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Las Vegas go hard or go home thread


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Cirque du Soleil CEO Daniel Lamarre told CNBC on Tuesday that the circus company is eyeing "the beginning of 2021" for the return of its shows, following a coronavirus-driven suspension.

"The good news is all of our cast and crew in Las Vegas lives there, so that's why we're hopeful that we can open Vegas first because the artists are ready to go, so within a couple of weeks of training and rehearsal, a show can be back on track," Lamarre said on "Squawk on the Street."

Lamarre, whose comments came one day after Cirque du Soleil filed for bankruptcy protection, said the return of the company's shows in Orlando will also benefit from a locally based cast and crew.

"It will be more complicated for touring shows because we cannot open touring shows unless all the airlines are working on a regular schedule and all the borders around the world are reopened, because when we do a touring show we tour in 450 cities around the world," he said.

Cirque du Soleil and the live entertainment industry writ large have faced severe consequences from the Covid-19 crisis, with the virus outbreak leading to the cancellation of shows. On Monday, New York City's Broadway League announced that it has suspended shows for the rest of 2020.

Lamarre said it will likely take the Montreal-based Cirque "a good two years" to return to pre-pandemic levels of profitability. But he said Cirque needs about 40% of its seats filled to break even, meaning "with the social distancing, if we could operate with 50% of our capacity, we would start making a little bit of profit."

"So that's why we're hopeful that we could open some shows before that, but then again to really go back to the level of profitability we had before the crisis, we need full capacity," Lamarre said. He added that for any shows during the health crisis, the company would take the temperature of guests upon arrival at the theater and have a mandatory mask policy.

Cirque du Soleil cut nearly 3,500 employees as part of its creditor protection filing. The employees had previously been furloughed.

Lamarre said he believes the initial purchase plan that Cirque has agreed to with existing shareholders helps solidify the company's long-term presence, although he noted other offers could be made in the coming weeks.

"Obviously, they would have to come with an offer that is better for the future of the company, better for our employees," he said, noting that current shareholders could match such an offer. "So that's why today I can guarantee the future of Cirque du Soleil is ensured, and when normalcy is back, then all of our shows, progressively, will come back."

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Bellagio mistake leads to possibly biggest loss for Las Vegas sportsbooks

The Bellagio might have suffered the biggest ever sportsbook loss in Las Vegas history when it allowed a quarter-million dollars in winning wagers to be placed on baseball games well after they had started.

The winnings were spread among approximately 50 so-called “past-post” bets that were wagered on in-progress Chinese and Korean baseball games, the Las Vegas Review-Journal reported.

Human error allowed the bettors to throw down wagers between 1:30 a.m. and 3 a.m. for games that had started around 1 a.m. and 2 a.m.

Nearly all were placed on self-serve kiosks at the casino.

One winner scored $137,107.38 on a $250 10-leg parlay. It’s unknown how many bettors were involved.

Seven longtime Vegas bookmakers couldn’t recall a larger loss when asked by the paper.

The Nevada Gaming Control Board is investigating the matter to determine whether the books must shell up the cash, ESPN reported.

Past-post errors are fairly common in the sports betting world, occurring occasionally when sportsbook employees enter in wrong start times for games or simply input a typo.

Overseas games in far-off time zones can also cause confusion leading to past-posting, bookies told the Review-Journal.

“It’s happened to all of us,” Westgate sportsbook director John Murray told the outlet. “I think every sportsbook probably since the beginning of time has dealt with this at some point.”

Several bookmakers told the Review-Journal that it is common practice to offer past-post bettors the option of either taking the winnings along with a permanent ban from the casino or forfeiting the earnings with the freedom of returning any time.

But the books are required to turn to the GCB any time there is a dispute around more than $500. The board then investigates the matter and issue a ruling the books must follow.

Robert Walker, USBookmaking director of sportsbook operations, told the outlet that when the GCB gets involved it often sides with the bettors.

“We had [the GCB] come out several times,” Walker said. “We got ruled against most of the time.”

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Lotus of Siam has announced that it will temporarily close its dining room after service on Monday “due to the continued outbreak of COVID-19 in Las Vegas.” The closure is being described as “indefinite.” The restaurant will reopen — for curbside pickup only — next Monday.

The decision affects the original Lotus of Siam location in Commercial Center on East Sahara Avenue. Its East Flamingo Road restaurant was already closed for renovations.

In a statement announcing the decision, co-owner Penny Chutima explained, “Out of concern for our guests and staff, we feel this is the smartest decision to make right now. It isn’t the easiest choice, but we think it’s the right choice.”

