Category Archives: Boulder Strip

Strip sux but locals steadfast; Virgin LV loses its virginity

Posted on March 26, 2021 by David McKee

Things simply have to get better on the Las Vegas Strip. Not even a Feb. 15 capacity increase saved some casinos from perdition. Let’s hope February represented a bottoming-out of gaming revenues, as tourists starting flocking back this month. Strip … Continue reading →

Posted in Architecture, Boulder Strip, Boyd Gaming, Caesars Entertainment, California, Dining, Downtown Grand, Economy, Entertainment, Illinois, Internet gambling, Lake Tahoe, Las Vegas Raiders, Laughlin, Mesquite, MGM Resorts International, Michigan, North Las Vegas, Penn National, Pennsylvania, PokerStars, Regulation, Reno, Technology, The Strip, Virgin Hotels, Wendover | 1 Comment

Las Vegas: Are happy days here again?; Sands dibs NYC

Posted on March 19, 2021 by David McKee

As we’ve often said, when the American economy gets the flu (literally, in this case), Las Vegas catches pneumonia. During the depths of the Covid-19 pandemic, unemployment in Vegas levitated to 34%. Today it is a still-unhealthy 10.5%. Nonetheless, the … Continue reading →

Posted in Architecture, Australia, Bally, Boulder Strip, Boyd Gaming, Caesars Entertainment, California, Churchill Downs, CQ Holdings, Crown Resorts, Economy, Entertainment, Florida, Golden Nugget, Hard Rock International, Health, Indiana, Internet gambling, Japan, Las Vegas Sands, Louisiana, Massachusetts, New York, North Carolina, Penn National, Spectacle Entertainment, Sports betting, The Strip, Tribal, William Hill, Wynn Resorts | 1 Comment

Wall Street meets Las Vegas, Part II

Posted on March 16, 2021 by David McKee

Station Casinos dispatched Executive Vice President Rodney Atamian to meet with JP Morgan analysts last week. According to Joseph Greff, he reported, “solid/improving visitation and spend per visit trends.” A possible increase in Nevada casino-capacity limits to 50% should propel … Continue reading →

Posted in Boulder Strip, Boyd Gaming, Caesars Entertainment, Downtown, Economy, FanDuel, Golden Gaming, Hawaii, Health, Internet gambling, Las Vegas Sands, Louisiana, Macau, Marketing, Maryland, Massachusetts, MGM Resorts International, Nevada, New Jersey, Palms, Penn National, Pennsylvania, Slot routes, Sports betting, Station Casinos, The Strip, Tourism, Wall Street, William Hill, Wynn Resorts | 3 Comments

Vegas locals strong, Strip stinks; Economic boom foreseen

Posted on February 25, 2021 by David McKee

Even with $600 extra in their pockets, gamblers could not be lured back to the Las Vegas Strip last month. Strip revenues of $321.5 million represented a 44% implosion from 2020. Statewide, the falloff was 26.5% to $762 million. Once … Continue reading →

Posted in AGA, Atlantic City, Boulder Strip, Caesars Entertainment, Carl Icahn, Churchill Downs, Cordish Co., Derek Stevens, Dining, Downtown, Economy, Election, Health, history, Horseracing, Illinois, International, Kentucky, Lake Tahoe, Laughlin, Maryland, Mesquite, MGM Resorts International, Nevada, North Las Vegas, Pennsylvania, Reno, Security, Sports, Sports betting, Tennessee, The Strip, Tourism, Transportation, Wall Street, Wendover | 3 Comments

Boyd better than expected; Marching through Georgia

Posted on February 20, 2021 by David McKee

Boyd Gaming leaked January data, what Wall Street calls “offered an encouraging commentary,” to help put an upbeat spin on its 4Q20 numbers. It worked like a charm. JP Morgan analyst Joseph Greff moved his price target up $8 to … Continue reading →

Posted in Alabama, Boulder Strip, Boyd Gaming, Cretins, Downtown, Economy, Entertainment, FanDuel, Florida, Foxwoods, Georgia, Hawaii, Health, Illinois, Lotteries, MGM Resorts International, Nevada, Pennsylvania, Politics, Resort fees, South Carolina, Sports, Sports betting, The Strip, Tony Hsieh, Tourism, Virgin Hotels, Wall Street | 3 Comments

Las Vegas recovery: A definite maybe; Woe at Sands

Posted on January 28, 2021 by David McKee

First, the bad news. Las Vegas emerged from a December that was just plain awful, as discretionary income continues to dry up. Las Vegas Strip win plummeted 51% to $292 million. Statewide, gambling revenue toppled 35.5% for $684 million, an … Continue reading →

Posted in AGA, Alex Yemenidjian, Arizona, Boulder Strip, Caesars Entertainment, California, China, Conventions, Derek Stevens, Downtown, Economy, Health, Internet gambling, Japan, Lake Tahoe, Las Vegas Sands, Laughlin, LVCVA, Macau, Melco Resorts & Entertainment, Mesquite, Mohegan Sun, New York, North Las Vegas, Reno, Sheldon Adelson, Singapore, South Korea, Sports betting, Texas, The Strip, Tilman Fertitta, Tourism, Wall Street, Wendover, Wynn Resorts | 3 Comments

