Vegas Gang #12 - July 11th, 2008
Posted by Hunter on July 12, 2008
The show is up:
http://www.vegasgangpodcast.com
This time we feature:
* Wynn Hires Tim and Tim / Wynn Early Financials
* Nevada and Illinois Post Bad Numbers
* Tropicana E.Coli Outbreak
* Don Barden / Pittsburgh
* MGM Mirage / Wynn Resorts Market Cap
Comments welcome below.
Don't forget the Podcast-a-palooza:
http://www.vegasgangpodcast.com/2008/07/vegas-gang-podcast-live-august-16th-vegas-podcast-a-palooza/
UPDATED: Strange MGMGrand.com "Hack" Story
Posted by Hunter on July 11, 2008
My friend Steve Friess posted a story on his blog about a supposed "hack" at MGMGrand.com that supposedly offered illegitimate low rates to customers.
Based on the email that went out afterwords, MGM Grand handed this poorly.
Also, I agree with Steve - based on all I know from years of building Web applications for e-commerce, this sounds like BS to me... If it is true, they were likely penetrated extremely deeply, which would be even worse. Just own the mistake and honor the rates already!
http://thestrippodcast.blogspot.com/2008/07/was-mgmgrandcom-hacked.html
Updated: Steve has more details - not a 'hack' - just a promotion that was used by those it was not intended to be offered to. Still, maybe not the best handling?
http://thestrippodcast.blogspot.com/2008/07/mgmgrandcom-not-hacked-but.html
StripWalk July 2008 - Echelon, Encore, City Center, Luxor and More...
Posted by Hunter on July 8, 2008
Mike's returning with a new Strip Walk. This time we see Fontainebleau, Encore, Echelon, City Center, Luxor and more.
Keep reading after the jump and check out his photos:
http://www.ratevegas.com/photo/gallery/stripwalk
Treasure Island 2008 Review at VegasTripping.com
Posted by Hunter on July 8, 2008
My good friend and fellow Vegas Gang member, Chuck at VegasTripping.com has posted an updated review of Treasure Island.
I used to stay at TI all the time and I used to recommend it as a great value. That was before the hotel went through massive transformations a few years back... The rates have gone up so it's less affordable than it was but there are still some good things about TI. I really like Isla and I am interested to try Social House. Mystere is still a show I recommend all the time.
Anyway, check out Chuck's review:
http://www.vegastripping.com/features/feature.php?feature_id=149&page=1
VegasGang #11 Posted
Posted by Hunter on June 27, 2008
Vegas Gang #11 is online here: http://www.vegasgangpodcast.com
This time we feature:
* Encore at Wynn Las Vegas Opening
* Cosmopolitan Sued Over Its Name
* MGM Mirage Using Social Networking
* Harrah's Pays Debt With Debt
* Adelson Profiled in New Yorker
Feel free to add comments below...
Macau June 2008 Trip Report : George "Dram Man" Geddes
Posted by Hunter on June 19, 2008
Thanks again to George "Dram Man" Geddes for providing a trip report based around his recent trip to Macau.
The photos, previously published, are here:
http://www.ratevegas.com/photo/gallery/macaujune2008
Thanks George! Continue after the jump...
The Mirage, June 8-11.
Posted by Mike E on June 15, 2008
I took my parents for a three-night getaway at The Mirage as a combined Mother's and Father's Day gift. This trip was ultra-mellow by my standards but just as memorable as any other. Rather than the usual play-by-play, I've broken the report down in sections. Feel free to skip around to parts that interest you.
(More after the jump)
MGM Mirage Using Social Nets Twitter and Facebook
Posted by Hunter on June 13, 2008
Well, it was just a matter of when and who - Las Vegas casino operators using social networking technologies to promote their wares.
Actually, some of their affiliates, such as the Light Group, have been using these tools for some time... but now the big kahuna, MGM Mirage, is getting into the act through a new site called the Vegas Concierge.
The new Web presence uses Facebook and Twitter to push short bursts of info to users. I expect every other operator to follow at some point.
For those not already aware, we have a Twitter account for this site and I also have one of my own.
Vegas Gang #10 - Economic Woes to Bankrupt LVS?
Posted by Hunter on June 13, 2008
Vegas Gang #10 is up - http://www.vegasgangpodcast.com
This episode focuses on the CityCenter walkout and the economy vs. Las Vegas. We cover a few stories on the specifics, including an entry suggesting that LVS is heading for Chapter 11. That may be an extreme outcome but its an interesting discussion point.
