Category Archives: Donald Trump

Confidence or desperation?

Posted on March 31, 2010 by David McKee

Casino operators must be feeling very bullish about recent, incremental increases in visitation to Las Vegas, even though customers continue to spend less. (This is the new business model which the industry as a whole is loath to acknowledge: being … Continue reading →

Posted in Cirque du Soleil, Current, Donald Trump, Economy, Entertainment, Harrah's, Marketing, MGM Mirage, Pennsylvania, Phil Ruffin, Planet Hollywood, Sahara, The Strip, Tribal, TV | 2 Comments

Solitude at Trump

Posted on March 30, 2010 by David McKee

As the old saying goes, I have so much to do that I am going to bed. Actually, no, but I’m still wrapping my feeble brain around the double-whammy of the Station Casinos bankruptcy proposal and the brewing triads-at-Sands Macao … Continue reading →

Posted in Donald Trump, Economy, Macau, Pennsylvania, Phil Ruffin, Regulation, Sheldon Adelson, Station Casinos, Steve Wynn, The Mob, The Strip, Tourism | 7 Comments

White-out in Atlantic City

Posted on March 11, 2010 by David McKee

Thirty-seven inches of snow in February was a problem Atlantic City could do very well without. While the white stuff takes some of the edge off the sobering realization that the Boardwalk is -34% since February 2006, you know the … Continue reading →

Posted in Atlantic City, Boyd Gaming, Carl Icahn, Colony Capital, Columbia Sussex, Current, Donald Trump, Economy, Harrah's, MGM Mirage, Pennsylvania, Tropicana Entertainment | Comments Off on White-out in Atlantic City

Quote of the Day

Posted on March 2, 2010 by David McKee

“I have a special place in my heart for Atlantic City. Atlantic City will reach new heights when the economy turns around.” — TV star and sometime casino owner Donald Trump, who apparently is privy to economic indicators unavailable to … Continue reading →

Posted in Atlantic City, Donald Trump, Economy | 2 Comments

Quote of the Day

Posted on February 25, 2010 by David McKee

“I know Carl [Icahn] better than my lawyers and Carl spends nothing. I would be surprised if he spent $3 … If Carl spends 10 cents, it’s a major event.” — exiled, orange-hued casino CEO Donald Trump, dissing rival Icahn … Continue reading →

Posted in Atlantic City, Carl Icahn, Current, Donald Trump | 3 Comments

Case Bets: “Viva Elvis,” Loveman in Macao, Icahn in A.C., etc.

Posted on February 24, 2010 by David McKee

Viva Elvis vs. Love. The Sun‘s John Katsilometes pivots it to a question of “Whose music is better?” I’m not going there but I think he really nails why one show seemed right up Cirque du Soleil‘s alley while the … Continue reading →

Posted in Atlantic City, Boulder Strip, Boyd Gaming, Carl Icahn, Cirque du Soleil, CityCenter, Current, Don Barden, Donald Trump, Economy, Entertainment, Harrah's, Indiana, International, Isle of Capri, James Packer, Lawrence Ho, Macau, Melco Crown Entertainment, MGM Mirage, Penn National, Pennsylvania, Pinnacle Entertainment, Politics, Racinos, Regulation, Sheldon Adelson, Stanley Ho, Tribal, Tropicana Entertainment | 5 Comments

And now for a word from our sponsor …

Posted on February 11, 2010 by David McKee

There are only a few opportunities remaining to catch Rainbow Company Youth Theatre‘s Unsung Heroes of Nevada’s Past. This speedy theatrical primer on the founding of Las Vegas is far more delightful than didactic (including a quintet sung by four … Continue reading →

Posted in Current, Donald Trump, Entertainment, George Maloof, Movies, Steve Wynn, The Strip | Comments Off on And now for a word from our sponsor …

Case Bets: Net Bets, Harrah’s money grab & why China matters

Posted on January 20, 2010 by David McKee

Mark Juliano, CEO of Trump Entertainment Resorts, has been all over the papers lately. First, he came out in support of a massive taxpayer subsidy (backed by two unions) that would forgive Revel 75% of its room and sales taxes … Continue reading →

