Spice up Valentine’s week with Marriage Can Be Murder! From February 12 to 15, this wildly entertaining murder-mystery comedy at the Rio promises love, laughter, and endless surprises. Treat yourself (and your date or crew) to a night packed with interactive fun, chocolates, champagne, and a rose — because this isn’t just a show; it’s an experience! We have two coupons for the show, an MRO ($20 off) and an MRB ($25 off). These four Valentine shows will be special and limited regular tickets are available for 2/12 and 2/15 (regular tickets are sold out on 2/13 and 2/14).
Sphere Entertainment has cut a deal with the state of Maryland, Prince George’s County and a D.C.-area real estate developer to build a third Sphere at National Harbor. This will be a smaller-scale arena with 6,000 seats, about one-third the size of the Vegas venue, and roughly the same size as the second Sphere, currently under construction in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates. The project will be financed with public and private funding, including approximately $200 million in state, local, and private incentives. The rendering making the rounds shows Sphere close to the Potomac River next to MGM National Harbor. National Harbor is a waterfront development on the Potomac, with a marina, convention center, outlet mall, carousel and Ferris wheel, and ferry terminal.
In a somewhat rare event, a new restaurant is opening in February at the Gold Coast. Charter 75 Modern Kitchen will serve breakfast, lunch, dinner, and cocktails; the website also mentions live entertainment and a late-night happy hour. After TGI Fridays closed a year ago, Cornerstone Café & Steakhouse expanded into some of that space, but before then, we can't remember when a new dining concept opened at the good old Gold Coast, walking distance from our office. It was probably Cornerstone, which replaced the old Cortez Room in 2016. Steak 'n Shake and Tacos El Pastor are also opening in the next couple of months.
The Multistate Lottery Association has announced an interesting new game that isn't so much about the money. Rather, some of the prizes, and the game itself, are meant to appeal to football fans. The details of the game, called X’s and O’s, haven't been revealed, but in partnership with the National Football League, a couple of prize ideas have been considered, such as a suite at the Super Bowl and announcing a draft pick from the NFL Draft podium for a winner's favorite team. Of course, cash will be part of the prize structure, including a jackpot. One detail has been divulged: Instead of numbers, tickets buyers will pick eight of the 32 NFL teams.
Hogs & Heifers Outpost has reopened at the Plaza. The popular biker-themed bar was kicked out of its former 20-year location at Third and Ogden when its lease finally ran out in early July, after which the owner bought the vacant lot at 307-319 S. Main St. across from the Plaza. When the Sand Dollar Downtown closed at the Plaza in December, H&H made a deal to open a pop-up bar for ... well, so far for as long as it takes to open the new place across the street. Reportedly, more than half the staff of 45 is employed at the Outpost. If you visit, H&H doesn't take credit cards; it's cash only.
An Apple TV series about Siegfried and Roy is taking shape. According to People magazine, "'Wild Things: Siegfried & Roy,' will chronicle the duo's rise to fame.' Jude Law (The Talented Mr. Ripley, Dr. Watson in Sherlock Holmes, Cold Mountain, The Grand Budapest Hotel, Gattaca) is playing Siegfried Fischbacher, while Andrew Garfield (The Social Network, The Amazing Spider-Man, Hacksaw Ridge, Tick, Tick ... Boom!) stars as Roy Horn. Variety wrote, “The duo push the concept of illusion versus reality to the extreme, personally and professionally, until tragedy reframes and opens a mystery surrounding their last fateful Las Vegas show.” We've had reports that some filming was done last week at El Cortez. The series is expected to premiere late this year or early next.
In the college-football National Championship, Indiana is a -7.5 favorite over Miami. The total is 46.5.
