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Tag: MGM

  • MGM Resorts Posts Strong Q4 and FY 2025 Results, Prepares for Further Growth

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    Global casino and hospitality giant MGM Resorts International has published its financial results for Q4 2025 and FY 2025, highlighting the continued strength of its portfolio. With the Osaka resort being built, MGM is even more optimistic about what the future might hold.

    Q4 Was a Strong Quarter Despite the Vegas Setbacks

    In its release, MGM Resorts highlighted Q4 2025 consolidated net revenues of $4.6 billion, marking an increase of 6% from Q4 2024. Net income attributable to MGM Resorts almost doubled to $294 million compared to $157 million in the prior year period.

    In the meantime, the company reported adjusted EBITDA of $635 million for Q4 2025, up 20% from $528 million in Q4 2024.

    MGM Resorts also reported diluted earnings per share of $1.11 in Q4, which marks an increase of over 100% from $0.52 in the prior year quarter. The company also reported adjusted diluted earnings per share of $1.60 in Q4 compared to $0.45 in the prior year quarter.

    The company’s business on the famed Vegas Strip remained strong but experienced a slight decrease in net revenues and adjusted EBITDAR to $2.2 billion (-3%) and $735 million (-4%), respectively.  

    MGM Resorts’ regional operations, on the other hand, drove net revenues of $950 million, up 2% year-one-year, as well as segment adjusted EBITDAR of $280 million, which was mostly consistent with the prior year period.

    MGM China, on the other hand, experienced a stellar growth as net revenues increased by 21% to $1.2 billion compared to $1 billion in Q4 2024. The segment’s adjusted EBITDAR increased by 30% to 332 million from $255 million in Q4 2024.

    Last but not least, MGM Digital reported net revenue growth of 35% to $188 million ($140 million in Q4 2024). The segment also reported segment adjusted EBITDAR loss of only $7 million, representing an improvement from a loss of $22 million in the prior year quarter.

    In Q4, the company also repurchased 15 million shares of its common stock for $516 million, per its share buyback program. All repurchased shares have been retired, MGM added. It also noted that, as of December 31, its repurchase plan allowed it to buy an additional $1.6 billion of shares.

    MGM Resorts Fared Well in 2025

    In the meantime, MGM also reported its FY 2025 results, highlighting consolidated net revenues of $17.5 billion, up 2% year-on-year. Net income attributable to MGM Resorts was $206 million, representing a decrease from $747 million in 2024.

    Consolidated adjusted EBITDA for 2025 was $2.4 billion, up 1% year-on-year. Diluted earnings per share, on the other hand, were $0.76, down from $2.4 in 2025. MGM reported adjusted EPS of $3.31 in 2025 compared to $2.59 in 2024.

    The Las Vegas Strip segment saw its annual revenues decrease by 4% to $8.4 billion, with the segment’s adjusted EBITDAR decreasing by 8% to $2.9 billion.

    The company’s regional operations recorded net revenues of $3.8 billion and segment adjusted EBITDAR of $1.2 billion, representing increases of 1% and 2% from 2024, respectively.

    MGM China continued to experience double-digit growth with net revenues and segment adjusted EBITDAR both increasing by 11% to $4.5 billion and $1.2 billion, respectively.

    MGM Digital also experienced double-digit growth in terms of net revenues, which increased by 19% to $1.2 billion. However, the segment reported adjusted EBITDAR loss of $90 million compared to a loss of $77 million in 2024.

    MGM Resorts’ Leadership Hailed the Results

    MGM Resorts’ CEO, Bill Hornbuckle, was pleased with the results, attributing them to the company’s diversified operational strategy. He added that he is very optimistic about the company’s future.

    As we enter 2026, we are full of optimism for the future driven by the solid base of group and convention business and the completion of the MGM Grand renovations in Las Vegas, continued solid and unwavering results in our Regional Operations, premium mass leadership position at MGM China, double digit revenue growth in BetMGM North America Venture, and an international pipeline of long-term growth with MGM Osaka.

    Bill Hornbuckle, president & CEO, MGM Resorts

    Jonathan Halkyard, MGM Resorts International’s chief financial officer, added that, in addition to the favorable results, 2025 was a year for “important financial stewardship initiatives.” Halkyard added that these initiatives armed MGM Resorts with the financial means to pursue further growth and generate shareholder value.

    In the meantime, MGM also reported the financials of the BetMGM brand.

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    Angel Hristov

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  • Amazon to integrate AI into film and TV production to slash costs – Tech Digest

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    Amazon is moving to integrate artificial intelligence into its film and TV production to slash costs and speed up creative workflows.

    The tech giant’s Amazon MGM Studio has formed a new “AI Studio” team dedicated to developing proprietary tools for filmmakers.

    Operating like a lean startup within the company, the group is focused on solving the “last mile” problems that currently prevent generative AI from being used in high-end cinematic content.

    Key to this initiative is the ability to give directors granular control over digital assets. Current consumer AI often struggles with character consistency, where a person’s face or clothing might change between shots. Amazon’s new tools aim to fix this, ensuring that AI-generated elements blend seamlessly with live-action footage across entire scenes.

    The studio has already put these theories into practice with its hit biblical epic, House of David. For the show’s second season, director Jon Erwin used a “stack” of over 15 different AI tools to create massive battle sequences and sprawling environments that would have been too expensive to build with traditional visual effects.

    By combining live-action actors with AI-generated armies, the production achieved blockbuster scale on a fraction of the typical budget. Executives argue that these efficiencies are necessary to offset spiraling production costs that often make taking creative risks impossible.

    However, the move comes amid deep anxiety in Hollywood. Actors and writers have expressed fears that AI could eventually make human jobs obsolete. Amazon also recently cut 30,000 corporate jobs, including positions at Prime Video, citing AI-driven efficiencies as a primary factor in its restructuring.

    A closed beta program for the new AI tools is set to launch in March, with industry partners invited to test the technology before a wider rollout. If successful, the initiative could permanently reshape how big-budget streaming content is manufactured.


    For latest tech stories go to TechDigest.tv

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    Chris Price

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  • Sylvester Stallone & Yellowstone Star Team up for New Gritty Series

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    Sylvester Stallone and Yellowstone star Cole Hauser are joining forces for a new gritty television project. The upcoming series, in development with MGM Television, promises to explore the rise of a larger-than-life figure tied to the early days of Las Vegas and the high-stakes world that came with it.

    MGM Television developing a Benny Binion series with Sylvester Stallone and Cole Hauser

    MGM Television is developing Blood Aces, a series adaptation of Doug J. Swanson’s nonfiction book Blood Aces: The Wild Ride of Benny Binion, the Texas Gangster Who Created Vegas Poker, according to Deadline.

