360 Vegas

Random Vegas MSG Sphere @Venetian will be the largest spherical structure in the world at 366-feet tall and 516 feet wide. The project is expected to be complete in 2023 (edmtunes.com) Twitpic of the week Elegant in black and white, legendary at all accounts. Caesars Palace, unlike Flamingo, is a property that has weathered many storms and still managed to keep attracting high rollers. Captured by @las_when, this photo from 1971 shows the property after its first expansion tower. Today, not only does that tower look different, the entire property has gone through a much more appropriate Grecco roman esthetic. Thankfully we have photography to capture this time in history News 360VV11 RSVP Now Available Exclusively to Patreon Subscribers

*Premium Content Preview Patreon.com/360Vegas While many architecture academics have criticized Las Vegas for its lack of substance, there may be no better example of this elitism than the scorn directed towards the Stardust. For better or worse, history points to the Stardust as the defining moment when Las Vegas no longer required a jacket and tie to gain entrance to. Instead of celebrating the brilliance in the Stardust’s minimalism, it was trashed for focusing more on the exterior signage and façade, wrapped around a building that was little more than a massive, non-descript warehouse. Whether inadvertent or by intention, it seems each time Vegas has successfully evolved to appeal to more diverse tastes, that success is met with opposition; Slut Shaming those who dare to find things appealing like neon signage, themed resorts or anything deemed inferior to "intellectual" tastes. But the glory that is Las Vegas is knowing that judging people for what appeals to them has never made converts, it alienates; even if supplying that demand is more financially motivated than cultural. When the majority doesn't see things the way you'd like them to, that doesn't mean they're wrong, it means you don't get it. The Stardust got it, in a big way.

Random Vegas Before Paris/Caesars could do anything to the Eiffel Tower replica, such as the addition of the light show, changes have to be approved by France (@VitalVegas) Twitpic of the week It’s a rare occurrence in Vegas but when it happens it's as magical as a neon. Snow in Las Vegas, the clean and beautiful white dressing everything you know into a winter wonderland. Contending for even better than the view is the fact that snow doesn’t typically stick around any longer than an afternoon. So only morning traffic has to deal with it. Potentially the best looking property in the snow is Luxor, shared by @LasVegasLocally with its juxtaposed onyx glass playing off the pristine white covering the pyramid, sphinx and palm trees. Thankfully we have photography to capture this unicorn when it magically appears. News 360VV11 Top of Binion's [email protected] Restaurant Week

Random Vegas Del Webb was a private person, egoless. He wouldn't even allow himself to be paged in any of his properties. In fact, he remained so anonymous that one former employee tells a story about a time Webb tried to get on a service elevator at the Sahara to go to the offices in the penthouse. An employee stopped Del, asked who he was and when he claimed he was Del Webb, the employee told him, unless he could prove that, he wasn't allowed to use the service elevator and turned him away. Later, it was confirmed Del was who he claimed to be, and rather than fire the employee, he was very please that he stopped him since he didn't know who he was because he could have been anyone wanting to burn the place down. Twitpic of the week It’s common knowledge that rain doesn’t happen often in Las Vegas. When it does, neon reflections in puddles are commonly captured. This time, @RemkoRinkema shared the view from a rain soaked windshield in traffic and it was fabulous. Noticeable are both Bally’s marquee, the reflection of Bellagio and brake/headlights. I hate precipitation in any form unless its used for recreation. But its hard to deny how it captures the beauty of the neon jungle. News Wynn Sells Boston Mad Apple Las Vegas Grand Prix Palms Hiring

Random Vegas 49% of Las Vegas workers are at a high risk of being replaced by robots and other forms of automation technology, according to a new study. Casino dealers have a “probability of automation” of 96% - highest among all professions in the us. (@LasVegasLocally) Twitpic of the week The tweet that brought this picture to our attention, originally shared by @Las_when, came from @Vital Vegas. It said “Caesars Palace kindergarten picture”. Not only did it make me laugh but it is a pretty accurate statement. The photo, taken in 1971, shows both the original Roman Tower, built in 1966, as well as the 1 year old Centurion tower. Other than the parking lot surrounding, you see a lot of desert surrounding the property. No matter what your feelings are about Caesars Palace, it’s a fact that its an attractive property, past and present versions. News Tropicana Parking Delayed Gratification Vegas and Sports giant smiley face

