Ron Sylvester

Story Archive

Slot maker WMS reports dip in revenues, earnings: Wednesday, Feb. 6, 2013; Chicago slot machine maker WMS reported a dip in revenues and stockholder earnings resulting from increased expenses for research and development of interactive gaming products.
LVH joins forces with Red Lion to boost hotel occupancy: Monday, Feb. 4, 2013; The LVH hopes that teaming with a hotel chain will help fill its rooms. The Las Vegas Hotel, which has struggled since losing its Hilton name in 2011, signed a licensing agreement this week with Red Lion Hotels Corp. It will give the LVH access to the Red Lion reservations database and to the chain's customer loyalty program reaching 48 hotels in nine states and Canada.
From Barbary to Bill's: Sun sets today on Las Vegas relic: Monday, Feb. 4, 2013; Sometime just before 8 a.m. today, the Victorian Cafe will have served its last $6.99 plate of steak and eggs at Bill's Gamblin' Hall & Saloon.
Meet 3 who have gained a following for their sports-handicapping skills: Saturday, Feb. 2, 2013; Las Vegas has a history of people who have parlayed sports gambling into fame and fortune. Among those in Las Vegas now making a name for themselves in sports betting are a golf guide, a cocktail waitress and a car salesman.
With O'Sheas gone, new Strip bar tries to fill beer pong void: Friday, Feb. 1, 2013; The owners of db's Pong and Pool believe they've created a real neighborhood bar in the middle of the Strip. With cheap drinks, pub food and old-school games, the new sports and game bar in the Miracle Mile Shops hopes to draw locals. "We're trying to do it by offering prices and deals you can't find anywhere else down here," said Kevin Rodgers, general manager of db's, which opened in October. "Usually, you're going to spend a lot more on the Strip."
Bally credits Betty Boop with helping set record earnings: Thursday, Jan. 31, 2013; Bally Technologies can thank Betty Boop for record-setting earnings the past three months. Partly boosted by the Betty Boop Fortune Teller game, revenue for the second quarter of fiscal 2013 prompted the Las Vegas slot machine manufacturer to raise its own predictions for the rest of the year, officials said in a report to stockholders this afternoon.
Penn National Gaming reports soft 4th quarter: Thursday, Jan. 31, 2013; Penn National Gaming, owner of the M Resort in Henderson, saw its stock fall by 20 cents a share in the fourth quarter of last year.
Macau drives record earnings for Las Vegas Sands: Adelson: 'I couldn’t be more optimistic about the future'; Wednesday, Jan. 30, 2013; Las Vegas Sands ended last year with record earnings, led by growth in Macau and other Asian markets. The company reported that 62 percent of its fourth-quarter operating profit came from its Macau casinos and resorts. Sands Chairman Sheldon Adelson told investors in an earnings call this afternoon that he expects continued growth with this week’s opening in Macau of the 2,100-room Sheraton and the planned addition of 200 table games coming in the first quarter of this year.
Culinary Union to picket on Strip over Cosmopolitan negotiations: Wednesday, Jan. 30, 2013; For the first time in a decade, members of the Culinary Union are planning a picket on the Las Vegas Strip, as contract negotiations remain at a standstill with the Cosmopolitan.
After temporary stall, SkyVue wheel back in motion: Saturday, Jan. 26, 2013; While it may seem like work on the Skyvue has stalled, parts for the new Strip observation wheel are being made and assembled in factories around the world, the developer said. Construction at the site, across from Mandalay Bay, did stop temporarily for 45 days while developer Howard Bulloch got financing in order. Subcontractors awaiting payment had filed several liens against SkyVue.
Nobu hotel and restaurant at Caesars Palace set to open Feb. 4: Saturday, Jan. 26, 2013; With fewer than 12 hours to go to meet their 11:59 p.m. Friday deadline, construction workers at the Nobu Hotel and Restaurant inside Caesars Palace had their work cut out for them. At 12:30 p.m., electrical outlets remained unfinished, floors were missing tile, and dust covered touch-screen elevator controls. The first hotel to carry the name of renowned Japanese chef Nobuyuki "Nobu" Matsuhisa is scheduled to open Feb. 4. General Manager Gigi Vega is confident all will go smoothly when it does.
