Latest news and views about Caesars Entertainment Inc.,
Caesars Rewards and more
Updated: April 21, 2021
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 I continue to ask: Unless you're already there and planning to play, why would you put $25 through a slot machine to earn a $10 gift card? Il Verdi at Tropicana Atlantic City to reopen
Specializing in Northern Italian cuisine, Il Verdi, the 3,600 sq. ft. gourmet restaurant in the North Tower at Tropicana Atlantic City will reopen Friday, April 23. Initially, hours will be 5 to 10 p.m. on Fridays and Saturdays, and 5 to 9 p.m. on Sundays. Reservations are recommended. (4/21)
Caesars to invest $400 million in Atlantic City properties
 New bus service between New York, Atlantic City
OurBus also offers service for South Jersey residents going to New York with a stop at the Atlantic Rest Area outside of Atlantic City in Galloway. For more information, click here.
(4/21)
C-Bar reopens at Harrah's Philadelphia
The C-Bar at Harrah’s Philadelphia has reopened, serving your favorite cocktails, beer and wine in the center of the casino. (4/21)
WSOP coverage moving from ESPN to CBS
Television coverage of the World Series Of Poker (WSOP) is moving from ESPN to CBS, thanks to a new multi-year rights agreement with CBS Sports. Terms on the agreement were not disclosed. The move from ESPN to CBS Sports is actually between CBS and PokerGo. WSOP coverage will be available on more media platforms including cable TV, CBS streaming services and PokerGo online. CBS Sports Network will feature 15 hours of WSOP Main Event coverage and there will be coverage of an additional 36 hours from 18 gold bracelet events on the cable network. The WSOP coverage also will be available on other ViacomCBS platforms, including Paramount +. (4/20)
Caesars one step closer to acquiring William Hill
Caesars Entertainment Inc. is one step closer to acquiring William Hill now that a United Kingdom court has cleared the $3.7 billion purchase. The deal had been opposed by minority shareholder HBK. HBK had opposed the deal, agreed to in September with Caesars, saying the terms of an existing joint venture between the two firms were not adequately disclosed and arguing that shareholders had voted on the scheme without the information they needed to judge the merits of the takeover. William Hill had rejected HBK’s allegation, saying it was confident the document gave all the necessary information. (4/20)
Judge rejects opposition to third North Carolina casino
A federal judge has rejected a legal challenge by Harrah’s Cherokee Casino Resort and Harrah’s Cherokee Valley River Casino & Hotel, saying the Eastern Band of the Cherokee Indians (EBCI) had no grounds to oppose a competitor’s plans for a third gambling operation in the state. The South Carolina-based Catawba Indian Nation already has begun working to establish Vegas-style gaming on the Kings Mountain, N.C., site, about a half-hour west of Charlotte, N.C. That came after the tribe officially inked a profit-sharing deal with North Carolina Gov. Roy Cooper earlier this year. After the U.S. Department of Interior signed off on the agreement, the tribe faced one more hurdle in its years-long quest to build the casino – a lawsuit by the EBCI. The competing tribe argued that the land for the Catawba casino was historically theirs and that the Catawba tribe and the Interior Department had violated federal law. However, the Catawba tribe has said they have a right to the land for the casino based on a 1993 agreement that gave them federal recognition. The tribe points out that it long has had historical and ancestral ties to land in North Carolina. Richard Sneed, principal chief of the EBCI, said in an emailed statement that the tribe was reviewing the ruling. (4/18)
 URComped CEO, Insider discuss casino hosts
Check out my conversation about casino hosts with URComped CEO Craig Shacklett. Click here. (4/17)
Atlantic City revenues more than double over 2020
While New Jersey’s casino and sports betting revenue more than doubled in March compared to a year ago, it was because of the pandemic shut down during the second half of the month last year. According to the state’s Division of Gaming Enforcement, Atlantic City’s nine casinos and three horse tracks that offer sports betting won $359.2 million last month – an increase of nearly 120 percent. The reason for the statistical increase is the fact that the casinos and tracks were open for a full month this year, but – due to the coronavirus – were shut down mid-March last year. The casinos and tracks handled $859.6 million worth of sports bets in March, compared with less than $182 million last March. After paying out winning bets and covering other expenses, they kept $60.7 million as sports betting revenue. (4/17)
Live poker returns to Horseshoe Hammond
After more than a year-long hiatus due to the COVID-19 pandemic, live poker games have resumed inside the Venue performance space at Horseshoe Hammond. Players are required to wear a face mask and follow social distancing guidelines. In addition, food, drinks and spectators are not permitted in the Venue. Initially, poker will be available only on weekdays. (Updated 4/19)
Arizona approves sports betting
Arizona Gov. Doug Ducey has signed a bill that allows a major expansion of gambling, providing a potential revenue windfall for the state and for tribes that will be allowed to boost their gambling offerings. The measure, approved by the Legislature, adds additional types of table games at tribal casinos and, for the first time, allows sports betting under licenses issued to tribes and pro sports teams. It also allows gambling on fantasy sports and new Keno games at horse race tracks and fraternal organizations. The tribal casinos, which had been limited in their offerings, now will be able to offer Las Vegas-style gambling. The plan will allow teams like the Arizona Coyotes, Arizona Diamondbacks and Arizona Cardinals to run sports betting operations at a retail location within a quarter mile of their respective venues and online.
