The Kentucky Derby party at South Point was a great time as usual. Once again, I didn’t win anything.
I had the 13, 8, 5 horses boxed with a horse that might still be running. It’s nicer to get 2nd through 4th place finishers correct but that doesn’t pay the bills. Hopefully, your Kentucky Derby was more fruitful.
MGM 2020 Getting Ugly
I’m still taking a wait and see approach to evaluating how the MGM 2020 layoffs would impact the experience in Las Vegas. It doesn’t look good. Last week we learned about the new COE’s in the corporate offices replacing managers and supervisors in the casinos.
This week we’re learning that the “bloodbath” is extending all the way to entry-level employees. Vital Vegas shared that 32 table game employees were relieved of their duty at Aria alone. That’s not good for Aria and it could be bad if this is replicated at other properties.
Even before the layoffs, I’ve been hearing that their typically good customer service at Aria has declined. Combine that with the majority of blackjack games paying 6:5 and the introduction triple zero roulette and you have a bad combination for gamblers.
Since the COE’s are corporate employees, it would not be a surprise to see gaming continue to become less player friendly. Ya know, the bean counters are just counting the dollars.
According to the MGM Resorts earnings report, Aria had a great quarter for gaming revenue:
“Casino revenues at Aria increased 27% compared to the prior year quarter, due primarily to a 24% increase in table games win resulting from an increase in table games hold percentage to 26.3% in the current quarter compared to 20.8% in the prior year quarter”
There was another casualty to MGM Resorts gaming this week. Jay Rood, VP of Race and Sports for MGM Resorts, stepped down from his position on Friday. He was with the company for 25 years. A replacement hasn’t been made yet but don’t be surprised to see a new world for betting on sports with MGM Resorts.
GVC Joint Venture – Sports Betting at MGM
They have a joint venture with a company named GVC. This sports betting company is closing in on approval from the Nevada Gaming Control Board. The $200 million partnership could pave the way for sports betting at MGM Resorts. MGM Resorts is not the same company it once was.
Welcome to the show, bro. MGM Resorts is an entertainment company. Advertisements at the Bellagio fountains might be the future of MGM Resorts. We understand that they’re moving away from gaming as the main revenue generator. However, they’ll still need great service and unique attractions to keep people visiting their properties.
I’m not going to jump to conclusions about the future of MGM Resorts but it doesn’t look good. The next news item furthers the discussion of bad experiences to expect at some more MGM Resorts bars and restaurants.
MGM Resorts Has More Bars & Restaurants To Dynamically Price
This week MGM Resorts announced they will be taking over operation of some bars (not nightclubs) and restaurants from Hakkasan. They will now operate the following:
- The Mirage: Stack
- Bellagio: Fix, Yellowtail, and Lily Lounge
- Aria: Alibi Ultra Lounge and Herringbone
Last week we told you that MGM Resorts planned on moving to a dynamic pricing model for the outlets it manages. Well, here are six new venues for MGM Resorts to increase prices when they’re busy. Once the dynamic pricing starts the drinks and food will cost more than they would when it isn’t busy at these bars and restaurants.
Majestic Resort & Spa Get Approval
We first told you about Majestic Resort & Spa way back in November last year. This week, Clark County Commissioners approved the development of the non-gaming hotel and spa received approval to begin construction. You can see a rendering video of the property below.
You might remember the sweet website for the property from last year’s news. Majestic Las Vegas will be built one block west of the Las Vegas Convention Center and two blocks east of the Las Vegas Strip where the Debbie Reynolds Hotel & Casino and Clarion once stood.
Plans call for Majestic Las Vegas to have 720 hotel rooms, wellness spa, medical offices, restaurants, and other amenities. Like every other property planned for Las Vegas, I’ll believe it when I see it.
More Free Concerts Announced For Fremont Street Experience
The Fremont Street Experience added a few more free summer concerts this week.
Here’s the new lineup:
May 24 – Good Charlotte on 3rd Street Stage
June 15 – Nelly on 3rd Street Stage 29 – Sugar Ray on 1st Street Stage
July 4 – Eli Young Band on 3rd Street Stage 20 – Fuel, Toadies and Sponge on 3rd Street Stage 27 – Pop 2000 Tour hosted by Lance Bass with O-Town, Aaron Carter, Ryan Cabrera and Tyler Hilton on 3rd Street Stage
August 10 – Collective Soul on 3rd Street Stage 17 – Buckcherry on 1st Street Stage 24 – Cheap Trick on 3rd Street Stage 30 – The Wallflowers on 3rd Street Stage
September 1 – I Love the 90’s featuring Vanilla Ice, Montell Jordan, All-4-One, Tone Loc and Coolio on 3rd Street Stage 28 – Smash Mouth on 3rd Street Stage
October 19 – Muddfest featuring Puddle of Mudd, Saliva, Trapt, Saving Abel and Tantric on 3rd Street Stage
As you’d imagine, the Fremont Street Experience is a madhouse on the night of these free concerts.
If you don’t like crowds, just hang out at casinos, bars, and restaurants that aren’t near the stage where the concerts are held. If you like crowds, have fun! The chaos can be a blast if you’re in the mood for it.
Quick Hits
There’s always a few more Vegas news nuggets after we touch on the big stories of the week. Here’s your weekly dose of Quick Hits.
Speaking of the Quick Hits, I’m currently upset with the Quick Hits Super Wheel slot machine I found last year.
- Wynn Resorts reported earnings this week. There wasn’t much news about Las Vegas beyond the financials. See the report here.
- The Plaza is doing a gut renovation of 112 hotel rooms. See pics and details here.
- Vital Vegas loves rumors about the Rio All-Suite Hotel. We love Vital Vegas. See details on the latest Rio sale rumor here.
- The Pinball Hall of Fame received approval to expand to the Vegas Strip. Read more here.
- Circa Sports is coming out with a bang! See info about the million dollar football contest here.
- Remember Kind Heaven at The Linq? Well, it won’t open until next year. Read more here.
- Curious where you can find the loosest slots in the US? Read the Loosest Slot Awards here.
- The Cromwell reduced their all-day drink specials from $3 to $2.
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