Blue Ribbon American Grill & Oyster Bar, which opened at the Cosmopolitan way back in 2010 shortly after the hotel-casino itself debuted, will close on February 16. It will be replaced by the Corner Bar that, according to the press release, "debuted in the SoHo district of New York City in late 2024 and has become one of the most coveted reservations in the country, a go-to destination for food enthusiasts and A-listers looking for elevated service, an energetic atmosphere, and a standout beverage program centered on creative martinis." The NY menu shows six martinis ($21-$22), along with $15 mashed potatoes and roasted carrots, $24 shrimp cocktail and Caesar salad, $37 vegetarian "chicken" parm, $65 eight-ounce filet, and $90 Dover sole. No word on an opening date, but Canada Roy assures us he'll be there to write the review.
Long predicted to be completed in time for the Summer Olympics in 2028 in Los Angeles, the Brightline West high-speed rail system between L.A. and Las Vegas might now be operational in "late 2029," according to a story in Newsweek. Construction activity continues along the route that follows I-15; crews are also working on the parking garage and train station at the terminus in Las Vegas on a 33-acre site off I-15 near the 215 freeway, close to the Las Vegas Premium Outlets South. Work commenced in 2024 and we wouldn't be surprised if the launch date is pushed back into the 2030s.
In today's NFC playoff game, the Los Angeles Rams are -4 favorites over the Chicago Bears. The total is 49.5.
In today's AFC playoff game, the New England Patriots are -3.5 favorites over the Houston Texans. The total is 41.
A guide took 8NewsNow, the local CBS affiliate, on a tour inside "the guts" of the Golden Gate, as part of the 120th anniversary celebration of Las Vegas' oldest hotel. The news crew went to the basement of the building, where a large room might've been the site of a bar during Prohibition and could be turned into something public someday. They also viewed a fountain hidden in what's now a back alcove of the building that dates to the earliest days of the hotel, Vegas' first building with running water. You can watch a pretty cool 3:41 video of the tour here.
In today's NFC playoff game, the Seattle Seahawks are -7 favorites over the San Francisco 49ers. The total is 44.
In today's AFC playoff game, the Denver Broncos are -1.5 favorites over the Buffalo Bills. The total is 45.5.
In a Bon Appetit story titled "The 10 Most Anticipated Restaurant Openings of 2026," Las Vegas claimed a spot. Maroon, a Caribbean steakhouse from celebrity chef, James Beard Award winner, author, and "Top Chef" star Kwame Onwuachi, is slated to open this spring in the space occupied by José Andrés’ Bazaar Meat. It will be Onwuachi's first West Coast restaurant and, as reported by Bon Appetit, "the first black-owned concept to hit the Vegas Strip." Named for the Maroons of Jamaica, descendants of Africans who escaped enslavement and created self-sufficient communities in the country's Blue Mountains, the restaurant will "reimagine the classic American steakhouse through the lens of Caribbean cuisine with jerk rubs and dry-aged cuts, live-fire cooking, scotch bonnet-infused sauces, grilled seafood, and vibrant sides rooted in West African, Jamaican, and Creole traditions," according to Travel & Leisure. As we wrote when it was announced last May, Maroon is definitely a coup for the Sahara and this is another sign.
Another big announcement of an even bigger project has quietly leached into desert dust. Atari, the video-game pioneer, announced plans to build themed hotels in eight cities, including Las Vegas. Here's what we wrote in January 2020. "Atari has inked a licensing agreement with a Phoenix developer to build Atari-branded hotels in eight U.S. cities: Phoenix, Denver, San Francisco, San Jose, Seattle, Chicago, Austin, and Las Vegas. They would include an e-sports studio, an Atari 'gaming playground,' meeting and event space, restaurants, bars, and a movie theater and would be aimed at families and business travelers." Two months later, COVID took over and, according to a story this morning in the Las Vegas Sun, "The company explored developing a location in Las Vegas in 2020 and 2021, but the deal didn’t come to fruition. As recently as 2024, Atari Hotels said it remained in talks with potential land partners in Las Vegas and anticipated a series of project announcements in the first half of that year." Those never happened either. For what it's worth, the Phoenix location is furthest along and could open by late 2028.