Also, a little bit on the iPhone and its impact on Las Vegas.
Enjoy the show and feel free to post your comments here.
UPDATE: Stiffs and George's has a story about Palazzo's underwhelming performance: http://www.lasvegasadvisor.com/blogs/dmckee/index.cfm/2008/6/13/Oops-he-did-it-again
UPDATED: Workers Strike at City Center, MGM Mirage Shares Fall
Posted by Hunter on June 3, 2008
The Las Vegas Sun is reporting on a workers strike at City Center, MGM Mirage's large development on the Las Vegas Strip.
Due to a rash of construction deaths, the workers are demanding increased safety provisions be made before work will start again.
http://www.lasvegassun.com/news/2008/jun/03/workers-walk-citycenter-site-protest/
Update: It's possible that work will re-start again soon - it appears Perini and the trades had a positive meeting.
Details on "ARIA" - City Center's Anchor Hotel
Posted by Hunter on May 19, 2008
As speculated, the name 'ARIA' is official.
MGM Mirage's press release had a bit more info than I've seen published elsewhere. I don't usually just publish these things but I think this is of interest so continue reading after the jump.
Vegas Gang #8 Posted - "Gay Vegas" + Marketing to Specific Communities
Posted by Hunter on May 16, 2008
Vegas Gang Podcast #8 has been posted:
http://www.vegasgangpodcast.com
Comments can be posted here on this site, below.
Our guest is Steve Friess and we cover his book, 'Gay Vegas' as well as Las Vegas marketing, MGM Mirage splitting up, casino cheating and more.
LV Sun: City Center Will Open in Stages
Posted by Hunter on May 16, 2008
Despite the original plan to open everything in November of 2009, it seems MGM Mirage is now planning to open the complex in stages, starting August 2009 with the first condo tower and going through December 15, 2009 when the main hotel opens.
http://www.lasvegassun.com/blogs/gaming/2008/may/16/citycenter-will-not-all-open-once-after-all
NOTE: They refer to the main hotel as 'Aria'. It's my understanding this name was scrapped. Also, unrelated - new Vegas Gang going up tonight.
Update: People on the Internets seem to think this name is correct. We'll see I guess. I don't really like the name, FWIW.
Luxor : Lost In Transition - VegasTripping.com
Posted by Hunter on May 14, 2008
My good friend Chuck at VegasTripping.com is just back from Las Vegas and wrote up a little report about the transition at Luxor:
http://www.vegastripping.com/features/feature.php?feature_id=139&page=1
Open Topic Discussion - May 6, 2008
Posted by detroit1051 on May 6, 2008
MGM's 1st Quarter Conference Call transcript is available:
MGM Transcript
Shadow Creek Golf Course to Close For Maintenance
Posted by Hunter on May 2, 2008
Shadow Creek, MGM Mirage's fabulous golf course located in North Las Vegas, will close for a few months for an extensive renovation.
The press release is after the jump but basically it says that it will close until December while original architect Tom Fazio looks over the changes.
Strip Walk April 2008 - Encore, Caesars Palace, NYNY, Luxor
Posted by Hunter on April 22, 2008
Mike_ch is back with the latest Strip Walk. This time we have a look at Encore at Wynn Las Vegas, Caesars Palace, New York New York and Luxor.
Notes after the jump, photos here:
http://www.ratevegas.com/photo/gallery/stripwalk
Danny Gans to Move Show to Encore at Wynn Las Vegas - Spamalot to Close in July
Posted by Hunter on April 17, 2008
The rumors are true! Gans will move to Encore when it opens, leaving The Mirage.
What's funny is that Wynn denied this point blank to Steve Friess in the last interview.
http://phx.corporate-ir.net/phoenix.zhtml?c=132059&p=irol-newsArticle&ID=1131831&highlight=
RJ: MGM Mirage Laying Off 400+ Managers
Posted by Hunter on April 14, 2008
The story says it all - at least some of the doom and gloom is true enough to scale back.
http://www.lvrj.com/breaking_news/17679794.html
Thanks to Brian and Detroit for pointing this out.