    The project is a collaboration between Sylvester Stallone’s Balboa Productions, Cole Hauser’s American Outlaw Entertainment, and MGM Television. Hauser will play Benny Binion, a Fort Worth hustler who became a Las Vegas casino mogul and founded the World Series of Poker.

    Published in 2014, Swanson’s book traces Binion’s path from Texas horse trader to mob-connected casino owner. It includes government documents that were once classified. The series will show his violent tactics, legal manipulation, and influence on modern poker. Producers are currently meeting with potential showrunners.

    Sylvester Stallone stated, “Douglas J. Swanson’s book captures the incredible life of Benny Binion, a New West icon who was a conduit connecting many worlds, some glamorous, some dangerous, some shady, but all intriguing, while helping to build the foundation for both Las Vegas as we know it and the explosive worldwide popularity of poker.”

    Cole Hauser said, “Benny Binion is one of the great Western American characters and success stories of the 20th century, loaded with ambition, vision, balls, and like all controversial characters, many flaws. His legacy is undeniable. How he built it is an incredible story which we can’t wait to tell.”

    Executive producers include Stallone and D. Matt Geller for Balboa Productions, Hauser and Randall Batinkoff for American Outlaw Entertainment, and Jai Stefan. MGM Television’s Head of Scripted Series Lindsay Sloane noted, “This project brings together bold, cinematic storytelling and a deeply compelling central performance to explore the origins of modern poker and the high-stakes world that shaped it.”

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    Vritti Johar

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  • Springfield Campaign Aims to Limit Drunk Driving Linked to MGM Casino

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    The City of Springfield introduced the Springfield Safe Ride Home Campaign to help reduce the risk of impaired driving associated with alcohol use and gambling at MGM Springfield.

    Springfield Launches New Awareness Campaign for Driving Under the Influence

    Spearheaded by the City of Springfield Department of Health and Human Services (SDHHS) and the Massachusetts Council on Gaming and Health (MACGH), and funded by the Community Mitigation Fund (CMF), the initiative wants to promote safe driving amongst casino goers. 

    The Springfield Safe Ride Home Project began in 2023 following a Massachusetts Gaming Commission report, which found that between 2018 and 2020, MGM Springfield ranked as the second-highest “last drink” location in the state. A subsequent 2024 study of 548 MGM Springfield patrons revealed that 37% exhibited signs of risky driving behavior, while 27% held inaccurate beliefs about their ability to drive safely after consuming three or more drinks.

    The campaign highlights the need to support municipalities in addressing the impacts of gambling within their communities. According to authorities, the grant is funding interventions that help casino patrons make safer choices before, during, and after their visits to MGM Springfield.

    MGM Springfield is quite the popular destination for locals, as the data shows. Such being the case, perhaps it should not come as a surprise that the venue has produced many jackpot winners. Last week, for example, a player won a jackpot from just a $5 bet.

    Officials Talk About the Importance of Such a Project

    Marlene Warner, CEO of MACGH, explained that the Safe Ride Home initiative builds on the organization’s existing player health programs. It encourages patrons to set safer limits on both gambling and drinking, and to plan for getting to their next destination. She also expressed gratitude to MGM Springfield for its support in making the campaign possible.

    The campaign’s public health and roadway safety messages are also shared by Springfield’s Health & Human Services Commissioner, Helen Caulton-Harris, and Police Superintendent, Lawrence Akers. Mayor Domenic Sarno explained that there are no better people to deliver the initiative’s message than these two prominent Springfield figures.

    “When you’re making plans to have fun, please make sure you are also planning for safety and a safe way home too,” Mayor Sarno further explained. “Let’s all do our part toward the safety and well-being of all in our community. “

    The campaign will engage Springfield residents through a multi-platform strategy that includes digital advertising, social media, casino signage, a billboard visible from I-91, and community-based outreach.

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    Stefan Velikov

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  • Martinis at The Cosmo: The Corner Store Reveals Vegas Location

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    The Corner Store is opening in Las Vegas. Nick Johnson

    Eugene Remm, Tilman Fertitta and Catch Hospitality Group will open their second location of The Corner Store at The Cosmopolitan of Las Vegas this fall. And the goal here, as clear as a clean martini glass, is to not stray at all from the food, vibe, essence and energy that’s made SoHo’s The Corner Store a sensation. 

    As Observer previously reported, the Las Vegas restaurant will have twice the seating of the 75-seat New York restaurant. But the caviar-topped lobster rolls, five-cheese pizza rolls, wagyu French dip, steak frites, ice-cold martinis and Rockwell Group design are all about evoking what makes The Corner Store special in New York.

    “It’s the exact same thing, and that was the intent from the beginning,” Remm tells Observer. “I want to bring the New York experience to Vegas. Yes, it’s double the seats, but the kitchen is three times the size. I’ve got three bars instead of a tiny little bar. Yes, it’ll do more volume, but I don’t have to fight with guests to go down these tiny little stairs in SoHo to get the dishwasher pit to work. So I do not have any doubt that, at 150 seats, we’ll be able to keep the integrity of the food quality, the martini quality and everything that we do.”

    The menu will largely stay the same. The Corner Store

    The Corner Store, Remm says, unapologetically focuses on “classic approachable American cuisine.” It’s familiar. It’s nostalgic. It’s playful. It’s definitely not fusion. There are nods to fast-casual and freezer-aisle food, but everything is made from scratch at The Corner Store. 

    “I think the Cosmo is the perfect epicenter for that type of cuisine,” Remm says. “I feel like that’s exactly where The Corner Store belongs.”

    The Corner Store will take over the Cosmopolitan space currently inhabited by Blue Ribbon American Grill & Oyster Bar, which will close on February 16. The Corner Store is an expansion of the partnership between Remm and MGM Resorts, which has had Catch at Aria since 2018.

    “It’s about trust and having people as partners that are going to be able to execute the vision that you create,” Remm says. “MGM has done a wonderful job in being the shepherd of the Catch brand. They want to be the best. They have a competitive nature that I like. They want to win.”

    MGM Resorts recently expanded its dining portfolio with Carbone Riviera at Bellagio and Gymkhana at Aria, in a city where Cote at the Venetian and the forthcoming opening of Zero Bond and Sartiano’s at Wynn are also ushering in a new era of Vegas glamour.

    “I think everyone is embracing that lifestyle dining and creating experiences are the most important things in the culinary side of any casino,” Remm says. “You’ve got to create spaces that make people excited and also create spaces that are, in my opinion, from somewhere else and hard to get into. Everyone wants to touch what they see on social media. I think Las Vegas was built for that.”

    Martinis at The Cosmo: The Corner Store Reveals Vegas Location

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    Andy Wang

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  • MGM Resorts Remains Committed to Yonkers Despite Casino WD

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    Posted on: January 13, 2026, 08:37h. 

    Last updated on: January 13, 2026, 08:37h.

