Two Way Hard Three | Las Vegas Casino & Design Blog

Episode #85 is up!

Quick Note: For some reason, our recording here went pretty off-kilter. It required a lot of editing and tweaking to make it listenable. Sorry for the worse-than-normal sound quality. We're not sure what happened.

Listen here: Vegas Gang Podcast

This time on the show:

- The Trippies
- An Important Announcement about Two Way Hard Three
- Chuck's LVH Stay
- Bill McBeath and Aria
- Bill's / Drai's Plans
- Online Poker in 2012

** Sure Bets **

Chuck - Celebration Day - Led Zeppelin
Dr. Dave - Dave Brubeck / Steve Lacy
Hunter - Paper for iPad

Feel free to leave your comments at the link below. If it's a question that you want asked on the show, please make that clear in your post. You can also send those to editor@ratevegas.com.

It's already that time of year again! The 2013 VegasTripping.com Trippies are upon us and voting closes in less than a week!

We're fortunate enough to have a few nominations this year that I'd like to make you aware of, specifically the categories for 'Best App' and 'Best Podcast'. This blog and the parent Web site are also nominated, as I am in the 'tweeter tweeter' category. I really appreciate everyone that took the time to go through the nomination process. Thank you.

Episode #84 is up!

Listen here: Vegas Gang Podcast

This time on the show:

- Hurricane Sandy and Atlantic City
- Election 2012 Impact on Gaming
- Wynn Cotai Starts Up
- Cantor Sports Book Employee Arrest
- SBE

** Sure Bets **

Chuck - David Lee Roth Podcast - TheRothShow
Dr. Dave - 'Long Wave' by Jeff Lynne @ iTunes | Amazon and ELO's 'Mr. Blue Sky' @ iTunes | Amazon
Hunter - Letterpress for iOS

Feel free to leave your comments at the link below. If it's a question that you want asked on the show, please make that clear in your post. You can also send those to editor@ratevegas.com.

Episode #83 is up!

Listen here: ttp://www.vegasgangpodcast.com/2012/10/vegas-gang-83-october-13th-2012-vimfp

This time on the show:

- Interview with Derek Stevens, CEO of The D Las Vegas

Wow, I'm only a couple days removed from the event and I still can't believe how perfect it was.

A really fun show, great guests, lots of laughs and a perfect venue combined with an amazing audience to make for a perfect afternoon, followed by the after-party. It truly was nothin' but a good time.

It really was amazing. Thank you all so much for coming and for all of the kind words. It was overwhelming.

As for the podcasts, I've started to go through the audio and they should hopefully be up relatively soon. I think our Vegas Gang interview with Derek Stevens of The D and the Golden Gate was pretty awesome - you won't want to miss it. I'll be passing off the Five Hundy audio to Tim and I'm sure that will go up sometime soonish as well.

In addition, we've got some great photos from our various meet-ups, the Murrening group shot that we took at Aria (almost kiboshed by security) and a little last minute 'paint the balloon' protest that was staged on The Strip in front of Paris (complete with the Friday night crowd joining in).

More to come...

Episode #82 is up!

Listen here: http://www.vegasgangpodcast.com/2012/09/vegas-gang-82-september-20th-2012

- VIMFP

This time on the show:

- The Quad

- AC Mini Casinos

- VegasTripping Flamingo Review

- South Point Online Poker

** Sure Bets **

Chuck - Lime-A-Rita
Dr. Dave - Mr. Rodgers Neighborhood on Amazon Instant Video
Hunter - iOS 6 Maps

Feel free to leave your comments at the link below. If it's a question that you want asked on the show, please make that clear in your post. You can also send those to editor@ratevegas.com.

Episode #81 is up!

Listen here: http://www.vegasgangpodcast.com/2012/08/vegas-gang-81-august-17th-2012/

- VIMFP

This time on the show:

- WynnSocial

- Dave Visits Atlantic City

- Does Vegas Media Pander to Casinos?

** Sure Bets **

Chuck - Zappa Collection on iTunes
Dr. Dave - Gillian's Island Water Park
Hunter - App.net | RuthlessIdealism.com

Feel free to leave your comments at the link below. If it's a question that you want asked on the show, please make that clear in your post. You can also send those to editor@ratevegas.com.

Episode #80 is up!

Listen here: http://www.vegasgangpodcast.com/2012/07/vegas-gang-80-july-19th-2012/

- VIMFP
- Hunter S. Thompson

This time on the show:

- Atlantic City: Revel and more...

- Coffee Shops and Late Night Dining

- Political Donations and Casino Owners

- The Harmon

- The Quad

** Sure Bets **

Chuck - Big Day Coming: Yo La Tengo and the Rise of Indie Rock
Dr. Dave - Balloon Baby School
Hunter - Soda Stream

Feel free to leave your comments at the link below. If it's a question that you want asked on the show, please make that clear in your post. You can also send those to editor@ratevegas.com.

A listener contacted me and reminded me that the first three episodes of the Vegas Gang were not on the VGang Web site... I looked around and thought they were lost but no, it turns out I did have them. I'm re-posting them here for anyone curious.

This was before we even had the name. Enjoy.

Vegas Gang #1

Vegas Gang #2

Vegas Gang #3

As announced on VegasTripping earlier today, the second annual VIMFP (Vegas Internet Mafia Family Picnic) will be held at Bally's in the Indigo Lounge, right off the casino floor.

http://www.vegastripping.com/news/blog/4680/vimfp-the-announcement-youve-been-waiting-for/

We can't wait to see you there!

Today would have been Jeff Simpson's birthday. It's a good time to re-listen to the interview I did with him last November, covering most of his personal and professional life.

Happy Independence Day.

Listen here: http://www.vegasgangpodcast.com/2011/11/vegas-gang-69-november-9th-2011/

Episode #79 is up!

Listen here: http://www.vegasgangpodcast.com/2012/06/vegas-gang-79-june-22nd-2012/

This time on the show:

- Wynn News: Elaine v. Steve ; Encore Missing an A? ; Cotai Rendering

- Talk about recent trips to Las Vegas.

- Is Las Vegas boring without ongoing construction?

- Cosmo Hates Gamblers

** Sure Bets **

Chuck - Accept "Stalingrad" | Pink Floyd "The Wall - Deluxe Experience Edition" | Rush "Clockwork Angels"
Dr. Dave - Dreaming The Skyline: UNLV Digital Collection on History of Resort Architecture
Hunter - Tweetbot for iOS (and soon the Mac!)

Feel free to leave your comments at the link below. If it's a question that you want asked on the show, please make that clear in your post. You can also send those to editor@ratevegas.com.

Episode #78 is up!

Listen here: http://www.vegasgangpodcast.com/2012/05/vegas-gang-78-may-17th-2012/

This time on the show:

- Special Guest Roger Gros

- SLS
- Echelon
- Wynn Cotai
- Stuart Mason

** Sure Bets **

Chuck - DIY Network - Bronson Pinshow Project
Dr. Dave - Internet Gaming Regulation Symposium
Hunter - Vegas Mate users
Roger - Boulder City, NV

Feel free to leave your comments at the link below. If it's a question that you want asked on the show, please make that clear in your post. You can also send those to editor@ratevegas.com.

Episode #77 is up!

