Amanda Finnegan

Story Archive

Downtown shop preserving Las Vegas history by offering it for sale
The newest antiques — from midcentury — fill a downtown shop and bring back childhood memories for many who visit
Tuesday, Sept. 28, 2010
Browsers find themselves wandering through a maze of dining room sets and patterned armchairs at Bill Johnson and Marc Comstock’s downtown Las Vegas antiques store. Then, they are drawn into the vortex that is a bubble gum-pink kitchen at the rear of the shop. “Every day people walk around and say, ‘Oh, I remember my grandmother had this!’ — and it’s never the grandfather, it’s always the grandmother,” Johnson said with a laugh.
Cosmopolitan to fill thousands of openings with virtual job fair
Tuesday, Sept. 28, 2010
The Cosmopolitan of Las Vegas is ramping up its hiring process with a virtual job fair today in an effort to fill thousands of open positions at the resort.
8 Nevadans make Forbes list of richest Americans
Thursday, Sept. 23, 2010
Eight Nevadans landed on the 2010 Forbes 400 Richest Americans list, including one casino billionaire who made the top 20 and another making a first-time appearance. Las Vegas Sands Chairman and Chief Executive Sheldon Adelson ranked No. 13 on the list with a reported net worth of $14.7 billion.
Grounded balloon ride set to resume flights over Strip
Thursday, Sept. 23, 2010
After being grounded for more than six months, the Cloud Nine balloon will return to the Las Vegas skies this week. The tethered helium balloon attraction, on the Strip across from Mandalay Bay, will be taking a test flight today and will reopen to the public by this weekend, Vice President of Operations Anita O’Connor said.
Veteran journalists discuss future of news in digital age
Thursday, Sept. 23, 2010
Watchdog journalism needs to be preserved but finding a way to financially sustain it will remain a challenge in the coming years, industry experts said.
During a panel discussion Wednesday entitled “The Death of Old News” hosted by the Black Mountain Institute at UNLV, three longtime journalists discussed how the Internet is impacting the news industry and the industry's growing financial struggles.
CityCenter’s Crystals adjusts, boosts occupancy with new retailers
Monday, Sept. 20, 2010
More than nine months after its opening, Crystals is still evolving. Managers of CityCenter’s retail district are recruiting new retailers, tweaking the mall’s design and making adjustments where they see fit.
MGM fills No. 2 spot, announces senior management changes
Thursday, Sept. 16, 2010
MGM Resorts International announced several senior management changes today, including the promotion of a longtime executive to the company’s No. 2 post.
Las Vegas Sands weighs name change to reflect global presence
Wednesday, Sept. 15, 2010
Las Vegas Sands is considering a possible name change to reflect the resort company’s growing international presence. Any name change could be voted on as early as the next board of directors meeting in November.
Planet Hollywood submits plans to add signage, balconies
Tuesday, Sept. 14, 2010
Planet Hollywood’s façade on the Las Vegas Strip might soon be receiving an updated look -- one that executives hope will make the resort’s entrances more recognizable.
Las Vegas sees largest monthly tourism gain since 2005
Friday, Sept. 10, 2010
In another sign that the city’s tourism industry is improving, Las Vegas in July saw its largest year-over-year visitation increase since December 2005.
Executive is third to leave Wynn Resorts in 2 weeks
Wednesday, Sept. 8, 2010
Wynn Las Vegas has parted ways with another high-level nightclub executive, the company said today.
Labor Day weekend outlook: More visitors, less spending
Friday, Sept. 3, 2010
The outlook for Labor Day weekend in Las Vegas appears much like that for most holidays since the Great Recession took hold — visitors will still flock to the city but they will spend less.
Gaming industry tradeshow moving to Sands Expo
Tuesday, Aug. 31, 2010
The gaming industry’s annual tradeshow will find a new spot on the calendar and a new home in Las Vegas next fall. G2E is scheduled for Oct. 4-6 next year, rather than the middle of November.
Tropicana says renovations show signs of paying off
Thursday, Aug. 19, 2010
Since the Tropicana emerged from bankruptcy in July 2009, the property’s new management team has spent a significant amount of time and money on upgrading the historic resort.
One of Las Vegas' largest conventions under way
Wednesday, Aug. 18, 2010
MAGIC International, one of the city’s largest conventions, opened Tuesday in Las Vegas. The fashion convention is held twice a year in Las Vegas, once in February and again in August.
Ex-Shuffle Master CEO Tim Parrott to be inducted into gaming Hall of Fame
Friday, Aug. 13, 2010
Former Shuffle Master Chief Executive Tim Parrott, who died in May, will be inducted into the American Gaming Association Hall of Fame, the gaming industry’s chief lobbying organization announced this week.