    • MGM Resorts continued its community commitment to New York’s Westchester County in 2025
    • The community volunteer hours and funding remained after MGM folded on its full-scale casino pursuit in Yonkers

    MGM Resorts shocked New York when it abruptly yanked its casino bid for Yonkers just weeks before applications were due last fall. Despite the Las Vegas-based casino operator folding on its full-scale casino pursuit for its Empire City racino, the company remains committed to bettering the region through community grants and volunteering.

    MGM Resorts Empire City Casino Yonkers
    MGM Resorts employees from Empire City Casino volunteer during Catholic Charities’ Day Laborer Program in Yonkers in July 2025. Despite folding on its downstate New York casino application, MGM says it remains committed to using its racino to better Westchester County and the surrounding areas. (Image: Empire City Casino by MGM Resorts)

    Throughout 2025, MGM’s hundreds of employees at Empire City Casino donated their time by volunteering with various local nonprofits. The casino also provided endowments and funding to charities across Westchester County, including in Yonkers and Mount Vernon, as well as in the neighboring Bronx.

    Delivering meaningful social impact that strengthens our communities is in the DNA of Empire City’s mission, both in New York and across MGM Resorts globally,” Empire City Casino President and Chief Operating Officer Louis Theros said in a statement reported by the Bronx Times.

    “As colleagues, neighbors, and friends, our commitment has only grown stronger as our team goes over and beyond to support their neighbors. We look forward to continuing our work as stewards of community transformation in the Bronx and Westchester for generations to come,” Theros added.

    Racino Remaining 

    It was Oct. 14, 2025, when MGM Resorts pulled its downstate New York casino application for slot machines, live dealer table games, and sports betting privileges. MGM had long been considered a favorite for one of the three concessions.

    MGM had pitched a $2.3 billion overhaul of Empire City, a racino with a gaming floor spanning 138,000 square feet fixed with approximately 4,500 slot-like video lottery terminals (VLT) and electronic table game positions. MGM concluded that “competitive and economic assumptions” led to the investment no longer being attractive.

    MGM, calling the withdrawal a “difficult decision,” added that its investment was calculated on the assumption that it would receive a 30-year casino license. State officials last year said the initial licenses would be good for only 15 years.

    Taken together, these events result in a proposition that no longer aligns with our commitment to capital stewardship, nor to that of our real estate partner in Yonkers, VICI,” an MGM statement read.

    The company nonetheless reaffirmed its commitment to Yonkers and Westchester County.

    “MGM Resorts has been a proud partner of the City of Yonkers and the State of New York since we purchased Empire City Casino in 2019. The property has generated more than $5 billion for New York State education, including $1.6 billion under our ownership. We know our decision will impact many individuals; we remain committed to operating the property in its current format and believe it will continue to enjoy success serving customers in Yonkers and the surrounding communities,” the company explained.

    Community Engagement

    MGM’s Empire City and its employees helped Feeding Westchester deliver more than 20,000 meals to seniors and needy families in 2025. The casino also provided funding for Catholic Charities Community Services, an initiative of the Archdiocese of New York, to provide 9,000 meals.

    Other Empire City Casino beneficiaries included the Boys and Girls Club of Mount Vernon, the Hudson River Museum, Yonkers High School, and the Morris Heights Health Center.

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    Devin O’Connor

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  • Macau Casino Workers Treated With One-Month Bonuses

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    Posted on: January 11, 2026, 11:18h. 

    Last updated on: January 11, 2026, 11:18h.

    • Five of the six casino operators in Macau have announced annual bonuses
    • The one-time payments are for non-executive workers
    • Macau enjoyed its best year since the pandemic in 2025

    Macau casinos enjoyed a prosperous 2025, and the six gaming companies are sharing the riches with the people who made it all possible.

    Macau casino workers bonuses China
    SJM Resorts’ Casino Lisboa is pictured in downtown Macau with Wynn Macau in the background. Casino employees at five of the six Macau casino companies have been confirmed for annual bonuses equal to one month’s pay. Sands is expected to join the handful in announcing bonuses this week. (Image: Getty)

    As is customary in January following strong gaming years, most of Macau’s casino concessions have announced significant bonuses for non-executive workers.

    Galaxy Entertainment said its one-month discretionary bonus covers about 97% of the company’s staff, with all positions from senior manager and below eligible. Melco Resorts said its one-month bonus would be paid to all “non-management” employees in Macau and Hong Kong, but did not specify what percentage of its workforce would be entitled to the special payments. MGM China said 97% of its staff in China would be paid a bonus equivalent to the employee’s salary for one month.

    Wynn Macau confirmed it’s distributing a “special allowance” equal to one month’s gross salary, with the bonus celebrating the company’s 20th anniversary in the Chinese Special Administrative Region. Wynn said 98% of its 11,552-person workforce qualified for the dividend.

    On Sunday, SJM Resorts said it too would issue a one-month bonus to non-executive employees. Sands China is the lone concession not to yet announce a bonus, but is expected to in the coming days.

    2025 Recovery

    2025 was the best year yet in the COVID-19 aftermath for Macau’s gaming industry, which is the world’s largest casino market. The six casino operators generated gross gaming revenue (GGR) of almost $30.9 billion, more than double the size of the Las Vegas Strip.

    The $30.9 billion haul represented a 9.1% increase on 2024 and was 36% higher than 2023, when Macau casino revenue totaled $22.7 billion. 2025 exceeded expectations, as the casinos successfully redirected their focus from the high rollers, who had largely disappeared with the eradication of VIP junket groups, to the premium mass player and the general public.

    Premium mass players still bet hundreds of US dollars per baccarat hand, with some wagering four digits per deal. While the true high rollers who bet thousands and tens of thousands of dollars per hand in private junket rooms are generally no more, the casinos say the need to offer fewer perks and comps to premium players has led to them being more profitable.

    Record Visitation  

    The pivot to a wider market was proven with the disclosure of the 2025 visitor arrivals numbers. Macau’s Public Security Police, which handles border entries, reports that more than 40 million visitors made their way into the enclave last year.

    The tally, officially 40.06 million, easily broke Macau’s previous best travel year of 39.41 million visitors set in 2019. The 2025 visitor mark represented a 14.7% surge on 2024, when 34.94 million entries were counted.

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    Devin O’Connor

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  • Macau Government Wants Updates on Casino Investments

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    Posted on: November 20, 2025, 12:18h. 

    Last updated on: November 19, 2025, 12:26h.

    • Macau will review casino investments in the new year
    • The Chinese city’s six casino operators agreed to invest $16 billion in nongaming projects
    • The pledge came in 2022 with new gaming concessions

    In December 2022, the Macau government agreed to issue new gaming licenses to its six casino operators. In exchange, Sands, Galaxy, Wynn, MGM, Melco, and SJM agreed to invest many billions of dollars into resort improvements and expansions, with the bulk of the capital mandated to go to nongaming initiatives.