Listen here: http://www.vegasgangpodcast.com/2012/04/vegas-gang-77/

This time on the show:

This time on the show:

- D Las Vegas
- SLS Las Vegas
- Linq Las Vegas
- Sands Cotai Central
... and more...

** Sure Bets **

Chuck - Landry's - Biloxi
Dr. Dave - 2012 RD&E Experience Conference
Hunter - Instagram

Feel free to leave your comments at the link below. If it's a question that you want asked on the show, please make that clear in your post. You can also send those to editor@ratevegas.com.

Episode #76 is up!

Listen here: http://www.vegasgangpodcast.com/2012/03/vegas-gang-76-march-22nd-2012/

This time on the show:

This time on the show:

- Atlantic City
- Dennis Gomes
- The D / Fitz
- WynnLasVegas.com
- Roger Thomas in the New Yorker
- Palms Loses Playboy Club
- Cantor Taking Credit Cards

** Sure Bets **

Chuck - Hunter interview ; latest live album from Rush.
Dr. Dave - Tap City [Dr. Dave] [Amazon]
Hunter - iPad 3

Feel free to leave your comments at the link below. If it's a question that you want asked on the show, please make that clear in your post. You can also send those to editor@ratevegas.com.

Episode #75 is up!

Listen here: http://www.vegasgangpodcast.com/2012/03/vegas-gang-75/

This time on the show:

Another installment of 'Meet the Gangsters', this time featuring... me - Hunter. You can find me on Twitter here: @hunter.

Huge thanks to Tim Dressen of Five Hundy By Midnight for taking the time to put this together.

Episode #74 is up!

Listen here: http://www.vegasgangpodcast.com/2012/02/vegas-gang-74-february-23rd-2012/

This time on the show:

- Wynn vs. Okada
- Echelon
- MGM Results and CityCenter's Flaws
- Dr. Dave's Banging Week

** Sure Bets **

Chuck - Delancy Street Foundation Moving Team
Dr. Dave - KISS $500 VIP Ticket to Golf
Hunter - Ollo Clip

Episode #73 is up!

Listen here: http://www.vegasgangpodcast.com/2012/02/vegas-gang-73-february-7th-2012/

This time on the show:

- Wynn Las Vegas Web Site
- Wynn Resorts Board Fight
- Casino Debt
- Diamond Ratings at Resorts

** Sure Bets **

Chuck - Van Halen
Dr. Dave - Star Blazers
Hunter - Apogee Jam for iOS

Episode #72 is up!

Listen here: http://www.vegasgangpodcast.com/2012/01/vegas-gang-72-january-25th-2012/

Thank you all for voting for us in the Trippies. Thanks to you, we took home our first prize. Personally, it's something I've really wanted to win since we started the show. I know Jeff would have been really proud. I can't thank you all enough.

You know, we're still trying to find our way without Jeff. It's tough to find a rhythm. I hope you enjoy this interview, despite the fact that it was somewhat self-indulgent on my part, digging into technical topics that may be more interesting to me than others.

Still, gaming technology is fascinating... and will only become more important - so I recommend you listen.

This time on the show:

- An interview with Aron Ezra and Keith Michel from Bally Technologies.

** Sure Bets **

Chuck - Underpants
Dr. Dave - Fresh Beat Band
Hunter - Instacast

Episode #71 is up!

Listen here: http://www.vegasgangpodcast.com/2011/12/vegas-gang-71-december-26th-2011/

This time on the show:

- Some clips from Jeff's greatest hits.
- Cosmopolitan Management
- MGM Nightclubs
- Internet Gambling / Wire Act
** Sure Bets / FU **

- Paul Steelman Interviews
- Jeff's Work
- Van Halen Tour ; Dominoes Pizza App / DirectTV App / Houzz

It's that time of year again - the Vegas Tripping 2011 Trippies are open for voting.

Last year, we were honored to win a few. Humbling.

I certainly don't expect a repeat of that magnitude but there are a few entrants I'd like to direct your attention to. For your consideration:

Vegas Gang (Best Podcast) - I'm really proud of the work we've been doing on the show in the past year. We had some great interviews with folks like DeRuyter Butler, Roger Thomas, and Anthony Marnell, as well as a ton of other great episodes. I've been listening back to some of these in the past week, making me only more proud.

@simpsonlasvegas (Best Twitterer) - This one should be a shoe-in. Once Jeff took to Twitter, he was unstoppable. Give Jeff your vote.

Vegas Mate (Best App) - I'm incredibly proud of my iOS app, Vegas Mate. From great content to user reviews to trip planning and everything that's coming in the future. I'd be honored to have your vote.

Two Way Hard Three (Best Blog) - This might seem self-serving but the real reason I'm encouraging this vote is to recognize the excellent work that both Jeff and Dave did here in 2011. They wrote more than I did - this past year this place was as much theirs as mine.

There are a bunch of great nominees in all of the categories. Congratulations to everyone.

Now go vote - you have until December 24th.

It's hard to say much more about Jeff Simpson. Richard Velotta at the Sun recapped his professional career. Hunter gave two personal tributes here, and no one could say what Chuck said in a more heart-felt way. Seeing Jeff's picture on the VT marquee makes me smile; seeing the sign dimmed reminds me that we're not going to be hearing him talk about casino parking garages--or the complex behind-the-scenes deals that make the business go--ever again.

A few weeks ago, I was lucky enough to do a long interview with Bill Eadington, one of my mentors in the gaming studies field and the one guy without whom there might not be a gaming studies field as we know it. We talked for quite a while about his career and some of the personalities he's known, and as he reminisced about working with scholars like Ed Thorp, Peter Collins, Peter Griffin, and David Spanier (to mention just a few), he had a smile on his face that said, "I'm lucky to have gotten to shared my best years with these guys."

I feel very lucky that someday I'll be able to say the same about Jeff and many others. As I said on our last show together, without Jeff, Chuck, Hunter, and all of you who read and contribute, what I do would be pretty bleak and thankless. Whenever Jeff complimented my work, it meant a lot to me, because I know that he's not the kind to mince words or impress easily.

Those of us that knew Jeff on a personal level have our many reasons for missing him. But even if you didn't know him, you're a little worse off without him around.

Before a lot of others, Jeff sensed that the news business was changing. He joined the Vegas Gang back in 2008, when he was still at the Sun, and after he left the Sun he transitioned to freelance work and writing for this blog. And here he blazed a trail for me. I'd been blogging about gaming stuff since 2001 on my own, but for a variety of reasons decided I wanted to join forces with something bigger. So I asked Hunter about coming about joining the team here. That Jeff had already shown this was a great forum for quality writing made it an easy decision to make. And for too short a time we made, I hope, a passable tag team of casino commentators, with his relentless ground-based attack a great foil for my sometimes more technical and occasionally whimsical approach.

But, as Chuck mentioned in his tribute, Jeff found a real niche on Twitter. Having him dissect the day's gaming news, pointing out credit for the hard questions that had been asked and laying blame where they hadn't, was a treat. It was like sitting at the editor's desk watching the paper being put together. There once was a time when none of us in the wider public would have benefited from insights like that.

I hope that Jeff's unofficial Vegas gaming/business news ombudsman presence forced gaming writers to take another look at their work before filing it--I know that I did, because I knew that if I tried to take the easy way out, I'd have to answer for it.

That's the part of Jeff's work that I think we'll all miss the most: that, like any good editor, he made those around him better. Professionally, I don't think there's anything better you can hope for.

