Worst was the Cosmo (304), followed at some distance by Bellagio (153 cases), MGM Grand (133), The Venetian (89) and Caesars Palace (86). Despite being late to the anti-Coronavirus party, Caesars Entertainment comes off best, while MGM Resorts International looks like it needs to work on its seven-point plan (actually 11 points). Four of the top 10 unenviable spots were occupied by MGM properties. The D led Downtown casinos with 45 incidences, so Derek Stevens has some damage control on his hands. The Clark County Detention Center also ranked high in Covid-19 cases, so whatever you do in Vegas, don’t get arrested. What happens in jail comes home with you. The Gold Coast and Palace Station could be called the ‘safest’ casinos, with only 10 infections apiece, according to one survey, while another gives the palm to Red Rock Resort. Dubious accomplishment: Resorts World Las Vegas racked up 10 cases without even being open.
In the meantime, leper bells should be hung on Cosmo executives until they clean up their act. How many warnings do they need in order to get the hint?
Want to see the newly reilluminated and rejuvenated Moulin Rouge marquee? $10 gets you access to the Neon Museum‘s 360-degree virtual tour of the Neon Boneyard. It’s not quite as good as being there (there’s something awe-inspiring about seeing the old signage up close) but the money goes toward one of the best causes in Sin City.
Correction: It is indeed the case that BetMGM is the first official betting partner of the Las Vegas Raiders, as opposed to being one of several (San Manuel Bingo, Caesars Entertainment) official gaming partners of the Silver and Black. To most, that will seem like a distinction without much of a difference (“new levels of engagement”) but it means a great deal to Leo the Lion. The Raiders are thrown to the mercy of the New Orleans Saints tonight. The Associated Press has an excellent history of how we got to this historic moment. Sad irony: There will be no Black Hole at Allegiant Stadium. Why? Ticket prices are too high. Only in Vegas.
Jottings: Former Horseshoe Baltimore general manager Jacqueline Grace is jumping ship to head Tropicana Atlantic City. Good for Grace, who moves up in the world. Good for Caesars Entertainment, for promoting diversity in more senses than one. What this means for woebegone Horseshoe remains to be seen … Ex-Japanese prime minister Shinzo Abe visited a shrine to war criminals in Tokyo. What a dunce. Good riddance. By the way, Abe’s Liberal Democratic Party is in almost no way ‘liberal,’ having long been one of the most reactionary forces in Japan … Abe successor Yoshihide Suga is “expected to fulfill” Abe’s casino plans. If he’s half as successful as Abe he won’t accomplish one damn thing … Congratulations to MGM Resorts International for being one of the top 50 places to work by Latina Style magazine. That’s the kind of recognition we like to see … Sadly, three Wynncore employees have died of Covid-19. Financial assistance to the bereaved families is being provided by Wynn Resorts. Praise be, Wynn … In most states of our great country, the oft-misspelled search terms are “porm” [sic] and “lesian” [sic]. What is Nevada‘s? “MIFL” [sic]. Call it a statewide Oedpial complex … Sen. John Cornyn (R) is in a tough reelection fight and he’s unlikely to pick up any votes in Indian Country. Not unless he reverses his opposition to a bill that would allow two tribal casinos in eastern Texas … Genting Group continues to prop up struggling, costly Resorts World Catskills. The latest bailout is a $150 million subsidy, intended to buy time for a refinancing of debt … The virtual Global Gaming Expo will feature more black, tribal and female faces this year. Well done, American Gaming Association. Some people in Washington, D.C., are getting the message that gaming (like America) is becoming a more diverse space.