Random Vegas Louie Anderson once lost $80K in an LA card room. That same night he rented a car, drove to Vegas, took out a $2K marker at Bally's, won $110K playing blackjack, tipped the dealer $20K, and flew back to LA to film a TV commercial at 7 am. (@lasvegaslocally) Twitpic of the week Debatably the best the Golden Nugget ever looked. It’s true that its most recent incarnation suits the target market they look to attract but it lost its personality. It exchanged a vibrant display full of animated neon for a stagnate, poshier exterior. Today, the only way we can enjoy this exterior is in movies like “Diamonds are Forever” and “Viva Las Vegas”. Thankfully we have @summacorp's twitter feed to remind us of yesteryear and rejoice. News Atomic City Industries Bally’s rebranding

Random Vegas Another story about Benny’s Binion’s bravado. Benny used to drive from Vegas to Texas alone semi regular. One time he picked up a hitchhiker. At first the two didn’t say much to each other until the hitchhiker ask Benny “What would you say if I told you I got a gun on me?”. Benny replied “I’d say we’re even”. Benny then pulled the car over and the hitchhiker got out Twitpic of the week This week, @pixvegas777 shared a reflection that inspires one to reflect on life, neon and chance. An escape from the norm in exchange for the unforgettable, even if it's hard to remember the next morning. Quiet contemplation makes one wonder how askew existence would be through the Vegas looking glass. Perhaps it would have single zero roulette and 3:2 Blackjack. A place where parking would be complimentary and the drink services is prompt and poured from the bottle. What a world we used to live in. News Adele Residency Resorts World LED Show

Random Vegas The slots on a roulette wheel where the balls land are called “pockets” (@VitalVegas) Twitpic of the week Contemplation. A mind set many who listen to this show have no doubt had on multiple occasions while casting a gaze at all the majesty Vegas offers. @TastyOldMan captured one of those moments, enjoying the view of the strip from in front of Bellagio and her fountains. There are moments in life when one must stop and smell the roses, or the scent of a casino, and soak in all the glory for recall at a later date, which then turns on the craving to return. And why shouldn’t you? You work hard, you deserve a little pageantry in. Since I can’t state it any better, I’ll quote from @TastyOldMan. The September of our years will come too soon. Till then, in neon we play. News Beware the Hookers Premium Restaurant Seats Mirage Fireworks Show

Random Vegas The pirate skull signage at Treasure Island was only on display for a decade, from 1993-2003 and is identified as the signature symbol of the Family Friendly marketing concept. (Neon Museum) Twitpic of the week This week’s winner is another look behind the curtain. This time, it’s the Flamingo, the oldest property on the Las Vegas strip. Although none of the original structure remains, she still sits as an icon. The views shared by @MaverickHeli continue to show the majesty of Vegas as an adult playground with larger than life landmarks to stimulate the senses. I seriously need to get off my ass and enjoy the sensory overload one no doubt gets from a helicopter ride. While that reeks of effort, I’m sure its little more than going to a website and booking. One day, my friends. One day. News Martha Stewart’s Vegas restaurant MGM Rewards Details Another Raiders Player Can’t Handle Vegas

Random Vegas Vegas casinos won $1.3 billion in November, one of the highest figures ever. It’s the 9th straight month of casino winning exceeding $1 billion, another all time record. The previous record was 8 consecutive months between Oct 2006 and May 2007, right before the great recession hit (@lasvegaslocally) Twitpic of the week Oh Stardust, how we miss thee. Frontier can go fuck itself. No, I’m just kidding about the Frontier. Here we see former properties on a densely populated north strip, shared by @Las_When. Today, they are home to large plots of land waiting for the next visionary to come along and reincarnate the space into another hotel/casino. Resorts World took the first steps by building a somewhat forgettable Vegas incarnation on the Stardust site. Hopefully the projects that pop up in the Frontier and Riviera spaces are somewhat more inspired. Hope rings again as the Fontainebleau project may actually have ownership that will complete the long dormant eye sore of the strip. Only time will tell. In the meanwhile, we celebrate what we have and what we had and what we might have in the future. News Paris Stabbing Update CES 2022 Uber Rapist