Chef brings 'new vision' for planned pizzeria at Aria: Friday, Jan. 25, 2013; The chef at Sage, the upscale eatery that makes just about everyone's list of top restaurants in Las Vegas, now has a pizza joint.
Nevada Gaming Commission approves $1 million fine against Palms: Thursday, Jan. 24, 2013; The Nevada Gaming Commission today approved an agreement to levy more than $1 million in fines and fees against the Palms amid accusations that nightclub employees offered drugs and prostitutes to undercover officers. The action formalized a settlement reached Jan. 11, the day the state filed a 17-count complaint against the casino. The board allowed the Palms four months to pay the $1 million fine, plus $78,000 in investigation fees.
Rachel’s Kitchen expanding with 2 new restaurants: Wednesday, Jan. 23, 2013; Rachel’s Kitchen has expanded its restaurant in the District at Green Valley Ranch and is planning to open two more locations this year.
Tickets go on sale today for foodie event Vegas Uncork'd: Wednesday, Jan. 23, 2013; Joel Robuchon and Jean-Georges Vongerichten will be among the chefs hosting new events, when tickets go on sale today for Vegas Uncork'd by Bon Appétit.
The D imports new steakhouse from Detroit: Tuesday, Jan. 22, 2013; Continuing to play off its Detroit theme, the D casino in downtown Las Vegas has added another Michigan mainstay to its dining menu.
Slot maker IGT reports best 1st quarter in four years: Tuesday, Jan. 22, 2013; Nevada’s IGT, a manufacturer of slots and other machine-based casino games, today reported its best first-quarter performance in four years.
A new look for Terrible's: A $7 million, 18-month renovation revealed: Tuesday, Jan. 22, 2013; Terrible's might seem like a terrible name for a resort. It's not. "You would think from a marketing standpoint it would be bad because everything you do would start with 'Terrible,' " said David Nolan, who took over as general manager of the casino less than two years ago. "Unless they know us, people would say, 'Why would I want to stay at a place called Terrible's?' But lots of people do know us, and for locals, it's actually a pretty strong brand." This year, Terrible's Hotel and Casino, at Paradise and East Flamingo roads, got even better.
Play poker to win a job at Caesars: Monday, Jan. 21, 2013; Most American companies screen and court MBA graduates the same way: They dispatch teams to elite business schools to schmooze and talk up their companies.
Mandalay Bay in midst of major facelift, its first in 14 years: Monday, Jan. 21, 2013; Mandalay Bay owner MGM Resorts International has embarked on a massive renovation of the 3,000-room resort, the first since it opened in 1999. Construction began late last year and is expected to be completed by summer.
MGM Resorts employees volunteer more than 113,000 hours: Friday, Jan. 18, 2013; Gov. Brian Sandoval recognized MGM Resorts International for contributing more than 113,000 volunteer hours to Las Vegas last year. The effort was worth more than $2.1 million, according to Independent Sector, an organization that calculates the value of volunteer work.
Wheel of Fortune, Michael Jackson, Megabucks take top slot spot: Thursday, Jan. 17, 2013; Wheel of Fortune, Michael Jackson and Megabucks ended last year as the top performing slot machines, a quarterly survey of casino operators showed.
UNLVino adds a day to its libation celebration: Thursday, Jan. 17, 2013; UNLV's Harrah College of Hotel Administration will expand its annual beverage tasting fundraiser from three to four days when it returns this spring to the Las Vegas Strip.
What's new at the renovated Buffet at Aria: Thursday, Jan. 17, 2013; The executive chef at one of the most polished hotels on the Strip heard customers comparing his buffet to a bathroom. "We used to have these tiles everywhere, and people said it reminded them of a shower," said Shawn Smilie, head chef of the Buffet at Aria. "That had to change." Today, just a hint of tile remains. The buffet recently got a facelift.