    Macau government casino investments China
    Macau Chief Executive Sam Hou Fai delivers the 2026 Policy Address before a plenary session of the Legislative Assembly on Nov. 18, 2025. Sam said the local government will inspect whether the city’s casinos have fulfilled their gaming and nongaming investment obligations, as dictated by their 2022 licenses. (Image: Macau Government Information Bureau)

    Macau, at the direction of Beijing, used the relicensing process to field investments that will ideally bring new people to the Chinese Special Administrative Region (SAR).

    The six gaming firms agreed to invest about $19.3 billion, with upwards of $16 billion stipulated for projects off the gaming floor.

    Almost three years later, several of the casinos claim they’ve already carried out their investment obligations. Thousands of hotel rooms have been renovated, investments in sports and K-pop have been made, and family-friendly attractions have been developed.

    Macau Chief Executive Wants Audits

    During his 2026 Policy Address to the Legislative Assembly, Macau Chief Executive Sam Hou Fai said an emphasis in the new year will be on ensuring that the casinos carry out their investment responsibilities.

    We will conduct a review of concessionaires’ investment projects and amounts in both gaming and nongaming sectors from 2023 to 2025, their fulfillment of social responsibilities, and compliance with laws and statutory obligations,” Sam said, as reported by Inside Asian Gaming. “We urge concessionaires to fulfill their concession contract commitments, implement gaming and nongaming investments, and expand diversified tourism projects and products.”

    Since the 2022 tenders, each casino has been required to submit implementation status reports to the SAR government specifying investments made in the prior year and plans for the 12 months ahead.

    “The government does monitor the investment situation.” Tai Kin Ip, Macau’s secretary for economy and finance, said earlier this year.

    Macau Outlook

    Macau is roaring, as its casinos, the enclave’s economic heartbeat, are experiencing their best post-COVID-19 year to date. October was the city’s best month in terms of casino revenue since October 2019, with gross gaming revenue (GGR) reaching more than $3 billion.

    Year to date, Macau GGR is up 8%. The six casinos have won MOP15.28 billion (US$1.9 billion) more gaming money from players through nine months than they did in 2024.

    Macau is meanwhile diversifying, with its casinos no longer being the primary focal point. Economic analysts expect GDP growth to be around 2.6% this year. As for 2026, analysts are “cautiously optimistic” about further growth, despite global headwinds like the ongoing threats of trade tariffs with the US.

    While growth is growth, the 2.6% projection for this year from the International Monetary Fund (IMF) is a reduction from the earlier 3.6% forecast. The IMF said global trade worries tampered results.  

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    Devin O’Connor

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  • MGM CEO Positive on Las Vegas Tourism • This Week in Gambling

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    The chief executive of MGM Resorts addressed skepticism over the future of Las Vegas tourism this week, pushing back against criticism and offering a more optimistic view of the city’s prospects. Their CEO, Bill Hornbuckle, spoke before Nevada gaming regulators as part of MGM’s licensing review, calling negative narratives about Las Vegas tourism “silly.” He argued that long-term trends point to steady gains, and that recent soft spots are part of a normal cycle.

    According to Hornbuckle, Las Vegas gaming revenue has grown on average 4.5 to 5 percent per year over the past 30 years. He said that claims of a fundamental decline in demand for the city do not align with that historical record. While acknowledging that the pandemic years were extraordinary, he asserted that the underlying market still remains strong. One of his arguments cited a division in the market: the luxury segment is currently holding up better than lower-price or value offerings.

    Hornbuckle also mentioned a recent promotional effort by the Las Vegas Convention and Visitors Authority that nearly doubled room reservations over five days, which he said illustrates the city’s continued allure for travelers. Despite forecasts suggesting a roughly 11 percent drop in visitor numbers in 2025 compared with the prior year, he struck an upbeat tone. He noted that strong events such as the Super Bowl and the Las Vegas Grand Prix helped drive 2024’s performance, and that future conventions are expected to support demand.

    Hornbuckle also detailed MGM’s expansion strategy beyond Las Vegas as part of a broader effort to diversify. He referred to his company’s domestic growth plans in markets such as New York and Texas, and to large international projects including a planned $12.5 billion resort in Osaka, Japan, and a hotel development in Dubai with potential for gaming. He also pointed to growth in digital operations, particularly through MGM’s BetMGM joint venture and increasing activity in Brazil.

    His comments offer a counterpoint to more pessimistic assessments of Las Vegas tourism, maintaining that cyclical ebbs are typical, but that the city’s core strengths — including luxury appeal, global reach, and digital integration — can sustain future growth despite short-term headwinds. And let’s also remember that MGM Resorts just extended their agreement with Formula 1 for the Las Vegas Grand Prix race.

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  • MGM and Formula 1 Extend Vegas Partnership • This Week in Gambling

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    MGM and Formula 1 have renewed their founding partnership for the Las Vegas Grand Prix, keeping its involvement in the race weekend through 2030. The agreement will ensure that the Bellagio Fountain Club remains the venue for the winner’s stage and offers fans a view of the track’s fastest straightaway, where cars exceed 210 mph. The venue includes features such as a rooftop lounge, premium wines, an open bar, and culinary offerings from top chefs.

    Emily Prazer, president and CEO of Las Vegas Grand Prix, Inc., said that MGM and Formula 1 cooperation has helped define the Grand Prix’s identity through its hospitality and entertainment, both on and off the track. She described MGM’s commitment as advancing a standard of excellence that meshes with the goal of delivering the ultimate fan experience.

    Under the partnership, MGM Resorts will also host activations and retail experiences across its Las Vegas properties during race week. The Grand Prix, first held in 2023, is scheduled annually on the weekend before Thanksgiving and is expected to become a permanent fixture in the city.

    Steve Zanella, president of operations at MGM Resorts, noted that the scale and quality of the Las Vegas Grand Prix would not be possible without broad cooperation across the city. He affirmed the MGM and Formula 1 intention to continue the partnership, and the company’s commitment to Las Vegas’s emergence as a global destination for entertainment and sports.

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  • Weaknesses in Las Vegas Tourism Forces Strategic Re-Think

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    Posted on: August 23, 2025, 02:12h. 

    Last updated on: August 23, 2025, 02:12h.

    • Downturn in Las Vegas tourism prompts strategic re-assessment on how to attract customers
    • Canadians travelling to Las Vegas less
    • Pro sports boosting casino traffic

    With Las Vegas casino operators reporting Q2 earnings in late July, a new report by Octus Research shone a spotlight on how both MGM and Caesars were experiencing a downturn in the number of customers, prompting a strategic reassessment on how they are attracting and retaining customers, and Canada is a big part of that.

    Octus Research released several reports analyzing the softening visitor numbers at Las Vegas casinos, and how a decline in Canadian tourism has had an impact on those numbers. Image/Mark Keast.

