After launching its first-ever all-inclusive package, Caesars Entertainment is leaning toward summer fare with a wide variety of hotels, restaurants and entertainment at its eight Las Vegas resorts.
The company announced Monday limited-time discounts of up to 50 percent on hotel stays for bookings made by April 27, along with new deals that bundle rooms with up to $50 in daily food and beverage credits at select Strip hotels. Caesars is also promoting discounted suite rates and continuing its $300 and $400 hotel packages at the Horseshoe and Planet Hollywood, which combine multi-night stays with dining credits.
“Las Vegas continues to be one of the most exciting destinations in the world, and we’re giving guests even more reasons to visit this summer,” said Sean McBurney, Chief Commercial Officer and Regional Director of Caesars Entertainment, in a press release. “From spectacular savings on hotel stays and suites to memorable dining, spa and entertainment experiences, these deals are all about showcasing the incredible options available at our resorts in the heart of the Strip.”
The effort builds on Caesars’ recently launched “Inclusive Summer Package” at Harrah’s, The LINQ and Flamingo, where rates starting at $200 per night include meals, beverages, attractions and other perks in a single package price.
In addition to lodging, Caesars is rolling out summer-focused savings discounts, prix fixe menus and beverage specials across its restaurant portfolio, along with discounted tickets to select shows at The Colosseum at Caesars Palace and PH Live at Planet Hollywood. A “3 for $149” ticket package covering multiple productions across its properties is also offered.
Wall Street describes Caesar’s sales scenarios
A new investor note from JP Morgan analyst Daniel Politzer describes how a potential sale of Caesars Entertainment could realistically take shape, outlining three scenarios that value the casino operator in the low to mid-$30 per share range.
Reno-based Caesars, which operates seven casinos and a non-gaming hotel on the Strip, has not commented on recent reports linking billionaire casino owner Tilman Fertitta to a possible bid. However, Politzer writes that the company’s stock has traded at a deep discount despite strong cash flow, making it a reasonable target for private buyers.
The easiest path, according to the note, would be a management-led buyout backed by a financial sponsor contributing about $2 billion in equity and additional borrowed funds.
A second scenario envisions a similar buyout but partially financed through a large sale-leaseback of Caesars’ remaining wholly-owned casinos. This measure would increase rental obligations but reduce the cash needed up front.
Politzer also outlines a third option: a fully leveraged buyout of Fertitta’s holding company, Fertitta Entertainment. He believes the outcome is least likely because it would trigger change-of-control provisions, increase borrowing costs and potentially require approvals or compensation involving major casino landlords such as VICI Properties and Gaming and Leisure Properties.
Politzer writes that any deal in the $30 range would mean higher valuations for other operators, potentially lifting peers like MGM Resorts International and Penn Entertainment, and could spur broader asset sales or consolidation in the industry.
As Fertitta’s reported exclusivity window nears its end, the analyst expects an update soon but cautions that the mechanics of Caesars’ debt, leases and real estate partnerships remain key hurdles to any transaction.
Plaza first to debut new slot
The Plaza on Wednesday will be the first Las Vegas casino to debut the new Smokin’ Train video game from Las Vegas-based Bluberi Gaming. Smokin’ Train is a five-reel, 50-line video slot with multiple bet denominations and a top prize of $10,000 progressives.
“We are committed to bringing the latest and greatest games to the Plaza’s casino floor with Bluberi’s Smokin’ Train as our latest addition,” Plaza general manager Sue Ascanio said in a statement. “Relatively new to the Las Vegas market, Bluberi offers exciting video slot options that we believe will gain a loyal following very quickly. Based on the feedback we’ve had so far, we’re confident that Smokin’ Train will be very popular with players at the Plaza.”
UNLV gambling conference keynote from MIT
The 19th International Conference on Gambling and Risk Taking, scheduled for May 26-28 at the Bellagio, will feature its first academic keynote speaker in more than 10 years in MIT professor Anette “Peko” Hosoi.
She will take the stage at the conference, hosted by the UNLV International Gaming Institute, on May 26. Widely recognized for his work analyzing sports, Hosoi has applied his mathematical framework to professional and fantasy sports, cyclocross racing, coin flipping and mutual funds, to illustrate where each falls on the spectrum of skill and luck.
“The mathematical principles of game design provide many exciting possibilities for changing the balance between skill and luck in games and other competitions,” Hosoi said in a statement. “I’m very much looking forward to sharing some of our insights in this space and interacting with the conference attendees and with the amazing lineup of speakers.”
Attendees will hear from a global lineup of experts investigating artificial intelligence, sports betting, evolving regulations and more at the conference, which takes place every three years.
Resorts World appoints new international marketing director
Resorts World Las Vegas has named Dima Howard executive vice president of marketing for Europe, Latin America and the Middle East, the Strip mega-resort announced Monday.
Howard has more than 20 years of luxury hotel and casino marketing experience, most recently in a senior international marketing role at MGM Resorts International, where she helped drive global operations for properties including Bellagio, Aria, The Cosmopolitan and others. Prior to that, she held leadership roles at Wynn Las Vegas, where she worked on international VIP programs and supported the opening of Encore.
“Dima’s global perspective and proven ability to drive sustainable, high-value growth make her an important addition to our leadership team,” said Carlos Castro, president and chief financial officer of Resorts World, in a press release. “Her experience in cultivating international markets and building long-term relationships with elite clients aligns exceptionally well with our strategic priorities.”
In his new role at Resorts World, Howard will oversee international marketing strategy across key global regions, focusing on VIP development, database growth, agent network and revenue optimization, the casino said.
Howard holds an MBA in international business from UNLV and is active in community leadership and mentoring programs, including service with the Arab American Ladies League. She is also a breast cancer survivor and longtime participant in the American Cancer Society’s Making Strides Against Breast Cancer Walk.
Contact David Danzis at ddanzis@ theplayerlounge.com or 702-383-0378. Follow @AC2Vegas_Danzis on X.
Contact Todd Dewey at tdewey@ theplayerlounge.com. Follow @tdewey33 on X.