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LAS VEGAS (KLAS) — The Culinary Union is calling on Governor Steve Sisolak, the Nevada Legislature, and casino companies to do more to protect workers. According to the organization, since March 1, a total of 22 Culinary and Bartenders Union members and their spouses or dependents have died from COVID-19. Through July 15, a total of 352 have been hospitalized due to the coronavirus.

The number of COVID-19-related hospitalizations for Culinary and Bartenders Union members and their spouses or dependents has increased over 800% since Governor Sisolak allowed Nevada casinos to reopen on June 4, 2020, the union said.

The Culinary Union says it’s demanding safety for all hospitality and gaming workers in Nevada and is tracking what casino employers are doing to prevent COVID-19 in the following areas on CulinaryClean.org: 

What the union demands of casinos:

1.Requiring daily cleaning of guest rooms.
2.Mandatory testing of all employees for COVID-19 before returning to work and regular testing thereafter. 
3.Providing adequate COVID-19 PPE for employees.
4.Enforcing social distancing and other COVID-19 prevention measures.
5.Requiring guests to wear face masks in all public areas – The Culinary Union has been calling for all customers to wear masks in public spaces since early May. A mandatory mask policy is a good step towards protecting workers and the hospitality industry in Nevada, but much more has to be done.
6.Posting a COVID-19 safety plan on public-facing website – After months of advocating for increased transparency, the Culinary Union is pleased that most major gaming companies have posted their COVID-19 safety plans on their public-facing websites.

Representatives are now proposing a state bill be placed on the agenda for the 2020 Special Legislative Session to ensure more safety measures are taken.

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11 hours ago, RPM said:

According to the organization, since March 1, a total of 22 Culinary and Bartenders Union members and their spouses or dependents have died from COVID-19. Through July 15, a total of 352 have been hospitalized due to the coronavirus.

The number of COVID-19-related hospitalizations for Culinary and Bartenders Union members and their spouses or dependents has increased over 800% since Governor Sisolak allowed Nevada casinos to reopen on June 4, 2020, the union said.

Yikes.  Fuck this fucking disease.

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The Venetian poker room is installing plexiglass dividers to allow eight-handed games.

Ten tables already have dividers, and all 32 tables in the room will be fitted with them in the next two weeks. The poker room’s Twitter account provided the information, and a casino spokeswoman confirmed it was accurate.

Traditional poker tournaments will resume at The Venetian on July 24. The room has been hosting shootout-style tournaments over the past few weeks that require players to defeat their entire table before moving on to the next table. In traditional tournaments, tables are balanced throughout as players are eliminated.

The Venetian’s tables that don’t have plexiglass yet will continue to host five-handed games, per guidelines from the state Gaming Control Board.

Sahara Las Vegas is now hosting seven-handed games after installing plexiglass, poker operations manager Steven Pique said on Twitter. The room will also start hosting shootout-style tournaments July 25.

The Aria, the Bellagio, MGM Grand and The Orleans are hosting six-handed games with plexiglass. Caesars Palace, the Flamingo, the Golden Nugget and the South Point are hosting five-handed games without plexiglass.


https://www.reviewjournal.com/sports/poker/venetian-poker-room-going-to-8-handed-tables-2076206/

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Canceled our trip today; Wynn offered me the same rates over any other 5 nights through the end of the year, but the earliest we would contemplate going is sometime next spring.

 

And this:

https://lasvegassun.com/news/2020/jul/22/wynn-resorts-tropicana-reducing-staff-amid-pandemi/

 

Quote

Several Las Vegas Strip resorts have announced jobs reductions as a result of the coronavirus pandemic.

Wynn Resorts, which operates Wynn Las Vegas and Encore, and Penn National Gaming, owner of the Tropicana, have announced layoffs or furloughs.

Circus Circus, meanwhile, plans to permanently lay off 252 workers by Sept. 1, according to a notice filed with the state Department of Employment, Training and Rehabilitation

 

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The food bar has been raised.

Texas-Based Golden Chick Plans 20 Restaurants in the Las Vegas Area

Golden Chick announced one of its tenured franchisees, Chris Aslam, has officially signed a 20-unit deal to expand into the Las Vegas market, a first for the Texas-based brand. The rapidly growing quick-service chicken franchise known for its Original Golden Tenders, Golden Roast Chicken, famous hot yeast rolls and new Big & Golden Chicken Sandwich currently operates 192 restaurants across Texas, Oklahoma, South Carolina, Florida and recently entered Louisiana.

“I am excited to bring Golden Chick’s goodness to Sin City for the very first time,” says Chris Aslam, CEO of Rock Strategic, LLC. “I fell in love with Golden Chick as a brand before I decided to join the family as a franchisee. I am confident that the community of Las Vegas is going to share that love. My team cannot wait to meet our future guests and serve them for years to come.”

