June 15, 2018 15:23 Manilow Laid Low:

The opening of the new Barry Manilow show at the Westgate has been postponed. A bronchial infection caused Manilow to drop out of last night's debut, along with shows scheduled for tonight and Saturday. Barry Manilow Las Vegas -- The Hits Come Home is now scheduled to debut June 23. Soundtrack, starring Clint Holmes and Earl Turner, is performing in its place. Ticket holders can switch to another Manilow date and see Soundtrack for free, or get a refund.

June 15, 2018 10:26 Windows are Open in NJ:

The sports betting windows, that is. New Jersey began taking sports bets yesterday. First at Monmouth Park, where Gov. Phil Murphy placed a $20 wager on the Mets and an undisclosed amount on Martin Truex Jr. in NASCAR, then at Atlantic City’s Borgata, where basketball Hall of Famer Julius Erving bet $5 on the Eagles to win the Super Bowl. Several additional betting venues are expected to open throughout the year.

June 14, 2018 18:28 New Name for 51s:

The LV Review-Journal reports that multiple trademark applications have been filed by the Las Vegas 51s minor league baseball team for the name Las Vegas Aviators. While the filings seem to suggest that Aviators will be the new name, team representatives say that it’s a preemptive move to prevent cybersquatting and that several names are still in the running.

June 14, 2018 11:45 Stevens Buys Office Building:

Derek Stevens has purchased an 11-story office building across the street from the D for $39.7 million. Plans for the property haven’t been disclosed, but the building also has its own parking garage.

June 14, 2018 08:56 Las Vegas Weekend Highlights:
  • Bill Maher does stand up at the Mirage (6/15-16)
  • Rod Stewart returns to Caesars Palace (6/15-16)
  • Sugarland performs 'Still the Same' at Mandalay Bay (6/16)
  • The Hard Rock brings you Nine Inch Nails (6/15-16)
  • South Point welcomes Christopher Titus (6/16)
  • And you can catch Little Anthony and The Imperials at the Orleans (6/16)
June 13, 2018 18:19 U.S. Open Line:

Dustin Johnson is the +950 favorite to win golf's U.S. Open. He's followed by Justin Rose at +1200, and Jordan Speith and Justin Thomas, both at +1550. Tiger Woods is +2500.

June 13, 2018 14:00 World Cup Line:

Brazil is a +400 favorite to win soccer’s World Cup, followed by Germany at +485 and France at +625. The long shots are Panama, Tunisia, and Saudi Arabia, all at +73000. An artificial-intelligence analysis by Goldman Sachs that simulated 1 million tournaments predicts that Brazil will beat Germany in the final by an unrounded score of 1.70 to 1.41. Pool play begins early Thursday morning.

June 13, 2018 07:59 Knights Downtown:

There’ll be no parade, but players from the Vegas Golden Knights will preside over a fan-appreciation celebration today outside of the D. The event will run 5:30 to 7 p.m. at the 3rd Street Stage and is free to the public.

June 12, 2018 17:04 Fireworks and Hot Dog Eating at Plaza:

Downtown’s Plaza will hold its annual Independence Day party a few days before the 4th on the preceding Saturday. The party at the rooftop pool begins at 7 p.m. on June 30 and is free to attend. It will feature a DJ, food and drink specials, and a four-minute fireworks display at 10 p.m. There will also be a hot dog-eating contest, with the winner receiving a $1K Plaza spree that includes $200 cash. Register online (only 10 participants will be accepted) through June 20.

June 12, 2018 15:31 Fields Smaller for Big WSOP Events:

There’ve been no official announcements regarding overall participation in this year’s World Series of Poker, but judging from the two big lead-off tournaments, its down significantly. The $565 buy-in Colossus drew 13,070 players. That’s big, but a whopping 28% off last year’s 18,054. And while the drop wasn’t as dramatic in the $1,500 buy-in Millionaire Maker, its 7,361 participants was down 5% from last year’s 7,761.

June 12, 2018 10:53 Jackpot at Venetian:

A $1.1 million jackpot was hit at the Venetian last weekend. The unnamed player hit on a $1 Wheel of Fortune slot.

June 11, 2018 17:47 More In-N-Out:

Another In-N-Out Burger has opened on the west side at Sahara and Hualapai. That makes 14 Las Vegas locations by our count, as they’ve popped up at a pace of nearly one per year since the opening of the city’s first, across from Wild Wild West, in 1992.

