At least 28,000 have done so over the two years-plus (probably more when you allow for the people still moving here). What are the likely consequences of Las Vegas‘ pegging its future on a one-trick economy? And is it going to be like one of those Rust Belt cities (like Pittsburgh) that turned it around or one of those (say, Detroit) that continues to decline?
Those questions and others are posed in a splendid article that connects most of the dots regarding Vegas’ economic plight. One of the most disturbing points raised by Las Vegas Sun reporter J. Patrick Coolican is that cities doing well at present tend to be ones that possessed robust institutions of higher learning — and invested in them. Neither can be said of Nevada’s dismal education system, the recipient of savage budgets, thanks to our governor and the ever-feckless Lege.
If Las Vegas’ future hinges on well-funded and -respected academic institutions, then the near-term prognosis is grim.
Speaking of Detroit, casino owners and politicians there may be casting a wary eye on rising pro-casino sentiment in Ohio. In whichever form casino gambling is legalized by Buckeye State voters, it stands to take a big bite out of Motown casino receipts — and sap state and local revenue collection, too. A helpful Detroit News map shows precisely which Detroit, Indiana, Pennsylvania and West Virginia casino operators have reason to be fretful about the emergence of a casino industry next door.
Like their Strip brethren, tribal powerhouses Mohegan Sun and Foxwoods Resort Casino went all-in … into debt, that is. Now that it’s time to pay the piper, they find themselves in binds comparable to those facing non-tribal casinos. However, they have fewer options for relief, as they discover the downside of being a tribal operation.
Dog’s breakfast at Tiffany’s. Few readers of this column can probably afford to buy anything at the Tiffany mega-boutique that will be part of the Crystals mall at CityCenter. However, it will make for some lovely window-shopping. (Click on the pictures to see them in a larger size.)
Atlantic City reprieve. Although New Jersey‘s three-way gubernatorial race is up for grabs, casino owners can take one consolation. Whichever of the two leading candidates is elected, continued opposition to racinos is promised.