The Virginia-based Five Guys burger brand, celebrating its 40th anniversary this year, has opened its first outlet on the Las Vegas Strip. The 10,000-square-foot location, called a "flagship," is located in the Grand Canal Shoppes at the Venetian. It's the first Five Guys with a walk-up bar offering beer, wine, cocktails, and alcoholic milkshakes. It also features a dedicated non-alcoholic milkshake station and serves breakfast, one of the few in the U.S. that does (Five Guys breakfasts are common in the UK). Breakfast sandwiches consist of bacon and eggs, with optional burger patty. A glass-walled potato prep room showcases Five Guys' hand-cut fries. Best of all, we have a Member Rewards Online coupon for a 2-for-1 beer or wine and a Member Rewards Book coupon for a 2-for-1 yard-tall frozen cocktail.
The director of the wildly popular "Squid Game" series on Netflix is producing a new Korean series, "The Dealer." According to the press release, "'The Dealer' is a crime drama that follows Geonhwa, a brilliant casino dealer who, after a housing scam shatters her wedding plans, is forced to unleash her long-hidden powers." Her fiancé is a fierce (at work) but kindly (at home) detective, while another character is "a formidable casino ace whose razor-sharp instincts and unreadable poker face raise the stakes at every turn." No description of the villain(s), word on when it will debut, or how many seasons Netflix has signed on for, but we'll keep an eye out and provide updates as they arrive.
The STRAT is advertising a new "ALL-IN" offer. Rates start at $49 midweek and $105 weekends with no resort fee and taxes included and the deal comes with Tower admission for two and a $25 daily dining credit. Travel must be completed by October 31, so plenty of time to take advantage of it, and you can book here.
The Review-Journal reported this morning that Area15 will add nine eateries to its existing roster of a dozen or so, all in the second quarter of this year. The new places will be Alien Pizza Party, The Bowl (with high-tech robots preparing the food), Chilangos Tacos, Cosmic Pretzel, Fuku (from Momofuku's David Chang), Good Company Burgers, Museum of Ice Cream, Nacho Daddy, and Saint Honoré Doughnuts & Beignets. Bring you earplugs.
Caesars Palace has unveiled its two new Presidential Villas, located on the top 24th floor of the Colosseum Tower. You can book them separately or combine them into one palatial 19,000 square-foot suite, by far the largest in Las Vegas. They come with 24/7 butlers and so forth and if you have to ask how much they run for the night, fuhgeddabowdit. You can see some photos at TravelandLeisure, which if you're anything like us, will sweep away whatever spasmodic impulse you might suffer about sampling a stay in one of these steroidal sleepers.
Next time you're passing through the D Concourse at Reid International, keep an eye out for a 1972 Signal Red Jaguar XKE. The Jag was a gift from a boss of the Gambino crime family to John Gotti -- and now introduces the Mob Museum's new retail store at the D gates. The store "showcases the Museum’s storytelling, iconic artifacts, and curated merchandise," per the press release, "aiming to engage visitors with Las Vegas' organized crime history and provide a glimpse into what awaits downtown.” Especially if you've never been to the Mob Museum, the store will give you an impetus to visit. It's open daily from 5 a.m. to 9 p.m.
The Wing Bowl was an annual eating contest launched in 1993 in Philadelphia by two talk-radio hosts. The raucous spectacle was held the Friday before the Super Bowl through 2018, when it took a hiatus after the Philadelphia Eagles won the Big Game. This year, it's returning and will be held outside Philadelphia for the first time ever when it takes place downtown at the Plaza on Feb. 7, the Saturday before the game. The event has $5,000 in cash prizes at stake that 20 competitive eaters will vie for, including Molly Schuyer, defending Wing Bowl champion (2018), who holds the record of 501 wings. It will also feature the event's traditional cheerleaders, the Wingettes. They'll be dancers from Peppermint Hippo, the official after-party location. Tickets for spectators are free, but must be reserved online; Wing Bowl will also be streamed live on the Plaza's YouTube channel.