Random Vegas 58% of restaurant and hotel employees intend to quit their jobs by the end of 2021 (@VitalVegas) Twitpic of the week A beautiful picture of a beautiful property. Balconies and roof top pools were both things you couldn’t do successfully in Vegas. Cosmopolitan proved that wrong. At 4.4 acres, it’s the best use of available space in Vegas history and offers one of the best views of strip for people to enjoy via your balcony. Again, @MaverickHeli gives us a unique perspective as only they can. It makes one wonder if the person taking all the pictures is a brilliant photographer or if the views are just that great. Don’t know, super care. News Mirage Sold Las Vegas Superbowl Homeless Attack

Random Vegas Dancing dealers at one popular Fremont street casino bring home upwards of $1800 in tips a week, twice what regular dealers make. (@LasVegasLocally) Twitpic of the week If you can’t be on the strip at least you get a great view of it. @MaverickHeli gives us a gods view of the Stratosphere tower. Well, maybe not a gods view considering you can get a view like this via apple maps. Either way, it’s a great pic because it showcases all the stuff properties make a concerted effort to hide from guest’s view. Personally, I’m attracted to said views because its like stepping behind the scenes. I really enjoy seeing behind the magic. News Adele Residency ABBA Voyage Bally’s Shooting I-15 expansion Miracle Mile Renovation Emmitt’s Las Vegas new field bet options

Random Vegas In Bulgaria, if your palms itch, it's considered bad luck and gambling should be avoided. In Serbia, it's the opposite. Itchy hands means luck is on your side, expect a win. (Vital Vegas) Twitpic of the week It’s a shame that the Neon Museum didn’t rescue this part of Vegas history and repurpose it like it did the La Concha main lobby, now the main lobby to the Neon Boneyard. It was right up there with the Flamingo marquee as the best neon sign on the strip. The only thing that would have made it better was if it was animated. It’s hard to moan about the lost of this theming when you consider the Cromwell is a vast improvement. Today, its been replaced by a beautiful view of the strip while dining at Giada’s. Thank you @VitalVegas for the blast from the not so distant past. News Jonas Brothers Restaurant Red Rock Robbed Future of Resort Fees New Pins at BattleBorn Reclining Connected Forms

Random Vegas Giant tall slot machines generate 23% more revenue than the regular kind, per gaming professional (Vital Vegas) Twitpic of the week Never has the metaphor “through the looking glass” been more appropriately applied to Vegas than it is in this week’s winner, brought to us by @Fox5vegas. In addition to the massive amounts of “only in Vegas” experiences, it also has many things you can find elsewhere. But here, they are slightly askew with some special Vegas magic. Case and point, Mon Ami Gabi and their outdoor dining overlooking the strip and featuring an epic spot to view the fountains of Bellagio. Whatever it is, it's more special in Vegas including the reflection of a neon sign in a puddle. News New Wynn Leadership Best Places to live More Pedestrian Bridges

Random Vegas When Jay Sarno would play craps downtown at the Horseshoe, Ted Binion, casino manager at the time, would deal the game himself. It was the only way the game would move as fast as Sarno liked it. He didn’t want the dice to stop rolling. Fun fact - He always played the pass line even though the odds are better on the don’t pass, Sarno said he didn’t like to bet on failure. Twitpic of the week Two awesome things in the photo. First, it’s a picture of Caesars early on in its construction and it is wicked to see, not only the progress on the project but how much undeveloped land there is beyond the site. It may not look like it today but Vegas really was an oasis in the middle of the desert. Second, the photo was taken from a room at the Dunes. Two things that together make me smile when I look at this picture shared by @Summacorp News Mirage for Sale Picasso Sale Palms Update

Random Vegas 98% of MGM Resorts salaried employees got the covid vaccine by the Oct 15th deadline. Only 90 employees nationwide decided to quit due to the mandate. (@LasVegasLocally) Twitpic of the week I love this picture but it isn’t inspiring monolog. I think the only thing I miss at today’s Cromwell is Barbary Coasts exterior neon. But I can’t lament about it when you consider what significant renovations did to it. It’s definitely better off. It may have remarkably more douches in it but for the most part they’re standing in line to get to the pool. Hey, what do you know, the picture by @Las_when did inspire a monolog? News Made in Vegas Closes EDC Issues Fountainebleau Update Free Downtown Parking Venetian Locals Discounts

