The biggest news involving Las Vegas this week comes from another country (at least that’s what wikipedia says). The brand new LEGO Architecture Las Vegas is available to purchase on Amazon. In case you haven’t seen this before the 487 piece Lego set includes landmarks such as the Bellagio, Luxor, Encore, Stratosphere, and the downtown Fremont Street Experience.
Don’t be surprised by the size if you order Lego Las Vegas. This is a small set that measures approximately 10.3 x 7.5 x 1.8 inches. That’s probably why the price is just under $40. Tweet @travelzork with a pic if you purchase and build your own little Las Vegas.
Virgin Las Vegas
Earlier this year the Hard Rock was sold to the Virgin Group and some investors. They said that Virgin Hotels Las Vegas will debut in late 2019. Since the announcement nothing has really happened to convert the property and work won’t even begin until early 2019 at the soonest.
According to CDC Gaming Reports the current plan is to begin a “two-year long transition into the Virgin Hotels Las Vegas early next year.” The new completion date for Virgin Hotels Las Vegas is now 2020. Much like all construction in Las Vegas, don’t get too excited for the new project until work begins. Remember, Resorts World Las Vegas broke ground in 2015.
Wynn-Las Vegas Convention Center
Speaking of progress, I drove by Resorts World Las Vegas and actually saw movement on the construction site. I’ve seen numerous reports about progress being made but never witnessed any of the action.
I also drove by Wynn Las Vegas and saw a few cranes and the framing for the new convention center. Most of the Wynn Las Vegas expansion plans have been put on hold since Steve Wynn left the company. However, the convention center is moving forward. As Steve Wynn mentioned last year, it’s very close to the Sands Convention Center at The Venetian.
Wynn’s stock price took a beating this week so it might be a while until we hear an update on expansion plans. We’ll keep our eyes out for news but we might be waiting awhile.
Lucky Dragon
Do you remember the Lucky Dragon? I do. I was at the hotel and casino just before it opened way back in December 2016. Lucky Dragon closed the casino earlier this year but the hotel is still operating.
We’ve been hearing about the property going to a bankruptcy auction for much of the year but it looks as if it’s really going to happen. Bloomberg is reporting that the auction will take place on September 10th. The article discusses visas that are tied to the hotel. This could be interesting if you’re into how some building projects are funded. I’m not, so I’ll move on.
Bye TAG, Hello “The Book” At The-Linq
It’s no secret that TAG was my favorite bar on the Vegas Strip. About 75% of the 150 beers they had available were available as comps when playing video poker. Unfortunately, the great beer bar closed earlier this year. The bar has been renovated and expanded to become the new sportsbook called The Book.
You can see a first look at The Linq sports book from the opening on Thursday here. Many of you are familiar with the bar at The Linq so I won’t repeat myself too much. The bar remains from TAG but there are fewer beers available. There are 24 different beers you can pour yourself and maybe a dozen more in bottles. This isn’t the best beer situation but it’s not awful.
The seats at the bar and about 100 seats to the side of the bar are general admission and open to everyone. The focal point of the new sports book is the 12 “Fan Caves” set up where the old seating and gaming machines used to be located. Each of the living room-style sections seat about 10 people. These spaces are probably more comfortable for 7-8 people if the crew is made up of larger people. Fan Caves must be reserved and have a food and beverage minimum of $500 (Eat and drink until you hit $500. You can keep spending but you’ll have to fork over more money.)
The table games in this section have been moved off to the side where the poker room used to be. The old table games area is now used for slot machines.
The new sports book looks great but I’d personally rather have a place to drink good beer, watch sports, and bang away on video poker. Reserving seats in a sports book for busy days has become increasingly popular over the past couple of years. The price point for 10 people isn’t out of control. If you’re solo or don’t want to pay, just arrive early. There should be plenty of seats if you arrive before the games start.
Golden Gate Sportsbook Coming In 2019
The new Golden Gate sports book is expected to open during the third quarter of 2019. This new sports book will be a tease of the multi-level sports book that will be built at 18 Fremont across the street in downtown Las Vegas. You can see casino and resort plans for 18 Fremont here.
This press release also details Derek Stevens’ investment in VSIN and reveals plans to build a studio at 18 Fremont. There’s also mention about starting their own sportsbook operation. You already know most of this from a blurb we posted in the July 15 edition of Vegas News.
While we’re discussing the Golden Gate casino, Vital Vegas has some pictures of the new High Limit room.
Gambling With An Edge
Gambling With An Edge Gambling With an Edge is a podcast about Advantage Play(ers) generally restricted to casino settings. The co-hosts Bob Dancer and Richard Munchkin have dominated this niche market for years, providing education and entertainment to professional gamblers, and aspiring players alike. Neither “Comp Harvesting” or “Advantage Travel” might have been enough to pique the interest of these gentlemen but the combination of the two created interest and the actual conversation created enough demand for a follow up, second interview. These discussions are the quintessential example of our goals at TravelZork. We combine the best of casino loyalty and comp maximization with the best practices of and use of travel loyalty programs. Even the most respected professionals on one side of the equation can learn about and benefit from the other. GWAE with Eric Rosenthal, Have a listen! GWAE, September 6th.
Quick Hits
Here are links to a few more Las Vegas news nuggets you might find interesting.
- Rooms at the Waldorf Vegas (formerly Mandarin Oriental) are now available. This is a Hilton brand so you may be able to find discounts to the luxury property if you’re a Hilton Honors member. See more here.
- Construction at Park MGM may really be nearing completion. Roy Choi’s new restaurant named Best Friend will open in December. Read more here.
- Caesars Entertainment might be expanding. Dan Gilbert is considering selling his casinos in Michigan and Ohio. Caesars is said to be interested in buying those properties. Read more here.
- Halloween fans may no longer have Circus Circus to enjoy in Las Vegas but you should have no fear. Freakling Brothers is returning for the 26th year with “The Trilogy of Terror.” Read more here.
- The renovations to the rooms and casino floor at The Palazzo are complete. Read all of the buzzwords here.
- Hey, The Stratosphere has some new hotel rooms. Read more here.
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