A new real estate record in Las Vegas was set when a condo located at the Summit Club in Summerlin sold for $21 million. The deluxe 5,000-square-foot five-bedroom, 5.5-bathroom penthouse is on the top (third) floor of the Club, but still has expansive views over the valley. It was bought in 2023 by a "tech and gaming investor" for $9.4 million, who never moved in due to construction delays; the buyer purchased the whole shebang, "right down to the silverware." You can see photos on Realtor.com.
A tweet on X yesterday announced that the Las Vegas Loop tunnel down Paradise toward the airport is being tested now for a probable opening sometime before the end of March; the tweet predicts "Q1" (first quarter) of 2026. It also said the trip from Resorts World, at the other end of the current Loop, will take about 12 minutes, using the tunnel and some surface roads until the Loop is completed all the way to the airport. Various follow-up media reports cite a $12 fare and a mere six minutes when the tunnel reaches Reid.
K-pop superstars BTS will make an epic 79-date world tour this year, returning to the stage after a four-year break while the seven group members acquitted themselves of South Korea's mandatory 18-month military service for young men between 18 and 28. Expected to be one of the biggest tours of the year, BTS and their record label BigHit/Hybe could gross more than $1 billion on the reunion tour from concerts, merchandise, licensing, album sales, and streaming revenue, according to Billboard. They'll appear at Allegiant Stadium, where they last played four dates in April 2022, on May 23, 24, and 27; early access to tickets is underway and general-public tickets will go on sale Saturday January 24.
As part of a 29-date tour, legendary singer-songwriter James Taylor will appear for two shows at the Chelsea Theater at the Cosmopolitan on May 9 and 10. Taylor will be accompanied by his long-time All-Star Band, featuring six musicians and three backup singers. Tickets go on sale to the general public on Friday at 10 a.m. PT.
The new display, celebrating the Lunar New Year, is open at the Bellagio Conservatory and Botanical Gardens. This is the Year of the Horse, which signifies courage, opportunity, and passion, and the Conservatory highlights the horse, of course, along with giant pandas, dancing children, jumping koi, and the King of Fortune. You can see photos at VegasChanges.com, which always posts them as soon as the new display is unveiled. It runs through February.
In today’s NFL Wild Card Playoff game, the Houston Texans are -3 favorites over the Pittsburgh Steelers. The total is 38.
The Queen of Hip-Hop Soul will play a 10-date residency (so far) at Dolby Live at Park MGM in May and July. Fifty-five-year-old Mary J. Blige is one of the most influential and acclaimed R&B artists of all time, known for blending hip-hop and soul in a way that revolutionized both genres and inspired generations of artists. Her breakthrough album was What's the 411? way back in 1992, featuring the enduring hits "Real Love" and "You Remind Me." In her career, she's earned nine Grammys, four American Music awards, and 12 Billboard Music awards, among numerous other honors, and has sold more than 80 million records worldwide. Also an actress, Blige received Oscar and Golden Globe nominations for Best Supporting Actress in the 2017 film Mudbound. "Mary J. Blige: My Life, My Story The Las Vegas Residency" will take place May 1, 2, 6, 8, and 9 and July 10, 11, 15, 17, and 18. Tickets to the public, which are sure to sell out fast, will be available on Friday at 10 a.m. PT.
We've been hearing scuttlebutt about the transformation of the Cromwell to the Vanderpump Hotel, branded by reality TV star and entrepreneur Lisa Vanderpump, The announced time frame was "early 2026," after extensive renovations to all 188 rooms and the casino, maintaining the boutique feel of the small hotel, while adding Vanderpump's signature style. Though we haven't seen an official announcement, Caesars' booking engine lists February 15 as the last day to stay at the Cromwell and April 13 as the first day to stay there after the closure, presumably at the renamed and rebranded property.
