Category Archives: The Strip

IGT disappoints, GOP hesitates

Posted on January 24, 2014 by David McKee

International Game Technology reported 1Q14 results that were great, if you read the Las Vegas Review-Journal,  and disappointing if you read Wall Street analysts. Profits were up 21% — but revenue growth slowed to 2%. Social gaming was credited with … Continue reading →

Posted in Economy, IGT, Internet gambling, Politics, The Strip, Tourism, Wall Street | Comments Off on IGT disappoints, GOP hesitates

Wynnside Wynncore

Posted on January 23, 2014 by David McKee

If you’re registered on the guestbook at Wynn Las Vegas or Encore you are an invitee to “our new Wynn Insider program. As a Wynn Insider you will be the first to receive information about our resort and you’ll have … Continue reading →

Posted in Current, Harrah's, Marketing, Steve Wynn, The Strip, Tourism | Comments Off on Wynnside Wynncore

Palmetto State stalemate; Wynn strikes again

Posted on January 23, 2014 by David McKee

Back in 2005, the State of South Carolina, bowing to the inevitable, legalized cruise-to-nowhere gambling ships that operate out of Palmetto State ports. Now the Catwaba Indian Nation hopes to leverage that legislation into VLTs for itself. The state says … Continue reading →

Posted in Atlantic City, Churchill Downs, Harrah's, Horseracing, Internet gambling, Kentucky, South Carolina, The Strip, Tribal | Comments Off on Palmetto State stalemate; Wynn strikes again

Long siege on the Strip

Posted on January 22, 2014 by David McKee

In one of the more improbable but optimistic auguries the North Strip has seen, a private equity fund is trying to pry land away from Archon Corp. For the past 10 months, Esplanade Capital has been laying siege to Archon, … Continue reading →

Posted in Archon Corp., The Strip, Wall Street | 1 Comment

Case Bets: Massachusetts, Biloxi, Betcoin and Cosmo

Posted on January 22, 2014 by David McKee

In a TV interview, Massachusetts Gaming Commission Chairman Stephen Crosby tipped his hand, indicating that approval of MGM Springfield is far more likely than not. However, the MGC might be making some demands of its own, above and beyond what … Continue reading →

Posted in Cirque du Soleil, Cosmopolitan, Derek Stevens, Downtown, Entertainment, Harrah's, Massachusetts, MGM Mirage, Mississippi, New York, Regulation, Taxes, Technology, The Strip | Comments Off on Case Bets: Massachusetts, Biloxi, Betcoin and Cosmo

Winter of discontent

Posted on January 17, 2014 by David McKee

It’s been a grim December for regional casino markets. Even Pennsylvania, once a bastion of strength, ended 2013 with a slight year/year decline. In Connecticut, a 15% revenue decline was reported at Foxwoods Resort Casino, with handle off 21%. Mohegan … Continue reading →

Posted in Boyd Gaming, Economy, Foxwoods, Harrah's, Louisiana, Marketing, Mohegan Sun, Penn National, Pennsylvania, Pinnacle Entertainment, Politics, Sheldon Adelson, Sports, Taxes, The Mob, The Strip, Tourism | Comments Off on Winter of discontent

What’s in a brand?

Posted on January 17, 2014 by David McKee

Quite a lot, especially if it’s Wynn Resorts.

Posted in Marketing, Steve Wynn, The Strip | Comments Off on What’s in a brand?

Vive la difference; Early ‘Net bets from Jersey; 99 years or bust

Posted on January 14, 2014 by David McKee

Since before its opening, The Cosmopolitan of Las Vegas has marketed itself to “the curious class,” and you’ll certainly be intrigued — and perhaps a bit befuddled — by its newest ad, which seems to be promoting a new brand … Continue reading →

Posted in Atlantic City, Australia, Cosmopolitan, Entertainment, Internet gambling, James Packer, Marketing, The Strip | 1 Comment

They burn the Monte Carlo, don’t they?; Cantor gets slammed

Posted on January 14, 2014 by David McKee

Yes, there’s been another fire at the Monte Carlo. This one was confined to the Double Barrel Saloon and there was only one injury, most importantly. That place has some rough luck, doesn’t it? It doesn’t matter what Cantor Gaming … Continue reading →

Posted in Bally Technologies, Cantor Gaming, Current, Horseracing, MGM Mirage, Monte Carlo fire, Regulation, The Strip | Comments Off on They burn the Monte Carlo, don’t they?; Cantor gets slammed

Viva Macao; Battling for dollars in Maine

Posted on January 14, 2014 by David McKee

Hard as it may be to believe, Macao is on track to gross $77 million in 2017. That leaves Las Vegas hopelessly in the dust as a gambling destination, especially with non-gaming amenities taking up a bigger share of the … Continue reading →

Posted in Churchill Downs, Economy, Entertainment, Macau, Maine, Melco Crown Entertainment, MGM Mirage, Penn National, Sheldon Adelson, Steve Wynn, The Strip | Comments Off on Viva Macao; Battling for dollars in Maine