The first location in the Las Vegas market is scheduled to start construction before the end of this year.

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Any word on whether they have made the slots and video poker/blackjack looser to entice people back? How many people per table for blackjack at the Venetian?

No info on loose slots/video poker.

I think 3 players per BJ table. Venetian website:

The state of Nevada requires face masks to be worn in public areas. We ask that all Table and Card Game players and spectators refrain from smoking or vaping. Slot machines and chairs have been arranged to allow for appropriate distancing, and table and card games have a limited number of chairs per table. Specifically, table and card games have at least one betting position or chair apart. Also per GCB guidelines, guests are asked not to congregate around slot machines, table games, or at the sports book. Face masks are available and offered to players and spectators at each of the thermal scanning areas upon entry to The Venetian Resort.
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Aria (via Eater LV):

Shawn McClain’s ode to all thing pizza departs Aria, replaced by pizza and beer from the Moneyline brand from MGM Resorts. The casino that reopened on July 1 brought in Moneyline Sports Bar & Book from neighboring Park MGM, which is still closed, and extends the brand to Aria with the new pizza restaurant.

Moneyline keeps the slice counter from McClain’s Five50 Pizza Bar space next to Aria’s BetMGM Race & Sports Book. So far, only four varieties make the menu: The OG with sweet and hot Italian sausage, pepperoni, and sopressata; Margherita with fresh buffalo mozzarella, basil, and olive oil; pepperoni with cup and char natural casing pepperoni slices; and artichoke with white sauce, grilled artichokes, burrata, spinach, onions, peppers, and lemon-basil pesto.

Five50 Pizza Bar originally opened in 2013 with McClain’s spin on East Coast-style pizzas cooked at 550 degrees. Much like his other Aria restaurant, Sage, he used seasonal ingredients on his pizzas and an elevated menu with warm ricotta, pork rinds, and marcona almonds for snacks and small plates including shaved pork belly porchetta, housemade meatballs, and a to-die-for marinated octopus crostini.

Also of note, Moneyline at the Park MGM appears to have gone through a rebranding to BetMGM Sports Book that resort reopens.

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Aria (via Eater LV):

Shawn McClain’s ode to all thing pizza departs Aria, replaced by pizza and beer from the Moneyline brand from MGM Resorts. The casino that reopened on July 1 brought in Moneyline Sports Bar & Book from neighboring Park MGM, which is still closed, and extends the brand to Aria with the new pizza restaurant.

Moneyline keeps the slice counter from McClain’s Five50 Pizza Bar space next to Aria’s BetMGM Race & Sports Book. So far, only four varieties make the menu: The OG with sweet and hot Italian sausage, pepperoni, and sopressata; Margherita with fresh buffalo mozzarella, basil, and olive oil; pepperoni with cup and char natural casing pepperoni slices; and artichoke with white sauce, grilled artichokes, burrata, spinach, onions, peppers, and lemon-basil pesto.

Five50 Pizza Bar originally opened in 2013 with McClain’s spin on East Coast-style pizzas cooked at 550 degrees. Much like his other Aria restaurant, Sage, he used seasonal ingredients on his pizzas and an elevated menu with warm ricotta, pork rinds, and marcona almonds for snacks and small plates including shaved pork belly porchetta, housemade meatballs, and a to-die-for marinated octopus crostini.

Also of note, Moneyline at the Park MGM appears to have gone through a rebranding to BetMGM Sports Book that resort reopens.
Fuck. The pizza at Aria between the sports book and poker room was money. Why fuck it up?
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Speaking of Las Vegas and homeless guy, I'm at the Cadillac dealership getting my oil changed and I'm watching USA networks great show LAS VEGAS, starring James Caan and the episode (2004) involves a homelesss man and Mark McCrath. What a time to be alive 2004 must have been.

Edited by Rougarou
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More Aria:


Celebrity chef Shawn McClain will no longer be represented at Aria.

MGM Resorts International has announced that his fine dining restaurant Sage, currently closed, will not reopen.

Aria President and COO Steve Zanella has issued a statement saying, in part, “After a 10-year run as one of Las Vegas’ most beloved dining destinations, the iconic Sage has closed. We appreciate all that Shawn McClain and his team have invested in making this restaurant so special and successful.”

McClain was named Esquire magazine’s Chef of the Year in 2001, and received the Best Chef Midwest award from the James Beard Foundation in 2006. Sage was his first Las Vegas restaurant.


https://www.reviewjournal.com/entertainment/food/celebrity-chef-shawn-mcclain-exits-aria-2080757/

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13 hours ago, Chewbacca said:
20 hours ago, bigup2dahorns said:
Aria (via Eater LV):

Shawn McClain’s ode to all thing pizza departs Aria, replaced by pizza and beer from the Moneyline brand from MGM Resorts. The casino that reopened on July 1 brought in Moneyline Sports Bar & Book from neighboring Park MGM, which is still closed, and extends the brand to Aria with the new pizza restaurant.

