Category Archives: MGM Mirage

MGM: Riding the crazy train; Rendering unto Caesars

Posted on April 25, 2012 by David McKee

If somebody loaned you a few hundred million, unsecured, you want to come to Las Vegas and lay some big wagers, right? MGM Resorts International has been there, done that. So it’s looking elsewhere to place its bets. And why … Continue reading →

Posted in Ameristar, Atlantic City, CityCenter, Donald Trump, Economy, Florida, Genting, Harrah's, International, M Resort, Massachusetts, MGM Mirage, New York, Penn National, Singapore, Taxes, The Strip, Tourism, Tribal, TV, Wall Street | 3 Comments

Sauce for the goose; Wall Street hearts LVS, MGM & Melco

Posted on April 23, 2012 by David McKee

Sheldon Adelson must have great and abiding faith in the American legal system … at least some of the time. He’s counting on it to cover his butt over in Macao, where erstwhile partners Asian American Entertainment have filed suit … Continue reading →

Posted in Boyd Gaming, Economy, International, Isle of Capri, James Packer, Lawrence Ho, Macau, Melco Crown Entertainment, MGM Mirage, Penn National, Sheldon Adelson, Steve Wynn, The Strip, Tourism, Wall Street | 2 Comments

“Less-than-Best Little Whorehouse”

Posted on April 20, 2012 by David McKee

Last night, fledgling SFS Productions rolled out The Best Little Whorehouse in Texas at the Plaza Las Vegas and, true to its subject matter, it’s a emotionless copulation — to borrow a Pauline Kael line, it’s a practiced hooker with … Continue reading →

Posted in Arizona, Current, Downtown, Entertainment, Environment, MGM Mirage, Riviera, Tamares Group, Technology, Texas, The Strip, Tourism | 6 Comments

Gilbert, Caesars hit Ohio speed bump; Maple Leaf misadventure; Rearranging deck chairs on the WesCas

Posted on April 20, 2012 by David McKee

Rub a dub-dub, three companies in a tub called Rock Ohio Caesars. In emulation of Nevada‘s built-first-license-later system, the Ohio Casino Control Commission is just getting around to mulling the bonafides of Horseshoe Casino Cleveland‘s shareholders. Little-publicized minority partner Lyle … Continue reading →

Posted in Columbia Sussex, Current, Detroit, Harrah's, Horseracing, International, Iowa, Kansas, Lyle Berman, Macau, Massachusetts, MGM Mirage, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Politics, Regulation, Sports, Stanley Ho, The Strip, Wall Street | 2 Comments

Illinois: Visit more, spend less; Harrah’s breaks losing streak

Posted on April 9, 2012 by David McKee

Although recent investor presentations by the major casino and game-making companies would leave one feeling pretty sanguine about the economy, “pallid” is the word for the industry’s performance in Illinois last month. Attendance at casinos rose 21% but spending was … Continue reading →

Posted in Ameristar, Boyd Gaming, Economy, Harrah's, Illinois, Iowa, Isle of Capri, Macau, MGM Mirage, Neil Bluhm, Penn National, Sheldon Adelson, Steve Wynn, Taxes, The Strip, Wall Street | Comments Off on Illinois: Visit more, spend less; Harrah’s breaks losing streak

Like I said …

Posted on March 28, 2012 by David McKee

That MGM Resorts International casino project in Massachusetts looked like a long shot to me — and so it was. After a high-profile launch, complete with a personal appearance by CEO Jim Murren, a dedicated Web site and a promised … Continue reading →

Posted in Ameristar, Current, Election, Goldman Sachs, Indiana, International, Louisiana, Marketing, Massachusetts, MGM Mirage, Missouri, Ohio, Penn National, Pinnacle Entertainment, Sheldon Adelson, Transportation, Wall Street | 2 Comments

Aria: Take it again from the top, boys

Posted on March 22, 2012 by David McKee

Y’all remember that ‘consciousness-raising’ campaign MGM Resorts International announced on behalf of Aria, earlier this week. The first in a six-part series of videos, The Reveal, went live late this afternoon. Subsequent blipverts will include The Motive and Entrapment. (It’s … Continue reading →

Posted in Architecture, CityCenter, Cosmopolitan, Current, Entertainment, Marketing, MGM Mirage, Movies, Technology, The Strip | 1 Comment