Random Vegas In 1971, the Silver Slipper became the first property on the strip to hire female dealers. (lvstriphistory.com) Twitpic of the week Before the giant rainbow signage we previously remember Fitzgeralds having, there was a sign that is remarkably similar to the sign it has today at The D. I’m in no way insinuating that this sign inspired its current incarnation but in earnest. This week’s picture from @VitalVegas is what caused this coincidence realization. Gotta love those huge old sandwich board signs. News Atomic Range Durango, A Stations Casino Riviera Frontage Sale Caesars Inks Deal with Spiegelworld Planet Hollywood to Neon Museum

Random Vegas In July of 59, the New Frontier was the only casino in town who let their dealers grow mustaches, a fad at the time. The property said they did it for two reasons One, it made them look like gamblers Two, they looked different from any other dealers in town Twitpic of the week He’s iconic. Only Vegas could make a cowboy stay relevant by outlining him in neon. Seeing Vegas Vicki resurrected at Circa to her original operating self only wets the pallet for Vic to return to motion. However that is probably only slightly less likely than the Fremont Street Experience canopy being removed. Regardless, this week we celebrate Vic via @las_vegas in all his neon glory. News MGM Moves Wynn Returns Misleading Survey

Random Vegas In April of 1964, the Silver Slipper had its gambling closed on a dice cheating charge. Gaming officials said that the slipper had been operating a crap game with “flat dice”, dice shaved on one side so that the winning combination of 6 and 1 did not come as often as it should, giving the house an extra percentage over the player Twitpic of the week The year is approximately 1972/73 and the original MGM Grand is almost complete. It would go on to be one of the largest hotels, not just in Vegas but in the world with 2100 rooms. After its 1980 fire in which 85 people died, it would become the safest hotel in the world. Then in 1986 it was rebranded Bally’s and that brings us to today. Rumor has it that another rebranding is on the horizon. Whether that happens or not remains to be seen. Thanks to @las_when for sharing the properties origins News Vegas Costume Contest Oyo options Newton Returns Beer Garden Tailgating Station Past Posting Cosmopolitan Mural Manneken Pissed Resort World Art Tour Resorts World Building Wrap

Random Vegas In April of 1962, the Nevada Supreme Court upheld the dismissal of an $85,000 personal injury suit against the New Frontier The suite was attempting to hold New Frontier liable for a fall the plaintiff had into a planter in the lobby It was decided that the fall was a result of the plaintiff's intoxication and not the negligence of the resort Twitpic of the week In a world before color photos, I’ll bet things were even more grand when you saw Vegas in living color. Not just the neon but everything. A magical experience in a magical place. Sadly virtually everything in this picture is gone. No more Desert Inn, New Frontier, Landmark and Sahara is dead to us after their assault on free speech. But that’s not what this monologue is about. Its about this picture, shared by @TonyIllia. Thank you, once again, for inspiring us. News Cosmopolitan for Sale Allegiant Vaccinations Macao Concerns Main St Opens with different casino

Random Vegas An employee at Wynn Resorts desk stated that the company has received over 12,000 cancelations since the 2nd mask policy was implemented (@svoth1) Twitpic of the week The Stardust, in all her motel glory. It’s hard to imagine the casinos we know today as motels but that’s how they did it in the old days. No property better showcased that than the Stardust shared by @GrandPaD. Traditional architecture thought so little of it they nicknamed it the Painted Shed. That didn’t seem to impact its success. News Boring excitement Trump Bomb Scare World Crawl Bar @Neonopolis Game of Thrones Vegas