The Palms agrees to pay $1 million to settle drug, prostitution charges: Friday, Jan. 11, 2013; Two men arriving at the Moon Nightclub last March asked an employee to help them find women willing to have sex with them. Cost wasn't a concern, the customers said. The nightclub host complied. The cost to the Palms will be more than $1 million.
Which Nevada hotels are tops in Travel & Leisure poll?: Friday, Jan. 11, 2013; The Mandarin Oriental and Four Seasons were named the top hotels and the Cosmopolitan ranked as the best casino hotel in Nevada, according to readers of Travel & Leisure magazine. Those were Las Vegas' highest-rated entries "500 World's Best Hotels" list released this month.
Five new kinds of potatoes popping up this week in Las Vegas: Friday, Jan. 11, 2013; Some of the hardest items to find on the trade floor at this year's Potato Expo are potatoes. Of those we found on the showroom floor, here are some new varieties of spuds headed to a plate or produce bin near you.
Even technology conferences struggle with dropped calls and spotty Internet service: Thursday, Jan. 10, 2013; During this week's International CES, people have found themselves with spotty Internet service, long download times and dropped calls, but such lapses have drawn but a few shrugs from those accustomed to such events.
At CES, Clinton says social media help fuel, solve global policy debates: Wednesday, Jan. 9, 2013; Bill Clinton said he's seen technology grow from a few dozen Internet sites to a significant force in influencing global policies. "When I became president, the average cellphone weighed five pounds," Clinton, the 42nd president of the United States, told an audience this morning at the International Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas. "When I took office there were 50 sites on the Internet. More than that has been added since I started talking."
Panasonic expands reach, but still makes pretty cool TVs: Tuesday, Jan. 8, 2013; Panasonic's president stressed that his company no longer makes just TVs. Yet it was the company's new television set that drew one of the biggest reactions from the audience during a keynote speech today at the International CES at the Venetian.
MGM Resorts offering free Wi-Fi at Las Vegas casinos: Tuesday, Jan. 8, 2013; MGM Resorts International will be offering free Wi-Fi at eight of its resorts on the Las Vegas Strip, the company announced today.
The new gadgets on display at the 2013 International CES: Tuesday, Jan. 8, 2013; It's where the VCR, camcorder and HDTV debuted. The International CES is the place for companies hoping to cash in on the next big thing in technology and consumer electronics. And it's happening right now in Las Vegas. This year, more than 3,000 companies have products on display. The convention floor spans nearly 2 million square feet — the size of three dozen football fields. Most products debut today when the trade show floor opens at the Las Vegas Convention Center and at LVH.
Smartphone users can tap into new technology affixed to Caesars slots: Monday, Jan. 7, 2013; Players may now get rules and detailed information about their favorite casino games on their cellphones by tapping onto an electronic tile attached to slot machines and tables on the Las Vegas Strip.
St. Rose cutting 100 hospital jobs in Las Vegas: Friday, Jan. 4, 2013; St. Rose Dominican Hospitals has eliminated 100 positions at its three Las Vegas Valley campuses, officials said today. The cutbacks came mostly in supervisory or support positions and not in jobs related to direct patient care.
Krave nightclub to relocate to Rio while it awaits new downtown digs: Friday, Jan. 4, 2013; While it waits for construction to finish at its new downtown location, Krave nightclub will temporarily move into the Rio in a deal signed today.
Customers pop the question at Tiffany & Co. in private, with style: Monday, Dec. 31, 2012; Behind the cases of sparkling diamonds and gold at Tiffany & Co. at Crystals is a private room where people try on expensive jewelry and — sometimes — propose marriage.
Eight changes coming to Hooters Casino Hotel: Friday, Dec. 28, 2012; Hooters is getting a facelift. The casino and hotel on Tropicana Avenue has struggled since it opened. But the resort recently started its makeover and will begin major construction next month.
Rooms remain available at premium prices for New Year’s Eve: Thursday, Dec. 27, 2012; The booking desk at the Stratosphere stayed busy this week with people seeking last-minute places to crash on New Year's Eve.