Vegas Doom and Gloom From The UK
Posted by Hunter on April 8, 2008
A Las Vegas-is-gonna-go-bust doom and gloom article from the Times Online in the UK.
http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/comment/columnists/chris_ayres/article3701686.ece
Open Topic Discussion - April 5, 2008
Posted by detroit1051 on April 5, 2008
The Wall Street Journal follows up on the condo-hotel bubble, and focuses much of the story on Residences at MGM Grand and Trump's new tower. The story should be available without a subscription:
"It's been a very bad investment," said Moji Adekunbi, a 47-year-old engineer, who bought a $550,000 condo-hotel unit in the Signature at the MGM Grand in 2005 in Las Vegas, where one of every four hotel rooms being developed is a condo-hotel unit. Mr. Adekunbi counted on the cash flow from renting out his unit more than covering his $3,000-a-month mortgage payment, leaving him with a tidy profit.
He said the developer's sales staff led him to believe that the hotel would have 94% occupancy and $350-a-night rates, Turns out, he said he is netting only between $400 and $1,800 a month before his mortgage payment."
Condo-Hotel Buyers See Investments Sour As the Market Weakens
Las Vegas Sands: What's Going On?
Posted by detroit1051 on April 1, 2008
Two important stories on LVS:
Why would Sheldon Adelson make such public comments about MGM, Pansy Ho and Atlantic City?
Sands Chief Questions MGM Mirage's Motives
What is the real story on CFO Rozek's departure from LVS?
Robert P. Rozek resigned from his position as Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer of Las Vegas Sands Corp
Open Topic Discussion - March 23rd, 2008
Posted by Hunter on March 23, 2008
Another open topic for discussion.
One thing of note - I got some photos from Mike_Ch which I published:
http://www.ratevegas.com/photo/most_recent
Thanks Mike!
Vegas Roundtable #3: Encore, Casinos and 'Free', Majestic's Numbers and More...
Posted by Hunter on March 6, 2008
We talk the concept of 'free' and casinos, lots of fresh details on Encore at Wynn Las Vegas, Majestic's Vegas numbers, and more. This is a don't miss for Wynn fans.
The participants include:
Jeff Simpson - http://www.lasvegassun.com and http://www.inbusinesslasvegas.com
David McKee - http://www.lasvegasadvisor.com/blogs/dmckee/
Dave Schwartz - http://www.dieiscast.com
Chuck Monster - http://www.vegastripping.com
Direct Download: http://media.ratevegas.com/37-VegasGang03062008.mp3
Dave Schwartz: Free - The Future of Business and Casinos?
Posted by Hunter on February 26, 2008
Dave Schwartz has an interesting article where the talks about a piece from Wired that is discussing the proliferation of free services in business, especially on the Internet. Dave spins that into a gaming business narrative and breaks it down for us.
http://www.dieiscast.com/2008/02/26/could-casinos-become-free
Podcast: Vegas Roundtable #2 w/ Simpson, McKee, Schwartz, Monster and Me!
Posted by Hunter on February 21, 2008
We're back with roundtable #2 - this time around the topics include Crown investing in Harrah's/Station, MGM Grand Detroit, Pure being raided by the IRS, Cuba as the next Macau and more.
The participants include:
Jeff Simpson - http://www.lasvegassun.com and http://www.inbusinesslasvegas.com
David McKee - http://www.lasvegasadvisor.com/blogs/dmckee/
Dave Schwartz - http://www.dieiscast.com
Chuck Monster - http://www.vegastripping.com
Direct Download: http://media.ratevegas.com/36-podcast_02212008.mp3
Podcast: Vegas Roundtable w/ Simpson, McKee, Schwartz, Monster and Me!
Posted by Hunter on February 7, 2008
The first episode of what could become a new, semi-regular podcast has been posted.
It doesn't yet have a name but the working title is 'Vegas Roundtable'. It's a gaming industry related podcast in a discussion format. Today's participants include:
Jeff Simpson - http://www.lasvegassun.com and http://www.inbusinesslasvegas.com
David McKee - http://www.lasvegasadvisor.com/blogs/dmckee/
Dave Schwartz - http://www.dieiscast.com
Chuck Monster - http://www.vegastripping.com
Thanks to all participants. The podcast is in my normal feed for 'The Worst Las Vegas Podcast' but it will probably move to a dedicated feed. Also, if anyone can think of a good name, drop them in the comments.