Ides of March: Caesars, MGM, Wynn court Wall Street

Posted on March 21, 2012 by David McKee

Evidently J.P. Morgan‘s Gaming, Lodging & Leisure Management Access Forum, being held this week at Wynncore, isn’t sufficiently important to merit the attendance of Big Gaming’s CEOs. If Steve Wynn couldn’t make the stroll from his office to Encore’s meeting … Continue reading →

Posted in Ameristar, Atlantic City, Boyd Gaming, CityCenter, Current, Detroit, Economy, Encore, Entertainment, Harrah's, Illinois, Internet gambling, Macau, Marketing, Maryland, Massachusetts, MGM Mirage, Neil Bluhm, Ohio, Politics, Regulation, Sheldon Adelson, Stanley Ho, Steve Wynn, Technology, The Strip, Tourism, Wall Street, World Series of Poker | 2 Comments

Adelson minions visit Encore: Big Gaming courts Wall Street

Posted on March 20, 2012 by David McKee

There will be Ice Capades in Hell before Sheldon Adelson sets foot in Encore, I should expect. However, with J.P. Morgan holding an investor conference at Wynncore, it would be poor form of Las Vegas Sands — currently the darling … Continue reading →

Posted in Ameristar, Atlantic City, Boyd Gaming, Cordish Co., Current, Detroit, Economy, Harrah's, International, Internet gambling, Kansas, Louisiana, M Resort, Macau, Marketing, Maryland, Massachusetts, MGM Mirage, Mississippi, Missouri, Ohio, Penn National, Pennsylvania, Pinnacle Entertainment, Racinos, Regulation, Sheldon Adelson, Singapore, Station Casinos, Steve Wynn, The Strip, Tourism, Wall Street, West Virginia | Comments Off on Adelson minions visit Encore: Big Gaming courts Wall Street

One born every minute

Posted on March 16, 2012 by David McKee

Wall Street‘s appetite for risk knows no bounds. True, year-end numbers from MGM Resorts International contain cause for confidence, including 8% higher domestic gambling revenue and 10% improved room revenues. However, MGM’s still sitting atop a $13.5 billion powder keg … Continue reading →

Posted in CityCenter, Culinary Union, Current, Dubai, G2E, Harrah's, Macau, Maryland, Massachusetts, MGM Mirage, Politics, Racinos, Taxes, Wall Street | Comments Off on One born every minute

Dan Lee calls it quits; Who let Big Dawg’s out?

Posted on March 14, 2012 by David McKee

Having seen the handwriting on the wall, Dan Lee has sold his Creative Casinos of Louisiana to regional rival Ameristar Casinos for a measly $32.5 million. Bankers were having difficulty computing Lee + Lake Charles = Mojito Pointe. Financing prospects … Continue reading →

Posted in Ameristar, Current, Dan Lee, Economy, Georgia, Internet gambling, Iowa, Louisiana, Marketing, Massachusetts, MGM Mirage, Pinnacle Entertainment, Politics, Regulation, Wall Street | 4 Comments

Rio: The big gundown; CityCenter: The big showdown

Posted on March 13, 2012 by David McKee

While Caesars Entertainment struggles to rid itself of dilapidated The Rio, it’s attracted another problem that will diminish its “curb appeal.” A gang-related gun battle erupted in the wee hours of Sunday morning atop The Rio’s parking garage. At least … Continue reading →

Posted in Alabama, Architecture, CityCenter, Current, Harrah's, MGM Mirage, The Mob, The Strip, Tribal | 3 Comments

R.I.P., Dennis Gomes; Casino avalanche in Michigan; Life after UIGEA

Posted on March 8, 2012 by David McKee

There are few real characters in the casino industry anymore. Dennis Gomes (1944-2012) was one of them. His recent death put a premature “full stop” on one of the most colorful and wide-ranging careers gaming has seen. After all, how … Continue reading →

Posted in Atlantic City, Colony Capital, Dennis Gomes, Detroit, Donald Trump, Economy, Election, Harrah's, history, Illinois, International, Internet gambling, Marketing, MGM Mirage, Movies, Ohio, Penn National, Pokergeddon, Politics, Problem gambling, Regulation, The Mob, The Strip, Tribal | Comments Off on R.I.P., Dennis Gomes; Casino avalanche in Michigan; Life after UIGEA

