Category Archives: The Strip

Aqueduct: Penn got hosed

Posted on February 12, 2010 by David McKee

Despite its runaway hyperbole, this Empire State editorial makes a good point: The Aqueduct racino deal smells like a week-old fish and ought to be investigated. (It isn’t — but it should be.) Since all bids involved multiple players, sorting … Continue reading →

Posted in Alabama, Atlantic City, Carl Icahn, Downtown, Fontainebleau, Harrah's, Macau, MGM Mirage, New York, Penn National, Pennsylvania, Politics, Racinos, Sahara, Steve Wynn, Tamares Group, The Strip, Tribal, TV | 2 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 …

IGT quits Japan; Vdara goes bargain-friendly; Singapore opens

Posted on February 11, 2010 by David McKee

After losing $21 million in Japan last year, IGT is saying a not-so-fond farewell to the Land of the Rising Sun. Its sales of pachislot machines had been in decline and were nowhere near the volume needed to reach break-even. … Continue reading →

Posted in CityCenter, Genting, IGT, International, MGM Mirage, Regulation, Sheldon Adelson, Singapore, Technology, The Strip, Wall Street | 2 Comments

Aren’t we glad?

Posted on February 9, 2010 by David McKee

When given lemons, make lemonade. When hit with a throat infection, lay low and scrounge around for S&G fodder. So it is today — and I didn’t have to scrounge very far. While Las Vegas didn’t dodge too many bullets … Continue reading →

Posted in Alabama, Architecture, Atlantic City, Bally Technologies, Carl Icahn, Dubai, Economy, Entertainment, Harrah's, IGT, Illinois, Indiana, James Packer, Pennsylvania, Planet Hollywood, Regulation, Steve Wynn, Technology, The Strip, Transportation, Tropicana Entertainment, Wall Street, WMS Industries | 3 Comments

A funny thing happened …

Posted on February 8, 2010 by David McKee

I was touring the Erotic Heritage Museum, when my guide, doctoral student Amanda Morgan, made the following observation: “As you know, Nevada is very conservative. If you look at the population of people in Las Vegas and looked at the … Continue reading →

Posted in California, CityCenter, Election, MGM Mirage, Midnight Jim Gibbons, Politics, The Strip, TV | 4 Comments

Adieu, Bourbon Street

Posted on February 5, 2010 by David McKee

Kitty-korner from Bally’s Las Vegas is the former site of Bourbon Street, long since imploded by Harrah’s Entertainment and not the least bit missed. It had a skanky reputation and the tightest slots you ever did play. After it was … Continue reading →

Posted in Harrah's, Louisiana, The Strip, Wayne F. Newton | 5 Comments

See Laughlin and die

Posted on February 3, 2010 by David McKee

It’s standard industry practice to jam slot machines up as close to the front door as humanly possible. Hell, if they could put them out on the street, they would. (Casino Royale actually has machines on the Strip, but they’re … Continue reading →

Posted in Dining, Entertainment, Laughlin, Macau, MGM Mirage, Sheldon Adelson, Sports, Station Casinos, The Strip, TV | 8 Comments

For those about to rock …

Posted on February 3, 2010 by David McKee

… there is a new tribute show at the Riviera. Having fallen out with ill-starred Rockstar: The Tribute, the Riv comes back with: Why am I getting a heavy This is Spinal Tap vibe off that poster? From the looks … Continue reading →

Posted in Current, Entertainment, Midnight Jim Gibbons, Movies, Riviera, The Strip | 3 Comments

Feast or famine

Posted on February 3, 2010 by David McKee

While we in Las Vegas struggle to reconcile long nightclub lines and (depending on which casino you visit) full gaming floors with but smallish increases in revenue and visitation, it’s one big-ass Christmas over in Macao. Revenue skyrocketed 63% last … Continue reading →

Posted in Boyd Gaming, Economy, Entertainment, Harrah's, Harry Reid, James Packer, Lawrence Ho, Macau, Melco Crown Entertainment, MGM Mirage, Pansy Ho, Sheldon Adelson, Stanley Ho, Steve Wynn, The Strip | Comments Off on Feast or famine

