Category Archives: TV

Taking it to the streets in Massachusetts, New York

Posted on September 24, 2014 by David McKee

While polls show casino repeal losing by larger and larger margins, MGM Resorts International and Penn National Gaming are taking no chances. (Wynn Resorts, cravenly, is sitting it out.) In the first TV salvo of the fall campaign, MGM Springfield … Continue reading →

Posted in Economy, Election, Genting, Harrah's, Massachusetts, MGM Mirage, New York, Penn National, Regulation, Steve Wynn, TV | Comments Off on Taking it to the streets in Massachusetts, New York

Strangest story of the year

Posted on August 29, 2014 by David McKee

Steve Wynn‘s Encore is making news in a way its owner would probably prefer it didn’t (and not for the first time this year). Bryanna Warren, Trinity Kennard and Charmella Triggs picked up a couple of guys in an Encore bar … Continue reading →

Posted in Cretins, Steve Wynn, The Strip, Tribal, TV | Comments Off on Strangest story of the year

Case Bets

Posted on August 21, 2014 by David McKee

Any fears of antitrust litigation in the Scientific Games/Bally Technologies merger were put to rest yesterday when the two companies announced they had cleared the Hart-Scott-Rodino Antitrust Improvements Act waiting period ahead of schedule. This is hardly equal to leaping the … Continue reading →

Posted in Bally Technologies, Genting, Harrah's, Japan, Macau, Melco Crown Entertainment, Ohio, Regulation, Riviera, Scientific Games, Sheldon Adelson, Singapore, TV | Comments Off on Case Bets

“You lost the war”

Posted on August 13, 2014 by David McKee

It took a contentious, fist-pounding meeting, but the Tohono O’odham Nation has a done deal with Glendale, Arizona. The $400 million casino project will pay the city $26 million over 20 years. “What we are being presented with tonight is peanuts … Continue reading →

Posted in Arizona, International, Taxes, Tribal, TV | Comments Off on “You lost the war”

Quote of the Day

Posted on July 24, 2014 by David McKee
Posted in Dan Gilbert, Sports, TV | 1 Comment

Burton Cohen, 1923-2014

Posted on May 7, 2014 by David McKee

One of Las Vegas’ least pretentious and most beloved casino executives died yesterday when Burton Cohen expired at the age of 90. He kept his hand in until the end, serving on the MGM Resorts International board of directors. His manifold tours … Continue reading →

Posted in Delaware, Entertainment, history, MGM Mirage, Racinos, Taxes, TV | Comments Off on Burton Cohen, 1923-2014

Progress and caution

Posted on April 11, 2014 by David McKee

International Game Technology made history yesterday when it unrolled its Powerbucks interstate, progressive jackpot. Under this technological umbrella, IGT games at 22 Caesars Entertainment and Boyd Gaming properties in Las Vegas can be connected with those at five casinos in Atlantic … Continue reading →

Posted in Atlantic City, Boyd Gaming, Economy, Harrah's, IGT, Iowa, New York, Penn National, Pinnacle Entertainment, Racinos, Technology, The Strip, Tourism, TV, Wall Street | 1 Comment

You are Number Six

Posted on March 26, 2014 by David McKee

Say, isn’t that Rover from The Prisoner chilling out with some party animals at a Las Vegas beach, over to the left there? Anyway, since pool-party season is open now, don’t say I didn’t warn you. S&G is grossing you … Continue reading →

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Quote of the Day

Posted on March 20, 2014 by David McKee

“I am always writing about the period we’re in, and sometimes I’m telling people things they don’t want to hear. … The economy, the Internet—all these things are isolating us and making us feel defeated. Our national culture feels defeated, … Continue reading →

Posted in Current, TV | Comments Off on Quote of the Day

‘Pawn Shop’ moves to Strip

Posted on March 14, 2014 by David McKee

If you haven’t seen Pawn Shop Live! at the Golden Nugget, you’ve still got a couple of weeks to do so but on April 17 it reopens at the Riviera. Don’t go expecting a stage version of Pawn Stars. Directed … Continue reading →

