In the biggest “no shit” story for Christmas, the Problem Gambling Help Network is discouraging gambling games be given as gifts to children. And we would like to add that alcohol and cigarettes are also not appropriate… just to avoid any confusion. Yes, although the holidays are a time for family, friends, and turkey with stiffing, the Problem Gambling Help Network wants us all to remember that we should not stuff kids stockings with casino games or lottery tickets. After all, we all know that kids under 10 frequently request scratch cards as gifts instead of candy or toys. Although…

Just how much the Omicron variant of the Coronavirus will affect Las Vegas remains to be seen. But those in the travel industry are already concerned, and rightly so, that the impact could be yet another setback on the path of recovery. In the midst of a fell economic recovery for Las Vegas and Nevada, complete with a seven moth record revenue run, we now find our hopes of 2022 staring directly into the face of the latest rendition of Covid. President Biden has said that Omicron is a “variant of concern” but wants everyone to remain calm. But fears…

It’s been a mystery on The Strip for fifteen years, but finally we have an opening date set for the Fontainebleau Las Vegas. The doors of the 67-story luxury resort and casino are now set to open in 2023… late 2023. Located at the north end of The Strip, the building sits 25 acres of prime real estate, and the facilities will consist of nearly nine million square feet. And although the project has been stalled for over a decade, the building is still about 75% complete. It’s close to the popular Las Vegas Convention Center, as well as the…

Good news for fans of Chicago sports betting! The City Council has at last voted to end their ban on sports bets! And that opens the door for sports book operators to set up shop at sports stadiums! The Sports Wagering Act of 2019 had provisions which would allow sports books to be located at stadiums within Illinois. The city of Chicago, however, was a different story. There a ban on sports betting had to be removed before any books even considered opening at a stadium. And now, that time has come! The Cubs of Major League Baseball have already…

Hard Rock International has announced an agreement to acquire the operations of The Mirage Las Vegas, both the casino and hotel, from MGM Resorts International. The deal is subject to regulatory approvals and other customary closing conditions. Hard Rock plans to use this acquisition to build an iconic Guitar-shaped Hotel which will be located on Las Vegas Strip, which could mean demolishing the iconic casino and the famous Mirage volcano attraction. Hard Rock will pay $1.075 billion in cash for the operating assets of The Mirage Las Vegas Hotel and Casino. The iconic hospitality and entertainment brand will enter into…

Masks have been an indoor requirement since this past summer for casinos across Nevada. However, most people even wear their masks out on the Vegas Strip, although technically that’s not a requirement. Now, with the threat of a Las Vegas Omicron surge, the mask mandate is getting an update. Duane Young, the Governor’s policy adviser, recently held a press conference where the updated mandate was unveiled. Moving forward, masks are still required while indoors, without regard to anyone’s vaccination status. This will remain in effect at least through the winter months, which has traditionally been the worst time for flu…