    Tourism Numbers Have Been Softening

    Both resorts have been experiencing midweek softness, reduced visitation from international travellers, especially from Canada, and a weakening in their value-tier offerings, the report said, with one of the the key findings from the earnings report being that MGM and the industry in general will have to be more thoughtful about how to attract value-oriented customers.

    There are those in Las Vegas now who scoff at the narratives that Vegas is in trouble, that the town is over-priced, and that younger people are less interested in going to there to gamble.

    However Casino.org’s Devin O’Connor has written several pieces on the state of Las Vegas tourism, with July being the second-worst month of 2025 in terms of foot traffic.

    Mixed Bag of Opinions on Sin City Tourism

    According to the Octus report, summarizing the MGM and Caesars earnings, June 2025 visitor volumes fell 11.3%. Las Vegas visitor volumes have declined each month so far in 2025. MGM CEO William Hornbuckle suggested during MGM’s call that “value-oriented properties” that are more sensitive to economic swings are experiencing relatively greater ADR pressure.

    Caesars reported 97% occupancy compared with 99% in the same period a year earlier. The company started with a “strong April,” then May and June began to decline. Caesars Entertainment CEO Tom Reeg said during the earnings call that “the forward booking numbers have stabilized, but that it was not ‘some huge bullish turn.’ Rather, more ‘as if your tire had a leak and you patched it.’”

    Canada Part of the Challenge

    There are a lot of factors impacting the decline of travel by Canadians to Las Vegas. Canadian airlines like Air Canada and WestJet have reported drops in the number of passengers flying to Las Vegas this year.

    According to the Octus report: “Reeg said the company’s international business is softer, especially Canada. Caesars was down 27,000 room nights during the second quarter, and Canadians were a “significant piece of that,” even though they are only “3% or 4% of the total pie.” He added that when he looks at the business as a whole, the company’s consolidated performance does not suggest that there is anything particularly concerning about the U.S. consumer.

    Steve Hill, President and CEO of LVCVA, said that Canadian visitation is down roughly 15% to date.

    Kyle Owusu, CFA, Director of Credit Research at Octus, points to two determining factors regarding a continued Canadian visitation decline: The state of the Canadian economy and the extent to which Canadians remain upset with U.S. President Donald Trump, who has made public comments this year about how Canada would be better off as the U.S.’s 51st state, plus ramping up a tariff war with Canada.

    Restoring Las Vegas as a value destination will go a long way in reversing downward visitation trends, according to an industry expert. Image/Mark Keast

    Trump Anger Factor

    Canadians are angry, and there has been more of a focus on travelling domestically, or to places like Europe, then travelling into the U.S., on top of a nation-wide movement to “buy Canadian” in grocery stores.

    “My base case is continued year over year declines through the first half of 2026 before the year over year trends begin to stabilize in the second half of 2026, but it’s hard to forecast destination travel trends from Canada to the U.S. with any degree of confidence given the high degree of human emotion involved,” said Owusu.

    “I think the shift in booking behavior will change how Las Vegas properties market to and price for Canadian visitors, but it depends on the asset,” he said. ““Canadian volumes represent a low-single-digit % of overall Las Vegas visitation so if certain assets are performing well enough with U.S. consumers, or U.S. consumers and other international travels ex-Canada, and operators think they can get away with holding firm with regard to price then they probably will.”

    Restoring Las Vegas as a value destination as opposed to its reputation as a expensive luxury destination, factoring in criticism over high resort fees and high food and beverage prices, matters a lot, and will entice getting more Canadians to come back, Owusu added.

    Restoring Las Vegas as a Value Destination

    “That’s hard to quantify percentage-wise, but restoring the value destination appeal matters a lot. Vegas has benefitted from price increases for the past four years, especially within the hotel, food and beverage business line,”  said Owusu. “Eventually you start to hit a ceiling regarding how much value you can deliver in relation to how much you’re asking people to pay.

    “If we are heading into a more uncertain global trade environment, restoring value destination appeal probably matters with regard to most (if not all) destination assets that aren’t catering to high end or luxury consumers, and we appear to be heading into an increasingly uncertain environment, so I think restoring Las Vegas’ value destination appeal is going to be front of mind for operators in 2026.”

    On a broader note, regarding travel to the Vegas Strip, Owusu mentioned that: “The key takeaway is for now, casinos catering to luxury customers have been spared from the pressure affecting destination travel.”

    T-Mobile Arena, home of the NHL’s Vegas Golden Knights. Image/Mark Keast

    Pro Sports Teams Having a Positive Impact

    Pro sports teams in Las Vegas is another important factor in luring Canadians to the city, according to a Toronto-based marketer, with the NFL’s Las Vegas Raiders about to start a new season, and the NHL’s Vegas Golden Knights ramping up in October.

    The new MLB baseball team is set to land in an exciting new stadium, designed 33,000-seat, fixed-roof ballpark on the Las Vegas Strip where the old Tropicana Casino used to be, designed by Bjarke Ingels Group (BIG) and HNTB, an architectural firm, in 2028.

    “The key for us is to bring players into the casinos,” said Lora Green, one of the managing partners at Casino Marketing Group in Toronto, an exclusive service, where her company puts together white glove, exclusive trips for her network of high-roller gamblers to luxury casinos like Caesars Palace.

    “So having NFL, NHL, and MLB in Las Vegas is a great draw for clients. They can enjoy a live sporting event and go back to the casino and gamble, hoping their teams win and they win in the casino as well.”

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    Mark Keast

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  • Delano Las Vegas to be Rebranded • This Week in Gambling

    Delano Las Vegas to be Rebranded • This Week in Gambling

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    MGM Resorts has announced plans to rebrand Delano Las Vegas before the end of this year. The 43 story tower on the south end of the Strip will be renamed W Las Vegas. However, this is not the first name change for the building. It was originally known as THEhotel at Mandalay Bay before becoming Delano in 2014.

    The change from Delano Las Vegas to simply “W” is part of a significant collaboration between MGM and Marriott International, building on their long-term strategic licensing agreement established in July 2023. Steve Zanella, president of MGM Resorts operations, praised the partnership for exceeding expectations and creating new opportunities for luxury travel experiences.

    “W Las Vegas, the latest hotel to come to life as part of our collaboration, will allow our guests to access a new luxury lifestyle experience recognized worldwide for its distinct personality, dynamic programming and elevated service culture,” Zanella said.

    Since the launch of the MGM Collection with Marriott Bonvoy in March 2024, bookings have outpaced initial forecasts, benefiting both brands’ loyalty members. Marriott Bonvoy’s 200 million members can now redeem points at MGM Resorts properties, while MGM Rewards members enjoy similar advantages at Marriott’s extensive network of 9,000 locations.