Bally Technologies reports increase in profit
Thursday, Aug. 12, 2010
Las Vegas-based gaming supplier Bally Technologies said Thursday it saw an uptick in profit during its fourth quarter of 2010.
Ameristar Casinos may put self up for sale
Wednesday, Aug. 11, 2010
Las Vegas-based casino operator Ameristar Casinos said Wednesday that its board of directors is evaluating options that include the possible sale of the company.
Hard Rock's Wasted Space club to close
Monday, Aug. 9, 2010
The Hard Rock Hotel & Casino is closing its Wasted Space nightclub after two years of operation, a Hard Rock spokeswoman said today.
Hard Rock Hotel sees profit drop in second quarter
Thursday, Aug. 5, 2010
Earnings fell by 35 percent at the Hard Rock Hotel and Casino during the second quarter, one of the property’s joint-venture partners reported today.
Ameristar reports loss in second quarter
Wednesday, Aug. 4, 2010
Las Vegas-based casino operator Ameristar Casinos swung to a loss during the second quarter of 2010, primarily due to a permanent bridge closure that limited access to its East Chicago property and new competition in the St. Louis market.
Cosmopolitan resort-casino unveils Strip marquee
Tuesday, Aug. 3, 2010
Las Vegas’ neon highway became a bit brighter Tuesday as the Strip welcomed its newest marquee. Cosmopolitan of Las Vegas Chief Executive John Unwin flicked the switch for the Cosmopolitan’s 65-foot marquee at a media event Tuesday afternoon. Comprised of four LED screens, the marquee took more than six months to build.
Wynn Resorts reports booming profits
Thursday, July 29, 2010
Wynn Resorts more than doubled its profits during the second quarter of 2010 as business continued to boom in the Macau region of China.
IGT reports quarterly profits up nearly 52 percent
Tuesday, July 27, 2010
International Game Technology saw its profits increase by nearly 52 percent during its fiscal third quarter, the Reno-based gaming manufacturer reported today.
Zappos branches into tour biz — of its offices
Visitors verify why firm is one of Fortune's best to work for
Monday, July 26, 2010
The sound of cowbells echo off the cubicle walls of the Zappos Henderson office. A few steps farther and passers-by are greeted with crackling noisemakers. Naturally, the noisemakers match the Mardi Gras masks hanging from the ceiling and the beads dripping from employees’ desks.
Boutique hotel opens in shadow of Strip megaresorts
Wednesday, July 21, 2010
In the shadows of monstrous Strip hotels, the Siegel Group is harboring its latest shot at a boutique hotel on the former site of the St. Tropez hotel. The exterior has been given a sleek white coat, and the interior has adopted a look that resonates with younger customers. A new hotel called Rumor Las Vegas is the end product of the Siegel Group’s revamping.
Las Vegas-based Pinnacle sells Argentina operations
Wednesday, July 7, 2010
Las Vegas-based casino operator Pinnacle Entertainment announced Wednesday that it has completed the sale of its Argentina operations for about $40 million.
Holiday forecast in Las Vegas: More visitors spending less
Friday, July 2, 2010
With Fourth of July falling on a weekend, Las Vegas tourism officials say they expect a slight uptick in visitors traveling to the valley for the holiday.
Boyd Gaming changing player loyalty program
Wednesday, June 30, 2010
Boyd Gaming announced this week that it is replacing its local Club Coast player loyalty program with a nationwide, multi-property brand.
Cosmopolitan taking reservations for December debut
Wednesday, June 30, 2010
The Cosmopolitan of Las Vegas has started taking reservations for its Dec. 15 opening, the resort announced today. The 2,995-room, 50-story resort-casino between the Bellagio and CityCenter is planning a soft opening in December with a grand opening celebration on New Year’s Eve weekend. Prices on opening night start at $300 for a 620-square-foot studio with a 110-square-foot private terrace, and peak at $510.
Kardashian sisters opening store at the Mirage
Tuesday, June 29, 2010
The Kardashian sisters will be bringing their signature style to a new store at the Mirage later this summer, the family announced at a Las Vegas press conference Tuesday.
Michael Jackson glove sells for $160,000 at auction
Friday, June 25, 2010
When Michael Jackson’s denim jacket from his Jackson 5 days sold for $26,000 — more than five times its estimated sale price — it was the first indication that the late pop star’s belongings were going to sell for more money than anyone may have anticipated.
M&M's World store on Strip set for expansion
Friday, June 25, 2010
M&M’s World at the Showcase Mall will soon have room for more M&M’s-themed merchandise with an expansion this summer. M&M’s World is adding 3,300 square feet of retail space to the third floor of its four-story store on the Strip.
