Vegas News October 11, 2020
Work From Vegas
Before we get to the scoop on Mohegan Vegas… The week started with a “work from Vegas” kind of experience. The working staycation was inspired by various casino promotions and a need for a change of scenery. I did end up working a couple of days working from a Stadium View suite at Delano that I mentioned last week.
The Delano
The room itself was as great as I expected. The Delano suites are 750 square feet and have a sizable living room, bedroom, and bathroom. Each room had its own TV if you’re into that. The separate rooms allowed me to relax in bed and a room to work in the living area. This was the combination I was looking for.
Delano Restaurant Situation
Delano itself was almost shut down. Only 3945 Coffee and Tea was open. Unfortunately, it closed at noon. The other bars and restaurants were closed entirely. The closest place for afternoon coffee was the gelato shop (no complaints with the Illy Coffee) at Mandalay Bay. The closest food was at House of Blues.
Both are probably just a two-minute walk from Delano and past the Mandalay Bay sportsbook. Not too bad but not perfect for the seclusion normally at Delano. One of the reasons I selected Delano was the proximity to Mandalay Bay because many restaurants and bars have limited hours or are closed.
Mandalay Bay – Strange As Expected
Mandalay Bay itself was as strange as expected. The casino was dark and not very busy. Many of the restaurants and many table games were closed. Most people were wearings masks, but more than enough had chin diapers while they drank or smoked.
Even though I played a couple of slot machines (Quick Hits and pandas, of course), I barely spent time in the casino. The suites at Delano were great for focusing on work and relaxing. I definitely got the fever to gamble a little bit, but it wasn’t strong enough to keep me away from the room where I watched and wagered on baseball.
The Big Takeaway – Delano/Mandalay
Working Staycation
The big takeaway is that everything was as expected. The casino was mellow, the staff was cordial, and panda enjoyed the view of Allegiant Stadium. I never felt unsafe, but I also made sure to keep my distance from strangers as I usually do. Overall, this was a successful couple of days away, so that I could focus on work.
TravelZork (weekly) Vegas News UPDATE
A quick note about this column: future editions of Vegas News on Sunday will be a little more streamlined. There won’t be a long intro like this. We’ll have one main focus article and slightly expanded quick hits. This should make the news easier to read.
Mohegan Vegas
Featured News: Mohegan Sun recommended for a gaming license in Las Vegas
This week representatives from Mohegan Sun virtually met with Nevada Gaming Control Board to get a recommendation to be approved for a gaming license to operate the casino at Virgin Hotels LasVegas. You can watch the meeting here. You can read a general overview by the newspaper here.
Details – Mohegan Vegas
I want to look at some details that won’t receive much coverage.
Aspire Private Gaming – Mohegan Vegas
There was one big surprise. Mohegan Sun is building the Aspire private gaming salon. This isn’t just another high limit room. Aspire is the luxury brand for Mohegan Sun in CT.
The lounge is being built specifically for east coast high rollers. Existing customers should see an invite. Others will have to apply to play here. The goal of the Aspire Loung is to meet the expectations of east coast gamblers.
Don’t “Scare” the East Coasters
General Manager, Joe Hasson, made a note to specify that the casino doesn’t want Mohegan Sun customers from Connecticut to come to Las Vegas and be surprised by the gaming conditions.
This room will have gaming rules, and odds east coast customers are used to. This is great for high rollers. Unfortunately, this leads me to believe the regular casino won’t have great gaming conditions. We’ll find out soon, but that’s my guess.
Momentum Rewards Loyalty Program
As previously mentioned, Mohegan Sun will bring its Momentum Rewards program to Las Vegas. Here are the specific benefits for Las Vegas. The company will use a new IGT platform in Las Vegas. The Connecticut casino uses a Bally’s system, so the programs might not link together perfectly.
Poker and Poolside Gaming Update
Hasson mentioned that they have poker tables and outdoor gaming tables in storage. Mohegan Sun doesn’t plan to have a poker room, but they’re holding onto the tables if there’s demand.
Poolside and swim-up gaming are on hold until they know regulations for COVID next year. Since Caesars Palace had swim-up blackjack this summer, I’m guessing outdoor games will return to the former Hard Rock next year.
Sportsbook Info – Mohegan Vegas
The last thing that stands out from the meeting is that Betfred hasn’t been licensed to operate the sportsbook at the Mohegan Sun casino. Hasson “knocks on wood” that Betfred be approved in time for opening but already has a backup plan if that falls through. This was surprising to hear. As a sports bettor, I’m also looking for new opportunities and odds.
Besides a new sportsbook rendering and the Aspire Lounge, there wasn’t too much interesting information shared. Mohegan Sun was recommended for approval to receive its gaming license during the next meeting on October 22.
Virgin Hotels Las Vegas and the Mohegan Sun Casino are on schedule to open on January 15, 2021.
Las Vegas Quick Hits
Quick Hits
- Last week Wynn Las Vegas increased security. This week they made an announcement about it.
- Wynn also relaunched the Lake of Dreams show that I’ve done a pretty good job avoiding over the years. Read about it here.
- Last Wynn Las Vegas note for the week. Comedian Sebastian Maniscalco had a socially distant outdoor performance for VIPs. You can see some pictures of the scene here. The show was in lieu of his performances that were canceled due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
- The Cosmopolitan has also increased security. Read more here.
- The One Club rewards program for The D and Golden Gate will get a refresh in time for the opening of Circa. Read more here.
- Vital Vegas shared a pic showing that Golden Gate now has a drink ticket system at its bar. Expect this to be a trial run for Circa.
- PLANET HOLLYWOOD Las Vegas Resort is officially open. Read about it here. Maybe you can explain why the guy from Blackish was at the reopening. Here are some pics of Anthony Anderson at Planet Hollywood this week. Maybe he really is PHamous.
- Hey, Morrisey is doing a residency at Caesars Palace Las Vegas next year. I thought this was already announced but I’m still drinking my morning coffee. Read the press release here.
- Maybe I’m thinking about Sting. His residency at Caesars Palace Las Vegas was moved to next year. Read more here.
- While we’re on entertainment, some all-male reviews are back. Absinthe is still gearing up to return too. Read more here.
- Aristocrat Technologies signed a deal with Allegiant Stadium and the Las Vegas Raiders. There will be no slot machines in the stadium. Maybe there will be a Raiders slot machine. Read the announcement here.
- The Venetian follows Wynn and MGM with new health and safety plans for meetings. Read more here.
- Boyd Gaming is laying off hundreds of employees in downtown Vegas. This should make the earnings call on Oct. 16 interesting.
- Speaking of earnings, Red Rock Casino Resort & Spa (Station Casinos) earnings call is on Oct. 27. I’m expecting some news on Palms Vegas and other land the company owns around Las Vegas.