    Located on the Mandalay Bay campus, the change from Delano Las Vegas to the W is part of a broader portfolio of 12 MGM Collection properties on the Strip, which includes prestigious venues like the Bellagio, ARIA, and The Cosmopolitan. Additional plans for the 40 floor, 1,000 room property will be announced in the coming months.

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    This Week in Gambling

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  • MGM and Marriott to Launch W Las Vegas Later this Year

    MGM and Marriott to Launch W Las Vegas Later this Year

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    W Las Vegas rendering

    MGM and Marriott to Launch W Las Vegas

    MGM Resorts and Marriott International announced plans to convert the Delano hotel on the Las Vegas Strip to the W Hotels brand within the Marriott Bonvoy® portfolio. Anticipated to complete its conversion later this year, W Las Vegas marks the latest step in the companies’ long-term strategic licensing agreement announced in July 2023.

    This collaboration between the two brands means more than 200 million Marriott Bonvoy members can enjoy unique benefits and redeem points at MGM Resorts’ destinations while MGM Rewards members can status match and receive member benefits at Marriott’s global portfolio of approximately 9,000 properties.

    Located on the Mandalay Bay Campus, the property is slated to officially join the W Hotels portfolio later this year, with additional plans for the property to be announced in the future. It doesn’t seem like the property will undergo any upgrades or improvements. It will just be reflagged to W.

    With the addition of W Las Vegas, MGM Collection with Marriott Bonvoy will encompass 12 destinations on the Las Vegas Strip, including Bellagio, a Luxury Collection Resort & Casino, ARIA Resort & Casino, Autograph Collection, The Cosmopolitan of Las Vegas, Autograph Collection, and Mandalay Bay Resort & Casino, MGM Collection, among others.

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    DDG

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  • ‘FROM’ Exclusive: Harold Perrineau Talks About The Town Targeting Boyd In Season 3, ‘It’s Like A Bully’

    ‘FROM’ Exclusive: Harold Perrineau Talks About The Town Targeting Boyd In Season 3, ‘It’s Like A Bully’

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    Did you know BOSSIP is Harold Perrineau’s wife’s favorite site? The actor told us himself ahead of the season 3 premiere of his hit show FROM.

    Source: Courtesy / MGM +

    What Is FROM About?

    If you’ve never watched before, FROM unravels the mystery of a nightmarish town that traps all those who enter. As the unwilling residents fight to keep a sense of normalcy and search for a way out, they must also survive the threats of the surrounding forest – including the terrifying creatures that come out when the sun goes down. In the wake of Season Two’s epic cliffhanger, escape will become a tantalizing and very real possibility as the true nature of the town comes into focus, and the townspeople go on offense against the myriad horrors surrounding them.

    Check out the Season 3 trailer below:

    This show makes it hard for us to sleep at night, but we keep coming back for more!

    FROM images

    Source: Courtesy / MGM +

    Harold Perrineau Hints At Tensions Ahead Between Boyd And Other ‘FROM’ Characters In Season 3

    We spoke with Harold Perrineau about his character Boyd coming under even more intense pressure in the new season. With the town and its terrors showing an increasing amount of hatred for him, we asked how Boyd’s relationships with the other townspeople have been affected.

    “The town is is really picking on him,” Perrineau told BOSSIP. “It’s like a bully, they’re just picking on him, like this whole thing and I think playing the character, it felt like at any time he could just explode in the middle of the street, just like a pile of blood. ‘Like wow, that’s it, it’s over.’”

    FROM images

    Source: Courtesy / MGM +

    ‘It’s made his connection with one character in particular really explosive, but with some of the other characters it’s edgy. He’s like, ‘You don’t get in my way and I’m trying to get you home! Don’t make me beat you up to make you safe.”

    FROM images

    Source: Courtesy / MGM +

    “It’s a really weird place for him to be, but I think he’s got no no choice,” Perrineau continued. “The town is literally like singling him out and picking on him and and it’s a lot to deal with when you’re trying to get everybody home to safety, right? It’s made his relationship with some of the other characters really, really interesting and he has some compassion for other characters, but for some he has zero time. Zero.”

    Anybody want to guess which characters Boyd gets most fed up with?

    FROM images

    Source: Courtesy / MGM +

    We’re super excited to watch this season unfold!

    The series stars Harold Perrineau (Lost) leading an ensemble cast which includes Catalina Sandino Moreno (Maria Full of Grace, The Affair), Eion Bailey (Band of Brothers, Once Upon a Time), Hannah Cheramy (Under Wraps, Van Helsing), Simon Webster (Strays), Ricky He (The Good Doctor), Chloe Van Landschoot (Charity, Skin), Corteon Moore (Utopia Falls), Pegah Ghafoori (The Perfect Wedding), David Alpay (Castle Rock), Elizabeth Saunders (Clarice), Elizabeth Moy and Avery Konrad (Honor Society). Season 2 added new series regulars including Scott McCord (East of Middle West), Nathan D. Simmons (Diggstown, This Hour Has 22 Minutes), Kaelen Ohm (Hit & Run, Eumenides Falls), Angela Moore (A Series of Unfortunate Events, Maid), AJ Simmons (Reacher), and Deborah Grover (My Next Door Nightmare, Jann).

    FROM images

    Source: Courtesy / MGM +

    FROM is created and executive produced by John Griffin (Crater), directed and executive produced by Jack Bender (Lost, Game of Thrones, Mr. Mercedes), and executive produced by showrunner Jeff Pinkner (Fringe, Alias, Lost). Alongside Pinkner, Griffin and Bender, serving as executive producers are Josh Appelbaum, André Nemec, Scott Rosenberg from Midnight Radio, Anthony and Joe Russo, Mike Larocca from AGBO, and Lindsay Dunn. Midnight Radio’s Adrienne Erickson serves as co-executive producer. The series is internationally distributed by Paramount Global Content Distribution.

    FROM images

    Source: Courtesy / MGM +

     

    FROM Season 3 will debut on MGM+ on Sunday, September 22, 2024 at 9PM ET/PT.

    Will you be watching?

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    Janeé Bolden

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  • MGM, Grupo Globo Form Joint Venture to Enter Brazil’s Betting Market

    MGM, Grupo Globo Form Joint Venture to Enter Brazil’s Betting Market

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    The leading gaming, betting and hospitality company, MGM Resorts International, announced a major move toward the gambling sector in Brazil. On Thursday, the company announced a new collaboration with Latin America’s largest media group, Grupo Globo, for the formation of a new venture that will seek an iGaming and sports betting license in Brazil.

    The two companies confirmed that the license is subject to approval. In case such approval is granted by the end of the year, the new venture is expected to launch betting and iGaming services to customers in Brazil. The launch is expected at some point early next year and will be under the famous BetMGM brand, bringing exceptional, best-in-class experiences to one of the fastest-growing gambling markets in the world.