Wynn vs. Okada: Shooting the messenger; Ship of fools

Posted on March 8, 2012 by David McKee

Stung by accusations from Wynn Resorts that erstwhile Shareholder #1 Kazuo Okada had been greasing palms at PAGCOR, prompt action was taken by the Philippines House Committee on Games & Amusements. It promptly banned … Steve Wynn. This comical, “circle … Continue reading →

Posted in Ameristar, Bally Technologies, Carl Icahn, Columbia Sussex, Harrah's, International, Macau, Massachusetts, MGM Mirage, Mississippi, Penn National, Regulation, Singapore, Steve Wynn, Tribal, Tropicana Entertainment, Wall Street | 2 Comments

Vegas gets its groove back; “Zarkana” comes to Aria

Posted on March 7, 2012 by David McKee

In terms of quantity, quality and proximity, the Los Angeles Times is the closest thing Las Vegas has to a major metropolitan daily. (Hell, the Sacramento Bee puts the Las Vegas Review-Journal to shame.) Indeed, the LAT treats Sin City … Continue reading →

Posted in Animals, Architecture, Arizona, Boyd Gaming, California, Cirque du Soleil, CityCenter, Cosmopolitan, Dining, Donald Trump, Downtown, Entertainment, Harrah's, history, Macau, MGM Mirage, Movies, Phil Ruffin, Sheldon Adelson, Steve Wynn, Tamares Group, The Strip, Tourism | Comments Off on Vegas gets its groove back; “Zarkana” comes to Aria

Gaughan expands empire … and sundry other Case Bets

Posted on March 7, 2012 by David McKee

Having already taken charge of the hotel operations of the JW Marriott Las Vegas Resort & Spa (for historical purposes, best known as The Resort at Summerlin) last summer, Michael Gaughan Jr. will now extend his operational control to its … Continue reading →

Posted in Current, Dining, Entertainment, Georgia, Harrah's, International, Macau, MGM Mirage, Michael Gaughan, Ohio, Penn National, Racinos, Regulation, Sheldon Adelson, Singapore, Steve Wynn, Tourism | Comments Off on Gaughan expands empire … and sundry other Case Bets

Adelson to sign “Mormon”? What is “theD”?

Posted on March 7, 2012 by David McKee

Las Vegas‘ new performing arts palace, The Smith Center, has opened coveted the Broadway hit, The Book of Mormon. However, a heavyweight competitor could snatch Mormon from under Smith CEO Myron Martin‘s nose. Rumor has Las Vegas Sands in the … Continue reading →

Posted in Current, Downtown, Entertainment, Harrah's, history, MGM Mirage, Sheldon Adelson, Sports, The Strip | 10 Comments

Slave to SmithCoast

Posted on February 23, 2012 by David McKee

Those nice folks at CityLife must think I did all right by that last cover story because they’ve got me taking the lead on their media blitz vis-a-vis the impending (March 12) opening of the Smith Center for the Performing … Continue reading →

Posted in Boyd Gaming, Downtown, Entertainment, MGM Mirage, Sahara, Steve Wynn | Comments Off on Slave to SmithCoast

Wynn vs. Okada: Payback Time

Posted on February 20, 2012 by David McKee

Looks like Kazuo Okada brought a knife to a gunfight with Steve Wynn. The latter has spent the last year having former FBI boss Louis Freeh and sundry investigators check up on Okada — and what a lot of dirt … Continue reading →

Posted in Current, Election, Florida, Genting, International, Macau, Massachusetts, MGM Mirage, Politics, Regulation, Sheldon Adelson, Steve Wynn, The Strip, Wall Street | 4 Comments

Las Vegas: What’s next?

Posted on February 16, 2012 by David McKee

If I had a crystal ball for Las Vegas’ future, I’d be a wealthier man. Not having one, I consulting some fellows far more perspicacious than myself. In no particular order they include Dennis Conrad, scholars Bill Eadington, Eugene Moehring … Continue reading →

Posted in Downtown, Economy, Entertainment, history, Macau, MGM Mirage, Movies, New York, Sheldon Adelson, The Strip, Tribal | 4 Comments