As Las Vegas continues to re-open amid COVID-19, I can’t help but wonder what will change, what will remain the same, what will be new, what will seem new, and how we will all navigate this strange new world we live in now. What, if anything, have we learned about traveling, Las Vegas, gaming, giant corporations, and our need to get away?
Much like the stock market, Las Vegas goes through mood swings pretty frequently. One day it seems like every hotel/casino has been there since Ben Siegel’s Flamingo opened, and owners decide to put the brakes on building expansions. The next day it looks like a giant crane convention, with new projects rising up to the sky as quickly as the concrete is poured in their foundations. The cycle continues, and old properties are imploded, and their remains are left to old YouTube videos, including scenes of the day of their demise when they crumble into ashes.
As a visitor, I like the boom times, when new casinos bring excitement and hope. This happens to be one of those times, with over 15 new projects taking place now, despite the fact that the economy took a nose dive and Coronavirus made everyone stay put for three months. This does not even include Resorts World, which is scheduled to open in about a year. Strange days, indeed.
On the other hand, I do tend to wax nostalgic and recall 1992, when Treasure Island was new, and I could play blackjack at Caesars for $2 a hand. With great rules. So next year when Resorts World opens and takes the place of my beloved, long-gone Stardust, I will have mixed feelings.
In terms of three new casinos that will open within 12 to 18 months, I have an idea of what gaming will be like. I am basing my opinions on what I picture blackjack and craps rules will be offered because those are the games I play the most and how I judge a casino. We’ll have to revisit this blog as these places open and see what everyone thinks of them. In the meantime, here are my thoughts.
1. Circa. This giant will dominate the downtown skyline. 777 rooms, hopefully all lucky. It will reportedly have the World’s Largest Sportsbook (look out Westgate!) and a two-story casino, which tells me they won’t have to worry too much about loose slots and 3:2 blackjack. That’s ok, because Downtown Grand, The D, Plaza, California, Four Queens, and a short walk to El Cortez all should still have good, inexpensive games. I’ll still probably visit Circa and watch some sports (well… when sports return), but unless they have $5 craps tables and 3:2 blackjack, I won’t be spending my money there.
2. Virgin (Hotel/Casino formerly known as Hard Rock). Hmmmm…. If I had to guess, Sir Richard Branson will continue the party heartily theme and Virgin will have extravagant pools and clubs for young, hip folks. In other words, not me. I also imagine, following in Hard Rock’s footsteps, the gaming floor will be small, expensive, and not really great for folks like me who like to sit at a blackjack table for a while and lose my money slowly. Craps will probably be non-existent or will have maybe one table. Please, just let it not be that “crapless craps” crap.
3. Resorts Word. This will be another huge property that will be in a part of town that needs some love. Regardless of what used to be a great place to gamble, and much like Circa, because of Resorts World’s size, I doubt gaming will be any good. If you want to spend some time at a great low-roller joint, try Circus Circus down the street. Seriously. This place is dank, dark and old. Not to mention, well, clowns and circus acts. But, you can’t beat it for $5 blackjack and at least one craps table that won’t make you want to hurl. I haven’t been to Sahara yet, but I’d like to hear from those of you who have visited it and spent some money (and hopefully won some money) there. Please comment here and let us know!
I hope I’m wrong, but I doubt it. As Las Vegas continues to grow, the newer properties usually have crummy gambling and bank on that new car smell to attract customers. Since the shutdown, some properties have adjusted things to draw customers back. For example, many parking fees have been lifted, at least temporarily. Once they start charging those fees again, I wonder if that will lead to opportunities for others to offer free parking and no resort fees as a differentiator. Very few do this now, but maybe that list will grow after the pandemic. Who knows. We are in unchartered territory.
Viva,
Mike