Random Vegas Of the million dollars in fines levied so far in 2021 by the FAA, $112k are Vegas related. 7 of the 9 incidents involved passengers flying into Vegas. Top violations include drinking alcohol not purchased from airline and not complying with the mask mandate. Fines ranged from $9-$15k. Twitpic of the week Pretty much every building built since the Landmark topped out at 31 stories was built taller but that doesn’t diminish the feeling the Landmark exudes as a skyscraper. Something about that pod at the top captures the imagination. Sadly the casino at the top didn’t last long as gamblers like to get right into the action and didn’t see the point in making the trip to the top. So they turned it into suites. Considering its fate, imploded to make way for more parking for the Las Vegas Convention Center, its apropos that existing parking is featured prominently in this week’s winner, brought to you by @PixVegas777 News Bally’s Dining Options Rise Vegas Allegiant Stadium Outage New BattleBorn Pins

Random Vegas The original Vegas Vicki was a hostess role at the Pioneer Club created in the early 60s, two decades before the famous neon sign of the same name. (vintagelasvegas.com) Twitpic of the week She was a shithole at the end, there is no debating that but the memories Imperial Palace gave so many is invaluable. Memories of low limit gaming tables, dealertainers and movie quality theming come flooding back when you see the photo shared by @UCVegas. Just like most properties we’ve lost along the way they live on in the recollections of time past News Eight Lounge Concert Vaccinations Bally’s Rebranding

Random Vegas It is illegal on Fremont St to consume package liquor within 1,000 feet of the store where it was purchased (@VitalVegas) Twitpic of the week @maverickheli captured a picture so good it looks like an artist rendering of Circa and not an actual photograph. Circa is without a doubt the most impressive new casino to open in over a decade and the first to be built on Fremont in 50 years. She really is the jewel of downtown and one hell of a sexy building. News Vici Buys MGM Growth Allen Glick Dies Vegas Barbie

Random Vegas MGM resorts employs an estimated 35,000 employees worldwide, less than half the number employed before the pandemic Twitpic of the week Shining lights, glowing neon, flashing bulbs, bathed in magic. Welcome to Fremont St pre-canopy and post many, many drinks. That special time when you’re in the sweet spot, loving life and enjoying the “Only in Vegas” scenery of your happy place. @las_when coined it the Fremont Street Glare, we call it mesmerizing. News Masks Are Back Game Day Express Angels and Airwaves Music Video

Random Vegas The Cosmopolitan requires unvaccinated employees to test negative for covid every 72 hours (@lasvegaslocally) Twitpic of the week Elegant and fabulous, opulent bordering on gawdy, the pool at Caesars Palace plays it right down the line to create an experience like no other. @mississippirob4 shows us an elevated view of a gorgeous theme embraced fully poolside. It’s a view that beckons one to join every time you look out your window. News Vegas Vic’s Tavern The new Fontainebleau Whitney Houston Residency

PCP = Premium Content Preview The movie Lucky You, reminds us of a time in Vegas, when people thought the only limits the market had, were the limits of the imagination. While it isn’t a period piece in the traditional sense, at least not yet, or intentionally, one of the truly fun things about Las Vegas, is how often it changes. Unlike major cities all around the world, whose landscape typically just expands over the years, Vegas can look radically different from one decade to the next. That’s, what we get to explore, with Lucky You, to see, just how different, the city looks, from the way it did in 2005, when the movie was being filmed, compared to today, less than 20 years later.

Random Vegas Resorts World offers players the option to “reserve” their slot machine while they step away to visit the restroom (@VitalVegas) Twitpic of the week Welcome to the new era of the strip complete with professional sports teams. The city that has claimed to be the entertainment capital of the world for years now has a legitimate claim to it. For those of you fans of a sport not currently in Vegas, be patient. It’s coming. As long as the two teams in operation continue to show their respective leagues how to make destination entertainment, those not a part of the party will desire to become part of the conversation. @MaverickHeli once again gives us a god like view of how grand and beautiful the incorporation of sports has been. News FlyOver Las Vegas Beast Mode Comes to Mandalay Bay Go Go Claw slot machine Laurel Lounges Petition

Random Vegas City Center cost $8.5 billion to build and was the most expensive project in the western world (@vegas_only) Twitpic of the week Welcome back to the 90s in Las Vegas. A time apparently before MGM new that Asian gamblers didn’t like to walk under the head of a lion because it’s bad luck or some other superstition. But for a time, there she anchored the corner of Tropicana and Las Vegas Blvd in all her oversized glory. @summacorp provides even more context to this week’s winner, clocking that the MGM Marquee sign is shown under construction, which would date this picture early 94, after the introduction of the Hilton marquee was erected as the largest sign in the city and before MGM built a larger sign. News MGM Buys and sells City Center Plaza Evolves Problems @Pinball Hall of Fame

