Gaming - Las Vegas Sun

Police still looking for casino robber: Wednesday, December 3, 2008; By Amanda Finnegan; Metro Police on Wednesday are again asking for the public’s help in identifying a man wanted in connection with a casino robbery Nov. 12 on North Rancho Drive.

Harrah’s vice chairman stepping down: Wednesday, December 3, 2008; By Sun Staff; Harrah’s Entertainment vice chairman Charles Atwood announced today he is resigning effective Dec. 19 after nearly 30 years with the casino giant.

Economy poses test for The Strip's big night: new year's: As room rates for New Year's Eve drop, no one knows how many visitors will show this year and how much they'll spend; Wednesday, December 3, 2008; By Liz Benston; Strip casinos have maintained enviably high occupancy rates during this recession by offering deep discounts and unprecedented package deals – an indication that customers are still willing to open their wallets for bargains even in turbulent times.

Mesquite casino cites economy in reduction: Tuesday, December 2, 2008; By Liz Benston; Black Gaming is temporarily closing its Oasis casino in Mesquite in a last-ditch attempt to cut costs and fend off a potential bankruptcy.

Encore resort launches Web site: Tuesday, December 2, 2008; By Amanda Finnegan; The Strip’s newest addition, Encore Las Vegas, launched its Web site today, giving visitors a sneak peek at Steve Wynn’s $2.3 billion luxury resort and casino.

Station debt to take bite of workers’ benefit: Company will end match of 401(k) contributions, at least for time being; Tuesday, December 2, 2008; By Liz Benston; Station Casinos is among the first gaming companies to suspend contributions to the retirement benefit. The company said it will periodically evaluate the potential reinstatement of matching contributions.

Culinary sees opportunity after Station makes its move: GAMING:; Tuesday, December 2, 2008; By Michael Mishak; The wedge that the Culinary Union has been working to drive between Station Casinos management and its employees just got a lot bigger Monday.

Cutting costs versus serving customers: Economy has casinos in perpetual balancing act; Monday, December 1, 2008; By Liz Benston; Throughout this downturn, big Strip casinos have kept hotel occupancy high by cutting room rates and offering discounts and other promotions.

Former Castaways employees out of luck on unpaid wages: Wednesday, November 26, 2008; By Cy Ryan; The former employees of the now-defunct Castaways Hotel, Casino and Bowling Center cannot collect their unpaid wages from the individual managers of the resort.

Outgoing CEO Lanni to leave MGM Mirage board: Wednesday, November 26, 2008; Associated Press; Casino operator MGM Mirage Inc. says its outgoing chairman and chief executive has decided to withdraw entirely from its board.

Borgata president resigning Jan. 5: Boyd Gaming's Robert Boughner to take over; Tuesday, November 25, 2008; Associated Press; The president of the Borgata Hotel Casino & Spa, is resigning Jan. 5 to take a position with an Australian casino operator. Robert Boughner, who's in charge of Boyd Gaming's $4.8 billion Echelon project in Las Vegas, will run the Borgata until a permanent successor can be found. He will remain in charge of Echelon as well during that time.

Web betting is wedge for Big Gaming: GAMING: Casino trade group hurrying to nail down its position; Tuesday, November 25, 2008; By Liz Benston; Casino companies may be commiserating over their earnings troubles, but they are squabbling like extended family at Thanksgiving dinner over the prospect of legalized Internet gambling.

As target users get younger, slots get more hip: DAILY MEMO: GAMING: Technology-enhanced machines debut at expo; Monday, November 24, 2008; By Liz Benston; Every year slot machine manufacturers gather to discuss their industry’s version of global warming — a dramatic shift in customer tastes with long-term implications for survival that are still years away.

At expo, talk of leaner times replaces bombast: GAMING:; Sunday, November 23, 2008; By Liz Benston; The Global Gaming Expo is the casino industry’s largest pep rally.

With gaming help, union puts owning a home within members’ reach: HOUSING:; Friday, November 21, 2008; By Michael Mishak; When the Culinary Union opened contract talks with Strip casino operators last year, labor leaders came to the table with one overarching complaint: Homeownership, a core promise of union membership, had fallen out of the reach of many members.

From The Gaming & Business Blog

Casino companies, even the competition, wish Aliante well: While the buzz at Station Casinos’ Aliante Station grand opening party Tuesday was shaded with concern about the company’s ability to generate decent money at ...

Casino stocks plunge to new lows: Sun archives Headlines from the Vegas gaming industry Major casino stocks hit new all-time lows today, their shares pulverized by panicking investors on a day ...

MGM Mirage stock still on downslide: Those investors who figured MGM Mirage couldn't trade much below $20 a share a few weeks ago got another nasty surprise today, when bond rating ...

MGM Mirage announces end to bonuses: While some Strip operators have been cagey about layoffs, firings and other employee moves during this time of economic turbulence, MGM Mirage appears to be ...

MGM Mirage splits from Nevada Resort Association: MGM Mirage Nevada Resort Association Citing cost-cutting measures, MGM Mirage said today the company has resigned from the Nevada Resort Association, the casino industry's primary ...