    Bill Hornbuckle, MGM Resorts’ CEO and president, spoke about the company’s ongoing commitment to become the world’s premier gaming entertainment company. He explained that the new deal with Grupo Globo complements this commitment and seeks to propel BetMGM’s presence in Brazil, an incredibly important market for the Latin American region.

    “MGM Resorts is committed to becoming the world’s premier gaming entertainment company, and this strategic alliance with Grupo Globo, and entry into the Brazilian market, is a landmark step forward and key milestone in our growth strategy.“

    Bill Hornbuckle, president and CEO at MGM Resorts

    Moreover, Hornbuckle said: “Brazil is one of the most exciting and vibrant emerging gaming markets in the world, and no one has more exposure and expertise in this market than Grupo Globo.” Finally, he predicted that through this new agreement, MGM would be able to enter the market quickly and leverage its expertise to establish a strong presence and deliver exceptional experiences to customers in Brazil.

    The Joint Venture Is Expected to Quickly Establish Presence in the Country

    MGM’s move in Brazil is expected to strengthen its footprint in the region while creating unique growth opportunities. The regulated gambling sector is valued at a sum north of $3 billion, considering that there are more than 20 million active sports bettors in the country. What’s more, Brazil’s betting sector is predicted to grow by two digits per year.

    The newly formed venture by Grupo Globo and MGM Resorts will establish headquarters in Sao Paulo. A team that consists of local talent and experts in the region will navigate the venture’s expansion and growth.

    At the same time, the venture will leverage technology from LeoVegas, while gaining advantage of the extensive consumer knowledge from Grupo Globo in Brazil. Ultimately, the media group reaches approximately 70 million people on a daily basis, so this will likely be a key advantage for the new venture.

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    Jerome García

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  • Forest Whitaker’s ‘Emperor of Ocean Park’ Is a Provocative Murder-Mystery, Once It Finds Its Footing: TV Review

    Forest Whitaker’s ‘Emperor of Ocean Park’ Is a Provocative Murder-Mystery, Once It Finds Its Footing: TV Review

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    It’s never been more evident how politics, wealth and power intersect within this country. Together, this trifecta allows certain people to maintain control over others. Based on Stephen L. Carter’s best-selling novel and adapted for television by Sherman Payne, MGM+‘s “Emperor of Ocean Park” is a murder mystery about grief — and about how influence can sustain and destroy those who wield it. Though the tone and pacing of the 10-episode series initially stumbles, when it finds its footing in Episode 4, the narrative soars, taking the audience on a unique journey of a family divided by political ideology, secrets and vengeance. 

    “Emperor of Ocean Park” opens with the death of Judge Oliver Garland (a commanding Forest Whitaker), who has succumbed to an apparent heart attack. A failed conservative nominee to the Supreme Court and a recent far-right political pundit for Fox News, it’s clear, almost immediately, that the judge has plenty of enemies. Still, his sons, Talcott (Grantham Coleman) and Addison (Henry Simmons), are confident their father has died of old age and an ailing heart. However, their sister Mariah (Tiffany Mack) isn’t so sure. Convinced foul play had a hand in the judge’s demise, Mariah starts digging through his affairs. Tal is initially skeptical of his sister’s conspiracy theories, but after receiving a call demanding answers about the judge’s arrangements, he’s compelled to look closer. Almost immediately, his life as a beloved husband, dad and law professor starts imploding around him. 

    As the show flits between the present and the past, it takes viewers several episodes to get oriented in the world of “Emperor of Ocean Park.” The Chicago-set series slowly reveals what torpedoed Judge Garland’s Supreme Court nomination hearing, the siblings’ dynamics and the varied riddles and clues the judge left in the aftermath of his death. Sharper writing, a tighter edit and stronger supporting actors would’ve eliminated the extraneous exposition burdening the first three chapters while emphasizing the urgency of the situation.  

    Thankfully, things begin to click into place by the show’s fourth episode, as the unnecessary discourse and random storylines (which will undoubtedly frustrate audiences each week) begin to evaporate. In this episode, Tal and Mariah discover a significant lead, which emboldens them to become more tenacious in their investigation. 

    “Emperor of Ocean Park” has familiar themes like sibling conflict and parental loss, but two major plot points elevate it. As a far-right conservative, Judge Garland is a pariah in the Black community. Even his children – save the moderate-leaning Mariah – have vastly different politics than he does. The series illustrates how these ideals cause tension among the Garlands, and offers a window into the judge’s beliefs. A man born in the years after World War II, his personal doctrine advocates for Black people winning on their own merits, even if the only way of doing so means working twice as hard. But, as his children try to get him to understand, there is little humanity in self-exploitation while seeking perfection — especially for the historically disadvantaged. 

    Mariah’s professional and familial trajectory is another arc rarely represented on television. A Pulitzer-Award-winning journalist who lost her job after the 2008 economic crisis, she seems outwardly fulfilled as a stay-at-home mother and wife of a wealthy tycoon, Howard Denton (Bryan Greenberg). Amid her quest to reveal the truth regarding her father’s death, she struggles with the aftereffects of suppressing her own ambitions and settling into a life of comfort that was supposed to bring her contentment. Haunted by her life choices, she allows herself and her brothers to be enveloped in the complex maze of lies, coverups and incidents the judge masterfully began weaving years prior. 

    Grief is the heartbeat of the “Emperor of Ocean Park.” A core component of the human condition, it’s an emotion everyone experiences, and what we do to move through those feelings often makes us unrecognizable. As the audience is introduced to the judge in the past, the series showcases how his anguish led him down a quest he could never walk back. This same zeal drives the Garland siblings to uncover the mysterious “arrangements” their dad kept secret. 

    While “Emperor of Ocean Park” starts on a rocky road, with Whitaker as the lead and Coleman, Mack and Simmons carrying the story in the present, the show unfolds like a chess game. As the series opens, none of the characters or storylines are distinct. Yet, as the show rumbles toward its conclusion, the privileged but chaotic world around the Garland family reveals itself, showing the viewer how vital each cryptic hint and clue was from the very beginning.

    “Emperor of Ocean Park” premieres July 14 on MGM+ with new episodes dropping weekly on Sundays.

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    Aramide Tinubu

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  • Analyst Bullish on MGM’s Potential Online Gambling Expansion

    Analyst Bullish on MGM’s Potential Online Gambling Expansion

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    A few years ago, in 2022, MGM Resorts International announced the acquisition of LeoVegas, a leading sportsbook brand with a growing presence. Last week, the company confirmed its plans to acquire Tipico’s US platform in order to strengthen LeoVegas’ presence in the country, paving the way for its further growth and expansion.

    Although financial details regarding the acquisition of Tipico’s US sportsbook and iGaming operations were not disclosed, the strategic move captured the attention of industry observers and experts. Kim Noland, an expert analyst with Gimme Credit, who was recently quoted by Casino.org, acknowledged the importance of MGM’s takeover bid of Tipico’s US-facing assets.

