Rumors are fun. Some are possible, some are improbable and others are just downright strange. This week we had a couple of hotels make the Las Vegas rumor mill. One rumor was more like news and seemed likely while the actual rumor seems a bit far fetched. Hey, anything is possible in Vegas so we can’t entirely discount rumors that come out of left field.
Casino News And Rumors
Earlier this week Eater had exclusive news of some major changes coming to Palace Station. The information on the often overlooked casino-hotel was so detailed that it seemed like it would be true. However, since it was exclusive there was no other source corroborating that this wasn’t more than a rumor. I reached out Station Casinos (operator of Palace Station) and was able to confirm some of the news that Eater reported (kudos on the scoop!). You can read about the official plans on a post I wrote yesterday. I turned this around quickly, so you’ll see a couple edits. Sorry.
Imploding Excalibur
The Palace Station news wasn’t quite a rumor but this next bit of information definitely falls in that category. The awesome Stiffs and Georges blog hears that MGM Resorts International is considering imploding Excalibur. The idea is that the low-end family hotel would be replaced with another “higher-end resort.” The blog speculates that it might make sense to renovate the property since it’s so close to the T-Mobile Arena, which is the new shining star of the MGM Resorts International family.
I could be wrong, but an implosion and rebuild seem unlikely in Las Vegas today. However, Excalibur should be next for a makeover now that plans for the transformation of Monte Carlo into Park MGM have been laid out. Late last year on an earnings call MGM Resorts International CEO, Jim Murren, mentioned that Excalibur was underperforming and that something needed to be done. At the time they were considering adding a shopping element around Excalibur. I’m not sure what will be done to this low-end family property but we should know soon. Once we learn about Excalibur, it will probably be time to speculate about Circus Circus. That’s probably getting a little ahead of things.
In the past 10 years or so MGM Resorts International has made many attempts to go green. Being environmentally friendly isn’t only good for the planet but it could positively impact the company’s bottom line. This week MGM Resorts International announced that they completed expansion of the nation’s largest rooftop solar array at Mandalay Bay. The expanded solar array now has more than 26,000 panels. When running at full production, the system will supply 25% of the power demand of the entire Mandalay Bay complex.
Powering Mandalay Bay is no small feat. The entire Mandalay Bay complex is massive and includes 2 hotel towers, an arena, a 350,000 square foot convention center, 135,000 square feet of gaming, the 95,000 square foot Shark Reef, a mall that connects to Luxor, a huge pool complex (over 11 acres), a theatre, many restaurants and more that I’m probably forgetting. Here’s the press release if you’d like to read more about the solar array.
Gambling
The World Series of Poker started way back in May but is really just getting started. The $10,000 buy-in No-Limit Hold’em Main Event started this weekend. This is the most well-known event at the World Series of Poker. There will be over 6,000 amateurs, poker pros, celebrities, sports stars and poker enthusiasts from more than 85 different countries participating in the WSOP this year.
The first segment of the WSOP Main Event will end on July 18 when only 9 players remain. The final table (aka November Nine) will return to the Rio All-Suite Hotel & Casino on October 31st to finish the tournament. The remaining players will compete for the grand prize which should be over $7,000,000. The final table of the World Series of Poker Main Event will air live on ESPN from Oct. 30-Nov. 1.
The Cosmopolitan was one of my many stops while on vacation last week. This was the last casino we visited. After a wonderful meal at D.O.C.G., I showed my friend around the many changes around the property since her last visit. One of the standout new parts of the casino was the beautiful new high limit table games lounge. The new space is in the center of the casino floor and features 17 table games including Baccarat, Mini-Baccarat, single-zero Roulette and Blackjack. There’s also a lounge and a bar to simply relax.
The High Limit table games lounge feels brighter and more energetic than the equally beautiful High Limit slot room. While the two high limits rooms have a different vibe, they’re each appropriate for their customers. In addition to the new high limit table games and slot lounges, the Cosmopolitan has also opened a brand new Race & Sports Book and expanded The Talon Club this year. This is an impressive evolution for a casino that felt like an afterthought when the Cosmopolitan first opened.
New Vegas Around The Web
There’s a new website if you’re looking for vegan or vegan-friendly places to eat in Las Vegas. They even have vegan friendly businesses featured. Check out vegansbaby.com. Vegan information isn’t easy to come by, so this should be very helpful for many people.
Gamblers might want to check out gamblingwithanedge.com. The new website features articles (and a podcast) from some of the world’s most successful gamblers and advantage players. They cover all games from blackjack to poker, sports betting to video poker, and more. It’s a great resource if you’re looking to sharpen your gambling knowledge.
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