Indiana opened as a -7.5 favorite over Miami for the College Football National Championship and the line has moved to -8.5. The total is 49.
In today’s final NFL Wild Card Playoff game, the New England Patriots are -3.5 favorites over the San Diego Chargers. The total is 45.
In the second of three NFL Wild Card Playoff games today, the Philadelphia Eagles are -5.5 favorites over the San Francisco 49ers. The total is 44.5.
In the first of three NFL Wild Card Playoff games today, the Jacksonville Jaguars are -1.5 favorites over the Buffalo Bills. The total is 51.5.
The Comedy Writer's Companion is a new book by a long-time friend of LVA, John Vorhaus. We always like to promote a book by a colleague and personal connection, even if we didn't publish it and it doesn't have anything to do with Las Vegas or gambling. We're also fans of humor writing and the Companion is already being hailed as "the last word on comedy writing from the guy who wrote the first word." John also wrote The Comic Toolbox -- How to Be Funny Even If You're Not some 30 years ago, which has 600 ratings at 4.5 stars and scores of positive reviews. His other books include The Little Book of Sitcom (included in Companion), Killer Poker (2002), and seven novels, among many others. The Comedy Writer's Companion is available on Amazon for $15 (print) or $9.99 (ebook).
In today’s second NFL Wild Card Playoff game, the Green Bay Packers are -2 favorites over the Chicago Bears. The total is 45.5.
In the first of two NFL Wild Card Playoff games today, the Los Angeles Rams are -10 favorites over the Carolina Panthers. The total is 45.
In our first vlog update of the year, Anthony and Andrew start out by discussing the rebrand of NoMad at Park MGM, then they update the Dream situation on the south Strip, delve into detail about current events at Silver Sevens, including a return to live-dealer table games, and review the final results of the Circa Survivor contest. Anthony gives out the lines for the final college playoff games and the NFL playoffs, which segues into our new book All About Sports Betting. Finally, tune in for the discussion on this year's Member Rewards Book.
A study by SmartAsset, "Where Alcohol Is Most and Least Popular," ranked states based on the average spending per adult on private-consumption alcohol in 2024. It found that Americans spent $228 billion on alcoholic beverages for private consumption that year, with the average adult spending $898 each. Highest was Alaska, where each adult spent an average of $1,250 on booze, followed by Wyoming ($1,238), and Colorado ($1,216). The least were Utah ($607), West Virginia ($617), Mississippi ($641), Oklahoma ($691), and Tennessee ($694). Nevada placed 20th at $950, but we note that the survey studied alcohol spend; we imagine that if free drinks were included in SmartAsset's calculations, or better yet, gambling losses while earning the free drinks, Nevada would be number one, beating Alaska by orders of magnitude.
In today’s Peach Bowl, the second semi-final game in the college-football National Championship playoffs, Indiana is a -3 favorite over Oregon. The total is 50.
The Mob Museum will launch a new exhibit on a subject dear to our hearts: how Hollywood depicts Las Vegas (and gambling). “Filmed in Las Vegas: America’s Playground on the Silver Screen” will open next Friday with 11 original posters of movies that were produced and shown between 1941 and 1969, a time of burgeoning glamour, mob influence, and iconic entertainment; the era is epitomized by Ocean’s 11 (1960) and Viva Las Vegas (1964), whose posters are included. Vintage cards from theater lobbies, historic production photos, and a big story from a 1960 Las Vegas Sun on the filming of Ocean's 11 will also be on display.
The winner of the $983 million Mega Millions jackpot, who hit the six numbers the day before Thanksgiving in Newnan, Georgia, claimed the money on January 2. The winner took the $453.6 million cash option, rather than the annuity for the full amount; after all the taxes are accounted for, the total will be roughly $263 million. Georgia allows lottery winners of more than $250,000 to remain anonymous, which this winner chose to do. But we do know that by claiming the jackpot after the new year, the winner saved around $400,000 in state taxes; the Peach State lowered its flat state-tax rate from 5.19% in 2025 to 5.09% in 2026. In addition, the winner said that family members have “directly benefited” from Georgia Lottery-funded financial aid and tuition assistance and that the money will be turned into “generational wealth” and donations to good causes.