If you don't subscribe to the feed and want the direct URL, here it is:
http://media.ratevegas.com/35-roundtable_1-02_07_08.mp3
Filed under
Atlantic City
,
Boyd Gaming
,
Business of Gaming
,
Fontainebleau
,
Las Vegas Strip
,
MGM MIRAGE
,
Monte Carlo Fire
,
Palazzo
,
Podcasts
,
Project CityCenter
,
Vegas Roundtable
,
Venetian/LV Sands
,
Wynn Resorts
New Photos: Encore at Wynn Las Vegas and Monte Carlo Fire
Posted by Hunter on February 3, 2008
Some new photos posted this afternoon:
http://www.ratevegas.com/photo/gallery/encore
http://www.ratevegas.com/photo/gallery/montecarlofire
The Encore shots give a really good look at the final layouts for the big parts of the project. You can see all the skylights in the low-rise for the new spa, plus I assume that lattice roof area will be filled with glass as well. Overall, looking good - can't wait to see more.
Thanks to Brian and Mark for sharing their photos.
Regarding the podcast, I have GarageBand open now - hopefully I'll get this finished shortly.
Monte Carlo Fire and EIFS
Posted by Hunter on January 30, 2008
Last week, most TV sets were tuned in to see the facade of a Las Vegas hotel, the Monte Carlo, engulfed in flames. I'm no expert in fire safety but I know what was going through my head, watching in real time: this fire is moving FAST and whatever is on the top of that building looks to be fueling it.
In the hours and days that followed, one term was repeated over and over: EIFS.
Instead of demonizing an easy target, I'm glad that I've had the chance to speak with several folks fluent in EIFS details, including some industry representatives. Keep reading after the jump and I'll share a couple of things I've learned.
UPDATED: MAJOR Fire On Top of Monte Carlo [FIRE OUT, MAJOR DAMAGE]
Posted by Hunter on January 25, 2008
Not sure how serious this is yet. Obvious now that it was pretty serious.
http://www.lasvegasnow.com/Global/story.asp?S=7774764
Update: I'm watching the live video on lasvegasnow.com and it looks pretty bad. Lots of black smoke that actually looks like it is coming from two places.
Updated: The fire is extremely bad. Multiple floors on the South side - that side of the building at the top are basically destroyed. Major destruction. Wow, this is really bad. Clark County Firefighters are incredibly brave - they are up on the roof working to put this out. I guess guests are being moved to MGM Grand Garden Arena. Nice.
Diablo's Cantina indeed. I hope no one was hurt.
One interesting point - on the South side there, there is no low rise building at the base of the hotel tower. Hopefully that is making it easier to get crews closer from the ground.
Links:
http://www.lvrj.com/breaking_news/14369312.html
http://www.knbc.com/videostream/9476753/detail.html
http://lasvegassun.com/blogs/news/2008/jan/25/fire-monte-carlo/
Hats off to the amazing work of the Clark County Fire Department in getting this thing under control so quickly - and it does seem to be pretty much under their control now, despite the few flames still burning. Now the question is what does this mean for the property - how bad is the damage?
Update: Thanks to Mike_Ch, some more photos of the aftermath: http://www.ratevegas.com/photo/most_recent
Trip Report January 2008: Bellagio Suites and Palazzo
Posted by Hunter on January 13, 2008
Thanks to reader Aaron_B for sharing this trip report from CES 2008. I know several readers will be interested to hear about and see photos of the renovated suites at Bellagio.
The photos are here:
http://www.ratevegas.com/photo/most_recent
Enjoy!
Nevada Gaming Win Declines - US Economy Woes Spilling Over?
Posted by Hunter on January 11, 2008
Well, the gaming win in the great state of Nevada declined a good bit last time 'round:
http://www.vegastripping.com/news/news.php?news_id=1857&src=rss
Not good for our favorite multi-national casino conglomerates. It's hard not to link this to the degrading confidence in the US economy overall. Gaming is often somewhat insulated - people love to wager no matter how screwed they are - but of course there would be some kind of a hit if things go down big time in the US of A.
THEhotel, December 26-29, 2007
Posted by Mike E on December 30, 2007
After a six-month hiatus, I headed back to town spending three nights at my old, favorite haunt before Wynn opened: THEhotel. My thoughts on the property, some gambling highlights, and general observations follow after the jump.
MGM Grand Macau Rings In $6.6M In First Two Days
Posted by Hunter on December 26, 2007
According to MacauTripping.com, the MGM Grand Macau opened to a smashing success - over $6.6 million in drop in the first few days of operations. This points to a very high volume of play in that time.
