News, notes and quotes
Rio to become part of Hyatt Hotels’ loyalty program
The Rio Hotel & Casino announced an agreement with Hyatt Hotels Corp. that allows World of Hyatt loyalty program members to earn and redeem points while staying at the off-Strip resort, which is undergoing an extensive renovation by new owner Dreamscape Cos.
Once the remodel of the 2,500-room property is complete later this year, the Rio will be added to Hyatt’s Independent Collection under the Destination by Hyatt brand. Dreamscape owner Eric Birnbaum said having Rio included in the Hyatt program will place the property in front of an “entirely new group of travelers.”
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Las Vegas Peppermill restaurant wins James Beard honor
The Peppermill Restaurant and Fireside Lounge on the Strip was awarded a 2024 James Beard Foundation Award as an “American Classic,” and was one of six establishments honored by the organization. The award recognizes restaurants that serve “quality food, have a timeless appeal, and reflect the character of their communities.”
The 51-year-old eatery with plush lounge seating and indoor fire pits, founded by Nat Carasali and Bill Paganetti, has appeared in movies, including Casino, and has been frequented by mobsters and celebrities. Paganetti, who co-owned the Peppermill Resort and Casino in Reno, died in December at age 85.
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LVCVA partners with a Premier League team
The Las Vegas Convention and Visitors Authority and AFC Bournemouth of the English Premier Soccer League announced a partnership with the “Visit Las Vegas” logo on the team’s training kit and in-stadium messages.
Vegas Golden Knights owner Bill Foley is a part-owner of the club, which is based in the United Kingdom.
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Slot Hall of Fame welcomes two members
The late Si Redd, founder of International Game Technology (IGT), and longtime gaming executive Tom Mikulich were inducted into the EKG Slot Awards Hall of Fame during last week’s annual event at The Cosmopolitan of Las Vegas.
Redd is credited with introducing video slot machines and video poker to the gaming industry. Mikulich, who is currently a senior executive at Red Rock Resorts, has spent 37 years in the gaming industry working for MGM Resorts International, Wynn Resorts and IGT.
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Primmer earns promotion to Aristocrat executive role
Aristocrat Technologies, the Australian-based corporate parent of Aristocrat Gaming, promoted Matt Primmer to chief product officer for the company. He will remain based in Las Vegas and report to CEO Trevor Croker.
Primmer has 20 years of experience in gaming including the last 10 years in senior management roles with Aristocrat in Australia and Las Vegas. Primmer has led Aristocrat Gaming’s design and development division during the last four years, which is the company’s largest operating segment.
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Ending Quote: STRAT operator calls F1 a ‘disappointing experience’
“There is a general acknowledgment that the event needs to appeal to more than just high-end properties at the center Strip that are connected to the event to make it a real success for all of Las Vegas.”
Golden Entertainment President Charles Protell about the Formula One Las Vegas Grand Prix’s effect on business at the STRAT Hotel, Casino & SkyPod, which is located just north of the Strip in downtown.
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