Vegas News October 10, 2021
G2E (Global Gaming Expo)
The Vegas News for me this week started mostly with the Global Gaming Expo (G2E). As expected it was smaller than usual with fewer small and international gaming operators. There was also a lack of food and beverage providers, entertainers and other random non-gaming companies showing off their goods and services for casinos to buy.
That said, the smaller crowd was exuberant and it was great to see the gaming industry in attendance moving forward. Looking back the expo probably exceeded my low expectations.
Even though the larger gaming manufacturers provide the majority of games we find in casinos there weren’t too many interesting new games on display. It seems as though 2022 casino experiences will be similar to 2021.
There should be new slot machines and video poker games in new cabinets but nothing particularly exciting. Yippee…another new Buffalo game!
Bettor Life podcast host Tim and I half-joked about the death of blackjack. Almost all new table games were not blackjack-inspired. There was a surprising amount of baccarat ETG’s and video games. There were also a lot of roulette games. I did find one fun item that should be in casinos somewhere sooner than later.
Most Unique Thing – G2E (Global Gaming Expo)
The most unique thing I saw at G2E was probably the new version of the Crystal sports betting terminal from IGT. The bartop version is kind of insane but it’s kind of how I watch sports at home. There’s a game on TV, a sportsbook app on phone, and a casino or brain game on the iPad. The only thing missing at home is the complimentary drink. I’m told we’ll see these soon.
I spent the week at Resorts World to cut down on travel. While it’s nice they “matched” my complimentary room offer from the Cosmopolitan, the Conrad Las Vegas at Resorts World Las Vegas rooms aren’t comparable to the Terrace Studio sweets at Cosmo. Aside from something disagreeing with my insides I had a good time at the property. I can still see a vision for the property but it’s not there yet.
Enough about my take, let’s get to the news and rumors in and around Las Vegas. There’s a lot this week!
Las Vegas Quick Hits
- Red Rock Resorts (Station Casinos) released details about its Durango casino that will break ground next year. Read more here. The company said it would reveal plans by its next earnings report. Well, Red Rock will report earnings on Nov. 2 if you want to hear more.
- The Dream hotel received approval from Clark County this week. The new hotel-casino will open near the Pinball Hall of Fame and Harley Davidson dealer just south of Mandalay Bay on the Vegas Strip. Read more here. See original plans here.
- A friend of mine was visiting Las Vegas to see the annual 311 shows at Park MGM a couple of years ago. She was able to get out of town before the pandemic started to spread rapidly and the world shut down for a minute. Well, 311 is returning to Park MGM next year. We haven’t spoken yet but I’m sure she’ll be back too. Read more here.
- Adele was going to announce a residency around 10 years ago at Park MGM. Then she was going somewhere else then to a different casino then Resorts World. After years of rumors, it looks like she’ll be at Park MGM afterall. Read more here.
- With Adele likely out of the picture at Resorts World, Vital Vegas is rumoring that creepy magician David Blaine will become a resident at the newest casino in Las Vegas. Read more here.
- El Cortez is celebrating 80 years in November. Amazingly, it still smells the same. Read more here.
- Hecho en Vegas at MGM Grand will be closing in November. Read more here.
- The Ethel M Holiday Cactus Garden opens on November 5. This is a nice free holiday attraction off the strip if you’re looking for something different. Read more here.
- The Neon Museum has a new sign with very little history (to me) or neon. Read more here.
- Caesars also reports earnings on Nov. 2. I expect we’ll hear some some news leading into this date. Let’s hit a few more Caesars nuggets now that we’re here.
- Hard Rock CEO Jim Allen says the company is not interested in PLANET HOLLYWOOD Las Vegas Resort. I missed this chat after an excellent keynote with Allen and others. See the tweet wrap up here.
- Usher added a couple more shows to his Caesars Palace residency. Read more here.
- Rao’s is closing up shop at Caesars Palace. Read more here.
- Vital Vegas says New York City steakhouse Peter Luger is replacing Raos at Caesars Palace Las Vegas. An official announcement hasn’t been made yet. Read more here.
- A rumor first floated by Vital Vegas seems to be at least partially true. Martha Stewart appears to be opening a restaurant at Paris Las Vegas. Read more here. Seems like a lot of Vital Vegas for one day.
More Las Vegas Quick Hits
- The Strat will be opening a golf experience similar to Top Golf. Read more here.
- A fun one-on-one golf match with Brooks and Bryson will take place at Wynn. Yes, I went first names because it’s fun. Read more here.
- Carlos Santana’s residency at House of Blues inside Mandalay Bay has been extended. Read more here.
- Cannabis lounges should be opening by mid-2022. Read more here.
- This article about the MGM-Cosmopolitan deal is a good reminder that we’re all just numbers and demographics to casino corporations.
[2 BR, w/ posh office space]
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