"A gang is a group of people who, through the organization, formation, and establishment of an assemblage, share a common identity."

When I first asked Jeff to join the podcast, I didn't know him at all - I only knew his writing. As the Sun's Business Editor, it was obvious he knew the industry. The occasional thought piece also made it clear the man had opinions and wasn't afraid to share them. Over the course of his time in Las Vegas news he was sued by Sheldon Adelson and had a full page ad taken out by the then Tropicana owners to refute one of his stories. Definitely the kind of guy we wanted to join up with some bloggers and a historian to create an irreverent brand of casino punditry.

I was a little surprised he said yes but he was interested right off the bat. We all became fast friends.

One of my favorite memories of Jeff is from this past August. Random circumstance meant that Chuck and I were in town at the same time. We got together with Dave and Jeff for a few drinks at Bellagio, in the Petrossian Bar. What I assumed would be maybe an hour chat turned into a marathon session. With lots of extra color on many of the stories he had covered over the previous decade, it was the kind of gathering you're sorry to have to leave, even hours after you had originally planned to head up to bed.

For someone that grew up with and participated in more traditional media, it might not have seemed inevitable: Jeff loved Twitter. In some ways, it may have seemed a bit vexing - the guy was not known for brevity. Still, he embraced the medium and made his 140 characters (okay, sometimes it was two, three or four tweets in a row) count. As a former reporter with both the RJ and the Sun, I think he learned to relish his forced independence and certainly didn't resist telling reporters from both papers when they had done work he loved or... didn't love. You always knew what Jeff thought.

Since I heard the news and posted the note from his family, I've been personally touched by the outpouring of support, both here and on Twitter. Former co-workers, colleagues and even competitors have chimed in, all with nothing but love for Jeff. He deserves it.

Jeff had a lot of respect for Vegas casino executives but a few were definitely close to his heart. Steve Wynn, the man responsible for much of the modern casino industry and Michael Gaughan, a savvy operator who traversed rocky seas several times throughout his career, both come to mind. He loved talking with his industry sources, both on and off the record, to learn more about the city he loved.

When we originally started the podcast, we didn't know what to call it. I think I put up a few suggestions, including 'Vegas Gang', for my co-panelists to consider. It wasn't my favorite but it stuck, I think mostly because names are hard and the other ones were really dumb. It turned out to be prophetic - I didn't know Jeff, Dave, David or even Chuck all that well when we got going but after 70+ episodes, some podcast personnel changes and a complete unraveling of the Vegas economy in the meantime, it turns out we were a gang, in the simplest sense of the word. One I was and one I am very proud to be a member of.

One of his favorite gigs was Nevada Week in Review, the PBS program that included Jeff many times over the past years. From host Mitch Fox to regular participants like Jon Ralston, Howard Stutz, Steve Sebelius, Jon Humbert, Patrick Coolican, Steve Friess and others - he was in his element, debating the Silver State's issues with fellow journalists. He loved those sessions and told me so several times. He was also proud to be able to appear as a representative of a 'new media' source. I don't know if that was a first or not but I was certainly very proud to see the affiliation on a show I watch regularly.

I'll be donating the monthly stipend that I paid Jeff for his column, for the next year, to the charity he loved, the Nevada Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals.

Rest in peace, buddy. I hope heaven has good parking.

I've been getting some private inquiries about fellow Vegas Gangster and TWHT columnist Jeff Simpson over the past few days, asking if he was doing okay. I haven't written anything here or on Twitter up to this point but since having conferred with his loved ones, I feel like I can share some information without violating his privacy.

Last week, Jeff had heart complications and had to undergo emergency surgery. He's in critical, yet stable condition in a Las Vegas hospital. He's not yet able to receive visitors but I'll post additional information as it is available.

This has been a tough few days for Chuck, Dave and me, to say nothing of how hard it's been for Jeff's girlfriend and his close friends. If you're a religious person, I'd ask you to pray. If not, think some good thoughts for Jeff and wish him a speedy recovery.

Jeff is an essential part of the ongoing analysis of everything Vegas but more importantly, he's a hell of a good guy and a close friend.

Speedy recovery big guy!

Episode #70 is up!

Listen here: http://www.vegasgangpodcast.com/2011/11/vegas-gang-70-november-22nd-2011

This time on the show:

- Casinos in MA
- Casino WiFi Access / Cosmopolitan Removes WiFi
- Morgans Acquires The Light Group
- The Western Closing
- We Are Thankful

** Sure Bets / FU **

- Locals Casinos
- iPhone 4S
- Kindle
- Dave's George Maloof interview
- Hunter loves his friends in Canada, who may or may not celebrate Thanksgiving

Episode #69 is up!

Listen here: http://www.vegasgangpodcast.com/2011/11/vegas-gang-69-november-9th-2011/

This time on the show:

Another installment of 'Meet the Gangsters', this time featuring Jeff Simpson (@simpsonlasvegas).

This is a long one but Jeff goes into a ton of detail about his background, the industry, where it's going and more. Great talk.

Episode #68 is up!

Listen here: http://www.vegasgangpodcast.com/2011/10/vegas-gang-68-october-21st-2011/

This time on the show:

- The first annual Vegas Internet Mafia Family Picnic in which we discuss Wynn in Cotai and Miami, Cosmo and Trop management, parking, $25 million in chips and more.

The audio is a little funky. I tried to gate out the worst bits.

If you weren't there this weekend, the Vegas Internet Mafia Family Picnic unleashed itself across Las Vegas. It was a good time had by all, to be sure. But I wanted to take a minute to share some thanks. There are plenty to go around. More after the jump.

Hi All,

Just a reminder that our sure to be legendary event, the Vegas Internet Mafia Family Picnic, will be unveiled two weeks from tomorrow at Planet Hollywood.

What to come? It's totally free. Also, Caesars has ponied up some great room offers - there's still time to book!

All the details are on the Web site: http://www.vegastripping.com/picnic/

We're really looking forward to seeing you there.

Episode #67 is up!

Listen here: http://www.vegasgangpodcast.com/2011/09/vegas-gang-67-september-29th-2011/

This time on the show:

- An Interview with Roger Thomas, Executive Vice President of Design, Wynn Design & Development.

DON'T MISS: Vegas Internet Mafia Family Picnic

** Sure Bets **

- South Florida Casino Expansion
- Tassels, Fringe, Trim and Imperial Orange
- Super B Burrito @ Eastern & Pebble
- BrainToniq

Episode #66 is up!

Listen here: http://www.vegasgangpodcast.com/2011/09/vegas-gang-66-september-8th-2011/

This time on the show:

- The Plaza Redevelopment
- Updated Bellagio Rooms
- Riviera Update
- Wynn Loses Key Exec to Caesars Palace
- Parry Thomas Birthday
- Vegas Homelessness

** Sure Bets **

- Drive up US 93 to Caliente, Pioche, etc...
- Vegas Internet Mafia Family Picnic
- Bachi Burger
- Nike AirMag Shoes

The Vegas Internet Mafia Family Picnic has a confirmed venue: The Mezz @ Planet Hollywood. For those unfamiliar, this is part of the area upstairs that overlooks the casino, a perfect spot to host our shenanigans.

All the details are here, on the fabulous poster Chuck made for the event. There's also a VT post on the topic here.