IGT executive named to Yahoo board of directors
Thursday, June 24, 2010
International Game Technology Chief Executive Patti Hart was elected to Yahoo's board of directors, the Internet company announced Thursday.
Celebrity memorabilia hits the auction block in Las Vegas
Wednesday, June 23, 2010
Not far from the slot machines and blackjack tables of Planet Hollywood sit some of American royalty’s most obscure possessions — Elvis Presley’s blue belt karate certificate, Cher’s collection of furs and Marilyn Monroe’s dry cleaning bills. They’re part of Julien’s Auctions annual summer sale.
Gaming supplier Shuffle Master announces promotions
Monday, June 21, 2010
Las Vegas-based gaming supplier Shuffle Master announced today it has appointed longtime executive David Lopez as its chief operating officer.
Wynn Resorts cuts 261 jobs, restores 40-hour work weeks
Tuesday, June 15, 2010
Wynn Resorts laid off 261 people at Wynn Las Vegas and Encore today, calling it an effort to reduce overstaffing. Wynn Resorts Chairman and Chief Executive Steve Wynn said the layoffs account for less than 3 percent of the company's workforce.
MGM Mirage changes name, now MGM Resorts International
Tuesday, June 15, 2010
Shareholders of casino operator MGM Mirage have voted to change the company's name to MGM Resorts International in a move to emphasize the brand's scope.
Wynn Resorts tacks on mandatory $20 resort fee
Friday, June 11, 2010
Following some of its Strip neighbors, Steve Wynn’s resorts are the latest in Las Vegas to institute a mandatory resort fee on its hotel guests. The fee includes use of the fitness center, in-room Internet access and phone calls.
Tropicana announces deal to offer mobile gaming
Thursday, June 10, 2010
The Tropicana Las Vegas soon will be bringing in some new technology to match the resort’s updated look. The hotel-casino announced a partnership with gaming technology company Cantor Gaming to bring mobile gaming to its new race and sports book.
Shuffle Master gets earnings boost in second quarter
Wednesday, June 9, 2010
Las Vegas-based gaming supplier Shuffle Master saw its profit increase by nearly 80 percent during the second quarter of 2010, according to a filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission Wednesday.
Ex-partners in nightclub, restaurant suing Eva Longoria Parker
Tuesday, June 8, 2010
Two former managers and partners of Eva Longoria Parker’s Beso restaurant and Eve nightclub are suing the actress for allegedly pushing them out of their ownership stake and operation of the CityCenter restaurant-nightclub.
CityCenter unveils technology aimed at avoiding dropped calls
Monday, June 7, 2010
The 67-acre CityCenter resort complex now has more than 13.5 million square feet of wireless technology in an effort to avoid dropped cell phone calls, Texas-based InnerWireless announced today.
Will airlines' summer travel surcharge hurt Vegas tourism?
Saturday, June 5, 2010
First, there’s the plane ticket that costs a few hundred dollars. Then once on board, there are the $3 for a pair of headphones, $7 for a cocktail, $20 to check a bag and another $30 for more leg room — all of which can break your vacation budget before you even land.
More tourists, less spending projected for big weekend
Friday, May 28, 2010
Las Vegas may rank as the top destination among Memorial Day travelers, and should see more visitors than it did this time last year — but it’s not going to have the kind of economic impact worth memorializing.
Encore set to open $68 million Beach Club, nightclub today
Friday, May 28, 2010
The Las Vegas Strip today has another nightclub and adult pool to add to its growing list. Encore Las Vegas will open its Encore Beach Club and Surrender nightclub, just in time for the Memorial Day weekend crowds.
Casinos connecting with customers via iPhone apps
Thursday, May 27, 2010
Want to check your players club points while walking the Strip? There’s an app for that. Maybe you want to upgrade your standard room to a high-roller suite? There’s an app for that, too. The casino industry has caught the mobile bug and is using the technology to better market to its customers’ needs.
Gaming companies turn to technology to better cater to customers
Wednesday, May 26, 2010
The Cosmopolitan of Las Vegas will showcase some cutting edge technology, an executive promised Tuesday, but as for what it will be, the resort isn’t ready to share all the details just yet.
Executives outline future of server-based gaming
Wednesday, May 26, 2010
Server-based gaming has been the most talked about technology among gaming manufacturers in recent years, but the technology will be a gradual change for both customers and operators, slot tech executives said Tuesday at the Gaming Tech Summit at Green Valley Ranch.
Casino profits slide 25 percent in Atlantic City
Friday, May 21, 2010
Severe winter weather, regional competition and an overall decline in consumer spending delivered a big blow to Atlantic City casinos during the first quarter of the year. Atlantic City’s 11 casinos reported a 25.2 percent drop in profit in the first three months of 2010.