Poll : 15 May - 28 May 2019

From the list I voted for Anthony Curtis, Boyd, Phil Ruffin, the Fertittas, and Michael Gaugan, Mr Curtis's opinion has long been  integral, and influential in Vegas, Mr Boyd, Fertittas and Gaugan have made Boyd Gaming, Station Casinos and specialy in It's time Coast casinos ( my former favorite), into more than just locals joints, they made them what they are today, an integral part of vegas, they are not just for locals, they are for everybody, they still drive the hospitality, value, service, fun, more bang for your buck, that vegas was known for way back when. South Point CAsino is a great example of what Coast was and could still be, I think when Boyd took over The orleans, Gold Coast, Sun Coast lost some of it's charm, it became a bit more corporate, it's a shame, though they are still great choices, but they dont have that special Gaugan touch ( Jacky had and Michael has that special touch). Steve Wynn deserves to be in the list and I still vote for him as most influential.

I took this to mean those who have the means to make large and meaningful changes to the LV landscape. The mayor of LV and the governor of NV are obvious choices. Owners of one or two or three casinos cannot qualify, INHO. Michael Gaughan is the best casino operator in town...but that doesn't make him "influential". James Murren on the other hand does have influence via his position and his contacts. The other strip casinos will follow what the MGM espouses.

To me, the biggest influences in Vegas today are those that publicize the city in a positive way. Good vibes are what keep people interested in (and traveling to) Las Vegas. So I voted for all these because of the nationwide appeal. The owner of the Golden Knights, Penn and Teller (because of their promotion with their TV show, James Holzhauer because of all the buzz with his Jeopardy! run, and "other" for the Oakland (soon to be Las Vegas) Raiders for the stadium and the massive publicity with the NFL.

No footprint on the Las Vegas landscape is comparable, collectively, to the Golden Nugget, Treasure Island, Mirage, Bellagio, and Wynn/Encore.  Steve Wynn out 'did' each next one in glitz and glamour, fit and finish, unique eye popping attractions, e.g. the Volcano, the Tigers/Secret Garden, the Pirate Show, the Conservatory, the Bellagio Fountains, the Cirque shows (wasn't Mystere the first?).  Featured in two popular movies (Vegas Vacation and Ocean's 11) many get their Vegas fix from watching them over and over; and by many who may never get to see them in person.  Though Steve is MIA right now, those hotels and attractions represent his influence then, now, and ongoing.  They top most lists of things to see, take photos of and tell the folks back home about.  Who else has done so much for the Las Vegas image (and is still living, as far as we know)?  Steve Wynn didn't build Hoover Dam, but he would have if it hadn't already been done.

Adelson, for destroying the Sands; Murren, for pioneering parking charges; Stevens, for transplanting the Strip megaresort mentality downtown; and Icahn--the only one even arguably positive--for cleaning up after the others, usually by buying them out of bankruptcy: Stratosphere, FontaineDrew, Caesars...and whoever's next (maybe Resorts World?)

Another choice for most influential is Anthony Curtis.  He is regularly featured in the media due to being recognized as an expert on gambling related and Las Vegas related topics.  The Las Vegas Advisor has reached so many folks, I have no idea how many but has to be legions.  He has amassed for this publication of staff and writers of unparalleled knowledge of all things Vegas and the skill to reach, inform, and entertain readers through their writings.  I suspect that many Vegas vacations have been planned using information from the Advisor.  Hotel, dining, entertainment, sports, deals, so many categories valuable to anyone who cares a lick about Las Vegas, kept current and relevant.  Can't think of anyone who reaches more folks daily. 

I'm a local and voted for those whom I considered to be positive influences on Las Vegas which would exclude some on the list like Harry Reid and Steve Sisolak.  My votes were for: Anthony Curtis for obvious reason as he has had such a positive influence for both locals and tourists for the longest period of anyone else on the list; Sheldon Adelson and Phil Ruffin as they do not charge for parking; Penn Jillete (and Teller), as every year they give 2 free tickets to their show for donating blood around the Christmas holidays, when the need is the greatest of the year.  To my knowledge, no other headliner comes close to giving back in this way.  I clicked "other" and want to add Donald Trump, since his policies have had a positive effect on the economy of Las Vegas especially when compared to the last administration.

The poll is useless without Steve Wynn's name. It will give you second, third, forth etc. places but not the most influential. Just because he personally isn't being in the public eye anymore does not remove all of the structures that he is responsible for. By not including his name for the thinnest of reasons slants the poll and almost assures he will not be voted number 1. You included Harry Reid who doesn't deserve to be on this list unless politics plays a roll and he hasn't been in the public eye for years.  

James Holtzhauer is the positive, making LV look smart while showing that gambling is still in integral part of the town.
Adelson for the negative, showing how money buys Politicians.

Oops, now I remember the name that was nagging me for at least being VERY influential--Steve Cyr.  He didn't make the list, and I don't know if he is still around.  But no doubt he brought a lot of high roller money into Las Vegas, prompting the corporations to compete for their interests.  I confess this came to me reading today's QOD, the "infrastructure" necessary to attract so-called whales.  "Whale Hunt" is a super read, BTW.

One vote for Steve Cyr, please!

He has transformed downtown into a respectable place.  Circa won’t be just another joint - looks like the pool area with the huge TV will be the first of its kind.  I could see it becoming a “must-see” for out of towers and that will draw traffic from the strip.