Moneyline keeps the slice counter from McClain’s Five50 Pizza Bar space next to Aria’s BetMGM Race & Sports Book. So far, only four varieties make the menu: The OG with sweet and hot Italian sausage, pepperoni, and sopressata; Margherita with fresh buffalo mozzarella, basil, and olive oil; pepperoni with cup and char natural casing pepperoni slices; and artichoke with white sauce, grilled artichokes, burrata, spinach, onions, peppers, and lemon-basil pesto.

Five50 Pizza Bar originally opened in 2013 with McClain’s spin on East Coast-style pizzas cooked at 550 degrees. Much like his other Aria restaurant, Sage, he used seasonal ingredients on his pizzas and an elevated menu with warm ricotta, pork rinds, and marcona almonds for snacks and small plates including shaved pork belly porchetta, housemade meatballs, and a to-die-for marinated octopus crostini.

Also of note, Moneyline at the Park MGM appears to have gone through a rebranding to BetMGM Sports Book that resort reopens.

Fuck. The pizza at Aria between the sports book and poker room was money average at best, but served a purpose for lots of drunk fucks like me. Why fuck it up?

FIFY

LOL...money?  That shit was not money.  Unless you consider gas station level pizza to be money.

In full disclosure, I puked from that pizza one night.  I've blown chunks maaaaaybe 3 times in the last 20 years.  And that was one of them.  So, yeah, I might be a little bias.

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I liked that pizza! It helped they had a decent beer selection, TVs and were like 50 feet from the betting windows.

Similarly, I'll kinda miss Lagasse's Stadium, such an impressive place especially when there's a major event going on. But it didn't feel like you were in a casino way down there. I love the books like Cosmo and Caesars where the general casino crowd is always in view, helps kill time during commercials #ifyouknowwhatImean

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FIFY
LOL...money?  That shit was not money.  Unless you consider gas station level pizza to be money.
In full disclosure, I puked from that pizza one night.  I've blown chunks maaaaaybe 3 times in the last 20 years.  And that was one of them.  So, yeah, I might be a little bias.
I loved that pizza. Shut your mouth, whore.
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Lots of details in the link.

Las Vegas casinos, companies notify staff of mass furloughs, layoffs

LAS VEGAS (FOX5) -- Multiple Las Vegas Strip casinos notified staff of furloughs and possible permanent layoffs after the COVID-19 pandemic had a massive impact on the casino industry.

WYNN RESORTS 

CIRCUS CIRCUS

TROPICANA

ELARA BY HILTON GRAND VACATIONS

Las Vegas had an unemployment rate of 18% for the month of June, down from May's 28.8% and April's high of 34%.

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The hits just keep on comin'

MGM Resorts says 'large majority' of employees in the entertainment, sports division will be fired

MGM told its employees that it had originally hoped the casino closures would be brief and full operations could be restored. But the pandemic has progressed, and based on currently available data, it doesn't look like "it will be safe to restart shows prior to August 31, 2020."

That means the "large majority" of employees in the entertainment and sports division will be fired on that date. 

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And another

Tropicana on Las Vegas Strip up for sale

LAS VEGAS (FOX5) -- Another Las Vegas Strip property is up for sale.

Gaming and Leisure Properties confirmed Tuesday morning that Tropicana on the Las Vegas Strip is up for sale. Gaming and Leisure properties purchased the Tropicana in April from Penn National Gaming.

Joseph Jaffoni with Gaming and Leisure Properties investor relations said while there's no known price tag for the property yet, the value of the 35 acres on the Las Vegas Strip holds high value.

Jaffoni said the deal could have a number of outcomes, from a leaseback deal to an outright sale. Jaffoni said the property has "any number" of potential uses.

Penn National Gaming continues to operate the property. Tropicana is set to reopen Sept. 1 following COVID-19 related closures.

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It has has to be safe for large numbers of strangers to congregate in close quarters. Once there is a vaccine, and there will be a vaccine, things will begin to return to normal. Shows and clubs will reopen, conventions will book. Until then it's a hard row to hoe.

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6 hours ago, LebongJames said:

Vegas is going to collapse. I can’t imagine there will be any major conventions until maybe this time next year if then. 
 

sports coming back should help the books but they are probably looking at less than 25% occupancy for the next year.

 

It won't collapse, but it will be pretty lean for a while.  Once society is clean, then people/conventions/whatnot will be clamoring to get back.

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