Las Vegas may be headed for its biggest casino ownership shakeup in years. Heidi Harris sits down with Review-Journal gaming reporter Rick Velotta to break down the growing buzz around billionaire Tilman Fertitta’s reported move toward Caesars Entertainment, what it could mean for Caesars Palace, and whether the Strip is about to become even more competitive.

They discuss:

Why Fertitta has other casino operators nervous
Whether Caesars could sell off some of its smaller properties
The rise of Hard Rock and how it could pressure competitors with lower prices and perks like free parking
Barry Diller’s interest in MGM Resorts
The corporatization of the Strip and whether Vegas has lost some of its old-school charm
Resort fees, expensive parking, overpriced drinks, and whether Vegas is still considered a “value destination”
How social media now shapes Las Vegas’ reputation more than the LVCVA ever could

Plus, Heidi and Rick share personal memories of classic Vegas, from Caesars fountains to the changing visitor experience on the modern Strip.

If you love Vegas history, casino business drama, and honest talk about where the city is headed next, this episode is for you.

https://www.reviewjournal.com/business/casinos-gaming/caesars-sale-is-one-of-highest-valued-casino-buyouts-ever-in-las-vegas-3832711/

Rick Velotta Bio:

Richard N. “Rick” Velotta has covered business, the gaming industry, tourism, transportation and aviation in Las Vegas for 25 years. A former reporter and editor with the Las Vegas Sun, the Ogden (Utah) Standard-Examiner, the Arizona Daily Sun in Flagstaff and the Aurora (Colo.) Sun, Velotta is a graduate of Northern Arizona University where he won the school’s top journalism honor. He became the Review-Journal's assistant business editor in September 2018.

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Cocktail Waitress Wisdom; Life Lessons Learned While Carrying a Tray in Las Vegas

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