October 14, 2009
After joining the ranks of stalled Las Vegas projects a couple months ago, the north-Strip located Fontainebleau seems to have a chance at landing the backing it needs to finish construction and open. Rumors are swirling that Penn Gaming, a company with 12 casinos in seven states and a Canadian province, may be willing to take on the beleaguered behemoth that is reportedly 70% finished, but only if it can snag it for pennies on the dollar from its original $3 billion valuation. It’s all spec as of now, however; and even if a deal is made, the big blue casino-hotel that was scheduled to open this month would probably not debut until late 2010.
Coco’s Open: After a quick conversion, several coffee shops in the Station Casinos group have converted to Coco’s restaurants. The new eateries have opened at Palace, Boulder, Sunset, and Texas Stations, joining an existing Coco’s at Santa Fe Station.
Charo Closed: The famed flamenco performer, who’s show at the Riviera has been on hiatus since she fell and suffered an injury during the Jerry Lewis Telethon in mid September, will be out for the remainder of the year. Whether or not she will return in 2010 has yet to be announced.
Fall at Bellagio: The Conservatory & Botanical Gardens at Bellagio has transitioned to a fall display, which features autumnal colors, a 35-foot-tall cider mill, a 13-foot scarecrow, and a 10-foot-tall mythical tree made of recycled paper and wood. The exhibit is free to the public and will be on display through November 28th.
Question: Who’s this year’s top dog in the rankings of wealthiest casino baron?
Answer: This year’s Forbes 400 list of America’s wealthiest individuals reveals a new leader. Carl Icahn, majority owner of Tropicana Entertainment, lines up in 22nd spot overall with an estimated net worth of $10.5 billion. Last year’s top industry representative, Sheldon Adelson, fell to 26th. Kirk Kerkorian, Steve Wynn, Donald Trump, Phil Ruffin, and Ed Roski, Jr. also made the list.
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