Posted in Atlantic City, Current, Donald Trump, Economy, Harrah's, Horseracing, International, Internet gambling, Macau, MGM Mirage, Midnight Jim Gibbons, Politics, Racinos, Regulation, Taxes, The Strip | 3 Comments

Douchebag of the Year

Posted on January 4, 2010 by David McKee

This is one of Steve Friess‘ brainchildren, but S&G had a chance to get in on the fun. As they say in Chicago, vote early and often! Stripper Poll Who was the biggest douche bag of 2009? (Pick 3) Charlie … Continue reading →

Posted in Alaska, Cirque du Soleil, Cretins, Donald Trump, Entertainment, Harry Reid, Illinois, International, MGM Mirage, Politics, Sports, TV | 3 Comments

Case Bets: Casino Jack, Harrah’s, Trump, Recovery?

Posted on December 30, 2009 by David McKee

It’s another sad chapter, in the tattered and disgraceful saga of Sun Cruz Casinos. As you recall, this now-idled cruises-to-nowhere fleet was briefly owned by Jack Abramoff, by dint of a tiny bit of fraud. That’s one of the many … Continue reading →

Posted in Current, Donald Trump, Economy, Florida, Harrah's, Laughlin, MGM Mirage, Neil Bluhm, Pennsylvania, Planet Hollywood, Station Casinos, The Mob, The Strip, Tribal | Comments Off on Case Bets: Casino Jack, Harrah’s, Trump, Recovery?

‘Tis the season

Posted on December 23, 2009 by David McKee

Kansas Gov. Mark Parkinson cuts the ribbon on Boot Hill Casino. The gentleman at the rear in the red tie is the Kansas Lottery’s Ed Van Petten, taking time out from carrying water for Mike Ensign. Having been on the … Continue reading →

Posted in Alex Yemenidjian, Archon Corp., Boyd Gaming, Cannery Casino Resorts, Carl Icahn, CityCenter, Colony Capital, Columbia Sussex, Don Barden, Donald Trump, Economy, Election, Entertainment, Environment, Fontainebleau, Harrah's, Harry Reid, Internet gambling, Isle of Capri, Jack Binion, James Packer, Kansas, M Resort, Macau, MGM Mirage, Neil Bluhm, Oscar Goodman, Penn National, Pets, Phil Ruffin, Politics, Sheldon Adelson, Stanley Ho, Station Casinos, Steve Wynn, Technology, The Strip, Tourism, Tribal | 8 Comments

CityCenter giblets

Posted on December 17, 2009 by David McKee

While I’m gathering my thoughts — and notes — from yesterday’s Orgy o’CityCenter (and trying to maintain a Cone of Deafness, as far as other commentators), here are a few stray tidbits: Even MGM Mirage CEO Jim Murren can’t hide … Continue reading →

Posted in Cirque du Soleil, CityCenter, Colony Capital, Cosmopolitan, Current, Donald Trump, Dubai, Economy, Entertainment, Fontainebleau, Station Casinos, Steve Wynn, Technology, The Strip, Tourism, Transportation, TV | 3 Comments

Rumpus @ The Rio, Vdara & other Case Bets

Posted on December 10, 2009 by David McKee

It’s shaping up to be a news-intensive day — and I have off-site commitments that will keep me away from the keyboard, but let’s see what we can cram in … “The kiss that rocked The Rio”: The steamy scene … Continue reading →

Posted in Charity, CityCenter, Current, Dining, Donald Trump, Economy, Entertainment, G2E, Harrah's, IGT, MGM Mirage, Missouri, Phil Ruffin, Sheldon Adelson, Steve Wynn, Technology, The Strip, Tourism, Tribal, TV | 6 Comments

Case Bets: The Wayner, G2E, Packer & Kerzner

Posted on December 8, 2009 by David McKee

Say what you like about Wayne Newton‘s Once Before I Go at the Tropicana Las Vegas, it has the biggest band you’ll see on the Strip: 20 strong, plus backup singers. Most Strip headliners have to make do with one-third … Continue reading →