Random Vegas Wayne Gretzky’s ‘brand ambassador’ deal with BetMGM cost MGM Resorts around $10 million, according to someone familiar with the details. It also included $1 million in casino Free Play (@lasvegaslocally) Twitpic of the week It’s here, finally. The project that started with the closing of the Stardust in 2006 has finally open as Resorts World Las Vegas. True its location is still a liability but we now have a resort that extends the strip north again to Circus Circus. It even makes an argument that Sahara and Stratosphere are once again located on the strip. As always, @maverickheli gives us an ideal view of the newest property to join the Las Vegas strip and captures the hope that it brings to returning the market to the number one tourist destination in the world. News Resorts World Opens Tribal Expansion FSE Concert Series Mandalay Restaurants Reopening Station’s Stand

Random Vegas Celebrity chef deals with Caesars Entertainment require the personality to visit his or her Las Vegas restaurant(s) at least once each year for at least 24 consecutive hours. Contracts also require the chef to be photographed in their restaurant(s) (Vital Vegas) Twitpic of the week A sizzling photo of just how sexy lightbulbs can be when you group thousands of them all together. Throw a couple mirrors strategically placed to overwhelm the senses in the best way it can be done legally and you get Plaza’s porte cashere, shared by @LasVegasLocally with a hat tip to @Summacorp. Once your senses get done absorbing all this glowing awesomeness you realize the easter egg, the view down Fremont St as it was before Slotzilla and the canopy came to be. Since we don’t see the Mint signage it can be determined that this photo is at least post Binion’s 1988 acquisition of the property. News 360VVX Recap

Tropicana is the kind of property in Vegas that everyone knows about but most don't spend much time at, which is a real shame. Its contribution to the experiences available in the market is a unique blend of classic intimacy and affordable luxury. Many properties in Vegas seek to transport you from everyday life to a personal version of paradise but the use of bright spaces gives it a feeling of warmth and carelessness. Without excessive ornamentation or theming, Tropicana has succeeded in what can best be described as that happy place on a beach people can retreat to when the stressed of life reaches levels requiring such a place. A truly transformative experience, all with the convenience of virtually any other imaginable adventure available just outside, brought to you as only the Las Vegas strip can.

Random Vegas June 27, 2002: On the eve of a concert tour by the Who, bass guitarist John Entwistle is found dead in his hotel room at Hard Rock. The coroner determined that Entwistle died of a heart attack caused by cocaine use. (latimes.com) Twitpic of the week Inspiring, every time I see a shot of the Mint in all her swooping neon glory. It’s the animation that does it. Taking something as common and as simple as a single light bulb. Now multiply that by thousands and with some careful choreography you’ve now brought it to life with animation. Even though we lost the Mint signage, we are fortunate that this animation is a common lighting trick deployed on Fremont St to this day. Thanks for the reminder @las_when. News MGM Resorts Poolside Mobile Ordering WhiskeyX @Cosmopolitan Cirque Demand Cannabis Lounges Approved Dog Friendly Encore

*Premium Content Preview Patreon.com/360Vegas There are a collection of men who helped build the city of Las Vegas during its formative years that didn’t have colored pasts. Their origins are not linked to organized crime and their stories aren’t the sort of things people make movies about. However they would become the shining examples that the gaming industry could not only exist without the Mob but could continue to grow. A fact that was established in 1941 and continues to endure to this day. The El Cortez is the city’s oldest hotel casino to continuously operate under the same name and only the 2nd casino ever added to the nation’s historical preservation list. It’s also the only casino on that list still open to this day. This is the story of the people and the properties that shaped Downtown Las Vegas.

