Two Way Hard Three | Las Vegas Casino & Design Blog
All Articles Published: September 2009
Vegas Gang #37 - September 24th, 2009
Posted by HunterNew episode is up: http://www.vegasgangpodcast.com
We discuss:
* Planet Hollywood + Harrah's?
* Fontainebleau + Penn Nat'l?
* Stanley Ho's SJM
* Niche Marketing @ Monte Carlo
* Gaming Figures
* Aria
Do you have questions for MGM Mirage's Alan Feldman? He'll be our guest at Vegas Podcast-a-palooza in October. Leave your question in a comment and we'll consider them for the show.
Las Vegas Innovator Bob Stupak Passes Away
Posted by HunterBob Stupak, creator of Vegas World and The Stratosphere Tower, died today at 67.
Other media outlets can eulogize him far better than I can but I'll say this: even if his creations were not up your alley, the guy had a massive impact on Las Vegas as it is today.
http://www.lasvegassun.com/news/2009/sep/25/bob-stupak-builder-stratosphere-and-vegas-world-di/
Strip Walk - September 2009: Mandalay Bay, Luxor, Bellagio, Monte Carlo...
Posted by HunterMike's back with another Strip Walk and this time it's all MGM, all the time.
Here's the complete photo gallery:
http://photo.ratevegas.com/Other/Strip-Walk-September-2009/9727750_8SAVd
Read on for more...
SJM's Stanley Ho Dead? [Probably Not]
Posted by HunterMacauTripping is reporting that Dr. Stanley Ho, Macanese gaming pioneer and leader of SJM may have died. Reports are as yet unconfirmed but if it is true would no doubt have a major impact on the gaming industry in that region.
http://www.macautripping.com/tripping/post.php?p=374&src=rss
From what I have read, the path of succession for SJM is not clear - who will take over the company? Ho had many children, including those that are in relationships with foreign companies like MGM Mirage and PBL. Could Pansy Ho take over SJM? Can't imagine New Jersey regulators would love that, given their concern over alleged SJM activities in the past.
Update: So, it appears that Dr. Ho is alive and well - this rumor is unfounded as far as we can tell.
Harrah's Investing in Planet Hollywood Debt
Posted by HunterThe news that Harrah's had started buying Planet Hollywood debt started fluttering around on Saturday and finally got some major coverage yesterday.
Basically, PHo has been hurting, just like everyone else. I'm sure Harrah's sees an opportunity to potentially pick up a Strip property at a discount, ala Tropicana AC or LV.
http://www.lvrj.com/news/59318702.html
Potentially great business decision for Harrah's but I hope this doesn't come to fruition. As others have said, The Strip doesn't need more consolidation - it seems to be healthier and do better with more operators and more competition.
If this does go down, it would be interesting to see if regulators have more pause after the events of the last few years.
City Center Wins Some Green
Posted by HunterCity Center isn't even open and it's already winning some green. By that terrible pun, I am referring to their LEED certification for Aria and Vdara, two components of the project.
http://www.lvrj.com/news/59215277.html
This is a great thing - not only does the company get a tax abatement for up to ten years, it gets them a bunch of extra press and builds some additional excitement... plus, helping the environment isn't a bad thing either.
Vegas Gang #36 - September 3rd, 2009
Posted by HunterThe latest Vegas Gang Podcast has been published.
We discuss:
* Encore Beach Club
* FBleu Sale Rumors
* City Center Condos
* Frank Fertita Jr.
and more...
Feel free to leave comments below. I feel like I was supposed to put something in the show notes and I can't remember what now...
Oh, here's the LV Weekly article on Vegas Mate: http://www.lasvegasweekly.com/news/2009/sep/03/sin-city-your-hand/
Grazie Expands: Las Vegas Sands Gets Into Promo Game
Posted by HunterToday, along with others, I got an email about changes to Grazie (formerly 'Club Grazie'), the Las Vegas Sands guest benefits program.
I'm not calling it a slot club because the company has decided to expand the offering - you get points for gaming but also rooms, dining and retail. Three tiers separate card holders, Grazie, Gold and Platinum.
This is a welcome change for Las Vegas regulars that enjoy a good 'two way hard three' but also drop significant change for deluxe suites and gourmet meals (are you listening, Wynn Resorts??)
Personally, I hope to see more of this permeate the gaming industry.
UPDATED: Open Topic Discussion - September 1, 2009
Posted by detroit1051CNBC interviewed MGM's Jim Murren today. The 11 minute video is online now. Quite interesting.
CNBC Interviews MGM's Jim Murren
Update: Just wanted to note that Vegas Mate is profiled in Las Vegas Weekly this week, out today: http://www.lasvegasweekly.com/news/2009/sep/03/sin-city-your-hand/
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