Expect the unexpected: Vegas Gang LIVE, VT Match Game, Stump Dr. Dave and more... It's your chance to come out and have a hell of a lot of fun with your fellow Vegas addicts. We can't wait to see you there.

The kind folks at Caesars Entertainment are providing some room deals and we'll have the links for those shortly. It's looking to be a popular weekend in town so I'd recommend booking sooner rather than later.

Planning to come? Let us know in the comments. Not planning to come? Shame on you.

Episode #65 is up!

Listen here: http://www.vegasgangpodcast.com/2011/08/vegas-gang-65-august-18th-2011/

This time on the show:

* The Linq
* Harmon Demolition
* Cosmopolitan's Six Month Figures

** Sure Bets **

* P3 Studio @ Cosmopolitan
* Star Trek TOS on Netflix
* Kate Mulgrew / Capt. Janeway / Tinker Tenor Doctor Spy / Counterpoint
* Jawbone Jambox

Episode #64 is up!

Listen here: http://www.vegasgangpodcast.com/2011/07/vegas-gang-64-july-24th-2011/

This time on the show:

* A special episode - 'meet the gangsters' featuring Dr. Dave Schwartz.

Episode #63 is up!

Listen here: http://www.vegasgangpodcast.com/2011/07/vegas-gang-63-july-19th-2011/

This time on the show:

* Our Guest is M Resort President Anthony Marnell III

We have a frank discussion on operating in Las Vegas in this climate, nightlife customers vs. casino customers and more. It's a great talk - you'll enjoy it.

** Sure Bets **

* Alternative Vegas Media
* M Resort
* Spotify
* Nevada Week In Review

Episode #62 is up!

Listen here: http://www.vegasgangpodcast.com/2011/06/vegas-gang-62-june-23rd-2011/

Jeff kinda sounds like he was calling from the moon, so sorry about that.

This time on the show:

* Bellagio Re-Design [photos]
* Sahara Sale [photos]
* George Maloof and his Plams
* Atlantic City: Toast?
* Wynn + Adelson Are Buddies
* Predictions

** Sure Bets **

* 'Midnight in Paris'
* Jeff Simpson on Twitter
* Paternity Leave (but stay away from aggressive ducks)
* 'Everything is a Remix'

Episode #61 is up!

Listen here: http://www.vegasgangpodcast.com/2011/05/vegas-gang-61-may-23rd-2011/

This time on the show:

* Sahara Closes
* Don Barden, Bill Pennington Pass Away
* Wynn as Chinese Company / Wynn Social Media
* Blue Ribbon Re-Builds

** Sure Bets **

* MLB Cleveland Indians
* Five Hundy By Midnight Episode #300
* Five Guys Hamburgers
* Beco Butterfly 2
* Tacos El Gordo

VPP may be dead but that doesn't mean we can't still have a little get together.

As I said in the other post, I really loved a bunch of the VPP vibe and while we're still nailing down a lot of the specifics, I think it's safe to say that fun will be included.

Block off the Fall:

http://www.vegastripping.com/news/news.php?news_id=4020

Episode #60 is up!

Listen here: http://www.vegasgangpodcast.com/2011/04/vegas-gang-60-april-18th-2011/

This time on the show:

* Internet Poker's Black Friday
* Sam Nazarian's Delusional SLS Project
* Kerkorian to Leave MGM Board
* MGM Resorts in Macau
* Change of Control at SJM

** Sure Bets **

* HBO's Game of Thrones
* Total Wine
* Nevada Southern Railway
* Macau Aerial Photos on Google Maps
* CityCenter Deaths Movie on Kickstarter

This time on the show:

* Sahara Closing
* Marilyn Winn Spiegel
* LVS Lawsuit
* Nobu Coming to Caesars Palace

Referenced on the show:
- Dr. Dave's interview with Winn Spiegel: http://gaming.unlv.edu/audio/029_spiegel.mp3
- VegasTripping.com comment thread on the topic: http://www.vegastripping.com/news/news.php?news_id=3911

** Sure Bets **

* Rooftop Parking @ Wynn Las Vegas
* Roll The Bones
* Bukowski's 'Women'
* Ellison's 'Invisible Man'
* GarageBand for iPad

Check out the show: http://www.vegasgangpodcast.com

Feel free to leave your comments below.

If it's a question that you want asked on the show, please make that clear in your post. You can also send those to editor@ratevegas.com.

This time on the show:

Mr. DeRuyter Butler, Executive Vice President of Architecture @ Wynn Design & Development is our special guest.

We discuss Cotai, Fontainebleau, his role at Wynn D&D as well as CityCenter and challenges of working in China. Plus, we find out that Sheldon has been giving us all the middle finger since 1999.

This is a 'don't miss' interview.

If you love casino design, construction and all the thinking behind it, check it out.

Check out the show: http://www.vegasgangpodcast.com

Feel free to leave your comments below. If it's a question that you want asked on the show, please make that clear in your post. You can also send those to editor@ratevegas.com.

This time on the show:

* Hard Rock Ups and Downs
* Kirk Selling MGM?
* Social Media Redux

** Sure Bets **

* Buckeyes Basketball
* VegasTripping.com
* The Daily
* Bazaar @ SLS

Check out the show: http://www.vegasgangpodcast.com

Feel free to leave your comments below. If it's a question that you want asked on the show, please make that clear in your post. You can also send those to editor@ratevegas.com.

This time on the show:

* Trippies 2010
* Alex Closes @ Wynn Las Vegas
* Plams LovesMan - Maloof Downfall?
* Social Media Abuse - Bubble Bursting?

** Sure Bets **

* Stratosphere
* Netflix
* Wynn Las Vegas room re-design
* El Cortez
* Professional Brakes
* NYT Disunion Series
* AC Revenue Numbers

Check out the show: http://www.vegasgangpodcast.com

Feel free to leave your comments below. If it's a question that you want asked on the show, please make that clear in your post. You can also send those to editor@ratevegas.com.

Today is the last today to vote in the Trippies. I'm/we're nominated in the following categories:

Best Web Site: RateVegas.com
Best Blog: Two Way Hard Three
Best App: Vegas Mate
Best Twitterer: @Hunter
Best Podcast: The Vegas Gang

I'd very much appreciate your vote!

VOTE NOW!

Our special guest this week is Steve Friess of The Strip Podcast.

This time on the show:

* The Cosmopolitan of Las Vegas Opens

* Vegas Gang 'Sure Bets'

* Dr. Dave's Jay Sarno Book
* Cosmo Pizzeria
* McCarran Airport (LAS)
* The Traditional Las Vegas Sports-book
* Holstein's @ Cosmo

Check out the show: http://www.vegasgangpodcast.com

Feel free to leave your comments below. If it's a question that you want asked on the show, please make that clear in your post. You can also send those to editor@ratevegas.com.

This time on the show:

* Special Edition - Hunter and Chuck interview John Unwin, CEO of the Cosmopolitan of Las Vegas.

Check out the show: http://www.vegasgangpodcast.com

Feel free to leave your comments below. If it's a question that you want asked on the show, please make that clear in your post. You can also send those to editor@ratevegas.com.

This time on the show:

* Harrah's Cancels IPO
* Cosmo Talk
* Diamonds and Stars
* Marnell and M Resort

* Vegas Gang 'Sure Bets'

* Patron Tequila
* Sans Serif Fonts
* Settebello Pizza
* Instagram

Check out the show: http://www.vegasgangpodcast.com

Feel free to leave your comments below. If it's a question that you want asked on the show, please make that clear in your post. You can also send those to editor@ratevegas.com.

