Before I get to the “big” Vegas News about the Resorts World plan, I must say this has been a chaotic two-week stretch with friends visiting. So many people I know visit Las Vegas for work and/or pleasure. Being able to catch up with friends and acquaintances so frequently is part of what makes living in Las Vegas so great. Sometimes (now) a few people or groups pop into Las Vegas around the same time and things get chaotic between my work and fun.
Thankfully my work is fun! I visited Sahara more times in the past week than in the past six months. The renovations are pretty and minimums ($5-$10) are pretty low for the Vegas Strip. I shared some pics of the newest renovations of the lobby on twitter and Facebook. I’ll share thoughts on the renovations shortly.
Anyway, I’m off to Ping Pang Pong at the Gold Coast for the best hangover meal in Vegas so let’s get to the news.
Resorts World Las Vegas Has A New Plan
I first wrote about Resorts World Las Vegas in March of 2013. The casino still being built across the street from Wynn was supposed to open in 2016. My excitement at the time couldn’t be greater and I shared so much information and renderings of the property.
Fast forward to 2015 and Genting finally broke ground on the property. My excitement was gone and construction didn’t start on Resorts World Las Vegas for a few more years. Additionally, the exciting plans were scaled back a few times.
Progress at Resorts World
While I’m finally noticing progress at the Resorts World construction site, they’ve pushed back the opening to the summer of 2021. They’ve also revealed a new logo, rendering video, and amenities. Here are some highlights of the new plans for Resorts World:
- 110,000 square foot casino floor that will include a poker room.
- The casino will also include a 14,000-square-foot Entertainment Zone for the race and sportsbook. The space will also feature live entertainment.
- Two hotel towers with 3,500 rooms.
- 27,000-square-foot world-class spa.
- A 220,000-square-foot pool complex with seven unique pool experiences. The most spectacular part should be the 1,800-square-foot infinity pool with views of the Las Vegas Strip.
- The shopping area will have 28 retail outlets.
- For some reason, they’ll have a 75,000-square-foot nightlife and daylife concept.
- A 5,000-capacity state-of-the-art theater for “A-list residencies.”
- Signs, Signs, Everywhere Signs – 100,000-square-foot West Tower LED screen, 19,000-square-foot East Tower LED screen, 10,000-square-foot Property Marquee, 50-foot diameter video globe.
It’s been so long since the announcement of Resorts World that my excitement has dimmed. The theme has changed and the property have more of a mass appeal. The best part of Resorts World Las Vegas looks like it will be the pool area above. As we noted a couple of weeks ago, poker rooms are dropping like flies. It will be interesting to see if Resorts World opens with the poker room they’re planning.
The sports book sounds like a mixed-use area. This isn’t the favorite layout of older sports bettors but it’s definitely a trend. In 2015, Genting said they will operate the sports book. I’m curious to see if that’s still the case. There’s been so much consolidation in the sports betting market (see below).
Resorts World – Pushing The Opening Date
Resorts World pushing the opening date is not entirely unexpected. Including Resorts World, there were three casino openings planned for December 2020. That’s a bit too many properties fighting for customers and media coverage. Circa and Virgin are still planning to open in December. Circa’s opening in December is still on track. Virgin is already hinting that it will open in November if possible.
You can read the Resorts World press release for more information. The new website has even more details on the property if you’re still curious.
Residencies For Everyone!
There were no less than five limited engagements/residencies for 2020 announced this week. There’s one thing that ties all of these announcements together. They’re all returning to the Vegas Strip for another blast of shows.
Everyone besides Cee Lo Green performed in Las Vegas last year. Don’t tell me you don’t remember Cee Lo’s “Loberace” show in 2012. I’m kidding, I voided my mind of everything related to Cee Lo after Goodie Mob. Let’s fire away at the shows Quick Hits style!
- The previously mentioned Cee Lo Green will have a limited engagement of shows at Flamingo next year. Read more here.
- Sarah McLachlan will tell stories and sing sweet adult contemporary jams for three nights at Wynn Las Vegas. Read more here.
- Diana Ross returns to Wynn Las Vegas with a new limited engagement called DIANA ROSS! That’s an all caps name on purpose. Read more here.
- Bruno Mars returns to the Park MGM at Park MGM for another batch of shows. Read more here.
- I believe this isn’t new but I’m just seeing it now. Barry Manilow has extended his residency at the Westgate. Read more here.
UK RESIDENTS
£ FREE BETS £
Big Sports Betting News: William Hill Buys CG Technology (and it’s assets)
This week William Hill announced that it will purchase CG Technology sports book assets. Once the deal is approved, William Hill will operate the sports books at the Cosmopolitan, The Venetian and The Palazzo, Palms Casino Resort, Tropicana and Silverton.
William Hill currently operates more than 110 sportsbooks in Nevada so the number may not seem significant. However, the locations of the sportsbooks are a big deal with four sportsbooks on the Vegas Strip. It’s possible that this will be the beginning of William Hill’s Vegas Strip domination.
Eldorado Resorts owns 20% of William Hill and they could take over operations of all Caesars sports books in Las Vegas and around the country when the deal between the companies is complete next year. This would create more William Hill sports books than any other company on the Vegas Strip. While they’re preparing for this Caesars hasn’t confirmed any changes to its sports book operations yet.
I look forward to “As Caesars Turns: The Sportsbook Chronicles” in 2020. Stay tuned…
Semi-Related: William Hill reported earnings this week. You can read about it here.
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A Long (Awesome) Night At Able Baker
Quick Hits
This is a jam-packed edition of Quick Hits. It’s also been an exciting Vegas New with the announcements by Resorts World. In an effort to get the holiday started I’m sharing way more Las Vegas news than usual. Check it out!
- Someone finally hit the Caesars Pai Gow progressive jackpot that reached $2.3 million. Read more here.
- There’s a proposal to build retail and residencies on the land that was once planned for Las Ramblas. Read more here.
- Hey, The Mirage has been open for 30 years! Read more here.
- Petrossian Bar at Bellagio is open again! Read more here.
- So, you can’t have fake guns on Fremont Street. Don’t worry, you can still carry a real gun. Read more here.
- This one is for the Vegas locals. You can upgrade your Caesars Rewards Loyalty Program status to get free parking for the holidays. Read more here.
- Twitter request: I was asked about construction in Las Vegas this week. Here’s the handy construction bulletin if you’re curious.
- Lotus of Siam reopened in its original location. Read more here.
- Speaking of Lotus of Siam, they’re adding a fee to your bill to pay for insurance for their staff. See details from Vital Vegas here.
- Karaoke is coming to the Grand Canal Shops at The Palazzo. Read more here.
- Life Is Beautiful will take place September 18-20 next year. Read more here.
- Wolfgang Puck’s restaurant at Downtown Summerlin will become a sports bar. Read more here.
- Here’s something I didn’t think about but is interesting. If a casino operator sells the land under a casino they can’t build or expand without permission from the landowner. Read more here.
- Speaking of land sales, the deal between MGM Resorts and Blackstone for Bellagio is done. Read more here.
- Skill games are coming to The Linq. Read more here.
- The burger joint at Palace Station is closing at the end of the month. Read more here.
- Here’s a quick video of the new sign coming to the Fremont Street Experience.
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