Random Vegas Flamingo's cascading feathers signage, on display today on the southwest corner of the property, was created by artist and parade float designer Paul Rodriguez in 1976. He was also the designer of the Clown marquee for Circus Circus Reno (Neon Museum & Research) Twitpic of the week The Eiffel Tower experience in all her French glory, glowing blue, white and red. The 2/3rd replica of the arc de triomphe, the Paris balloon, it’s all there. Its a postcard worthy snapshot from @maverickheli of another resort that has embraced its theme in the wake of detheming. And doing so shows they know who its audience is and how to cater to them. Continued thanks to MaverickHeli for providing unique perspectives that inspire impassioned monologues. News Resorts World Entertainment Calendar Maskless May Caesars Slashes Entertainment

Random Vegas In 1968, just before his 2-week residency in the lounge at the Riviera was coming to an end, Shecky Greene was informed that plans were to turn the showroom into a Keno lounge. In an attempt to be funny, Greene came to the stage that final night and began chopping up the stage floor and giving out pieces to guests in attendance as souvenirs The next morning, unaware of this antics, ownership informed Greene they were going to extend his run in the lounge for another month. (Vintage Riviera Research) Twitpic of the week The legend as I’m sure she’s looked to many of her patrons on many a nights. This is El Cortez after a case of Coors Light and a tough night at the tables. Magnificent and frightening. Somehow sticky too, all communicated via their classic signage and usage of neon. @zotaramichael shares with us a view askew. A journey that no doubt comes with a story for the ages. News Palms Sale Confirmed Wynn returns to 100% Occupancy Star Trek Returns 2022 NFL Draft A-Lot at Area 15

Random Vegas Tiesto and Zedd will make $250k per set during their residencies at Resorts World. The average headliner club set lasts about 2 hours (@LasVegasLocally) Twitpic of the Week Possibly the best sign in Vegas history, the gold and maroon turret at the Dunes. The biggest mistake in Vegas history was losing that sign to a publicity stunt as part of the implosion of the Dunes. We can’t live in the past but thanks to pictures like @summacorp we can visit it. Don’t lament that they are gone but appreciate what she gave us while she was around. News Palms Purchased Harmon Site Purchased Tao acquires Hakkasan

Random Vegas Mohegan Sun pays Virgin $18 million a year in rent (@VitalVegas) Twitpic of the week Only Vegas makes, or use to make, signage that is entertainment in and of itself. This week’s winner by @Vegasnvrsleeps shows us two classic icons no longer with us, the Imperial Palace and the Flamingo plumb sign. The two of them are mesmerizing. Signage, when done right, tells a story about an experience. In Vegas, that experience typically comes with a story about the best times you’ve had in your life. News Vegas Rises Karaoke Returns Usher Residency Resorts World Commercial Brewery Row

Random Vegas More than 19,000 conventions were held in Vegas in 2011 (@only_vegas) Twitpic of the week How do you explain the 70s without saying a word? Like @pixvegas777 does with this week’s winner. A postcard that captures the Stardust in all her mobbed up glory. There are always people who mourn the loss of a Vegas property but I think it goes beyond that with the Stardust. The closing of the Stardust was one of the biggest mistakes in Las Vegas history. And what is replacing it isn’t going to be better than what Stardust was. It will be more expensive and fancy but not better than the strip with the Stardust. Thankfully much of her glory is still alive today at the Neon Boneyard. News Celebrate Episode 360 Resorts World Dining and Lounge Options

Random Vegas 2004: Rehab Beach Club opens, pioneering the idea of a daytime club and forever changing the city’s party scene. (latimes.com) Twitpic of the week It’s like a reset button. No matter how things were at the tables the previous day, as the sunrises so does opportunity, oblivious to the past. The mind begins to plot out your new day and the excitement returns as soon as you are conscious. Moving from one property to another, a warm glow caresses the skin while the air is still fresh and crisp. @davidcharnsshares ethereal imagery, infinite possibility; Las Vegas. Simply said, complex to define. News Rio Rebrand Resorts World Residencies

Random Vegas Bruce Willis was offered the role of Danny Ocean in Ocean’s 11 remake and he turned it down (Vital Vegas) Twitpic of the week The Dunes. Probably the #1 place I wish I saw before they destroyed it. I’m sure it wouldn’t live up to the hype I’ve created in my mind over the years but it doesn’t reduce my desire to see it. Perhaps it’s better I didn’t because I have such an idealized vision of the property that was reportedly a grind joint at the end of its life cycle. But still, I shall fondly continue to put the property, and specifically that sign, on a Pedi stool. Forever in love with the concept and the legend that was the Dunes, showcased in all its glory by @summacorp News Evolution of Vegas Video Series Sands Sold Murder/Suicide at Wynn