In today’s Fiesta Bowl, the first semi-final game in the college-football National Championship playoffs, Miami is a -3 favorite over Mississippi. The total is 53.5.
Country star Chris Stapleton will appear at Dolby Live/Park MGM on Feb. 4 and 5. Rapper songwriter Cardi B will play T-Mobile on Feb 13.
Singer-songwriter, multi-instrumentalist, and producer Bruno Mars shows his enduring love for Las Vegas by kicking off his 2026 stadium tour at Allegiant on April 10. Spanish (Catalonian) singer-songwriter Rosalía will play T-Mobile on June 27. Pop, R&B, and soul British singer-songwriter Olivia Deano will do one show at MGM Grand Garden Arena on July 18. Big day for concerts: English singer-songwriter, guitarist, and global sensation Ed Sheeran will fill up Allegiant Stadium that same night. Rapper songwriter Doja Cat is scheduled for Halloween, Oct. 31, at T-Mobile.
A new study by SmartAsset found that four geographic locations in southern Nevada placed in the top six destinations for net migration in 2023. SmartAsset ranked 164 of the largest U.S. cities and all 50 states based on the net number of retirees, assumed to be people aged 60 and over, moving in and out. Mesa, Arizona, placed first on the city list, with 4,941 seniors moving in and 2,897 moving out for a net of 2,044. North Las Vegas ranked second (net 1,420), followed by Paradise, Oklahoma City, Spring Valley, and Henderson. Added up, North Las Vega, Paradise, Spring Valley, and Henderson had a net migration of 5,342. SmartAsset estimates that roughly one million crossed state lines to find a new home in 2023; statewide, Nevada placed seventh with a net migration of 5,782, behind Florida, North Carolina, Arizona, South Carolina, Georgia, and Texas. Way way down at the bottom of the list is California, number 50, with a net outmigration of more than 50,000.
Out of 18,718 entries in the Circa Survivor football contest, only five survived to finish 20-0. They split the record prize of $18.7 million to win $3.74 million each on a $1,000 entry. Two women were among them, the first time one woman has won Survivor, let alone two. One is remaining anonymous, though the other is a 25-year-old nursing student who partnered with a couple of poker pros. Other winning teams consisted of eight poker players and two poker players. Six entries started the final Sunday of the season and the one that was eliminated also went 19-1 last to lose on the last game. We like his philosophical take on the second bad beat in a row. He tweeted, "I'm sad. Second year in a row we’ve gone 19-1, so the feeling is quite familiar. But as a seasoned vet, we’re on to the next." Now that's a pro.
A funny story that ranks the fruit symbols on slot machines was posted this morning on CasinoReports.com. It's a list that "nobody asked for: definitively rank every fruit that appears on slot machines. From worst to first. Scientifically. Objectively. Fruitfully." Lemons, of course, are number 10, the lowest, because no one eats a lemon; "even the slots know lemons suck." Pineapples are number six: "Pineapples are a pain to eat. You need a knife. Sometimes a machete. Perhaps even a wife. That’s too much work for a fruit." It's worth the few minutes to brighten your day and you can read it here.
The big news this morning is about the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office rejecting the MLB's application to trademark the names “Las Vegas Athletics” and “Vegas Athletics.” It's the second time the Patent Office has disbelieved, so to speak, the team's eligibility to claim the name. Apparently, there's not enough evidence for the Office's purposes that this team actually exists. "No such team has acquired distinctiveness in the marketplace, as required for a trademark. There are no sales figures, advertising spend, media recognition, and consumer perception," the rejecting Patent Office examiner wrote. And with good reason: After all, the Oakland A's now play in Sacramento, a long way off from Las Vegas, not to mention two geographic locations removed, and they're not scheduled to start their home games here for two more years. In essence, the USPTO is saying to the MLB (which submitted the application), Try again when the stadium is completed and the team is playing there, at which time we'll reconsider.