Nevada 2013: Less bad than before

Posted on January 13, 2014 by David McKee

For a third straight year, Nevada gaming revenues rose. OK, the amount was microscopic ($99 million) overall, but it was something. However, higher expenses — including all-important capex investments –pushed the Silver State into the red. The casino industry reported … Continue reading →

Posted in Economy, Environment, New York, Racinos, Reno, The Strip, Tourism | Comments Off on Nevada 2013: Less bad than before

Illinois freezes; Concierges outsourced

Posted on January 8, 2014 by David McKee

“Dec regional gaming revs should be coming out from the states this week and next and it won’t be pretty.” So warns Todd Jordan, aka @HedgeyeSnakeye. Case in point, Illinois, where revenues tumbled 13%. Even market leader Rivers Casino was … Continue reading →

Posted in Boyd Gaming, Current, Economy, Harrah's, Illinois, MGM Mirage, Penn National, The Strip | Comments Off on Illinois freezes; Concierges outsourced

Britney F. Spears & other Case Bets

Posted on January 7, 2014 by David McKee

Strip gyp: What does $25,000 buy you? At Planet Hollywood it will get you one-twentieth of a minute with Britney F. Spears. Either the currency of celebrity has become inflated beyond measure or our 15 minutes of fame have shrunk … Continue reading →

Posted in Dining, Entertainment, Genting, Harrah's, Macau, New York, Planet Hollywood, Racinos, Regulation, Sam Nazarian, The Strip | Comments Off on Britney F. Spears & other Case Bets

All things …

Posted on January 7, 2014 by David McKee

… come to and end, good, bad or indifferent. I do not speak ill of MGM Resorts International‘s marquee for New York-New York, but 16 years was deemed enough, as MGM reconceptualizes NY-NY’s Strip frontage. Young Electric Sign Co. will … Continue reading →

Posted in Architecture, Current, history, MGM Mirage, The Strip | 1 Comment

A Murren moment

Posted on January 6, 2014 by David McKee

“I don’t think people are going to stay home in their bunny slippers and play video instead of coming to Bellagio.” You have to like Jim Murren‘s refreshing lack of pretension. I’m taking a wait-and-see attitude on the project onrush … Continue reading →

Posted in Economy, Internet gambling, Japan, Macau, MGM Mirage, Singapore, The Strip, Tourism | Comments Off on A Murren moment

Defining a Vegas recovery; Big push in New Hampshire

Posted on January 6, 2014 by David McKee

Which would you rather have: More visitors three years straight or more spending per capita? That’s the choice Las Vegas has to make as it defines its recovery. On the bright side, ADRs are catching up with supply, with which … Continue reading →

Posted in Cannery Casino Resorts, Charity, Current, Economy, Iowa, New Hampshire, Ohio, Penn National, Singapore, The Strip, Wall Street, Warner Gaming | Comments Off on Defining a Vegas recovery; Big push in New Hampshire

Not your father’s AGA; Harmon’s end

Posted on January 6, 2014 by David McKee

American Gaming Association President Geoff Freeman continues to show that change is the new order of the day. This morning brings news of five new lobbyists, most of them new to the gaming industry, presaging a big push on a … Continue reading →

Posted in Massachusetts, MGM Mirage, Politics, The Strip, Tribal | Comments Off on Not your father’s AGA; Harmon’s end

Taiwan in 2019?

Posted on January 3, 2014 by David McKee

It could happen. Enabling legislation to put casinos on Taiwan‘s outer islands has a good chance in parliament, it is reported. Matsu is expected to be the principal beneficiary but, if it can change voters’ minds, Claremont Partners has a … Continue reading →

Posted in Harrah's, International, Macau, New York, Politics, Sheldon Adelson, The Strip, Tribal | Comments Off on Taiwan in 2019?

Nevada finishing year strong; Christie’s choler

Posted on December 31, 2013 by David McKee

With a little help from one extra weekend day, Nevada gross gaming revenues shot upward 12% statewide in November and 23% on the Strip. Baccarat players lost their shirts, with the house winning 94% more than the previous year. Less … Continue reading →

Posted in Atlantic City, Boulder Strip, Cordish Co., Current, Downtown, Economy, Harrah's, Laughlin, Maryland, Massachusetts, MGM Mirage, North Las Vegas, Penn National, Regulation, Reno, Steve Wynn, The Strip, Tilman Fertitta, Trump Entertainment Resorts | 2 Comments

Britney: It sucks, bitch

Posted on December 31, 2013 by David McKee

A ways back, when Gary Loveman was all Q-crazy, I pointed out that the letter ‘X’ also carries a high Scrabble value. Little did I suspect that the Aladdin Theater for the Performing Arts would become “the AXIS.” Programming will … Continue reading →

Posted in Architecture, Cosmopolitan, Entertainment, Harrah's, MGM Mirage, The Strip | 1 Comment