Caesars Palace Dealers Vote to Unionize
Posted by Hunter on December 24, 2007
Well, this could be the second shot across the bow in the industry as we see a second major Las Vegas casino's dealers vote to have union representation.
http://www.lvrj.com/business/12797112.html
Following Wynn Las Vegas dealers before them, is this a reflection on management in these two organizations? Will we see dealers at an MGM Mirage property go this route?
Mirage Room Remodel to Start in February 2008
Posted by Hunter on December 21, 2007
Thanks to reader Andy who spotted this on The Mirage's official Web site. It seems the rooms are getting a full on make over starting in February and based on the pictures, they are totally tossing the current room decor.
http://www.mirage.com/hotel/hotel_remodel.aspx
Wow, that's drastic. Now, I totally think the rooms need to be redone but honestly, I think this design goes a bit too far for my tastes. I love the amenities they are adding - that's great... and, I think generally the vibe is okay but this is like cranked too far. It's as if they had one or two many committees weigh in on this, each tweaking the design a bit to the point that there's no longer any cohesion.
Thoughts?
MGM Grand Macau Opens
Posted by Hunter on December 18, 2007
Well, today is the big day for MGM Mirage with their first entry into Macau with the MGM Grand Macau. The property is a 50/50 joint venture with Pansy Ho, daughter of longtime operator Stanley Ho.
Personally, I think this property looks very interesting and it is certainly on my list of places to stay when I visit Macau sometime next year. I see the Wynn Macau/MGM Macau combo (they are right next door to each other) as the true epicenter of Macau luxury, despite Las Vegas Sands' grand Cotai experiment, at least for now.
http://money.cnn.com/news/newsfeeds/articles/prnewswire/LATU077A18122007-1.htm
Strip Walk: December 2007 - City Center, Luxor, Treasure Island, Palazzo, Wynn Las Vegas, Encore and More...
Posted by Hunter on December 12, 2007
Mike_ch is back with another Stripwalk. This time he visits Encore, City Center, TI, Palazzo, Luxor and more. Check it out after the jump plus don't forget to check out the new photos:
Photos: http://www.ratevegas.com/photo/gallery/stripwalk
Strip Walk: November 2007 - City Center, Palazzo, Mirage, Wynn Las Vegas, Encore and More...
Posted by Hunter on November 21, 2007
Here we are with a special Thanksgiving-eve 'Strip Walk' segment. This time around, mike_ch checks out the Frontier, Encore, City Center, Luxor, The Mirage and more. Text after the jump...
Photos: http://www.ratevegas.com/photo/gallery/stripwalk
Filed under
Bellagio
,
Boyd Gaming
,
Business of Gaming
,
Casino Design
,
Las Vegas Photography
,
Las Vegas Strip
,
MGM MIRAGE
,
Palazzo
,
Project CityCenter
,
RateVegas.com
,
Strip Walk
,
Venetian/LV Sands
,
Wynn Resorts
Open Topic Discussion: November 21, 2007
Posted by detroit1051 on November 21, 2007
Bottle service at clubs is huge as reported in the LV Sun. The economy must be better than I thought!
"Consider that more than 2,000 people walked through the door at Mirage's Jet nightclub during a recent weekend - and that more than half sat at reserved tables where bottle service starts at $400 for a bottle shared by three people.
An average table check can reach about $800, said Kelley Jones, president of nightclub operator Light Group's restaurant division."
Revenue From Alcohol Growing Faster Than Slot Revenue
November 2007 LV Strip Construction Photos Posted
Posted by Hunter on November 14, 2007
I've posted my Las Vegas Strip construction photos: Most Recent Las Vegas Photos
All sorts of great stuff including Encore's high and low rise buildings, WLV's villa atrium, Palazzo, the white tiger pit at The Mirage, City Center, P-Ho, Bellagio, and more.
The link above should show them all but you can also visit the November 2007 tag. Also, based on some feedback I plan to add new searching and sorting capabilities to the photo database soon.
Filed under
Bellagio
,
Business of Gaming
,
Casino Design
,
Las Vegas Photography
,
Las Vegas Strip
,
MGM MIRAGE
,
Palazzo
,
Project CityCenter
,
Strip Walk
,
Trip Reports
,
Venetian/LV Sands
,
Wynn Resorts
Open Topic Discussion - November 14, 2007
Posted by detroit1051 on November 14, 2007
This will start Brian Fey's day off with a smile. Wynn Las Vegas has won recognition from The Michelin Guide.