Gettin’ “Gossy” with it

Posted on February 3, 2010 by David McKee

Our staff is definitely having too much fun today. They’ve suggested a new, Gossyfied look for Lance Burton … which certainly beats the Criss Angel-ic angst currently adorning his billboards. Personally, having recently seen Burton in performance, I can’t decide … Continue reading →

Posted in Cirque du Soleil, Entertainment, Harrah's, MGM Mirage, The Strip | Comments Off on Gettin’ “Gossy” with it

Big love

Posted on February 3, 2010 by David McKee

This latest tempest in a teaspoon has inspired a yawningly predictable reaction amongst Nevada politicians. The lone witty note was struck by Las Vegas Convention & Visitors Authority President Rossi Ralenkotter, who deployed irony in lieu of indignation: “While we … Continue reading →

Posted in Current, Detroit, Economy, Harry Reid, LVCVA, Macau, MGM Mirage, Movies, Oscar Goodman, Pennsylvania, Politics, Sheldon Adelson, The Strip | 3 Comments

Carrot Top announces nat’l pro…

Posted on February 1, 2010 by David McKee

Carrot Top announces nat’l prop contest. 1st prize: a comped stay @ Luxor. If that’s the grand prize I’d hate to see what also-rans get.

Posted in Current, Entertainment, MGM Mirage, The Strip | 1 Comment

Quote of the Day

Posted on February 1, 2010 by David McKee

“What we’re seeing emerge here in Nevada is an economy that will not repeat the boom-like conditions that we saw just a few short years ago. I doubt very much in my lifetime we’re ever going to see consistent job … Continue reading →

Posted in Current, Economy, Labor, The Strip | 2 Comments

Quote of the Day

Posted on January 29, 2010 by David McKee

“Bidder for Fontainebleau says Las Vegas probably a bit overbuilt” — caption for Las Vegas Review-Journal story about Carl Icahn‘s F-bleau acquistion. “Probably a bit overbuilt” … now there’s a masterful understatement.

Posted in Carl Icahn, Economy, Fontainebleau, The Strip, Wall Street | 2 Comments

Thinking small

Posted on January 29, 2010 by David McKee

A new analysis of the White House‘s latest set of proposed economic stimuli tells us not to expect much … and why. Since the main target for pump-priming is small business, we’ll not expect much of any direct benefit to … Continue reading →

Posted in Atlantic City, Current, Economy, The Strip | 4 Comments

If LV simply *must* have a pos…

Posted on January 29, 2010 by David McKee

If LV simply *must* have a poster boy, better Goss than Gosselin.

Posted in Entertainment, George Maloof, Harrah's, The Strip | Comments Off on If LV simply *must* have a pos…

Palms: “Matt Who?”

Posted on January 28, 2010 by David McKee

“Freddy Mercury meets Andrea Bocelli.” That’s one description applied to androgynous vocalist Jimmy Hopper, whom The Palms has signed for a once-a-week concert series. This is a sweet deal for customers: It’s a three-hour show and it’s free. The seating … Continue reading →

Posted in Current, Entertainment, George Maloof, Riviera, The Strip | 1 Comment

LV Hilton pinches Andrew Dice …

Posted on January 28, 2010 by David McKee

LV Hilton pinches Andrew Dice Clay from the Riv. An LVH dagger thrust to the Riv, as bottom-feeders grapple unto death. Clay’s not worth it.

Posted in Colony Capital, Current, Entertainment, Riviera, The Strip | 3 Comments

Calling all S&G readers

Posted on January 28, 2010 by David McKee

We’ve got a problem and could use your help. Mandarin Oriental gave me eight-plus minutes of great B-roll footage. Trouble is, it’s silent and I lack the Mac wizardry to lay some appropriately trippy (think Tangerine Dream) music behind it, … Continue reading →

Posted in CityCenter, Technology, The Strip, TV | Comments Off on Calling all S&G readers

Food for thought

Posted on January 28, 2010 by David McKee

“[Matt] Goss also would bring back some of Sinatra’s bygone sensibilities, chief among them being loyalty to friends.” That’s an interesting remark, considering that the singer began talks with Caesars Palace President Gary Selesner a month after Palms owner George … Continue reading →

Posted in Entertainment, George Maloof, Harrah's, Marketing, The Strip, TV | Comments Off on Food for thought