Posted in Alex Yemenidjian, Atlantic City, Australia, Carl Icahn, Current, Donald Trump, Economy, Entertainment, G2E, Genting, International, James Packer, Massachusetts, New York, Pennsylvania, Planet Hollywood, Problem gambling, Racinos, Sheldon Adelson, Singapore, Tribal, Tropicana Entertainment | Comments Off on Case Bets: The Wayner, G2E, Packer & Kerzner

Is Adelson mad? Trump trumped & Kerzner booted

Posted on December 1, 2009 by David McKee

In an interview with Reuters, Sheldon Adelson said Las Vegas Sands might launch operations in India, Thailand and Japan as soon as 2010. Given the ropey financial condition of his company, the fact that Marina Bay Sands will open at … Continue reading →

Posted in Alex Yemenidjian, Atlantic City, Current, Detroit, Donald Trump, Economy, Genting, Harrah's, International, Kansas, Macau, Massachusetts, Neil Bluhm, Penn National, Pennsylvania, Planet Hollywood, Racinos, Regulation, Sheldon Adelson, Singapore, Stanley Ho, Taxes, Tourism, Tribal | 1 Comment

Quote of the Day

Posted on December 1, 2009 by David McKee

“Donald Trump is on CNBC bashing City Center, and saying how horrible it is. Like his track record, especially with casino’s [sic] is worth a shit.” — Brian Fey, on Twitter.

Posted in CityCenter, Current, Donald Trump, MGM Mirage, TV | 1 Comment

Adieu F-bleau, hello Hollywood?

Posted on October 26, 2009 by David McKee

Look what just fell into the S&G mailbag: Beginning January 1, 2010 Penn National Gaming will partner with RPM Advertising to develop and execute a brand identity for Hollywood Casinos.  The full service assignment will incorporate research, brand development, media … Continue reading →

Posted in Alex Yemenidjian, Boyd Gaming, CityCenter, Current, Donald Trump, Economy, Entertainment, Fontainebleau, Harrah's, Marketing, MGM Mirage, Penn National, Sheldon Adelson, Station Casinos, Steve Wynn, The Strip, TV | 1 Comment

What's a Trump casino worth?

Posted on October 8, 2009 by David McKee

Only $14 million in cash (plus a $100 million equity infusion), according to The Donald. Bondholders say, we’ll see your $115 million and raise you $100 million. The latter would recoup at least some — but not very much — … Continue reading →

Posted in Atlantic City, Baseball, Current, Donald Trump, Fontainebleau, Harrah's, Harry Reid, Horseracing, Illinois, International, Internet gambling, Lawrence Ho, M Resort, Macau, Massachusetts, Melco Crown Entertainment, Neil Bluhm, Ohio, Oklahoma, Penn National, Pennsylvania, Politics, Regulation, Sheldon Adelson, Slot routes, Sports, Station Casinos, Steve Wynn, Taxes, Texas, Tribal | Comments Off on What's a Trump casino worth?

From the mailbag #8

Posted on October 5, 2009 by David McKee

“Doesn’t the IOC realise it will be winter in Brazil in August, 2016?” — comment Blackberried in by a reader, regarding the award of the ’16 games to Rio de Janeiro. Y’know, I’d been wondering about that myself. The average … Continue reading →

Posted in Atlantic City, Colony Capital, Current, Donald Trump, Election, International, Marketing, MGM Mirage, Oscar Goodman, Sheldon Adelson, Singapore | 1 Comment

Scarlett saved?!? & other Case Bets

Posted on October 1, 2009 by David McKee

Splendid news, lads (and lasses). Scarlett, Princess of Magic may return to the Riviera in nine months or a year … that is to say, whenever the economy eventually rebounds. This comes straight from Riv management. Of course, there's a … Continue reading →

Posted in Donald Trump, Downtown, Economy, Entertainment, Environment, Fontainebleau, Penn National, Phil Ruffin, Riviera, The Strip, Tourism | Comments Off on Scarlett saved?!? & other Case Bets