Profile in cowardice; Sheldon Adelson’s ghost

Posted on January 27, 2021 by David McKee

We were sure this was a story from The Onion or the Babylon Bee but, no, it’s really a thing. Rodney Baker has resigned as CEO of Great Canadian Gaming Corp. after bringing disgrace upon it with a vaccination caper … Continue reading →

Posted in Architecture, Boulder Strip, Boyd Gaming, Caesars Entertainment, Canada, Churchill Downs, Cretins, Culinary Union, DraftKings, FanDuel, Health, Illinois, Indiana, Law enforcement, MGM Resorts International, PointsBet, Politics, Regulation, Sheldon Adelson, Sports, Sports betting, Tennessee, Tribal, Wall Street, William Hill, Wynn Resorts | 2 Comments

Circa debut boosts Downtown; Lots of moving, shaking predicted for ’21

Posted on December 29, 2020 by David McKee

Although casinos across the nation have been swooning in November, results in Nevada—which we feared would take it worse than average—were in line with national trends, a victory of sorts. Statewide, gaming win fell 18% and the Las Vegas Strip, … Continue reading →

Posted in Boulder Strip, Boyd Gaming, Caesars Entertainment, Cirque du Soleil, Derek Stevens, Dotty's, Downtown, Economy, Failsinos, Fontainebleau, GLPI, Internet gambling, Lake Tahoe, Las Vegas Sands, Laughlin, Mesquite, MGM Resorts International, Nevada, North Las Vegas, Palms, Planet Hollywood, Regulation, Reno, Resorts World LV, Seminole Tribe, Sheldon Adelson, Sports, Sports betting, Station Casinos, The Rio, The Strip, Virgin Hotels, Wendover, William Hill | 2 Comments

In case you missed it …

Posted on December 14, 2020 by David McKee

Pennsylvania closed all its casinos Sunday, starting with Rivers Casino Pittsburgh at 12 a.m. The shutdown is to last until Jan 4. The Keystone State joins Michigan (until Dec. 20, probably longer) and Illinois (indefinite). In Nevada, although Covid-19 is … Continue reading →

Posted in Boulder Strip, Boyd Gaming, Caesars Entertainment, Connecticut, Conventions, Downtown, FanDuel, Foxwoods, Health, Las Vegas Sands, Lotteries, Louisiana, Marketing, Massachusetts, MGM Resorts International, Michigan, Mohegan Sun, Nevada, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, Scientific Games, Sports betting, The Strip, Tribal, West Virginia, Wynn Resorts | 2 Comments

Tex Adelson rides again

Posted on December 11, 2020 by David McKee

Fresh from trying to afflict the country with another four years of Donald Trump, mega-mogul Sheldon Adelson is turning his eyes upon Texas. He’s readying a crack team of lobbyists, including Karen Rove, to descend upon the Lege when it … Continue reading →

Posted in AGA, Atlantic City, Boulder Strip, Cosmopolitan, Economy, Election, Florida, Hard Rock International, Health, Horseracing, International, Japan, Las Vegas Raiders, Las Vegas Sands, Law enforcement, Lotteries, Marijuana, New York, Politics, Sheldon Adelson, Taxes, Texas, Tilman Fertitta, Tribal | 2 Comments

A tale of two Nevadas

Posted on November 24, 2020 by David McKee

October was a tale of two Nevadas, one of which (the north) did quite well whilst the other did not. Gaming revenue statewide was down 19.5%, with the Las Vegas Strip acting as a drag anchor, minus 30% at $375 … Continue reading →

Posted in Atlantic City, Australia, Boulder Strip, Caesars Entertainment, Crown Resorts, Downtown, Economy, Elaine Wynn, Entertainment, Golden Gaming, Health, Lake Tahoe, Las Vegas Raiders, Laughlin, Mesquite, Nevada, North Las Vegas, Palms, Real Estate, Reno, Resorts World LV, Sports, Sports betting, Station Casinos, Technology, The Strip, Wendover, Westgate LV, Wynn Resorts | 4 Comments

Strip drags down Nevada; Station, MGM upgraded

Posted on October 28, 2020 by David McKee

Gambling revenue in September on the Las Vegas Strip plunged 39% to $355 million, driving the worst of a 22% decline in Nevada win. By contrast, Reno and Lake Tahoe were beacons of hope, up 3.5% and 36% respectively. Downtown … Continue reading →

Posted in Boulder Strip, Colorado, Cretins, Downtown, DraftKings, Economy, Indiana, Lake Tahoe, Laughlin, Law enforcement, Mesquite, MGM Resorts International, Nevada, New Jersey, North Las Vegas, Reno, Sports betting, The Strip, Wall Street, Wendover | Comments Off on Strip drags down Nevada; Station, MGM upgraded

Strip lags Nevada

Posted on September 30, 2020 by David McKee

Silver State gaming revenues were down 22% last month, largely retarded by the Las Vegas Strip (-39%), while locals revenues showed remarkable strength, rising 10%—particularly impressive given the high level of unemployment in Nevada. The statewide gross was $743 million: … Continue reading →