This time on the show:

We are live from Vegas Podcast-a-palooza at The Flamingo.

Our guest is Tom McCartney, President of Tropicana Las Vegas. He was a really great guest, I think you'll enjoy it.

Check out the show: http://www.vegasgangpodcast.com

Feel free to leave your comments below. If it's a question that you want asked on the show, please make that clear in your post. You can also send those to editor@ratevegas.com.

Vegas Podcast-a-palooza, the star-studded, action filled event of the year, is next Saturday. Seriously, if you miss this you won't ever forgive yourself.

All the details are at VPP.com but, VegasTripping has some good tips for those planning on coming.

Our guest on the Vegas Gang will be Tom McCartney, the president over at the Tropicana. I'm looking forward to talking with him, hearing Rita Rudner as the guest on The Strip and then watching Tim and Michelle knock it out of the park again with Five Hundy By Midnight.

See you next Saturday @ The Flamingo.

This time on the show:

Podcast-a-palooza - Oct. 30th, 2010. Our guest will be Tropicana Las Vegas President Tom McCartney - all the details are available on the Web site.

* PENN Swallows M
* August Gaming Figures
* MGM May Sell Borgata ; Not Making Much Money
* Room Rate Survey Data

* Vegas Gang 'Sure Bets'

Check out the show: http://www.vegasgangpodcast.com

Feel free to leave your comments below. If it's a question that you want asked on the show, please make that clear in your post. You can also send those to editor@ratevegas.com.

Just a reminder that we're quickly closing in on the third annual Vegas Podcast-a-palooza - October 30th @ The Flamingo.

We're asking that those of you that are coming could indicate a yes or a maybe here on this Web site, just to give us an idea of how many people to expect.

http://twtvite.com/vegaspodcast/

If you are coming, you can print your ticket for free at vegaspodcastapalooza.com. The site also includes the info on the 3X Total Rewards multiplier.

We're doing a Vegas Gang episode on Thursday so I guess I should just say thank you and leave it at that. This is great material.

Instead, I'm going to once again report on difficulty for MGM Resorts International - profits are still a Mirage - they just can't Wynn (get it?!? I'm so clever).

When a company does an early release of their financials and it includes several bullet points and a few paragraphs of figures, always read it in reverse. The most interesting stuff is always hidden behind a smokescreen of PR-speak.

The part of the company not infected with the virus that is CityCenter continues to deflate - down 13% for wholly owned operations (it was -16% last quarter). CityCenter may be a debacle but MGM needs the other places to keep the lights on.

As for Borgata, they did get an offer but it's below the amount they've been carrying on their books for the asset so they'll be taking a write-down this quarter to align their books with... well, reality. Will BOYD also have to do a write-down? I'd say probably.

When the Borgata thing is eventually settled, they'll not only get the cash from the sale but also their share of operations put into trust since the Pansy Ho debacle. That'll be one fat quarter when it hits but that's like when the drug dealer comes to your house and opens up his briefcase. He's not moving in, don't get too excited.

Say what you want about Borgata - and Atlantic City is certainly in trouble - but it is the top property there and has been helping to fill Jimbo's bank account every month. MGM may not have had much choice when it came to selling but that cash-flow is going to leave a hole of at least some size once the post-sale hangover wears off.

Interestingly enough, the day after we get news of improved Strip numbers (up 21%) for August, MGM reports taking an almost 10% hit in casino revenue for the quarter. How is that supposed to jive? This story cites baccarat as a bright spot but MGM's bac volume was down 6%. Does that mean that September cratered? Or were all these gains elsewhere? MGM still controls a huge percentage of the high-end bac play so this seems a bit odd.

As I previously wrote in my series on CityCenter, MGM is now going back to the markets for capital - they have loans of over a billion dollars due next year that they need to pay off. It will be interesting to see how much this influx of supply will impact prices on the open market. Much to the Swami's chagrin, stock was down 6% in after hours trading.

There is some good news, something else that I hinted at in my previous series - Aria is starting to swing over to the profitable side of the fence. It's had good volumes but this time around it got the hold percentages it needed to post a number in the black. ADR and REVPAR for Aria are both improving.

So I guess everything's fine...

This time on the show:

Podcast-a-palooza - Oct. 30th, 2010. Be there.

* CityCenter CityCenter CityCenter
* Vegas Gang 'Sure Bets'

Check out the show: http://www.vegasgangpodcast.com

Feel free to leave your comments below. If it's a question that you want asked on the show, please make that clear in your post. You can also send those to editor@ratevegas.com.

Episode 50! Thanks for all the support. This is our first episode using Skype to record the show - still working on proper levels, etc... so please bear with us. Hopefully sound quality is vastly improved.

This time on the show:

Podcast-a-palooza - Oct. 30th, 2010. Be there.

* El Cortez Design a Suite Competition
* Baccarat Study + HET IPO
* Hotel Apps
* Downtown Blues
* Vegas Gang 'Sure Bets'

Check out the show: http://www.vegasgangpodcast.com

Feel free to leave your comments below. If it's a question that you want asked on the show, please make that clear in your post. You can also send those to editor@ratevegas.com.

I am very happy to announce that Vegas Podcast-a-palooza 3 will take place October 30th, 2010 at the Fabulous Flamingo on the Las Vegas Strip.

We'll do the three podcasts in the afternoon, followed by a little cocktail get-together - this is your chance to explain to me why the iPhone sucks, tell Chuck all about remembering to breathe or to ask Steve Friess if he knows how to make the Asian Equation.

Seriously, this is going to be a really fun time and we want all of you guys to come out, hang out, meet us and have some fun.

All the details: http://www.vegaspodcastapalooza.com

We're hoping to have some room deals for folks so if you think you might like to stay at The Flamingo, stay tuned.

Thanks to Chuck for the great site and big thanks to the folks at Harrah's Entertainment for hosting this year.

Podcast-a-palooza - Oct. 30th, 2010. Full details coming very soon.

* Wynn Wins Tip Battle
* Cosmopolitan of Las Vegas Discussion
* Riviera Bankruptcy
* 10 Years of MGM Mirage Resorts International, Inc.
* Vegas Gang 'Sure Bets'

Check out the show: http://www.vegasgangpodcast.com

Feel free to leave your comments below. If it's a question that you want asked on the show, please make that clear in your post. You can also send those to editor@ratevegas.com.

Podcast-a-palooza - dates coming very soon. Sorry for the delay.

* Wynn Resorts: Layoffs and Resort Fees
* MGM Resorts International and CityCenter Performance
* LVRJ and Righthaven File Lawsuits
* Vegas Gang 'Sure Bets'

Check out the show: http://www.vegasgangpodcast.com

Feel free to leave your comments below. If it's a question that you want asked on the show, please make that clear in your post. You can also send those to editor@ratevegas.com.

First off, a note - very excited to announce that Jeff Simpson will be writing a bi-weekly column for Two Way Hard Three. I'm very excited to have him on board!

* Encore Beach Club Opens
* MGM Mirage vs. Perini
* Atlantic City Numbers Down
* Tropicana Reborn?

Feel free to leave your comments below. If it's a question that you want asked on the show, please make that clear in your post. You can also send those to editor@ratevegas.com.

