Another big Las Vegas casino will change hands with the acquisition of the Palms by local giant Station Casinos. Other than the general announcement, which included the sale price of $312.5 million, little additional information has been released.
The deal is expected to close later this year, and it’s likely that the name will be unchanged given the strong brand recognition of the Palms. This is the third such acquisition in the past month, with Cannery, Eastside Cannery and Aliante being purchased earlier by Boyd Gaming.
Casino closing: The casino portion of the off-Strip Westin is closing. Known as Max Casino, as a nod to the property’s former incarnation as the Maxim, its machines and tables will be removed to make room for a new restaurant. It’s expected that the William Hill race and sports book there also will close.
Richie richer: “Lionel Richie — All the Hits” has opened to rave reviews at Planet Hollywood, but the show might also have set a record for the fastest ticket price increase in history. Prices were raised by more than $15 before the first show even played. Tickets now start at $94 after all fees and taxes.
Charge it: For the first time ever, the World Series of Poker is allowing the use of credit cards to pay tournament entry fees. Credit card payment will be accepted only for tournaments with entry fees of $1,500 or less, and the registration must be done online. Online registration is also new, and will allow those who use it to avoid the long lines that materialize for the big events. The biggest poker tournament in the world begins May 31.
Question: What’s more likely, Las Vegas getting professional hockey or football?
Answer: At this stage an NHL team is far more likely to come to Las Vegas than an NFL team. The stage has already been set for hockey with the opening of T-Mobile Arena, and it seems likely that it will happen in the next couple of years. Luring the NFL would first require the building of a new football stadium.
For more information about Las Vegas shows, buffets, coupons and good deals, go to www.LasVegasAdvisor.com.
