No idea how the TravelZork podcast fellas found this to be a slow news period for Las Vegas and casinos, but that’s why I’m here, as Movestro said. Let’s get to it, starting with MGM Resorts news around the country.
Nine Fine Irishmen at New York-New York updated its outdoor space and has $5 booze and $7 food specials all month. I’ve had many great times outside at this pub drinking Harp because Guinness ain’t right…even for $5. See the patio seats above and get all the specials here.
MGM was expected to get a lower NY casino license for Empire City in Yonkers. They pulled out of the running and shared the reasons why here.
Something might seem fishy about MGM pulling out. Yonkers officials have questions and want an investigation. Read about that here.
It was a busy week for MGM, the company sold the operations of its Ohio casino. Read more here.
Back in Vegas, MGM will have three free F1 experiences heading into the Las Vegas Grand Prix:
- Mercedes @ Aria
- Haas @ Cosmopolitan
- Williams @ New York-New York
You can see all of their activations here.
Bally’s dropped a press release with plans for the integrated resort to replace the Tropicana. Like everything else, I’ll believe it when I see it. See the rendering below and read about it here.
You can see seven days of construction of the A’s stadium here.
Did you know an Ocean’s Eleven prequel with Brad Cooper and Margot Robbie was in the works? I heard about it a couple of weeks ago. Get the details here.
No Doubt has a Sphere residency locked in for next year, and they’ve already added shows. Find the new and old show dates here.
The Louis XIII pop-up is back at Wynn for the third year in a row. Get the details here.
Because you love parking news, Fontainebleau Rewards members and locals get free self-parking through the end of the year. Read more here.
The boat for Carbone Riviera launched a couple of weeks ago on the lake at Bellagio. The restaurant opens on Nov. 7. See below and read more here.
The NGCB is OBSESSED with the Rio buffet. It’s probably not coming back, but these jabronis keep asking for it. Read about the latest discussion here.
Cyndi Lauper will have a residency at Caesars Palace next year. Read more here.
The Eagles continue to add shows at the Sphere. Is Las Vegas their Hotel California? Read more here.
The Westgate just announced a slew of cheap eats and drinks. Great to see so many properties rolling out fairly priced food and booze. See the tweet here.
The Plaza has a neat “Build-A-Stay” promo where guests can choose from a slew of add-ons like free play, dining credits, and room types for no additional fee. Get the details here.
G2E was fun as usual. I didn’t notice anything groundbreaking coming to casinos as manufacturers and casinos focus on sticking to what works. I did an easy-to-read roundup here.
Fun fact: reps can hit a button to set off bonuses for the slots and video poker machines so buyers and media can see them in action. I asked for a royal flush to show off the multiplier for the video poker game above. You’ve probably seen the slammer function in a few slot machines over the years.
I checked out the Monopoly progressive jackpot and table game. Read about that here.
Aristocrat is now making Monopoly slots. See and read more here.
The initial rendering of the Hard Rock Guitar Tower looked insanely big. After seeing the construction last week on the Venetian for G2E, I think it might be fairly accurate.
While walking through the Venetian Expo space, I was reminded that the Grand Canal Shops have a lot of great Happy Hour deals. Check it out.
Boy George & Culture Club are doing a limited engagement at the Venetian next year. Read more here.
This is a bit old, but I wrote about The Wizard of Oz economics and potentially other movies at the Sphere here.
Tim McGraw is replacing Dolly Parton at Caesars Palace during NFR. Read more here.
You can read about Resorts World’s rodeo activities here.
For some reason, I think this Cosmopolitan private gaming space was supposed to open seven or eight years ago. Anyway, it’s pretty sweet.
Chicago is returning to the Venetian for another limited engagement next year. Get dates and more info here.
Palms is hosting a free chat with Guenther Steiner during Las Vegas Grand Prix week. Read about it here and get free tickets here.
F1 will have exclusive merch just for the Las Vegas Grand Prix. The Golden Knights’ crossover is something. See and read more here.
In case I missed anything over the past few weeks, the LVCVA has a new roundup here.
Evidently, Vegas roads aren’t safe. Read more here.
My least favorite activity over the past year is people seeing a post on Facebook and texting me to see if it’s real. Fun fact: It’s never real. Never. Never ever. Twitter is only slightly better because at least they sometimes link to press releases. Read more here.
I had dinner at Esther’s a couple of weeks ago. It’s a great restaurant at fair prices and well worth the trip from the casino areas to the Arts District. Five of us shared about 10 different dishes, including pizza, a pork chop, multiple pastas, fishes, and more. Enjoy the pics below.
Join the TravelZork FB Group -> HERE
Visit: TravelZork Travel
Stay up to date with: ZorkFest
Also: Watch, Like, and Sub on YouTube
Check it out: The Yo-11 Minutes Playlist on YouTube
Marc grew up on the mean streets of the South Bronx. He's the rare combination of Yankees and Jets fan which explains his often contrarian point of view. He learned about gambling at a young age working down the street from a bookie who took action on anything from the mainstream sports to the last three digits of the purse for certain horse races. Yeah, that's a thing. Today Marc is a freelance writer and social media consultant which allows him to work anywhere there's a wifi signal. This allows him to work from the sportsbook at Red Rock Resort or the food court at The Venetian where you’ll find fast and free wifi. Writing about steak, booze, gambling and Las Vegas is a tough job but somebody has to do it.