June 11, 2018 15:22 NJ Sports Betting Cleared:

The governor of New Jersey has signed the bill legalizing sports betting and the state will become the second, following Delaware last week, to take legal sports wagers following the recent Supreme Court decision that paved the way. As of now, Monmouth Park is expected to be taking bets by Thursday, with Atlantic City’s Borgata casino close behind. Other eligible venues are expected to have a longer waiting period before they can be properly licensed and equipped to offer bets.

June 11, 2018 10:13 Quick Hook for ‘Marilyn!’:

The show Marilyn! will close at Paris on June 17 after just 23 performances. While crowd counts were reportedly decent, sparse funding may have precipitated the closing for the independently funded production. A release states there are plans for it to return in September, but if it does, the show will be revamped and likely renamed.

June 10, 2018 18:05 Station Fireworks Planned:

Station Casinos will again provide the valley’s biggest Fourth of July fireworks show this year. The nine-minute “July 4th Fireworks Blast” will begin at 9 p.m., with displays emanating from Green Valley Ranch and Red Rock Resort as usual, along with a third show from Texas Station and Fiesta Rancho.

June 10, 2018 12:56 Summer Movies:

Two summer movie programs are in progress. “Dive-In Movies” runs on Mondays at the Cosmopolitan (8 p.m.). They’re shown at the pool and swimming is allowed. Admission is $5 for non-hotel-guests and children under 5 are free. June movies include Zoolander and The Breakfast Club. The Fashion Show Mall runs the “Sweetest Little Movie Series” on Wednesdays (6 p.m.). These are all family movies and admission is free; first come, first served. June movies include Despicable Me 3 and Peter Rabbit.

June 10, 2018 11:10 Spago Opens at Bellagio:

Completing its move across Flamingo Rd., Spago Las Vegas has opened at Bellagio in the space that was formerly Olives. Whereas the original was landlocked in the Forum Shops at Caesars Palace, the Bellagio version allows guests to dine with a front row view of the Bellagio fountains.

June 10, 2018 00:16 Men's French Open Finals Line:

Rafael Nadal is a -510 favorite over Dominic Thiem in today's French Open men's tennis final. Nadal is 10-0 in French finals. The match starts early, at 9 a.m. EST.  

June 09, 2018 17:20 UFC Whittaker/Romero:

Robert Whittaker is a -255 favorite over Joel Romero in tonight's UFC main event. In the other featured match, Colby Covington is -140 over Rafael dos Anjos.

June 09, 2018 13:00 Belmont Odds:

The current odds for the Belmont Stakes make Justify the favorite at even money, followed by Hofburg, Vino Rosso, and Bravazo, all at 6-1. The long shot is Restoring Hope at 28-1. With Justify going for the Triple Crown, the race books will be packed. Get a Justify T-shirt for a $20 wager at Station and Fiesta race books.

June 09, 2018 11:10 Downtown Rocks Adds Shows:

Three more bands have been added to the line-up for this year’s free “Downtown Rocks Summer Concert Series” at the Fremont Street Experience. The new acts are Lit and Filter, which plays tonight starting at 8 p.m., Jefferson Starship and Eddie Money (7/21), and Melissa Etheridge (8/31).

June 08, 2018 17:27 Warriors/Cavaliers Game 4 Line:

The Golden State Warriors are -4.5 favorites over the Cleveland Cavaliers in Game 4 of the NBA Championship series. The total is 216.

June 08, 2018 14:16 Golden Tee Championship:

The Golden Tee Golf World Championship begins today and runs through Sunday at the Orleans. The competition will take place in the Orleans Ballroom and is free to view. One spot in the $100,000 Championship is up for grabs tonight, as participants who pay a $25 entry fee (includes a Golden Tee World Championship T-shirt) will compete for the spot in a "Closest to the Pin" contest, beginning at 6 p.m. The event will be open for betting, with lines being dealt at the Orleans sports book.

June 08, 2018 13:57 Belmont Handicapping Seminar Tonight:

A Belmont Stakes handicapping seminar will be presented tonight in the race book at South Point. The panelists will be Ralph Siraco, Patrick McQuiggan, and Toby Turrell. The event starts at 6 p.m. and entry is free.

June 08, 2018 13:08 Waiting in Jersey:

While a bill to legalize sports betting was approved this week by the New Jersey state Assembly and Senate, it needs to be signed by the governor before casinos and racetracks can begin taking bets. Many believed Monmouth Park would be in action by today, but Gov. Phil Murphy nixed that notion, saying that he needs time to review the bill and that sports betting would not be implemented in New Jersey until next week at the earliest.

June 08, 2018 11:16 Caesars Windsor Strike Ends:

The strike at Caesars Windsor has ended. All operations resumed yesterday after the casino was closed for 60 days during the labor dispute.