Win an iPad! Details here: http://www.ratevegas.com/blog/2010/03/submit_your_veg.html There will be a live broadcast of some sort to award the prize on Thursday. Look for details here on the blog in the next few days.

NOTE: This recording got screwed up somehow and we lost a segment of the show. Apologies to my fellow panelists and to the listeners. We salvaged what we could. Enjoy.

* Wynn Resorts Discussion (partial)
* MGM Mirage Name Change
* Boyd / Station Drama Continues
* Taking Photos In Casinos / New Luxor Policy

Feel free to leave your comments below. If it's a question that you want asked on the show, please make that clear in your post. You can also send those to editor@ratevegas.com.

NOTE: We recorded an updated segment on Wynn in Macau, plus Marina Bay Sands: http://www.vegasgangpodcast.com/2010/05/vegas-gang-special-wynn-episiode/

Vegas Gang is back!

Win an iPad! Details here: http://www.ratevegas.com/blog/2010/03/submit_your_veg.html

* Station Casinos Re-Org
* CityCenter's First Hundred Days
* CityCenter vs. Perini
* Atlantic City Mini-Casinos
* Closure of CalNeva

Feel free to leave your comments below. If it's a question that you want asked on the show, please make that clear in your post. You can also send those to editor@ratevegas.com.

This time on the show:

* MGM's Aria - 2 Months In
* MGM Mirage Exits Atlantic City / Wynn Enters Philadelphia Market
* Greenspun / Station Casinos Relationship Disintegrates
* Lake Las Vegas Shuts Down
* President Obama's Remarks and Visit
* Harrah's Interested in The Palms?

Check out the show: http://www.vegasgangpodcast.com/2010/02/vegas-gang-44-february-25th-2010/

Feel free to leave comments below. Trivia questions can be sent to editor@ratevegas.com - we might use yours on the show.

This time on the show:

* Fontainebleau + Ichan
* Resort Fees
* Harrah's + Planet Hollywood
* Harrah's iPhone App

* Vegas Gang Trivia Episode #1

Check out the show: http://www.vegasgangpodcast.com/2010/01/vegas-gang-43-january-21st-2010

Feel free to leave comments below. Trivia questions can be sent to editor@ratevegas.com - we might use yours on the show.

Doing the Vegas Gang show is one of my favorite things but even as much fun as it is, I'm constantly coming up with ideas to make it better. Most of these turn out to be way too dumb to share with other humans but I finally have one experiment I want to try.

You, loyal listeners, can send trivia questions to me at this email address. I will pick one or two for the show. If the Gangsters can't answer correctly, I'll give you a $25 Amazon.com certificate. I'll be the screener and judge so I won't be able to give answers on the show.

See, I think the guys are pretty good and I don't think you'll be able to stump them but who knows... Only real rule is that the questions have to be reasonable - don't ask how many tiles are on the floor in the Forum Shops for instance. Keep them focused on history, tourism and gaming and in the spirit of good fun.

I'm hoping this will be a regular thing - we'll see how it goes.

This time on the show:

* CityCenter Opens
* 2009 Recap/2010 Look Forward
* Gary Jacobs and MGM Mirage

Have a Happy New Year. We love you.

http://www.vegasgangpodcast.com/2009/12/vegas-gang-42-december-31st-2009/

This time on the show:

* Dr. Dave Tours CityCenter
* Hunter Stays at Vdara
* Jeff Explains How Harrah's Can Buy P-Ho
* Fontainebleau Drama Continues

http://www.vegasgangpodcast.com/2009/12/vegas-gang-41-december-11th-2009/

This time on the show:

* Hunter Tours CityCenter
* Fontainebleau
* Global Gaming Expo 2009

I believe we'll have someone from MGM Mirage Design Group on a future episode, not too far away. Feel free to submit questions here.

http://www.vegasgangpodcast.com

This time on the show:

* ARIA ARIA ARIA!
* Fontainebleau

http://www.vegasgangpodcast.com

Feel free to add your comments below...

Live from Vegas Podcast-a-palooza 2 @ The Palms.

We discuss CityCenter with our guest MGM Mirage Sr. VP of Public Relations Gordon Absher.

http://www.vegasgangpodcast.com

Feel free to add your comments below...

We have a last minute scheduling change related to this Saturday's Podcast-a-palooza event at The Palms.

Our guest for the Vegas Gang, Alan Feldman, has a last minute obligation that will prevent him from attending. In his place we will have Gordon Absher, VP of Public Affairs for MGM Mirage. Gordon's been running point on a lot of City Center related stuff and I'm sure he'll be a fantastic guest. Before MGM Mirage, Gordon was at Mandalay Resort Group and has also worked in Nevada politics.

The rest of the lineup remains the same and we look forward to seeing you there.

I'll try not to go overboard on the 'Palooza stuff this week but I did want to mention that the good peoples at Planet Hollywood have been gracious enough to provide some potential prizes for Podcast-a-palooza guests.

Chuck has the details: http://www.vegastripping.com/news/news.php?news_id=2926

Thanks to them for supporting the event. One of their stars, Holly Madison, will be interviewed by Steve & Miles of The Strip Podcast.

Vegas Podcast-a-palooza is next Saturday, the 17th @ The Palms.

I'm very excited to meet listeners, see friends from last year and generally have a good time. For those that *can't* be there in person, I'm about 99.9% sure we'll have a live stream through UStream.TV.

The show will broadcast here, starting just before the live broadcast at 3:45pm PT:
http://www.ustream.tv/channel/vegas-podcast-a-palooza

New episode is up: http://www.vegasgangpodcast.com

We discuss:

* Planet Hollywood + Harrah's?
* Fontainebleau + Penn Nat'l?
* Stanley Ho's SJM
* Niche Marketing @ Monte Carlo
* Gaming Figures
* Aria

Do you have questions for MGM Mirage's Alan Feldman? He'll be our guest at Vegas Podcast-a-palooza in October. Leave your question in a comment and we'll consider them for the show.

The latest Vegas Gang Podcast has been published.

We discuss:

* Encore Beach Club
* FBleu Sale Rumors
* City Center Condos
* Frank Fertita Jr.

and more...

Feel free to leave comments below. I feel like I was supposed to put something in the show notes and I can't remember what now...

Oh, here's the LV Weekly article on Vegas Mate: http://www.lasvegasweekly.com/news/2009/sep/03/sin-city-your-hand/

Vegas Gang #35 Posted

We discuss:

* Harrah's 'Street O' Shops'
* Monte Carlo Hotel 32
* Financial Reporting
* Random Banter

and more...

Feel free to leave comments below.

Episode #34 of the Vegas Gang is up: http://www.vegasgangpodcast.com

Rich Moriarty from Union Gaming is our guest.

We discuss:

* Harrah's and Station LBOs
* May 2009 Gaming Figures
* Las Vegas Sands Re-Starting in Macau
* City Center: Crystals Retail Information

and more...

Update: I mis-spoke during the show, indicating that Station filed Ch. 11. That's not the case, though they are still in negotiations with their lenders. I apologize for the mistake.

Feel free to leave your comments below. If it's a question that you want asked on the show, please make that clear in your post. You can also send those to editor@ratevegas.com.

Happy to be back after a little bit of a break. Lots to talk about, as always.

