Southern California Man Hits Mega $11.8 Million Slots Jackpot in Las Vegas
A lucky Vegas visitor from Southern California, Rodolfo T., hit the life-changing $11.8 million Nevada Megabucks slots jackpot at Sam Boyd’s Fremont Casino in downtown Las Vegas last weekend. The lucky man was playing the International Game Technology machine at about 6:30 pm last Sunday, when he placed a $3 max bet wager on the Megabucks Double 3X4X5X Pay slot.
“The Fremont has awarded many thousands of jackpots throughout its 60-year history in Las Vegas, but none quite like this,” said Jim Sullivan, Fremont’s vice president, and general manager. “We’re incredibly excited to be a part of this amazing jackpot, furthering Fremont’s longstanding reputation as a place where players win.”
Caesars Entertainment Finally Freed from Bankruptcy
Bringing an end to over two years of financial uncertainty, Caesars Entertainment has finally cast off the chains of Chapter 11 bankruptcy. Post-bankruptcy restructuring has seen Caesars Entertainment merge with Caesars Acquisition Company, appoint a new board of directors and sell almost all of its physical casinos and land to U.S. real estate investment trust VIVI Properties, Inc. As part of the deal, VICI, which is owned by a collection of Caesar’s former creditors, will lease the properties back to Caesars, who still own and operate all gaming operations.
The company was able to emerge from the years of turmoil with some $2 billion in cash and immediately announced plans to expand. “We have sizable land holdings on the east side of approximately 80 to 90 acres,” Caesars CFO Eric Hession said, as reported by the Las Vegas Sun. “And then we own about 7 acres of undeveloped land in front of Caesars Palace, all of which would be prime for potential developments from additional convention space to retail to other offerings that our customers would desire.”
MGM Hires Leading PR Firm in Wake of Tragic Vegas Shooting
In the aftermath of the tragic shootings in Las Vegas, MGM Resorts International has hired corporate communications firm, Joele Frank, Wilkinson Brimmer Katcher to head up their crisis management efforts in the wake of the deadliest shooting incident in Las Vegas history.
MGM is facing potentially massive lawsuits if plaintiffs can prove that the shooting could have been prevented and that the Mandalay Bay, a 43- story luxury resort and casino and an MGM property, failed to act appropriately.
The first in what is expected to be a series of lawsuits were filed last week by Paige Gasper, one of the shooting victims who survived a gunshot wound.
Joele Frank has long been considered one of the best and most aggressive attach PR firms in the business for its offensive media handling of its clients’ interests. Past clients include iconic brands such as Herbalife, Chipolte, Hertz, and Yahoo. The Las Vegas Review-Journal reported that Bill Ackman, whose Pershing Square Capital hedge fund battled Herbalife in the past, called Joele Frank “the best attach PR firm in the country” during a 2014 speech.
Since the shooting. MGM’s seven-person communications team has been completely overwhelmed with media inquiries from around the world. Joele Frank will now respond to media queries and work closely with MGM’s legal team to mitigate the potential damage of off the cuff responses that could unintentionally fuel future lawsuits.
In Sign of Unity, Casinos Create Fund for Shooting Victims
As the dust settles on the worst single shooter incident in recent U.S. history, Las Vegas casino operators have established a fund called the VegasStrongFund, to help “those impacted” by the shooting. The fund is intended to “support community organizations and our brave first responders” said the Nevada Resort Association in a prepared statement.
The fund, hosted at Bank of America and managed by the Nevada Resort Association, intends to assist victims and strengthen community infrastructure to facilitate healing in response to the tragic event.
At the same time, Caesars Entertainment Corp. has raised approximately $2 million to help victims of the shooting. “This senseless tragedy has forever impacted the lives of so many, and we are committed to offering resources to help those affected and to support the community organizations who will need our ongoing assistance,” said Mark Frissora, chief executive officer and president of Caesars Entertainment Corp.
Las Vegas Strip Set to Get New NY Food Sensation
New York dining sensation Black Tap Craft Burgers & Beer is set to open its first location in the West this winter at The Venetian on the Las Vegas strip. Its award-winning burgers and viral milkshakes will be whipped up by Michelin starred Las Vegas chef Joe Isidori and Chris Brash of Light, Martini Park, Gordon Ramsay Pub and Grill, and Gordon Ramsey Steak.
To be located next to The Venetian Poker Room, Black Tap Las Vegas will offer patio dining overlooking the casino’s outdoor canals. The menu is expected to feature a full selection of the restaurant’s award-winning burgers, including the infamous Greg Norman Burger with wagyu beef, house buttermilk dill, blue cheese, and arugula. Black Tap favorites, like the classic Crispy Chicken Sandwich and spicy Korean BBQ wings toasted with sesame seed, scallion, and buttermilk dressing, will also be on the menu.
“We are thrilled to be the first out-of-state home for the most Instagrammed restaurant in New York City,” said George Markantonis, president and chief operating officer of The Venetian, The Palazzo, and Sands Expo.