June 08, 2018 07:32 It Wasn't To Be:

The unexpected never did materialize. The movie that'll be made won't have the feel-good fairy-tale ending, the one that everyone, except the Washington Capitals and sports book managers, would have loved to witness. But it's still a tale for the ages, one that won't soon be forgotten. In the end, the Vegas Golden Knights came up three games short of doing the impossible and winning the Stanley Cup when they fell to the Washington Capitals by a score of 4-3. Read Joe Pane's moving tribute to the VGK in his Knights on Ice blog. And look for our book, tentatively titled Vegas Golden Knights -- How a First-Year Expansion Team Conquered the World, soon. 

June 07, 2018 16:51 Golden Knights/Capitals Game 5 Line:

The Vegas Golden Knights are -165 favorites over the Washington Capitals in tonight's Game 5 of the NHL's Stanley Cup finals. The goal line is 5.5.

June 07, 2018 14:31 Wynn First Defector on Paid Parking:

Here it comes. Wynn Resorts casinos will be the first to pull back on paid parking. It was announced today that guests who spend $50 in the casino will have their parking comped. It’s a move that mimics downtown’s model, whereby customers can render themselves exempt from parking charges when they spend money inside. It will also be added to amenities and services in the $39 resort fee, meaning that guests of the hotel will also park free. It makes sense. Kudos to Wynn! The new policy will go into effect July 1.

June 07, 2018 10:00 Las Vegas Weekend Highlights:
  • The Smith Center features the musical, Hamilton (6/8-10)
  • The Clark County Amphitheater brings you the 17th Annual Reggae in The Desert (6/9)
  • Comedians Jeff Ross and Dave Attell perform at the Mirage (6/9)
  • Kesha & Macklemore are center-stage at Mandalay Bay (6/9)
  • Blink - 182's "Kings of the Weekend" takes over the Palms (6/8-9)
  • And Frankie Moreno's at the South Point (6/8-9)
June 07, 2018 08:06 Nevada's Most Iconic Food:

From the chow mein sandwich in Massachusetts to spam musubi in Hawaii, from whoopie pies in Maine to the In-N-Out Double Double in California, from shrimp and grits in South Carolina to Voodoo Donuts in Oregon, "A Taste of Home" on MSNBC.com identified the most iconic food in all 50 states. Nevada? Shrimp cocktail: "The Golden Gate Hotel-Casino in downtown Las Vegas introduced it to the gaming public in 1959 and it quickly became a lure to entice folks to visit casinos. And it still does today. Served in a tulip-shaped glass and nestled on a bed of lettuce with spicy cocktail sauce, it's a classic." We agree. The shrimp cocktail was in our Top Ten Values practically every month since the Las Vegas Advisor started publishing in 1982. However, it hasn't been there recently, because there is no shrimp cocktail at the GG. Since the closing of Du-Par’s, the shrimp cocktail hasn't been sold there. The Fremont's, the last of the 99-centers, is our current Top Tenner.

June 06, 2018 17:50 Warriors/Cavaliers Game 3 Line:

The Golden State Warriors are -3.5 favorites over the Cleveland Cavaliers in Game 3 of the NBA Championship series. The total is 216.

June 06, 2018 15:30 Vegas Goes All Out for VGK:

With the Stanley Cup Finals coming back to Las Vegas for Game 5 tomorrow, the city is going all out with creative tributes to the team. Bellagio Patisserie is displaying a five-foot-tall chocolate sculpture of Knights goalie Marc-Andre Fleury and individual Chocolate Fleurys are on sale for $40. Outside, the soundtrack for the Bellagio Fountains plays “Viva Las Vegas” after VGK victories. A giant 600-pound Knights jersey adorns the Statue of Liberty at NY-NY. The buddah at the entrance of Tao at Venetian and the Benny Binion statue at South Point also sport Knights Jerseys. A statue of Julius Caesar at the front of Caesars Palace holds a Knights flag and a 24-foot goalie stick. Several showroom celebrities, including Celine Dion, have performed in VGK attire. Watch parties outside the T-Mobile Arena are attracting 3,000 participants. And virtually every bar in town has TVs tuned to the games.

June 06, 2018 10:28 Top Thai Restaurant Closes:

Chada Thai & Wine has closed. Chada Thai and Chada Street, the latter of which closed in April, were the closest in quality to Lotus of Siam and leave an opening for next-best in Thai cuisine.

June 05, 2018 16:47 Jackpot at Golden Gate:

A woman from Wisconsin hit for $1.5 million playing a Million Degrees slot at the Golden Gate. It’s the largest jackpot ever at the casino.

