In this week’s Vegas Seven, I have a feature story that puts the just-opened T-Mobile Arena into historical context: Casinos that followed—from the Hotel Last Frontier to the Tropicana—included dinner theaters as a matter of course; they were as necessary to a complete resort as rooms and gaming tables. This classic Las Vegas venue blossomed […]
Why T-Mobile Arena Is a Game Changer – Vegas Seven Read More »
Vegas SevenIf you don’t see a video, it’s here: http://youtu.be/EqZ82UwJuBQ
Author David G. Schwartz summarizes chapter 15, “A Clockwork Volcano: Las Vegas Strikes Back,” of Roll the Bones: The History of Gambling (Casino Edition).
This chapter starts by discussing some of the technological changes that made possible the rise of slot machines, like the introduction of video poker and wide area progressive games like Megabucks. It then talks about The Mirage, which opened in 1989 and kicked off the 1990s boom for Las Vegas. Although it completely changed the Las Vegas Strip, before it opened, many were skeptical that it would succeed.
We then learn about other important companies like MGM Mirage and the Mandalay Resort Group, which, through a series of mergers (including one with Mirage Resorts) became MGM Resorts. Las Vegas Sands, which owns the Venetian and Palazzo, is also profiled.
For more information about the book, visit http://www.rollthebonesbook.com
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life in vegas, videoI wrote a quick review of some of Kirk Kerkorian’s earlier history in Las Vegas for Two Way Hard Three this morning: Kirk Kerkorian is stepping down from his position on the board of MGM Resorts International in June. It’s a significant milestone for Las Vegas gaming, since he’s one of the few remaining links
My take on Kerkorian leaving at Two Way Hard Three Read More »
Two Way Hard ThreeIn this week’s Green Felt Journal I look at how technology is changing the convention biz in Vegas: Getting conventions to come back isn’t going to be easy, though both the Las Vegas Visitors and Convention Authority and several casinos are reporting more robust bookings next year. The challenge will be keeping these guests happy
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life in vegas, news about gambling, writingOne of the revelations from yesterday’s 3Q results announcement was that MGM has received an offer of about $250 million for the 50% share of the Borgata that the company is obliged to sell thanks to the Pansy Ho/Casino Control Commission imbroglio. The bigger isn’t named, but since it is mentioned that Boyd has the
Who’s the mystery bidder on .5(Borgata)? Read More »
atlantic city, news about gamblingPaul Goldberger has something to say about CityCenter in the latest New Yorker: But it’s been clear for a while that Las Vegas has been running out of themes. The trouble is that its effects rely entirely on dazzlement, an over-the-top gigantism that gets old fast. By this point, you could do a hotel that
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news about gamblingThe 2010 issue of Casino Design, a supplement to Global Gaming Business, is out now. It’s filled with tons of great articles with many perspectives on how and why casinos look the way they do. I’d like to point you towards the cover story, a massive look at how CityCenter developed, from drawing board to
CityCenter’s history Read More »
life in vegas, news about gamblingWhen MGM Mirage changed their name to MGM Resorts International, I wasn’t bowled over. “Resorts International” is forever linked in my mind to May 26, 1978, and a big red hotel on the Atlantic City Boardwalk (sure, it’s been painted white for 20 years or so, but in my mind Haddon Hall will always be
MGM name game in Vegas Seven Read More »
news about gambling, writing