NORM: Michelin makes Steve Wynn's year
Michelin's Highest Honor of Five Red Pavilions Awarded to Wynn Las Vegas
MGM Grand Abu Dhabi - $3 Billion Non Gaming Resort
Posted by Hunter on November 7, 2007
MGM Mirage announced today that they will build a $3 billion, non gaming resort in Abu Dhabi, part of the United Arab Emirates.
http://phx.corporate-ir.net/phoenix.zhtml?c=101502&p=IROL-NewsText&t=Regular&id=1073968&
The Mirage Replaces White Tigers With Burgers
Posted by Hunter on November 5, 2007
I got a press release this morning from MGM Mirage regarding a new restaurant going in at The Mirage. BLT Burger will be replacing the Habitat at the resorts' Southern-most Strip entrance.
This is another nail in the coffin of Siegfried and Roy's tenure at The Mirage. As for the restaurant, the press release states:
"BLT Burger's diverse menu will offer quality ingredients including beef (sirloin, short rib, chuck and brisket cut), American and Japanese Kobe, lamb and Ahi tuna burgers along with soft, no-frills buns. Onion rings and a variety of French fry options, including waffle-cut, sweet potato and chili cheese, will complement the meal. An array of milkshakes in classic and spiked varieties will be available along with a selection of ice cream floats. Nostalgic glass-bottled sodas, innovative cocktails, as well as a focused selection of wine and beer will quench every guest's thirst."
MGM Mirage Blames OPERA Failure On Memory Leak
Posted by Hunter on October 30, 2007
On their earnings call today, MGM Mirage's Jim Murren discussed the recent problems with their guest reservations system, OPERA, that runs 7 properties for the company, mostly in Las Vegas.
Murren stated that the OPERA issue was due to a 'memory leak in the operating system'. He also stated that OPERA runs on an 'HP platform' and an 'Oracle database'. By 'HP platform', it's not clear if he means they are running on HP's PA-RISC UNIX operating system or HP hardware and something like Windows Server.
Murren claims the issue is resolved and they are fully operational but that they intend to have a backup system put into place for the future. He didn't break out the total cost of the problem for the company.
MGM Mirage Posts Third Quarter Results
Posted by Hunter on October 30, 2007
MGM Mirage posted their 2007 Q3 results - the company's net revenues are up 6% to $1.9 billion.
Details are here: http://phx.corporate-ir.net/phoenix.zhtml?c=101502&p=irol-SECText&TEXT=aHR0cDovL2NjYm4uMTBrd2l6YXJkLmNvbS94bWwvZmlsaW5nLnhtbD9yZXBvPXRlbmsmaXBhZ2U9NTIzODMxMSZkb2M9Mg%3d%3d
Some discussion on the call surrounded City Center and Dubai, Bellagio's baccarat room being closed, and the ongoing construction at former Mandalay properties.
Occupancy was up 1% to 97% and ADR hit $147, up from $140. REVPAR hit $143 from $135 a year ago.
An interesting item - gambling revenues, excluding Beau Rivage, are actually down 3% from a year ago.
Open Topic Discussion - Oct. 28, 2007
Posted by Hunter on October 28, 2007
Here's a new open topic thread for y'all. A couple of notes on this sunny Sunday:
Regarding the piece on VT&T regarding the Encore casino and a 'poker island', based on the plans I have seen and the people I have talked to, this is off the mark. Now, the plans I originally saw for the low rise stuff have substantially changed since then, as we have already discussed... My understanding is that there is no poker room planned for Encore, plus the walkway changes he talks about obliterate the retail that's planned along the WLV-Encore corridor and generally just sound like they waste space. I am very skeptical.
Second, thanks to reader MikeP for sending in a photo inside Palazzo's retail area, plus the new aquarium at The Mirage: http://www.ratevegas.com/photo/most_recent
The Mirage Lobby Aquarium Is Re-Born
Posted by Hunter on October 25, 2007
According to a release I got today, the aquarium that is behind the desk at The Mirage, which has been shrouded in black for months, has been revealed.
It's a whole new affair with more animals, new artifical reef and a new filtration system.
Supposedly the aquarium features 1,000 marine life forms in 20,000 gallons of water.
Open Topic Discussion: October 23, 2007
Posted by detroit1051 on October 23, 2007
MGM Mirage has been plagued with Reservation System computer problems for several days according to Steve Friess in the New York Times.