June 05, 2018 14:43 Sports Betting Begins in Delaware:

Delaware's three legal sports betting venues began taking bets at 1:30 p.m. EST today, with the state's governor making the first bet -- $10 on the Phillies. Crowds were described as light and bets aren't being taken on all sports. Lottery outlets that take the parlay bets that were already legal there aren't yet outfitted to take single-game wagers.

June 05, 2018 11:27 MRI in NYC:

MGM Resorts International has purchased the Empire City Casino in New York City for $850 million. The casino has 5,200 electronic games and live horse racing. It’s speculated that MRI made the acquisition, in part, to capitalize on sports betting and other online gambling if it’s approved in New York.

June 04, 2018 16:26 Golden Knights/Capitals Game 4 Line:

The Washington Capitals are -125 favorites over the Vegas Golden Knights in tonight's Game 4 of the NHL's Stanley Cup finals. The goal line is 5.5.

June 04, 2018 15:31 Hockey Watch Party at T-Mobile:

Las Vegas' T-Mobile Arena is open to the public tonight for Game 4 of the Stanley Cup Finals. The game, being played in Washington, will be up on big screens inside and there is no admission charge. 

June 04, 2018 13:51 Line Fee:

Are you ready for another casino fee? You can buy a pass for $10 to skip the line at the Cosmopolitan’s Wicked Spoon Buffet. Caesars' Bacchanal Buffet has a $25 skip fee. A better strategy might be to go when it’s not busy.

June 04, 2018 09:48 MRI Agrees to Labor Contract:

MGM Resorts International has joined Caesars Entertainment, reaching a tentative labor agreement with the Culinary and Bartenders unions over the weekend. The pacts cover 18 of the of 34 resorts that were vulnerable to a strike. Details of the agreements have not been disclosed.

June 03, 2018 14:52 Warriors/Cavaliers Game 2 Line :

The Golden State Warriors are -12 favorites over the Cleveland Cavaliers in Game 2 of the NBA Championship series. The total is 215.

June 03, 2018 11:35 Bacchanal Bump:

The price of the Bacchanal Buffet weekend brunch and dinner has spiked by $10 to $59.99 and $69.99, respectively. These prices are in effect at least through Labor Day.

June 03, 2018 07:22 VGK Down 2-1 for the Cup:

With yesterday's 3-1 loss, the Vegas Golden Knights now trail the Washington Capitals 2-1 in the Stanley Cup Final. It's the first time Vegas has lost two playoff games in a row and Game 4 remains in Washington, scheduled for tomorrow evening. Read about this sorry state of affairs in Joe Pane's Knights on Ice blog post

June 03, 2018 06:59 Jackpot at Cosmo:

A Canadian man hit for $1.3 million at the Cosmopolitan last week on a Wheel of Fortune machine. It’s the second million-dollar jackpot at the Cosmo this year.

 

June 02, 2018 16:46 Golden Knights/Capitals Game 3 Line:

The Washington Capitals are -125 favorites over the Vegas Golden Knights in tonight's Game 3 of the NHL's Stanley Cup finals. The goal line is 5.5.

June 02, 2018 09:08 Delaware Will Take First Sports Bets:

The first sports bets placed outside of Nevada will be in Delaware. State officials have announced that betting will begin on Tuesday. Players will be required to bet in person -- at Delaware Park, Dover Downs Hotel-Casino, or Harrington Raceway & Casino -- until mobile apps are in place for online wagering. Most expected New Jersey to be first out, but Delaware already had enabling legislation on the books, allowing it to begin immediately.

June 02, 2018 08:50 Seven Out:

Vegas Seven magazine has been discontinued. It converted from hard copy to an online-only presence in September, but has now ceased publishing completely, leaving Las Vegas Weekly as the city’s only remaining high-profile alternative magazine.

June 01, 2018 16:03 ECan Update:

We've confirmed the Eastside Cannery closings referenced earlier in this space, along with the Deli. All of the closed venues are on the south side of the casino. No information regarding the reason for the move has been made public. 

June 01, 2018 12:45 Closings at ECan:

We're receiving reports of a major shut-down at Eastside Cannery. We've confirmed that Carve Steakhouse has closed, but we're also hearing that the sports book, sports book bar, and bingo room have also closed. We'll report when we get official word.

June 01, 2018 09:56 First Labor Agreement Announced:

It's being reported that a contract agreement has been reached between Caesars Entertainment and the Culinary Union. While the agreement is being called “tentative” and details of the terms have not been released, it’s a development that will likely lead to additional agreements and lessen the chances of a walkout in the interim.