We discuss:

* MGM Mirage Expands to Egypt
* Tropicana Atlantic City Sells to Ichan
* Fontainebleau Files Chapter 11
* City of Dreams Opens on Cotai

Also, check out WinoTripping.com and Vegas Mate 2.

Feel free to leave your comments below. If it's a question that you want asked on the show, please make that clear in your post. You can also send those to editor@ratevegas.com.

Happy to be back after a little bit of a break. Lots to talk about, as always.

We discuss:

* MGM Mirage Pulls a Rabbit Out of its Hat
* Fontainebleau May Not Be Totally Screwed (we'll see)
* UNLV Center for Gaming Research Trends
* MGM Mirage Selling Properties

Feel free to leave your comments below. If it's a question that you want asked on the show, please make that clear in your post. You can also send those to editor@ratevegas.com.

As Chuck posted earlier, we are shooting for the second annual Vegas Podcast-a-palooza to go off on the 17th of October, coinciding with both BlogWorld and Podcast Expo.

There are still a ton of details to work out, including a line up. We've got a lot of feedback after the show last year and we want to make things ever better so we're taking all of it in.

More details to come.

We're back with another episode! It can be downloaded here.

This time around we discuss:

* February 2009 Gaming Numbers
* Listener Questions

Feel free to leave your comments below.

Working on a couple of ways to tweak the VG show to make it a tad more interesting and here's the first thing I'm experimenting with...

Ask a question here - submit text questions in the comments or record an audio question and send it to editor@ratevegas.com. The best/most interesting handful will be put to the panel on the next show, #30. Please make sure to include your name and if you record some audio, speak slowly.

You can pretty much ask anything, though of course we want to stay somewhat on topic (gaming, Las Vegas, gaming industry).

We're back with another episode! It can be downloaded here.

This time around we discuss:

* Casino Photography Rules
* MGM Mirage vs. Dubai World
* Tropicana / Chapter 11
* Las Vegas Sands in Macau

Feel free to leave your comments below.

We're back with another episode! It can be downloaded here.

This time around we discuss:

* Macau Update with George (report after the jump)
* Bill Weidner Leaves Las Vegas Sands
* Economic Update: Cannery+Crown, M Resort

Feel free to leave your comments below.

We're back with another episode! It can be downloaded here.

This time around we discuss:

* Boyd Offers to Buy Station Assets
* Wynn Resorts Q4 2008
* iPhone Card Counting Software Makes the Rounds
* 2008 Gaming Abstract Figures
* M Resort Opens Sunday

Feel free to leave your comments below.

We're back with another episode! It can be downloaded here.

This time around we discuss:

* Atlantic City
* Las Vegas Economic Woes
* Tropicana Re-Brands as Value Property (!)
* City Center's Harmon is Stunted

Also, be sure to check out the new podcast from the UNLV Center for Gaming Research. You can subscribe to that here: http://gaming.unlv.edu/podcast.html

Vegas Gang #25 is online.

This week on the show:

* Harrah's Suspends Caesars Palace Tower
* LVS v. ELAD v. WYNN
* Rumors Swirling Around The Mirage Sale
* Encore Media Week

Leave any comments below.

Vegas Gang #24 is online.

This week on the show:

* The Trippies are announced this weekend.
* Encore Las Vegas Opens - EncoreOpening.com
* MGM Mirage Sells Treasure Island to Phil Ruffin
* The Harmon / City Center / Light Group Parting Ways?

Leave any comments below.

Vegas Gang #23 is online: http://www.vegasgangpodcast.com

This time around we cover:

* Mirage Volcano Reborn (Photos: here
* Encore Suites at Wynn Las Vegas Opens December 22nd - http://www.encoreopening.com
* Nevada Gaming Numbers from October 2008
* Las Vegas Marathon

Feel free to leave any comments below.

Voting in the annual 'Trippies' award contest wraps up tomorrow at 7:11pm PT. This blog is nominated, as is the Vegas Gang Podcast and quite a few other great Vegas blogs, podcasts and fun hotel categories.

http://www.vegastripping.com/trippies2008/

Vegas Gang #22 is online: http://www.vegasgangpodcast.com

This time around we cover:

This is a special episode, focusing on the annual G2E gaming conference.

Feel free to leave any comments below.

Also, please consider voting for us in the Trippies!

Vegas Gang #21 is online: http://www.vegasgangpodcast.com

This time around we cover:

* Terry Lanni to Leave MGM Mirage
* Las Vegas Sands Financial Woes Continue
* Should the Nevada Gambling Age Be Lowered to 18?
* WSOP Changes This Year

Feel free to leave any comments below.

Also, please consider voting for us in the Trippies!

The LV Sun has an interesting article about the possibility of shifting the gaming age from 21 to 18 in Nevada in an effort to stimulate an industry that's hurting.

A few episodes ago, we discussed potential regulatory changes in gaming as a response to the economic crisis, though we focused on allowing strip clubs in casinos, the general concept is the same - will changes in regulation be sped along due to cash problems?

http://www.lasvegassun.com/news/2008/nov/07/idea-floated-lower-state-gambling-age-18/

Vegas Gang #20 is online: http://www.vegasgangpodcast.com

This time around we cover:

* Trippies 2008
* Gaming Stocks Slide
* Bellagio Turns 10 To Little Fanfare
* How MGM Mirage and Harrah's Market

Feel free to leave any comments below.

Vegas Gang #19 is online: http://www.vegasgangpodcast.com

This time around we cover:

* Plaza vs. Plaza
* Wynn Resorts Preliminary 3rd Quarter + Encore
* Harrah's + Chapter 11?
* City Center

Feel free to leave any comments below.

Vegas Gang #18 is online here: http://www.vegasgangpodcast.com

This time around we cover:

* Las Vegas Web Roundup
* Tropicana Resorts Update
* Adelson Lends to Sands
* Sports Book Betting

Feel free to leave your comments below.

Vegas Gang #17 is online here: http://www.vegasgangpodcast.com

This time around we cover:

* Economic Update
* Kansas Update
* Strip Clubs in Strip Resorts?
* Mega-Resort Designs of the Future?
* ARIA Update

Feel free to leave your comments below.

Vegas Gang #16 is online. It should show in iTunes or you can play it here.

This time around we cover:

* Harrah's Tests Removing Slot Machines
* Atlantic City Update
* Encore Rooms Revealed
* KS Gaming Licenses Awarded
* 40/40 Club Closes - Doomed All Along?

Feel free to leave comments below.

Steve Friess has a great article in the Las Vegas Weekly about digital media and Las Vegas.

http://www.lasvegasweekly.com/news/2008/aug/21/digital-vegas/

Clearly, something I'm interested in. Besides the podcast and this site, I just submitted my first Las Vegas related iPhone/iPod Touch application, Vegas Mate, to the iTunes App Store for review - it should be for sale very soon.

I'd love to do another Podcast-a-palooza and have main-stream media participating - it could take the event another couple of notches above where it was this year. I have hope.

This show was recorded live at The Palms in Las Vegas on August 16th, 2008. Our guest was Palms owner George Maloof.

http://www.vegasgangpodcast.com

Thanks to everyone that attended - we had a great time and I hope you did too.

There's also a video of our segment of the show here:
http://www.sparkyofvegas.com/Vegas_Gang_Palms.html

I have some photos to post as well, as soon as I can get to it. I'm in the late beta stages for my iPhone application, 'Vegas Mate', trying to get it ready for sale very soon.