Random Vegas Cosmopolitan has booked 9.3 million room nights since it opened Dec 15th 2010 (Vital Vegas) Twitpic of the week It’s such a different experience to drive up to a Porte Cashere; have people rush up to take your keys and bags while welcoming you to whatever property you’ve selected to enjoy. Their hustle to take care of you as fast as they can is engrained to prevent any further delay in getting you on your way to whatever adventure awaits you this trip. I know its an experience available at any hotel in the world but in Vegas, it’s just a tad more grand and alluring, as showcased here by @Summacorp of the original Aladdin. The VIP experience starts right from the moment you get out of your car. News Mirage shows relocate to Park Theater Caesars Forecasting Travel Fanboy Table Minimums Absinthe Tickets

Random Vegas Visitation to Las Vegas was down 55% in 2020 or 19 million people. The pandemic impacted gambling revenue down by only 34.6% compared to 2019 (Vital Vegas) Twitpic of the week The Monte Carlo is an interesting story. It’s an example of a company lost and looking for an identity, unhappy with the one they’ve already established. It all started with the addition of Diablos, evolved into a reimagining of the frontage and eventually evolved into a rebranding as Park MGM. The problem is the Vegas market has something for everyone and when you take one of those options away, something has to replace it. In this case, the needle not only didn’t recast Monte Carlo’s lot in the market, it degraded it. Taking a property that pulled in $80 million a year and reducing it to $62 million a year after spending $550 million to rebrand. Park MGM isn’t going anywhere but MGM Resorts didn’t intend for their new brand to be a discount option for visitors. Thanks to @las_when for reminding us of a better time. News 360 VVX Update Covid Restriction Relaxed Cosmopolitan Fire At the Sands Spotify

Today, Bob Stupak is considered just another colorful character in the history Las Vegas and properly credited as the visionary behind Stratosphere. His tacky taste, public antics and wacky persona are all just part of his legend. The truth is, Bob embodies everything negative you've ever been warned about gambling and the industry. He didn't want to just take your money, he wanted to make you look foolish while he did it. His nickname might as well have been "fine print Stupak” because just about everything he did had a catch to it or a technicality he hoped you would miss so he could exploit. He preyed on those that didn't know better. But what's wrong with that? Most people know there is a mathematically proven way to play some games and yet willfully choose to ignore them in favor of strategies that increase the odds already stacked against them. Some people believe the earth is flat. The fact is we all have access to the same information, especially in the Internet age. The only disadvantage one person has over another is self-imposed. An intellectual isn't discourage from using their acquired knowledge so why is gambling any different? Morality, you say? Well, as Canada Bill Jones said, it's immoral to let a sucker keep his money. I’m pretty sure Bob just thought it was fun.

Pinball Hall of Fame Update, Circa Power Outage, Caesars Stadia Bar, 360 FHE and Listener Feedback.

Pinball Hall of Fame GoFundMe, 360VVX Update, The Evolution of Vegas Series, Las Vegas Sands New CEO, New Rio Owners and listener feedback.

*Premium Content Preview Patreon.com/360Vegas Since the creation of modern day Las Vegas, there have always been people lamenting the good ole days, whatever that means to that individual at the time. Determining what is considered “good” is about as subjective as subjective can be. Most people today will point to the time before the strip was primarily owned by 2 companies, MGM Resorts and Caesars Entertainment. While the benefits of consolidation are obvious, potentially the best thing about it is the story of how it all happened. To do that, we are going to have to trace back to how these assets exchanged hands before finally ending up in the corporate portfolio that are currently a part of. To keep the story clean and the timeline defined, we are only going to focus on the majority owners and only their moves in Las Vegas. We’re calling this, the Great Consolidation of Las Vegas

360VVX Update, Sheldon Adelson Dies, NBA in Las Vegas, CES 2021 and listener feedback.

360VVX plans, Coming in 2021 and Listener Feedback.

Jackpot Threshold Increase, Caesars Loop, More Strip Shows and Park Expansion