JSX is a "hop-on service" flying 30-seat jets from private terminals, bypassing crowded commercial airports with quick check-in and faster security. It offers business-class amenities (legroom, free wifi, snacks, and drinks) at fares that are competitive with traditional airlines. JSX is having a sale currently, with a number of $179 flights from Burbank to Las Vegas, a good opportunity for southern Californians to give this non-traditional air experience a try. Tickets must be purchased by Monday for flights through March 14. You can do that here.
The $600 million upgrade of the Las Vegas Convention Center has been completed just in time for the huge CES tradeshow, which starts today. The renovation impacted all 4.6 million square of the Convention Center and the Central Hall, last to be transformed, opened yesterday. The improvement project started in 2023, following the opening of the new West Hall, which fronts the Strip, in 2021; the original North, South, and Central halls were refurbished in order to match the standard set by the West Hall. The project was paid for primarily by a dedicated 0.5% room tax increase, passed by the Nevada Legislature in 2017.
Last month, the median price for a Las Vegas single-family house was $470,000, a decline of 1.1% year over year and nearly 4% from November's all-time high of $489,000. Condos/townhomes dropped as well to $275,000, a full $40,000 lower than the high set in October 2024. The nearly 6,400 houses for sale at the end of December rose 29% over the inventory a year ago, while unsold condos were up 32%. For the year, just under 28,500 properties were sold in southern Nevada, down by 2,800 from 2024 and the lowest number of annual sales since 2007 just before the Great Recession. The total was also down a whopping 43% from the peak year of 2021, when 50,010 properties were sold. Not only visitation is slowing down in Vegas.
The Las Vegas Raiders have fired head coach Pete Carroll after a single season in the position. They're now searching for their fifth head coach in five years. After yesterday's win over the Kansas City Chiefs and the New York Giants' beating the Dallas Cowboys, the Raiders clinched the number-one pick in the 2026 draft for the third time. Presumably, they'll select the best college quarterback, given the team has run through seven QBs since 2023, including the latest, Geno Smith, whose 17 interceptions in 15 games led the league. The odds are on Indiana quarterback and Heisman Trophy winner Fernando Mendoza. Finally, this year's record of 3 wins and 14 losses ties 2006 for the most losses in a season in franchise history.
Plans have been unveiled for the long-awaited Las Vegas Museum of Art. The 60,000-square-foot freestanding building will be located in downtown’s Symphony Park area in the vicinity of the Smith Center. The land was donated to the project by the city and the late Elaine Wynn endowed it with a "substantial gift." Reportedly, the LVMA will cost roughly $200 million and is scheduled for completion in 2029. You can see renderings of the museum and get more details at ArtNet.com.
The NFL's regular season ended yesterday. The Raiders beat the Chiefs on a last-minute field goal for their first win in 11 games and third of the year. With the playoff teams set, the consensus among bookmakers is that the Seattle Seahawks are the team to beat in the Super Bowl, +400 at BetMGM. The L.A. Rams follow close behind at +425, then the Denver Broncos (+650), Philadelphia Eagles (+900), Buffalo Bills and New England Patriots (+1000), Houston Texans (+1200), and Jacksonville Jaguars (+1400). The other six teams are all +2000 or more, with the Carolina Panthers last at +15000.
The Baltimore Ravens are -4.5 favorites over the Pittsburgh Steelers in tonight’s Sunday Night Football game. The total is 42.