Thanks to The Palms, George Maloof and Steve Friess, all of whom contributed to make the event what it was.

Also, a special set of thanks to my co-hosts, some of whom I had not yet met in person. It was a thrill - I wish we could do the show live all the time - it was great.

Updated: Photos posted, including new rooms at The Mirage:
http://www.ratevegas.com/photo/gallery/august2008 (yes, I know the photo gallery has some bugs like duplicate images and navigation problems - I need to get to fixing them one of these days).

Another development in the saga of the Tropicana and Columbia Sussex. This time, the Nevada Gaming Control Board has recommended that the Las Vegas Strip casino be taken over by an unlicensed group of trustees as it progresses through bankruptcy.

http://www.lasvegassun.com/news/2008/aug/06/unlicensed-board-clears-hurdle-control-tropicana/

What's interesting is that they are not licensed employees and that they say that CoSux head Bill Yung is no longer part of the decision making process.

This decision, as well as the recent stoppage at Echelon and other Las Vegas issues will be topics on tomorrow's Vegas Gang.

Just a reminder that the Vegas Podcast-a-palooza is coming up in less than two short weeks at The Palms, right off The Strip.

Including Five Hundy By Midnight, The Strip Podcast and the Vegas Gang, along with special guests Carrot Top and George Maloof, this should be a ton of fun.

We'll also have some giveaways and a question and answer period for the show producers.

Attendance is free and all the details are here:
http://www.vegaspodcastapalooza.com

This time we feature:

* Wynn Financials and Conference Call

* The Sahara and Sam Nazarian

* Steve Wynn vs. Bloggers

* UNLV Casino Gaming Study

* Consolidation in the Gaming Industry

The show is available via iTunes or here: http://www.vegasgangpodcast.com.

Feel free to comment below. Thanks for listening.

The show is up:
http://www.vegasgangpodcast.com

This time we feature:

* Wynn Hires Tim and Tim / Wynn Early Financials
* Nevada and Illinois Post Bad Numbers
* Tropicana E.Coli Outbreak
* Don Barden / Pittsburgh
* MGM Mirage / Wynn Resorts Market Cap

Comments welcome below.

Don't forget the Podcast-a-palooza:
http://www.vegasgangpodcast.com/2008/07/vegas-gang-podcast-live-august-16th-vegas-podcast-a-palooza/

Dave Schwartz, fellow Gang member and Die is Cast blogger has released the latest 'Winslow's Guide'.

If you love Las Vegas, you'll love this guide.

http://www.dieiscast.com/2008/07/11/winslows-11-2008-is-out/

I've been dropping hints for a few weeks and we can finally announce the event! The "Vegas Podcast-a-palooza" will be taking place on August 16th at the Palms in Las Vegas.

What is this event you might ask?

Live versions of Five Hundy By Midnight, The Strip Podcast and The Vegas Gang!

All the details are here:
http://www.vegastripping.com/podcastapalooza/

I also need to give a big round of applause to Steve Friess for help with getting things setup, The Palms for hosting the event and taking a chance on a new idea, and to Chuck at VegasTripping.com for designing the fantastic info page.

Please, check out the page above and consider coming to the show - we really want a strong, lively audience there at The Palms.

Vegas Gang #11 is online here: http://www.vegasgangpodcast.com

This time we feature:

* Encore at Wynn Las Vegas Opening
* Cosmopolitan Sued Over Its Name
* MGM Mirage Using Social Networking
* Harrah's Pays Debt With Debt
* Adelson Profiled in New Yorker

Feel free to add comments below...

Vegas Gang #10 is up - http://www.vegasgangpodcast.com

This episode focuses on the CityCenter walkout and the economy vs. Las Vegas. We cover a few stories on the specifics, including an entry suggesting that LVS is heading for Chapter 11. That may be an extreme outcome but its an interesting discussion point.

Also, a little bit on the iPhone and its impact on Las Vegas.

Enjoy the show and feel free to post your comments here.

UPDATE: Stiffs and George's has a story about Palazzo's underwhelming performance: http://www.lasvegasadvisor.com/blogs/dmckee/index.cfm/2008/6/13/Oops-he-did-it-again

The latest episode is live - check out our discussions here:

http://www.vegasgangpodcast.com

Comments welcome below...

Vegas Gang Podcast #8 has been posted:

http://www.vegasgangpodcast.com

Comments can be posted here on this site, below.

Our guest is Steve Friess and we cover his book, 'Gay Vegas' as well as Las Vegas marketing, MGM Mirage splitting up, casino cheating and more.

Yes, we're back (and better than ever?).

Anyway, the episode is posted here: http://www.vegasgangpodcast.com

Comment away!

The Vegas Gang is back and this time we cover the important issue of building safety.

The details, including links to the show and iTunes are here:
http://www.vegasgangpodcast.com

Thanks for listening and we'll be back in another two weeks. I think I know what the next show will be about but we haven't totally nailed it down yet.

Episode #5 of the Vegas Gang has been posted below:

http://www.vegasgangpodcast.com/2008/04/vegas-gang-5-tom-breitling-april-3rd-2008/

This features Tom Breitling, formerly of the Golden Nugget, talking about his new book. Enjoy!

Vegas Gang #4 has been posted and we now have a new Web site focused on that podcast:

http://www.vegasgangpodcast.com

The RSS feed has changed so please sign-up again if you'd like it in your podcatcher, in iTunes, etc... The site has a direct iTunes link.

We talk the concept of 'free' and casinos, lots of fresh details on Encore at Wynn Las Vegas, Majestic's Vegas numbers, and more. This is a don't miss for Wynn fans.

The participants include:

Jeff Simpson - http://www.lasvegassun.com and http://www.inbusinesslasvegas.com

David McKee - http://www.lasvegasadvisor.com/blogs/dmckee/

Dave Schwartz - http://www.dieiscast.com

Chuck Monster - http://www.vegastripping.com

Direct Download: http://media.ratevegas.com/37-VegasGang03062008.mp3

We're back with roundtable #2 - this time around the topics include Crown investing in Harrah's/Station, MGM Grand Detroit, Pure being raided by the IRS, Cuba as the next Macau and more.

The participants include:

Jeff Simpson - http://www.lasvegassun.com and http://www.inbusinesslasvegas.com

David McKee - http://www.lasvegasadvisor.com/blogs/dmckee/

Dave Schwartz - http://www.dieiscast.com

Chuck Monster - http://www.vegastripping.com

Direct Download: http://media.ratevegas.com/36-podcast_02212008.mp3

The first episode of what could become a new, semi-regular podcast has been posted.

It doesn't yet have a name but the working title is 'Vegas Roundtable'. It's a gaming industry related podcast in a discussion format. Today's participants include:

Jeff Simpson - http://www.lasvegassun.com and http://www.inbusinesslasvegas.com

David McKee - http://www.lasvegasadvisor.com/blogs/dmckee/

Dave Schwartz - http://www.dieiscast.com

Chuck Monster - http://www.vegastripping.com

Thanks to all participants. The podcast is in my normal feed for 'The Worst Las Vegas Podcast' but it will probably move to a dedicated feed. Also, if anyone can think of a good name, drop them in the comments.

If you don't subscribe to the feed and want the direct URL, here it is:
http://media.ratevegas.com/35-roundtable_1-02_07_08.mp3