Anthony Curtis’ nationally syndicated weekly Las Vegas news column.
June 16, 2010
A “rebranding” has led to a name change for one of Las Vegas’ biggest casino companies. MGM Mirage is now MGM Resorts International. The corporate name change took effect last week after stockholders approved it.
The change is intended to reflect “the growing global presence” of the company, along with its diversification into more non-gaming lodging ventures. Also changing is the name of the company’s players club, which will transition from MGM Mirage to M life. The new M life Players Card will be put in place throughout the entire MGM Resorts International system. The roll-out of the new card is planned for the fall.
Louie Moves: Strip headliner Louie Anderson is leaving Excalibur to headline at the Bonkerz Comedy Club at Palace Station. The showroom will be renamed and rethemed in his honor. The date of Anderson’s Palace Station debut has not been made public.
Dollar Drinks: Bloody Marys or mimosas are just $1 from 6 a.m. to noon at South Point until the end of June. The deal is offered at all casino bars and in the coffee shop. You can also get one free drink when you purchase a breakfast or brunch buffet.
Pink Slip: After a 23-year run, the Las Vegas Classic Jazz Band is no longer appearing at the lounge at the Gold Coast. The band had played there since the day the casino opened.
No Smoking: Arizona Charlie’s Decatur has opened a big self-contained non-smoking gambling section. The glass-encased room features slots and video poker only (no table games). It’s not the only non-smoking gambling area in town, but it’s one of the biggest.
Question: Do the sports lines in different casinos change in unison?
Answer: Only if they’re managed by the same company. Otherwise, they move independently, based on how the public is betting at the different books. This is why it pays to “shop” lines between casinos to get the best wagering terms (e.g., the Lakers +3 as opposed to +2.5) for the contest you want to bet.