Posted in Current, Downtown, Entertainment, Riviera, The Strip, Tilman Fertitta, TV | Comments Off on ‘Pawn Shop’ moves to Strip

A tale of two cities

Posted on January 15, 2014 by David McKee

On Jan. 21, at 9 p.m., Bloomberg Television will be airing this documentary. Based on the trailer, I’m not impressed, as it yokes together an Atlantic City betting spree with unrelated — and hardly new — scenes of Las Vegas‘ … Continue reading →

Posted in Atlantic City, Boyd Gaming, Economy, Harrah's, MGM Mirage, Steve Wynn, TV | Comments Off on A tale of two cities

Merry Christmas to all …

Posted on December 24, 2013 by David McKee

And we were there! Miraculously, we were able to score fourth-row tickets to this very special TV taping at the Venetian (which went incognito on the TV telecast, masquerading as a Broadway theater). Kelly Clarkson is the cat’s pajamas.

Posted in Entertainment, TV | 1 Comment

AGA goes MTV

Posted on December 9, 2013 by David McKee

Further distinguishing his presidency as a 21st century one, American Gaming Association President Geoff Freeman is taking his case to social media. “There’s no way to sugarcoat it,” he writes. “Some people view our industry as a necessary evil rather … Continue reading →

Posted in Current, TV | Comments Off on AGA goes MTV

Quote of the Day

Posted on December 5, 2013 by David McKee

“How can I enjoy my Christmas when I know that somewhere a little Jewish boy isn’t being forced to sing ‘Oh Little Town of Bethlehem’?” — Jon Stewart, on the so-called ‘war on Christmas.‘

Posted in Current, TV | Comments Off on Quote of the Day

Penny Lane is in your ears and in your eyes

Posted on November 4, 2013 by David McKee

Although I don’t play them, I’m well aware of the appeal of penny slots. In hopes of upping play and helping customers find their favorite machines, Boyd Gaming has created “Penny Lane.” It seems like good slot-floor strategy … and … Continue reading →

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Quote of the Day

Posted on October 9, 2013 by David McKee

“People just can’t believe the government can be as immature as they seem to be acting right now. We’re just hoping that adults get into the room and get something done.” — MGM Resorts International CEO Jim Murren, during a Bloomberg … Continue reading →

Posted in Current, MGM Mirage, Politics, TV | Comments Off on Quote of the Day

Quote of the Day

Posted on September 27, 2013 by David McKee

“When a television show goes off the air, it only has the longevity or staying power that is commensurate with the charm, intelligence, humour and great acting ability and the principal character.” — Adam West, wryly promoting Aristocrat Technologies new … Continue reading →

Posted in Aristocrat, G2E, Technology, TV | Comments Off on Quote of the Day

Wackiest casino promotion ever

Posted on August 22, 2013 by David McKee

This Muscogee Creek Casino spot speaks for itself, although I have to say it’s a lot more fun than the casino commercials that are run in Las Vegas (“Table games! Rewards!” Zzzzzzzzz …)

Posted in Marketing, Oklahoma, Tribal, TV | Comments Off on Wackiest casino promotion ever

Quote of the Day

Posted on August 16, 2013 by David McKee

“It reminds me of the unicycle from The Prisoner.” — my wife, commenting on the progress of the Linq‘s Ferris wheel. Hmmmm. Does this mean that Linq is The Village and Gary Loveman is the new Number Two? I mean, … Continue reading →

Posted in Harrah's, The Strip, TV | Comments Off on Quote of the Day

Quote of the Day

Posted on August 5, 2013 by David McKee

I’ve been listening to National Public Radio since 1975 but this Family Guy parody made me laugh until it hurt — then laugh some more. Enjoy.

Posted in TV | Comments Off on Quote of the Day