Scale the Strat charity event climbs in popularity: Thursday, Dec. 27, 2012; Those who’ve wondered what it takes to climb the stairs to the top of the Stratosphere can find out while benefiting the American Lung Association.
9 things discovered at the bottom of Siren’s Cove at TI: Thursday, Dec. 27, 2012; Workers never know what they’re going to find at the bottom of the bay at Treasure Island. Shopping carts, baby strollers, even a heavy concrete trash receptacle are among the items found when workers drain the 1.5 million gallon Siren’s Cove for its annual maintenance. Since Dec. 3, the bay where "The Sirens of TI" plays nightly has been empty for painting and repairs.
Downtown Las Vegas gambler hits $1.3 million jackpot Christmas Eve: Wednesday, Dec. 26, 2012; A downtown gambler got a $1.3 million Christmas gift, hitting a Millionaire Sevens slot machine jackpot at the Four Queens on Monday.
MGM lions — and new cubs — showing off their Henderson home: Wednesday, Dec. 26, 2012; The lions who once preened for visitors at the MGM Grand are back in public view; this time at the ranch in Henderson that they've always called home. For more than 40 years, owner Keith Evans has kept and trained lions at the Lion Habitat Ranch, which recently opened to the public with about 40 lions and cubs near St. Rose Parkway and Las Vegas Boulevard.
Increase in holiday parties bodes well for Las Vegas' economy: Saturday, Dec. 22, 2012; Ray Esposito has never had a Christmas season as busy as this one. Esposito runs Superior Event Services, a Las Vegas off-site catering company that opened in 2005. Business is booming this year because more companies are throwing holiday parties. Esposito said he has catered 460 events so far this month, more than double than during the depths of the recession.
What people in Las Vegas plan to do if the world ends tonight: Thursday, Dec. 20, 2012; In a city where people come to live every day like it's their last, no one took much notice of the Mayan calendar, which marked Friday as the end of the world.
By the numbers: A look at New Year’s Eve in Las Vegas: Thursday, Dec. 20, 2012; After 14 years, Las Vegas residents may take fireworks over the Strip on New Year's Eve for granted. But plans for this year's "America's Party" fireworks show have been in the works since the sparks settled from New Year's Eve 2011.
Greens & Proteins to open second valley location: Tuesday, Dec. 18, 2012; After only two years, Greens & Proteins Healthy Kitchen is expanding. The restaurant for the health conscious crowd will open a new location early next year at West Flamingo and the 215 Beltway. The first restaurant opened in 2011 in the southeast valley near the 215 Beltway and Eastern Avenue. The new location will be the first to offer a breakfast menu.
Mirage President Felix Rappaport resigns: Tuesday, Dec. 18, 2012; Felix Rappaport resigned today as president and chief operating officer of the Mirage, after 21 years with MGM Resorts International. Rappaport is the second casino chief to leave MGM this month.
MGM Resorts employees take the stage to teach about diversity: Tuesday, Dec. 18, 2012; Jim Murren admits to getting choked up listening to employees talk about the hardships they've endured. This week has been especially rough — and gratifying — for the CEO of MGM Resorts International. Murren is one of 50,000 MGM workers who this week will attend "Inspiring our World," a stage show about identity put on by MGM employees for MGM employees. The goal is to teach about the value of workforce diversity.
Megabucks winner used 'free play' credits to score jackpot: Monday, Dec. 17, 2012; The newest Megabucks winner is a woman from the Las Vegas Valley who used her "free play" credits to hit the $17.3 million jackpot. The woman said she'd stopped into the M Resort on Friday night in Henderson to use her free play credits and dining vouchers.
Las Vegas casino supplier SHFL reports record revenue, profits: Monday, Dec. 17, 2012; SHFL entertainment Inc. reported a record-breaking year of revenue and profits today in its first quarterly earnings report since changing its name from Shuffle Master. The company set records for quarterly and year-end revenue, with double-digit increases over 2011.