    In a note to investors, the analyst highlighted the strategic acquisition as a “key element” in MGM’s future digital expansion. Moreover, he pointed out: “MGM’s sports betting and digital offerings are beginning to provide a profitable addition to its luxury international casino resorts presence and could be a growth tailwind going forward.”

    Upon announcing the merger with Tipico, MGM Resorts International Interactive’s president, Gary Fritz, explained that the acquisition grants the company “control of our entire technology ecosystem.” The exec added that it will be exciting to see Tipico’s US-facing team join forces with MGM’s seasoned experts. Fritz also praised the track record and extensive experience Tipico’s team brings to the company.

    Gimme Credit’s analyst pointed to the broader impact of MGM’s acquisition of Tipico. He predicted that the strategic merger could help bolster LeoVegas in jurisdictions across the globe where BetMGM doesn’t hold exclusive market rights.

    Noland spoke about the financial aspect of the strategic business combination. “Our free cash flow estimate (adjusted EBITDAR less cash rent, interest, taxes and capex) is based on management’s guidance of $850 million capex and totals near $1.5 billion,” he explained.

    A Busy Period for MGM

    The move toward Tipico’s US-facing assets comes after MGM announced a groundbreaking agreement with Playtech last month. At the time, the company confirmed it would stream content directly from two of its popular Las Vegas properties, MGM Grand and Bellagio Resort & Casino.

    Noland acknowledged the potential positive impact of the collaboration with Playtech. He said that this strategic alliance can enable MGM to further grow its presence in international markets and potentially the US too.

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    Jerome García

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  • One of Stephen King’s best recent novels is being made into a show for MGM+

    One of Stephen King’s best recent novels is being made into a show for MGM+

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    MGM+ has ordered an eight-episode series based on Stephen King’s 2019 novel, The Institute, Deadline reported this week. The novel follows the plight of 12-year-old Luke Ellis and a group of other children with telepathic and telekinetic abilities who have been kidnapped and held captive at a facility deep in the Maine woods, where their powers are being exploited. Their story becomes intertwined with that of an ex-cop Tim Jamieson. I really enjoyed this one when it came out, and as a lifelong King reader who has become hardened against the disappointment of terrible adaptations, I’m choosing to remain hopeful.

    So far, all we know about the cast is that it includes Ben Barnes (Shadow and Bone) as Jamieson and Mary-Louise Parker (Weeds) as the villainous Mrs. Sigsby, according to Deadline. The show has Benjamin Cavell on board as writer and executive producer. Cavell helmed 2020’s The Stand miniseries remake, which… well, it happened. Again, we’re staying hopeful here. Production starts later this year in Nova Scotia.

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    Cheyenne MacDonald

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  • MGM Resorts CEO Hornbuckle Met with President Xi Jinping

    MGM Resorts CEO Hornbuckle Met with President Xi Jinping

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    MGM Resorts chief executive officer and president Bill Hornbuckle was one of the US business leaders who met with China’s President Xi Jinping at Wednesday’s official meeting in Beijing.

    The meeting, which took place in the East Hall of the Great Hall of the People, was meant to sweeten the relations between the two global superpowers, with special emphasis on China’s plans to bring back foreign investors and stop its economic slowdown. 

    Official data speak about foreign direct investment into the country going down by 8% in 2023.

    The US delegation also featured Blackstone Group chief executive officer Stephen Schwarzman, Qualcomm chief executive officer Cristiano Amon, FedEx chief executive officer and chairman Raj Subramaniam, Chubb chief executive officer Evan Greenberg, and Bloomberg chairman Mark Carney. 

    They were joined by the president of the National Committee on US-China Relations Stephen Orlins, along with president of the US-China Business Council Craig Allen.

    “It’s All About Exchange”

    During the meeting, President Xi explained that “It’s all about exchange,” when asked how the two countries share elements of each other within themselves. 

    Xi further explained that “exchange and cooperation” eventually lead to integration and “the mutual inclusion of elements from each side.”

    He also applied the same theory to cultural differences, explaining that the goal was “to seek common ground while preserving minor differences, establishing more consensus among nations, within families and among relatives.”

    The meeting, which lasted for an hour and a half according to Reuters reports, also saw the Chinese President speak about the history of China-US relations, which he called “a chronicle of friendly interactions between the peoples of the two countries” that should continue to be shaped by the same people in the future. 

    He also emphasized the need for individuals representing all sectors to engage, communicate, and cooperate more.

    Hornbuckle’s Presence Sent a Message 

    Hornbuckle’s presence at the meeting can be interpreted as a good omen regarding Beijing’s view of Asia’s gaming hub, Macau, where MGM currently operates two integrated resorts.

    The operator also tackles several hotels spread throughout mainland China via its Diaoyutai MGM Hospitality joint venture, in Sanya, Shanghai, Qingdao, Chengdu, and Nanjing. 

    MGM also wishes to open additional hotels in the future, with possible locations in Shenzhen,  Guangzhou, and Zhuhai.

    Hornbuckle expressed pride in MGM’s position of support for “US-China relations through increased bilateral travel and tourism” and his honor for being able to participate in the meeting.

    Earlier in the month, it was announced that MGM Resorts was contemplating the idea of selling its casino ventures in Ohio and Massachusetts.

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    Melanie Porter

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  • ‘Gladiators’ Renewed For Season 2 By BBC

    ‘Gladiators’ Renewed For Season 2 By BBC

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    The Gladiators reboot, which has proved a huge hit for the BBC, has been handed a second season.

    Ahead of this weekend’s final, the BBC said its first episode is now its biggest entertainment launch for nearly a decade and has almost reached 10M viewers after 28 days.

    The first series hosted by Bradley and Barney Walsh has seen 16 new superhuman Gladiators: Sabre, Legend, Nitro, Diamond, Phantom, Athena, Bionic, Fire, Giant, Dynamite, Viper, Electro, Apollo, Comet, Steel and Fury quickly become household names as viewers cheer on favorites as they compete against contenders in iconic events such as duel and powerball, culminating in the iconic eliminator.   

    Gladiators was a hit for ITV in the 1990s but hadn’t been on British screens for nearly 25 years apart from a brief return in 2008. The commission came alongside a string of reboots that have garnered varying degrees of success including Big Brother, Survivor and Deal or No Deal.

    “Gladiators has really kicked this year off with a bang, and we’re so delighted that the fans have come to the show in their masses,” said BBC entertainment boss Kalpna Patel-Knight.

    The UK series was produced by Hungry Bear Media and Amazon’s MGM Alternative UK, while the American original was created by Johnny C. Ferraro and Dan Carr.  EPs are Dan Baldwin and Lou Brown for Hungry Bear and Dom Bird and  Barry Poznick for MGM Alternative. The commissioning editor for the BBC is Clodagh O’Donoghue.

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    Max Goldbart

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