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New Projects Could Spark North Strip Redevelopment

Submitted by 8 News NOW
Thursday, March 28th, 2013, 6:31am

LAS VEGAS - Gaming experts say the developments of SLS Las Vegas and Resorts World Las Vegas could spark a domino effect on north Strip development.

The $350 million purchase of the Echelon site by Genting Group will change business on the north end of Las Vegas Boulevard. Genting Group's planned Resorts World Las Vegas will include an Asian-themed hotel/casino. It's expected to bring more international tourists to Las Vegas.

This is good news which could spark changes to nearby casinos.

Circus Circus is one of the older properties near Las Vegas Boulevard and Convention Center Drive, but its family friendly niche has helped the casino stay in the black. Gaming experts say they do not expect changes to that property.

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Newest Nightclub, Restaurant at MGM Announces Opening Weekend Plans

Submitted by Natalie Cullen, Online Editor
Wednesday, March 27th, 2013, 4:29pm

 

The newest nightclub and dining experience at MGM Grand announced its plans for its grand opening.

Hakkasan Las Vegas will start with a preview weekend Thursday April 18 through Saturday, April 20.

The weekend will kick off with a performance by Grammy-nominated artist deadmau5. He is the first electronic dance music artist to be on the cover of Rolling Stone magazine.

Also slated to perform for the preview weekend is Hardwell, Bingo Players and Tommy Trash.

The grand opening weekend will be Thursday, April 25 through Sunday, April 28. That weekend will feature DJ's Steve Aoki and Calvin Harris, who will be the resident DJ at Hakkasan.

Harris will also perform at the star-studded GQ Magazine opening weekend party on Saturday night.

The restaurant portion of the new venue specializes in authentic Cantonese cuisine. The establishment already has outposts in London, New York and Dubai.

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Same-Sex Marriage Matter of Money for Las Vegas

Submitted by Natalie Cullen, Online Editor
Tuesday, March 26th, 2013, 4:10pm
Same-Sex Marriage Matter of Money for Las Vegas

While the question of same-sex marriage goes before the U.S. Supreme Court and the Nevada Legislature, the issue is a financial one for Las Vegas.

Supporters of same-sex marriage in Nevada say it will help the economy. The Las Vegas Gay Visitors Bureau said studies show legalized same-sex marriage will increase the number of weddings in Nevada by about 10 percent.

"If they just brought a very conservative number of two friends, two family members, that would result in about $45 million just in room revenue, not including wedding-related purchases," Mya Reyes, with the Las Vegas Gay Visitors Authority, said.

Representatives for Caesars Entertainment and MGM Resorts International told 8 News NOW they also support same-sex marriage in Nevada, because it would add revenue.

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First Weekend of March Madness a Success

Submitted by 8 News NOW
Monday, March 25th, 2013, 12:01pm
First Weekend of March Madness a Success

LAS VEGAS -- The first weekend of March Madness is came to a close and experts say it's a boom to the Las Vegas economy.

Visitors are spending money, watching the games, and placing bets in sports books. In fact, March is the biggest month of the year for tourism in the city.

This month brings about 3.5 million people into Las Vegas every year. Many coming for one reason. More money is wagered on the NCAA Tournament than the Super Bowl. It is madness.

"We have 300 seats in the sportsbook, but we also add another 1500 seats in out theater," said Jay Kornegay, VP of Race & Sportsbook Operations at LVH. "Over the last three days that has been standing room only."

The total handle for March Madness is around $130 million. Robin Vircsik put 5 bucks down on the buckeyes, but gambling isn't why she likes the tournament.

"I think it's absolutely fabulous. The food is great, the people are friendly," Vircsik said.

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Police Step Up Enforcement for Spring Break

Submitted by 8 News NOW
Friday, March 22nd, 2013, 10:02am

LAS VEGAS - Thousands of students will be on Spring Break next week. That has police stepping up patrols to ensure kids and college students stay safe.

Many vacationers will head to the Strip, so police say extra law enforcement will be on hand to patrol Las Vegas Boulevard.

One of the top priorities will be preventing drinking and driving. Police will be looking out for anyone who has had too much to drink and then decides to get behind the wheel.

For younger kids, police will enforce curfews. Anyone under 18 is not allowed out past 10 p.m. on the Strip without a parent. Police say this is all part of a larger effort to keep kids safe.

"We have one goal in mind, and that's for as many kids that go on Spring Break to return when it's all over," said Metro Police Capt. Tom Roberts.

Any minor found breaking the law could be cited and kept until their parents pick them up, or they could be taken to juvenile detention.

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Las Vegas Casinos to Celebrate Earth Hour 2013

Submitted by 8 News NOW
Friday, March 22nd, 2013, 10:01am

LAS VEGAS - It's lights out for the Las Vegas Strip this weekend, but only for an hour. Saturday evening, many of the lights along the Strip will dim or go dark in honor of Earth Hour 2013.

This marks the seventh year for Earth Hour. Several people think Earth Hour represents a statement about saving energy, but the message is much larger. It's about saving the planet.

Earth Hour is a global movement intended to raise awareness of the dangers of mankind's environmentally unfriendly habits and to promote habits that lead to a sustainable environment.

Las Vegas is participating by dimming the lights on hotel-casinos on the Strip and turning them off in some neighborhoods around the valley.

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Nevada Regulators Warn Casinos About Pool Parties

Submitted by 8 News NOW
Thursday, March 21st, 2013, 10:18pm
Nevada Regulators Warn Casinos About Pool Parties

LAS VEGAS -- Metro Police and the Nevada Gaming Control Board are warning hotels and casinos they will not tolerate properties that let their guests run wild.

Spring break season has arrived and thousands of college students are flooding into Las Vegas' night clubs and pools. Tourists want a good time and hotels and casinos want their business.

Jody Lake is the chief operating officer at the Hard Rock Hotel and it's his job to make sure partiers have a good time.

"We definitely want to promote a full experience here, but safety is first with respect to our guests," Lake said. "We beef up our security around the property and we just take a lot of precautions, extra training for the life guard staff, the staff outside and inside."

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