Anthony Curtis nationally syndicated weekly column.
March 31, 2010
Fresh off the Harrah’s acquisition of Planet Hollywood, two more high-profile casino companies are facing potential ownership shake-ups. After building from a single property to a multi-casino… dynasty, Station Casinos could be forced to put up as many as 14 of 18 properties under a recently submitted reorganization plan. The remaining four casinos (Red Rock and Palace, Boulder, and Sunset Stations) would be taken over by creditors. Even though the current owners would likely stay connected to both groups, either as part-owners or managers, it would still represent a major alteration in the current “locals-casino” status quo. And the ailing Riviera is currently under siege via a hostile-takeover bid staged by Starwood Capital Group LLC. Starwood formerly owned the defunct Desert Inn. Stay tuned.
Bull: The return of Gilley’s at Treasure Island has been announced for April 16. Gilley’s—and its mechanical bull—were a mainstay at the Frontier before it was demolished. TI owner Phil Ruffin also owned the Frontier.
Social: Gain one, lose one. The Asian restaurant/nightspot Social House, which was formerly at Treasure Island but closed suddenly last summer, will reopen early this summer in Crystals at CityCenter. The venue will be located on a second-floor terrace.
Celine’s Dates: Celine Dion’s Las Vegas return will commence March 15, 2011, with her first round of dates set through August 14. Tickets start at $55, plus taxes and fees, and the show will be dark Sunday, Wednesday, and Thursday. You can order now on the Caesars Palace website.
Question: Is remote (mobile) gambling available in many casinos now?
Answer: Mobile gambling allows play in non-casino areas of a resort—e.g., the pool or restaurants—but not outside of the property. Currently, only M Resort and Venetian/Palazzo are fully operational, and the Hard Rock appears to be next.
