The south-Strip Tropicana has been sold to Penn National Gaming, the company that owns M Resort, which is about 7 miles south of the Strip.

The sale price is being reported as $360 million. Penn says it plans to invest an additional $20 million to improve facilities at the resort, and might revisit plans to build a Strip-side mall.

The Tropicana is one of the longest-operating casinos in Las Vegas, having opened in 1957. Penn controls 26 casinos in 16 states and Canada. The sale isn’t expected to be final until the end of the year.

Adios Riviera: Monday marks the last day for the Riviera. The casino that’s operated on the north end of the Strip since 1955 was purchased by the Las Vegas Convention Authority, which will raze the building and use the space for a major expansion of the Convention Center.

Hail Mary: Get a big “stacked” Bloody Mary at Ellis Island, Saturdays and Sundays from 9 a.m. to
2 p.m. It comes with lemon and lime, celery stick, an olive or two, a strip of bacon, chicken and waffle, and all sorts of hot mixin’s — all for $7! You can also add a big shrimp for $2. On Sundays you can parlay the deal with a two-for-one large pizza special at the Ellis Island Metro Pizza.

Mardi Gras Happy Hour: The little Mardi Gras casino, east of the Strip on Paradise Road, has a daily happy hour from 2 to 5 p.m., with a small shrimp cocktail, a loaded potato skin and a nachos plate for $2 each. You can also get draft Rolling Rock for $2.50 or a pitcher for $6.50.

Mariah: Mariah Carey begins her residency in the Colosseum at Caesars Palace with dates Wednesday through May 24. She’ll return July 8-26. Tickets start at $55, and word is the concerts will feature “all” of her hits.

Question: What’s the most expensive buffet in town?

Answer: It’s the Sterling Brunch at Bally’s, served Sundays from 9:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m., for $90. But take a minute to get a players card and it’s only $85.

For more information about Las Vegas shows, buffets, coupons and good deals, go to www.LasVegasAdvisor.com.