Computer Glitches Plague Casinos
The RJ Goes to Macau
Posted by Hunter on October 21, 2007
Looks like the RJ has a front page piece on Macau gaming, specifically US based operators there. It's an interesting piece and it comes with a fairly cheesy map and some photos. Worth checking out - even some photos of the analysts that get quoted in every gaming article in the paper.
http://www.lvrj.com/news/10701326.html
Macau Quarterly Gaming Revenues Rise Again
Posted by Hunter on October 18, 2007
Sorry I'm only getting to post this now... Looks like Macau quarterlies are once again blowing through estimates:
http://biz.yahoo.com/ap/071018/macau_gaming_revenue.html?.v=1
A 46% increase? Nice. This quarter had a little bit of Venetian Macau action but we'll really get a feel for that next time around, plus of course in the LVS and WYNN quarterlies.
Strip Walk: October 2007 - City Center, Palazzo, Bellagio, Luxor, Mirage, Wynn Las Vegas, and More...
Posted by Hunter on October 11, 2007
Thanks to Mike for another installment of 'Strip Walk', or semi-regular feature that focuses on Las Vegas Strip construction progress.
Lots of great new info here and of course, we've got photos: http://www.ratevegas.com/photo/gallery/stripwalk
Filed under
Bellagio
,
Business of Gaming
,
Casino Design
,
Fontainebleau
,
Las Vegas Photography
,
Las Vegas Strip
,
MGM MIRAGE
,
Palazzo
,
Project CityCenter
,
RateVegas.com
,
Strip Walk
,
Venetian/LV Sands
,
Wynn Resorts
Inside The MGM MIRAGE Brain Trust: Jim Murren
Posted by Hunter on October 10, 2007
In Business Las Vegas did a fascinating interview with MGM Mirage President and COO Jim Murren last week. It is a highly recommended read that gives great perspective into the thinking that has driven recent deals with Kerzner, Dubai World and others.
It's clear that Terry Lanni and Jim Murren 'get it' when it comes to the biz side of the gaming industry - they are re-defining the standard practices that have been common knowledge in the industry. Business as usual? Not anymore.
From partnering with interesting companies to big ambitious projects like City Center in Las Vegas, they are bringing techniques that have worked well in the general hospitality industry to gaming and it seems to be paying off in spades.
Personally, I'd love to do an interview with Murren but MGM MIRAGE sometimes looks down on Internet media, even those of us with larger numbers than some print publications. I'm hoping one of these days these companies will wake up to that. They're not as bad as some companies but they could do better in this department.
Strip Walk: September 2007
Posted by Hunter on September 27, 2007
Well, you know the drill at this point. Another episode featuring MGM Grand, Wynn Las Vegas, City Center and more.
Photos are here: RateVegas Photos
This time we get a bonus video: Diablo's Cantina
Filed under
Business of Gaming
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Casino Design
,
Fontainebleau
,
Las Vegas Photography
,
Las Vegas Strip
,
MGM MIRAGE
,
Palazzo
,
Project CityCenter
,
Reader Reviews
,
Strip Walk
,
Venetian/LV Sands
,
Wynn Resorts
Open Topic Discussion: September 24, 2007
Posted by detroit1051 on September 24, 2007
"USA Today" profiles Terry Lanni:
"Throughout its history, Las Vegas has seen its share of legendary tycoons, from Howard Hughes to Steve Wynn. The low-profile Lanni flies under the public's radar, but he's one of the most-respected and influential forces in the $90 billion gaming industry.
"I've dealt with a few CEOs, and I'd have to rate Terry up there at the top," says Kirk Kerkorian, the 90-year-old owner of Tracinda, which held 56% of MGM Mirage's stock as of June. "I've always liked this company. We've got a hell of a team there."
Executive Suite: You can bet on MGM Mirage's Lanni
Worst Las Vegas Podcast #18 - In-Depth Macau w/ Chuck from VegasTripping.com - September 23rd, 2007
Posted by Hunter on September 23, 2007
Well, that was a great conversation... We had an in-depth talk with Chuck from VegasTripping.com who just recently has gotten back from Macau.
We went over everything from specific hotel talk on topics like Wynn Macau, Venetian Macau, Galaxy Starworld, MGM Grand Macau, Casino Lisboa and more. We also talked about the business - folks like Wynn Resorts, Las Vegas Sands, SJM, Melco and others.
Cotai, gaming industry topics, casino design and more. It was a great discussion and I'm hoping we can do another segment soon.
