Casino News Media Blog: Gaming, Sports, Pop Culture and Business News Update
Bristol casino to break ground
Virginia (Bristol) - Virginia’s first casino, the Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Bristol, is getting closer to moving into its permanent home.
Officials will break ground at the casino’s permanent home at the former Bristol Mall, at 500 Gate City Highway in Bristol on Dec. 7, the casino announced Thursday… Expected to open July 2024.
Wynn Resorts completes sale and leaseback of Encore Boston Harbor
Massachusetts (Boston Harbor) - Wynn Resorts December 1 completed a deal for the sale of Encore Boston Harbor’s land and real estate assets to Realty Income Corporation. The $1.7 billion cash sale represents a 5.9% cash cap rate with all necessary regulatory approvals finalized. Net proceeds of the sale result in Wynn’s global liquidity position of $4.4 billion. Wynn Resorts will continue to operate Encore Boston Harbor through a triple net lease arrangement with Realty Income. The lease has an initial annual rent of $100 million for a term of 30 years, with one 30-year renewal option.
Diplomatic row brewing over latest arrest of protest leader
Asia (Cambodia) - Cambodian officials have defended the arrest of NagaWorld unionist Chhim Sithar among pressure from both local and international labor rights and foreign affairs groups, including the US Department of State. Sithar, who has led a series of protests outside the Phnom Penh integrated resort over its decision to lay off 373 workers late last year, was arrested at Phnom Penh International Airport and placed in pre-trial detention last Saturday after returning from a 12-day trip to Australia.
Resorts World revamps cashless wagering
Nevada (Las Vegas) - After a hindered rollout in 2021 that prompted regulatory changes, Resorts World and digital payments provider Sightline Payments relaunched its cashless technology solution Wednesday and it includes more functionality and seamless technology. Players at the Strip hotel-casino will now be able to confirm their identity remotely, enroll in loyalty programs and payments and use biometric authentication such as face ID and fingerprint technology.
Self-service Tesla rental firm launches in Las Vegas
Nevada (Las Vegas) - Las Vegans and tourists alike will have a new electric car rental option on the Strip that won’t require interacting with agents. UFODrive, a Europe-based car rental company that only offers electric vehicles, launched its operations Thursday on the fifth floor of Showcase mall’s parking garage on the Strip. The company will not have staff in Las Vegas and customers will be directed to handle every part of the rental experience through its mobile app, said Aidan McClean, CEO of UFODrive.
Strip resident Miranda Lambert takes pride in her music and her platform
Nevada (Las Vegas) - It’s been one big week after another for Miranda Lambert. Just before making a return to her Velvet Rodeo residency show on the Las Vegas Strip, the 39-year-old singer and songwriter was nominated for four Grammys, one in each country music category. Now she gets to celebrate with six concerts at Planet Hollywood’s Zappos Theater during National Finals Rodeo week. “I’m super-excited about it, because those are my people,” Lambert tells the Weekly.
Garth Brooks signs on for 2024 at Caesars Palace
Nevada (Las Vegas) - It’s Brooks in ’24 on the Strip. Responding to high ticket demand for his 2023 shows at the Colosseum, Garth Brooks has confirmed he will perform in 2024 at Caesars Palace. He has added one year to “Garth Brooks/Plus ONE,” with more info on the horizon. The extension marks a long-term commitment for Brooks on the Strip. He’s already booked for 27 select dates overall, from May, June, July, November and December of next year.
Pac-12 extends agreement with Las Vegas through 2023
Nevada (Las Vegas) - The Pac-12 Conference extended its agreement to at least 2023 to play its championship game at Allegiant Stadium in Las Vegas. The game Friday between No. 4 Southern California and No. 12 Utah will be the second in Las Vegas. Commissioner George Kliavkoff said Thursday the game has sold out. “Being in the entertainment capital of the world and a state-of-the-art NFL stadium is great for the Pac-12,” Kliavkoff said.
NFL announces new format for Pro Bowl Games in Las Vegas
Nevada (Las Vegas) - A re-imagined NFL Pro Bowl is set to occur in February at Allegiant Stadium. The NFL Pro Bowl Games will be highlighted by several skills competitions, culminating in three flag football games. The week kicks off Feb. 2 with the Pro Bowl Skills events pitting NFL stars against one another in competitions that will include previous fan-favorite challenges and newly added ones.
Ripley's Believe It Or Not museum to close in Atlantic City
New Jersey (Atlantic City) - Believe it or not, an iconic part of the Atlantic City Boardwalk is closing soon. The Ripley’s Believe It Or Not! museum said Thursday it will close Dec. 31 after more than 26 years of tempting Boardwalk strollers with oddities including shrunken heads, mutant animals and models of unbelievably tall or small humans. The building that houses the museum is an instantly recognizable feature of the Boardwalk. It is designed with a giant globe that appears to have smashed into the front of the building and wedged part of the way inside it, cracking the foundation from top to bottom.