The last time we wrote about the Raiders was after their first game of the season, which they won. We commented that it was one of the only times since the team moved to Las Vegas in 2020 that they posted a winning record. We didn't say it out loud, but we suspected that it would be the last. Today, the Raiders play their final game of the season -- with a record of 2 wins and 14 losses, the worst in the league. The second win was on October 12; since then, they've lost 10 in a row. At Allegiant Stadium, they'll face arch-rival Kansas City Chiefs, who beat them 31-0 the last time they played, but are 6-10 for the year and will miss the playoffs for the first time in 13 years. The line is Chiefs -5.5, but the action is so minimal that Boomer's, the new independent book in Nevada, told the Review-Journal yesterday evening, "No action whatsoever. Right now, betting on that game is nonexistent.” Better luck next year.
Andiamo at the D is an Italian steakhouse that reminds us of old Vegas (with Detroit roots). In its 13th year, it's one of the more popular and well-reviewed restaurants downtown, especially on a comp. It's pricey, with appetizers in the $26-$34 range, seafood starting at $46 and steaks $58, and pasta in the $40s and $50s. But the restaurant has just introduced a prix fixe dinner Sun.-Thursday. It includes a choice of appetizers (Caesar, sausage and peppers, and fried calamari), entrees (steak, salmon, chicken), and dessert (tiramisu, cheesecake). The price is $75 per person, about what you'd pay for a steak alone off the main menu. It looks to us like a fine way to sample what Andiamo has to offer at a reasonable fare. You can make reservations here.
With the massive New Year's holiday crowds in the rearview mirror, the Consumer Electronics Show invades Las Vegas starting today. The main show, expected to attract upwards of 145,000 attendees, launches on Tuesday, but media days and some events, including keynotes from major companies, will take place over this weekend for previews and product launches. Most of the attention of the convention will be on the integration of artificial intelligence in various and sundry devices, especially in physical AI (robots, autonomous vehicles) and edge computing; continued advancements in automotive tech, health tech (wearables), immersive displays (mini-LED), and sustainable electronics will also take center stage. CES runs through Friday.
In today’s Holiday Bowl, SMU is a -3 favorite over Arizona. The total is 55.
In today’s Mayo Bowl, Mississippi State is a -3 favorite over Wake Forest. The total is 52.5.
In today’s Liberty Bowl, Navy is a -7.5 favorite over Cincinnati. The total is 58.5.
In today’s Armed Forces Bowl, Texas State is a -19.5 favorite over Rice. The total is 55.5.
For the 11th month in a row, the number of visitors to Las Vegas dropped from the same month in 2024. November's 3.14 million visitors declined 5.2% from the 3.31 million year over year. The spin is that it's the second month of "only" a 4%-5% decrease, after the 8%-10% over the summer. For the year, roughly 2.8 million fewer visitors showed up here, down 7.4%. Hotel occupancy was 79.4% in November, down from 81.4% in November 2024. Weekend occupancy was 88.3%, down from 89.1% a year ago, while weekdays were 75%, down from 77%. The average daily room rate was $193 in November, down 2.9% year over year. On the Strip it was $208.39 compared to $212.49. It was $94.08 in downtown, a decline from $104.50.
In today’s Sugar Bowl, the fourth quarter-final game in the college-football National Championship playoffs, Georgia is a -6 favorite over Mississippi. The total is 54.5.
In today’s Rose Bowl, the third quarter-final game in the college-football National Championship playoffs, Indiana is a -7.5 favorite over Alabama. The total is 46.5.
It rained a third of an inch yesterday here and though the steady downpour dampened spirts a bit and caused a little flooding on the Strip, the fireworks and drone show went off on schedule. Organizers determined that there was no danger in putting on the show and everything went off without a hitch. (Boulder City officials, however, canceled the town's New Year's Eve street party due to the rain and concerns over outdoor electrical systems.) The fireworks erupted from 10 rooftops on the Strip, including the STRAT's, and those who braved the wet and cold (45 degrees at midnight) wore ponchos and held umbrellas. The crowds were a little thinner than usual and a smoke advisory was issued by authorities as the fireworks haze lingered due to calm winds and a temperature inversion. Downtown crowds had an easier time of it, being more protected by the canopy and buildings. But all in all, it was another successful "America's Party" to welcome 2026.