New Competition Is Taking Over Vegas In 2020
In the next couple of years, Las Vegas’s staple casinos are going to have to step it up if they want to stay in town. Things are changing and I’m not talking about Covid-19 safety measures. New competition is taking over Vegas in 2020.
If you have been to Vegas lately, then you know that the large “OYO” sign of the Oyo Hotel and Casino chain from India has already taken the place of the token Hooters Hotel and Casino owl sign and that Golden Entertainment’s Stratosphere has already done a re-branding as The STRAT in preparation for the new competition coming.
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*NAME CHANGES*
Another name change (you may not even realize happened yet) came from SLS Las Vegas. They originally changed the name back in 2014 from the Sahara to SLS (Service Luxury Style) in an attempt to re-brand after renovations.
Now, after 5 years, a change in ownership, and $150 million more in renovations, SLS has changed back to the Sahara under the Meruelo Group in mid 2019. This name change may seem minor, but moving into the future this step is going to be huge to keep them in the game!
The SLS brand that was designed to pull in California residents, was unable to make their mark on Las Vegas and with that and it’s positioning on The Strip, there was no real appeal to visit.
Everything is changing in 2020 as a new casino pops up across the street from it.
The name “Sahara” alone already comes with a pull with it’s backstory and roots back to the Rat Pack, Sonny & Cher, and Johnny Carson just to name a few. Elvis was filmed playing slots there in the iconic Viva Las Vegas. It’s even located on THE Sahara Avenue.
Now, between José Andrés’ award-winning Bazaar Meat restaurant and Magic Mike Live as is it’s newest resident, the Sahara hopes to be seen as a Vegas staple again. I just may add it to my 24 hours in Vegas must-do list. Sahara should definitely be able to attract some of the visitors the other new competition will bring in.
*BUYOUTS*
Why is Magic Mike Live moving from Hard Rock Hotel & Casino to Sahara you ask? Because… the Hard Rock Hotel & Casino is no more. It was bought by Sir Richard Branson and he plans to transform every inch as it becomes Virgin Hotels Las Vegas this year. They have already closed for construction back in February and plan to “paint the town red.”
Branson has always been one to innovate and leave a mark so I am excited to see more artist renderings like this one and see what he brings to Vegas. Though the new theme has not yet been disclosed, as big a name as he has, he is not the biggest new competition taking over Vegas in 2020.
In the meantime, you can rest easy knowing that the gigantic guitar sign of the former Hard Rock did not end up in a landfill but has secured itself a spot at the Neon Museum.
Dreamscapes Companies is hoping for beginner’s luck on The Strip, buying The Rio (which, if you have been lately, was all but becoming a landfill). The Rio was always my favorite casino until it’s decline. I was just at the casino in January and it was sad to see the outside in such disrepair. One thing is for sure, the rooms will get a revamp. The Rio rooms have been in rough shape over the past couple years to the point numerous customers took to the internet to write negative reviews about bed bugs and tear the Rio apart on sites like tripadvisor.
I’m looking forward to Dreamscapes Companies restoring its luster and making it a must see destination again like these pictures I took in it’s better days. For now, Caesar’s will continue to rent out the property for the next two years while Dreamscapes Companies decides how they want to re-brand. There’s an option for Caesar’s to extend for a third year too, so for now, Chippendales and Penn and Teller are safe.
Moving forward, the Rio will continue to host the World Series Of Poker. There are rumors that they may make a bid for a Major League Baseball Stadium on their property, but for now it’s just a rumor that supposedly was squashed at the beginning of the year. We shall see.
*MERGERS*
Speaking of Caesar’s, it’s no wonder they have let some of their casinos go, they almost went bankrupt recently and need to cover their losses. Enter Eldorado, they have already conquered Reno and are now starting to take over Vegas by buying 56% of the Caesars brand! The merger deal went through in July and, with both their assets together, they are now the biggest gaming company in the U.S.A. with potential to be the biggest in the WORLD.
Eldorado will keep the “Caesars” brand but will upgrade its hospitality with new management. Rumor has it that Eldorado is best at “taking existing properties and optimizing their operations.” This Caesars revamp could be epic! Let’s see how it affects our Caesar’s Reward points.
MGM Resorts is also selling off property left and right. They sold 49.9% of their land to Blackstone in January. MGM Resorts will continue to lease Mandalay Bay, Bellagio, and MGM Grand from Blackstone, but are no longer the landlord. Blackstone currently owns Cosmopolitan, but is looking to sell it asap after this deal. The sale of the Cosmopolitan could bring even more new competition to a constantly changing Las Vegas horizon.