Posted in Boulder Strip, Boyd Gaming, Derek Stevens, Downtown, Economy, Lake Tahoe, Mesquite, MGM Resorts International, Mississippi, Nevada, North Las Vegas, Reno, Station Casinos, The Strip, Wall Street, Wendover | Comments Off on Strip lags Nevada

Station hearts Reno; Caesars sued

Posted on September 11, 2020 by David McKee

In a speedy flip-flop, Station Casinos has recommitted to the Reno market. Its two parcels in that city (one opposite the convention center) popped up on a real estate-listing site Sept. 5. Less than a week later, Station had yanked … Continue reading →

Posted in Architecture, Boulder Strip, Caesars Entertainment, California, Economy, Health, history, Nevada, New Jersey, Palms, Reno, Station Casinos, Tribal | Comments Off on Station hearts Reno; Caesars sued

Locals salvage Nevada results; Prez betting odds tighten

Posted on August 26, 2020 by David McKee

July revenue numbers are in for Nevada (-26% statewide) and the Strip is expectedly poor, down 39% ($330 million) and locals play is unexpectedly strong, off only 8% from last year. The statewide gross was $757 million and locals slot … Continue reading →

Posted in Boulder Strip, Boyd Gaming, Conventions, Downtown, Economy, Election, Health, Lake Tahoe, Laughlin, Mesquite, Pennsylvania, Reno, Security, Station Casinos, Technology, The Strip, Wall Street, Wendover | Comments Off on Locals salvage Nevada results; Prez betting odds tighten

Keystone State casinos go begging; IRS: DFS is gambling

Posted on August 19, 2020 by David McKee

What if they gave a casino and nobody came? How about six casinos? That’s the problem faced by Pennsylvania, whose Lege over-optimistically authorized 10 satellite casinos, dollar signs dancing in their heads. The first couple of rounds of bidding were … Continue reading →

Posted in Boulder Strip, Boyd Gaming, DFS, Indiana, Internet gambling, Japan, Massachusetts, MGM Resorts International, Pennsylvania, Politics, Regulation, Slot routes, Station Casinos, Taxes, Technology, Wynn Resorts | 2 Comments

Chilly June in Las Vegas

Posted on July 30, 2020 by David McKee

June revenue on the Las Vegas Strip plunged 61% to $238 million. Locals revenue was down 28% (those stimulus checks only go so far). Statewide, it wasn’t quite so bad, off 46% to $567 million. Casinos reopened June 4, which … Continue reading →

Posted in Boulder Strip, Boyd Gaming, Downtown, Economy, International, Lake Tahoe, Laughlin, Mesquite, North Las Vegas, Reno, Station Casinos, The Strip, Tourism, Transportation, Wendover | 4 Comments

Shopping the Trop; Nobu no-no

Posted on July 26, 2020 by David McKee

An unnamed hotel-casino on the Las Vegas Strip is being quietly advertised on private-equity forums. It’s listed as a “brand name” property that’s been in operation for over 30 years. The age would seem to suggest The Mirage (born 1989) … Continue reading →

Posted in Affinity Gaming, Boulder Strip, Boyd Gaming, California, CityCenter, Connecticut, Cosmopolitan, Current, Dining, Downtown, Election, GLPI, Hard Rock International, Health, Hooters, Las Vegas Sands, Law enforcement, Louisiana, Massachusetts, Maverick Gaming, MGM Resorts International, Mohegan Sun, Nevada, North Las Vegas, Penn National, Planet Hollywood, Politics, Real Estate, Sheldon Adelson, Singapore, Station Casinos, The Rio, The Strip, Transportation, Tribal, Twin River, Virgin Hotels, Wall Street, Wynn Resorts | Comments Off on Shopping the Trop; Nobu no-no

Las Vegas: The first shall be last

Posted on July 15, 2020 by David McKee

Don’t stay up late waiting for business in Las Vegas to return to “normal” levels. Sin City is uniquely vulnerable to downturns in the U.S. economy (think of the Great Recession) and a trailing indicator of gambling’s health. The prime … Continue reading →

Posted in Alabama, Aristocrat, Atlantic City, Boulder Strip, Boyd Gaming, China, Conventions, Downtown, Economy, Eldorado Resorts, Florida, G2E, Hard Rock International, Health, Las Vegas Sands, LVCVA, Macau, Melco Resorts & Entertainment, Ohio, Penn National, Technology, The Strip, Transportation, Wall Street, Wynn Resorts | 1 Comment

Chicago compromise effected

Posted on July 8, 2020 by David McKee

Windy City Mayor Lori Lightfoot (D) may have won a battle but is still losing the war. The Illinois Lege has passed—and Gov. J.B. Pritzker (D) has signed—a ‘relaxation of Chicago‘s 72% casino tax, a burden so onerous it would … Continue reading →

Posted in Boulder Strip, Caesars Entertainment, California, Environment, Greenwood Racing, Health, Illinois, Internet gambling, MGM Resorts International, Michigan, North Las Vegas, Oklahoma, Politics, Sports betting, Station Casinos, Taxes, The Strip, Tribal | Comments Off on Chicago compromise effected