Resorts World — LVAer Trip Report about Opening Morning

[Editor’s Note: Readers of Question of the Day will remember Mike Scudiero, who reviewed the Wynn Golf Course for a QoD last August. Mike was in Las Vegas on Resorts World’s opening day and submitted this trip report.]

I first knew that 2021 technology would set Resorts World apart from the competition as I descended into McCarran. I wasn’t prepared for the super-sized LED screen that takes up one whole side of the hotel. LED screens dot the Strip, but one of this size literally sizzled.

I booked this trip long before the opening announcement, so the timing was dumb luck for me. The 11 p.m. opening, especially for an East Coaster, was late to say the least, so I let the night owls have their fun. Instead, I got up at 6 a.m. and walked from the Wynn, a 12-minute stroll. I saw Resorts World while most visitors were asleep.

Once inside, the first thing I noticed was the “new-car” smell. It was a great feeling, knowing that I’d never experienced it before and who knows if I ever would again.

I began my walk through what will eventually become a busy shopping and dining corridor, but is still mostly under construction. I was surprised at how quiet it was at this hour; for having debuted a few hours earlier, it could have been any other resort-casino in town. My plan to avoid getting stuck in a mob and unable to find a table game was successful. I had no trouble buying in on a crap game, immediately tucking a couple of white $1 chips in a pocket for my collection at home.

Then I witnessed a rare serious error on the part of the dealers. At the early hour and with dealers who admitted they hadn’t dealt the game in a while, they forgot to take down the losing all/tall/small bets when a shooter sevened-out. After a new roll started and a few new numbers were made, I quietly pointed out the mistake, afraid that at some point, the boxman or floor supervisor would realize there were still multiple numbers marked from the previous roll that should have been reset and that it would only further complicate things when players attempted to get paid.

The boss was called over and he dealt with it very professionally. He had the dealers pull down the numbers that hadn’t been made after the new come-out roll, but actually allowed the other players’ losing bets to remain on the table alongside mine. I thought that was a nice gesture, since it was the house’s error.

I played for about 30 minutes, just long enough to make a little small talk with the dealers and enjoy the new felt, then colored up. As I did, I wondered if I might be the first player to touch the $500 chip in my hand. There was no way to know for sure, but it was fun to ponder on the way over to the cage.

Cashing out was another reminder that it’s 2021. The cashier didn’t actually have to count out my money. She did a quick count of my chips, typed the numbers 6-5-0 on her keyboard, and a nearby machine spit out exactly $650 in the crispest bills I’ve ever seen. Again, was I the first person to touch this money? Another neat feeling as a Vegas junkie.

After that, I continued my tour. The modern artsy feel is as strong as you’ll find in any casino. Of the restaurants that were finished, few were open at that hour. Just as well; my wife was waking up back at the Wynn and we still had a breakfast credit to use!

In addition to Circa, the other great new casino where we spent some time, Resorts World is a fine new addition to the Las Vegas skyline. After years and years in the making, I’m glad to have new options at which to try my luck in my favorite vacation destination.