MGM Resorts also sold Circus Circus. I’m surprised more people aren’t talking about this deal. Phil Ruffin, owner of Treasure Island, took over the property earlier this year. He has big plans for it and will continue to cater towards middle class families.
He plans to slowly remodel rooms, remodel Slots A Fun Casino, add a Cirque Du Soleil theatre, add pools… he has big plans, lots of plans. The biggest one being making a waterpark in the middle of the desert, partly by transferring some of the water rights from his own house! It will be a huge end of the year for that end of The Strip!
*NEW CASINOS*
Photos Vegaschanges.com
The newest competition coming to Las Vegas, is the addition of Resorts World. Genting Group is constructing the property on the former Stardust’s land. This has been under construction for the past couple years and should be finished later this year, but with Covid-19 it will not be opening its doors until summer 2021.
It was originally supposed to be an Asian tourism destination (including pandas, Chinese gardens, and a replica of the Great Wall of China) but is now being branded as an “Asian inspired hotel and casino” marketed to be an international tourist destination.
This will be the first location in Vegas to have “a truly legitimate international pedigree” with the latest of technological advances. They are even in talks with Elon Musk about underground transportation to the Las Vegas Convention Center. I’m excited to find out what any of that that means and what theme they will end up actually going through with!
That area of The Strip was in sore need of rejuvenation! For the longest time, there was always a smooth flow from Luxor all the way up to the Wynn, then there was randomly Circus Circus and Stratosphere at the far end. You would have to take the monorail, a cab or bus to get there because it’s usually just too far to walk in the heat.
With all these new changes, I’m excited to be able to walk the whole Strip, popping in and out of casinos as I walk! Sorry I keep saying excited, but as you know, I love Vegas and CAN’T WAIT for all these new clubs, restaurants, themed casinos, and pools to explore!
Photos Vegaschanges.com
I saved the best for last. Old Downtown could be the new competition taking over Vegas in 2020. Circa Resort and Casino is gearing up to be the hottest spot in Las Vegas, period. It is an adult only hotel, which is a new concept for Vegas, that plans to be luxurious but still pay homage to vintage Vegas and its history. The facade’s glitzy lights will help it blend right in with Old Downtown, but it’s interior will blow it’s competition away! When you enter, you will be greeted by Las Vegas’s iconic Vegas Vickie in their lobby. This two story casino – yes two story casino – plans to have the largest sportsbook in the world with three story stadium seating.
Circa has the potential to blow the other casinos in Vegas away and pull a lot of traffic away from The Strip with pool parties year round! Circa Resort and Casino will have a 365 pool amphitheater. Once Covid-19 is under control, you will be able to watch worldwide events and sports anytime on the big screen right from the pool! With swim-up bars, you can spend the whole day poolside without any screaming kiddos within earshot.
You can see why Caesars and MGM are gearing up. MGM and Caesars are no longer the big hitter monopolies on The Strip that they once were! Let’s see what the other casinos do in 2021 to stay relevant with all these new concepts and innovations. Will the other casinos make their own versions and adapt with new technology like Planet Hollywood’s Tipsy Robot attraction? Or, will they stick to the same methods that have kept them afloat since the beginning like Old Downtown’s good ole hospitality and affordability?
Photo Vegaschanges.com
*CONTINUING CHANGES*
Then, there are the projects that have not made it up off the ground yet. Fontainebleau Las Vegas changed to Drew Las Vegas before it even had a chance to open its doors. It’s located by Circus Circus and could add another revamp to that area if it can afford its bills. With all the alleged reports of bills not getting paid, who knows if this casino will even make it off the ground with Covid-19 around.
There’s Dream Hotel near Mandalay Bay who has delayed their project till 2023, a ferris wheel project that’s been abandoned, casino’s restaurants are changing by the day, slow Pinball Hall Of Fame Museum revamps, Tropicana is up for sale, new logos, and the Allegiant Stadium (the new home of Raiders Football) that sits empty.
One thing’s for sure, it’s going to be anyone’s game in 2021! Casinos are on and off the table like a game of cards. Some are showing their hands, while others are waiting to see what gets dealt first. Where it used to be 3 or 4 players cards for us regulars, now we will have a plethora of reward program competition to be involved in. Vegas continues to be one of my favorite go to locations. I’m excited for the new Las Vegas and can’t wait for Covid-19 to get under control so I can go explore them all!
Stay tuned to Vegaschanges.com for the latest in all changes in Vegas.
Which revamped hotel and casino are you looking forward to staying at the most?
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