I was asked to pen some reflections about what the shutdown/lockdown means to Las Vegas, so I waxed somewhat more philosophical than usual and drew on some history: However, our city and state have historically offered service on a higher level. We’ve always prided ourselves on contributing to the national mission, whether it be winning […]
What Happened Here | Nevada Public Radio Read More »
writingMy latest for Comped Travel is a deeper look at a Twin River Holdings, which just bought three casinos: The move boosts the Providence-based company’s holdings and gives it a presence in three major casino markets. From Eldorado TRWH bought the MontBleu Resort, Casino, and Spa in Lake Tahoe and the Eldorado Resort Casino in
Twin River Worldwide Stepping It Up – Comped Travel Read More »
compedtravelI have started writing for CompedTravel.com. Here is my first contribution. Closing a casino, even a small one, isn’t as simple as turning off the lights and locking the doors. Ditto for hotels and cruise ships. While, for security reasons, representatives of casino and cruise operators don’t like to comment on the record about their
Sin City: How to Shut Down a City That Never Closes – Comped Travel Read More »
compedtravelI’m getting back into short-form writing! Here’s a quick commentary I wrote about the nature of change in the casino business for CDC Gaming Reports: There has been a great deal of change in the news lately for the gaming world. After more than a decade as head of MGM Resorts, Jim Murren is stepping
Why change in the gaming industry should never surprise anyone – CDC Gaming Reports Read More »
CDC GamingBefore you know it, I’ll be interviewing a Las Vegas musical legend in the Paul Blau Theater at the Clark County Library: In this conversation facilitated by UNLV gaming historian and author David G. Schwartz, former Musicians Union President and legendary pianist/director/conductor Frank Leone will talk about his experiences in Las Vegas entertainment over the
Upcoming Event – An Evening with Frank Leone at the Clark County Library Read More »
eventsI’ve just had an essay published in which I consider the role of gambling in America. Pretty big topic, and this is certainly not the last word, but it’s the best that I’ve been able to come up with: Today legal gambling in the United States is widely accepted and more prevalent than ever. But
The Consumer Age Turned Americans Into Gamblers | Essay | Zócalo Public Square Read More »
writingWhen I write a book, one of my greatest satisfactions is finishing a chapter. It brings a remarkable feeling of accomplishment. A few days or weeks ago, I started writing with a vague outline of what I wanted to say, and now, my words are on paper and I’ve told the story I want to
I have a feature piece in this month’s Desert Companion looking at the impact of the 1989 opening of The Mirage: Wynn’s design team found their endurance pushed to the limit in keeping up with his constantly evolving vision of what the resort would be (iconic elements like the exploding Strip-side volcano were relatively late
The Big Gamble | Desert Companion Read More »
writingI have some exciting news to share. I am deep into my next book project, which is a history of the Sands hotel and casino in Las Vegas. The first chapter is done, and I’m making great progress on the second. The book will tell the story of the Sands, from before its 1952 opening
New Project: The Story of the Sands Read More »
writingMy latest Forbes post looks at why the influence of Bill Harrah might be making a comeback: William Fisk Harrah came into the gambling business in 1933. Having left UCLA before completing an engineering degree, he bought a bingo operation his father had been running in Venice Beach. Harrah the younger already had firm ideas
The Casino Pioneer Poised For A Comeback In Las Vegas And Beyond Read More »
forbesThis Forbes post explores the significance of 2018 for casinos in Las Vegas and elsewhere: There are certain years that, at the end of which, the world moves closer to the future than the past, years that mark major shifts in how we see the world, or a small part of it. It’s possible that
How 2018 Will Define The Future Of Las Vegas Casinos | Forbes Read More »
forbesThis Forbes piece looks at one of the most unique shows in Las Vegas: A stage musical of mob history? Surely, you think, this is just another piece of inauthentic Vegas kitsch, a knockoff of a knockoff of the real thing. It’s got to be the mafia equivalent of what Zombie Burlesque is to post-apocalyptic
In Las Vegas, One Of The Mob’s Biggest Money Earners Tells All | Forbes Read More »
forbesMy most recent Forbes post examines why Tilman Fertitta is interested in expanding his Las Vegas footprint. The pending departure of Caesars CEO Mark Frissora makes this only more intriguing. It’s no secret that Las Vegas has had its challenges this year. So when, earlier this month, billion dollar buyer Fertitta proposed a merger with casino
Why Billion-Dollar Buyer Tilman Fertitta Is Betting Big on Las Vegas Read More »
forbesMy latest Forbes post examines the significance of Nevada’s third quarter gaming results. Fascinating stuff, to be sure: The September disappointment caps a challenging quarter during which net gaming win decreased by over seven percent. Considering that, in their second quarter conference calls, casino executives were apologetic over a quarter that actually saw a nearly
Las Vegas Casinos Are Worried The Worst Is Yet To Come | Forbes Read More »
forbesMy most recent Forbes post looks at how New Jersey has done with sports betting: So how did New Jersey do? Despite a few well-publicized gaffes, the rollout of sports betting in the Garden State has been relatively smooth. Football season is well underway, and eight physical sports books are up and running, with seven
Did New Jersey Fumble Sports Betting In September? | Forbes Read More »
forbesMy latest Forbes post is a look back at Circus Circus, which just turned 50: It’s ironic but fitting that Circus Circus, for years the top low-end casino on the Strip, shares a parent with Caesars Palace, which until the 1989 opening of The Mirage was undisputed in its reign atop the high-end. Jay Sarno was
The Clown That Saved Las Vegas Hits A Major Milestone | Forbes Read More »
forbesFor my friends at CDC Gaming Reports, I took a long look at a very interesting panel session: For the past few years, panelists, pundits, and panjandrums have laid the blame for this decline at the foot of younger players. But Jacks sees it differently. “It’s not the millennials’ fault,” he said. Zenishek echoed his
Panel Discussion: Evaluating Gaming vs Non-Gaming Guest Spending | CDC Read More »
writingIn Forbes, I just tried to explain the phenomenon that is G2E: “The show,” as the true insiders call it, is divided into two parts. “Education” is a 12-track series of panels, seminars, and keynotes on topics ranging from gaming leadership and career development to non-gaming growth opportunities in esports (one of several new 2018
The Las Vegas Insider Meetup Where Casinos Find The Future | Forbes Read More »
forbesIn my latest piece for Forbes, I explore how a local non-profit is connecting performers with kids in need: From its Las Vegas roots, the organization has expanded from coast to coast, with programs in several cities, including Orlando, Orange County, and, soon, New York City. It may not have the financial impact of major
The Hidden Kindness Of Las Vegas Entertainers | Forbes Read More »
forbesMy latest for Forbes tries to crack the Vegas equation: There were many factors that put Las Vegas on the map as an international destination and have kept it there, but essentially the Las Vegas equation for success comes down to the balance of two forces: novelty and access. This was true in 1950, 1990,
Rediscovering The Equation That Made Las Vegas Famous | Forbes Read More »
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