Say Goodbye to Bally's

[Dynasty]

The year-long buy-out of Caesars Entertainment by Harrah's was completed today. Already, there is speculation about how Harrah's (now the world's largest gaming company) is going to reshape the Vegas Strip.

It seems certain that Bally's, with a dead-center location on the Strip, is going to be at least renamed and possibly torn down to make room for a new Horseshoe casino.

Here's a local Vegas TV report (http://www.klastv.com/Global/story.asp?S=3468183&nav=168Xayjc) about the merger and possible impact.

I also found Las Vegas Casino Death Watch (http://www.jetcafe.org/~npc/gambling/casino_death_watch.html) which watches what casinos are targeted for the wrecking ball.

[tylerdurden]

Does harrah's own the rights to the Ballys name? They sold the Ballys boat in tunica to Resorts (IIRC) and it's still called Ballys, so if they're still operating the joint in Vegas as Ballys they must have worked out some deal on the naming.

[Zeno]

From the Death Watch web link:

"So, where might that Horseshoe go? Gaming Today suggests that Harrah's might build a new Horseshoe on the vacant land behind Bally's. "

I do recall that large open space behind Bally's. Great place to vomit, no one bothers you. Bally's also has an odd off hand sexual relationship with Paris Casino. Incestuous perhaps?


And what ever happen to Bob Stupak?! I miss Vegas World!

Also, I see some work may be done on the Barbary Coast! I’ve stayed there more than a few times (and also at Bally’s). Both are great central locations to stay at on the strip.

-Zeno

[benfranklin]

[ QUOTE ]

And what ever happen to Bob Stupak?!

[/ QUOTE ]

Stupak was last seen wandering around that large open space behind Bally's, looking for a game.

They need to start preserving some of the Vegas landmarks, like Vegas World. And Stupak. LV's answer to Hunter Thompson.

[Luv2DriveTT]

Here is a tip... new ownership of the Sahra within the next year. You heard it here first.

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[StevieG]

The Harrah's people don't think that Bally's is a recognizable name or attractive brand. Horseshoe is a possibility for the site.
link to LV Sun article (http://www.lasvegassun.com/sunbin/stories/gaming/2005/jun/14/518903042.html)

[playersare]

I could see Bally's LV being rebranded, but in AC it's still a very strong name. combined with the Claridge and Wild Wild West divisions, Bally's Park Place has the second highest casino revenue in the region, behind only the Borgata. in fact, Borgata didn't officially overtake Bally's until just this year.

compare figures of end of the year 2004 and YTD 2005.
http://www.state.nj.us/casinos/december2004.htm
http://www.state.nj.us/casinos/may2005.htm

[Joseph Busti]

Doesn't Stupak own the Stratosphere? I have seen him numerous times over the past 2 weeks at the RIO WSOP.

[Stew]

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Doesn't Stupak own the Stratosphere? I have seen him numerous times over the past 2 weeks at the RIO WSOP.

[/ QUOTE ]

He sold that quite some time ago, I believe.

[johnnybeef]

well??

[Dynasty]

The WSOP could eventually move to a new Horseshoe property. I don't think the current Bally's has significant convention/ballroom space. I've played in a few big chess tournaments (600+ players) there. If that's their primary space, there's no way the WSOP could be held there. A newly built Horshoe casino/hotel would have more moder facilities.

I've also thought Caesars Palace would be good once the Harrah's buy-out was complete.

[whiskeytown]

good....

maybe new management will tell the bastards in the poker room to stop taking 25% of the juice in their tourneys.

RB

[Clarkmeister]

[ QUOTE ]
Here is a tip... new ownership of the Sahra within the next year. You heard it here first.

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[/ QUOTE ]

Not until they drop the price.

[Luv2DriveTT]

[ QUOTE ]
[ QUOTE ]
Here is a tip... new ownership of the Sahra within the next year. You heard it here first.

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[/ QUOTE ]

Not until they drop the price.

[/ QUOTE ]

The deal is done. I cannot disclose more than that. They approached many non-casino hotel groups, thats why I have been able to track this for the past year or so now. Its in the contract stage as I type this.

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[StevieG]

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maybe new management will tell the bastards in the poker room to stop taking 25% of the juice in their tourneys.


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This is Harrah's, so if anything the take will be going up.

[Clarkmeister]

If you say so. But anyone who pays $450mm+ for their 54 acres is going to have a hell of a time making any kind of ROI.

[Luv2DriveTT]

[ QUOTE ]
If you say so. But anyone who pays $450mm+ for their 54 acres is going to have a hell of a time making any kind of ROI.

[/ QUOTE ]

Agreed. The specific new hotel group I know personally looked into it but the location was too dangerous for the quality of their targeted guests. On the bright side, there are worse locations, and the monorail station really does add immense value /images/graemlins/smile.gif

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[Clarkmeister]

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and the monorail station really does add immense value /images/graemlins/smile.gif

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