There will be 10 licenses awarded to sports, which could include professional golf and NASCAR. (4/15)
Caesars to become Official Sports Betting Partner of NFL
As part of an agreement that extends the partnership in which Caesars Entertainment Inc. became the League’s first-ever casino sponsor, Caesars Entertainment Inc. will become an Official Sports Betting Partner of the NFL. Caesars will be joined by FanDuel and DraftKings. For details, click here. (4/15)
 I don’t even know where to begin with this sign at Harrah's Resort in Atlantic City. How about starting with:
We gladly accept Reward Credits
2:1 ratio
(2,000 Reward Credits = US$10)
Picture ID must be shown for all room and Quick Rewards charges.
WSOP announces 2021 summer schedule
The World Series of Poker has announced its 2021 summer schedule. The revamped schedule includes a 2X bracelet day and a Grand Finale with a $1 million guarantee. For details about the Nevada event, click here. For details about the New Jersey event, click here. (4/15)
 Sorry, Tropicana (and Caesars
and Harrah's Resort), this is not "an event befitting. . .Seven Stars status. . . ." It's not even an "event".
Nevada to lift social distancing mandates May 1
Nevada will lift all statewide social distancing mandates starting Saturday, May 1, with the goal of reopening the entire state to 100 percent capacity by Tuesday, June 1, Gov. Steve Sisolak has announced. In accordance with the Roadmap to Recovery timeline that was previously announced, decisions on social distancing will transition to local authorities. Under the Governor’s plan, the Gaming Control Board will continue to maintain authority over gaming areas of licensed properties in Nevada. (4/14)
 American Casino Guide interview
Check out my interview with Steve and Matt Bourie from the American Casino Guide when we focus on Atlantic City: https://youtu.be/p3LQGLGaEE4. (4/14)
Dates set for 2021 Seven Stars Signature Events
While registration for this year’s Seven Stars Signature Events is not yet available, mark your calendar with these dates:
This year all Seven Stars cardholders are invited to attend all Events.
Seven Stars cardholders with a current or previous year’s tier score of at least 500,000 also will be invited to attend this year’s Elite Signature Event in Lake Tahoe, Sept. 22 to 26. (4/9)
Tropicana to be integrated into Caesars Rewards April 27
Due to unforeseen circumstances, effective Tuesday, April 27, Tropicana Atlantic City will be fully integrated into the Caesars Rewards network. This is two weeks later than originally scheduled. Due to the system upgrade you may encounter disruptions beginning at 8 p.m. Monday, April 26, through the morning of Wednesday, April 28. In addition:
Please note that players may encounter disruptions to the casino floor rating system between the hours of 11 p.m. on April 26 and 4 p.m. on April 27. (Updated 4/12)
Golden Dynasty at Tropicana offers 'to go' meals
Golden Dynasty Express at Tropicana Atlantic City offers food to go from 6 p.m. to midnight Fridays and Saturdays, and noon to 6 p.m. on Sundays. Order online for pick-up or room delivery: https://tac.playbytr.com. (4/9)
More police presence planned for AC Boardwalk
Atlantic City officials plan to increase police patrols on the Boardwalk, and are considering locating a police substation there. After the death of a store owner during an attempted robbery this month, James Sarkos, the officer in charge of the police department, outlined the plans during a community meeting a few blocks from the Boardwalk. They include hiring nine new police officers, and the scheduled hiring of 15 more. Both measures have been in the planning stages. An additional 24 officers will be hired later this year. (4/9)
Comedy Cellar returns to Rio
The Comedy Cellar has returned to the Rio All-Suite Las Vegas Hotel & Casino. Performances take place at 7 and 9:30 p.m. Thursdays through Sundays. Contactless tickets are $32 or $42, plus applicable taxes and fees. In accordance with current COVID-19 health and safety protocols, seating has been adjusted to maintain proper social distancing and will be sold in groups of two or four. Face coverings are required while not actively drinking. In addition, temperature checks take place at the door, and enhanced cleaning and sanitizing will take place between shows. (Updated 4/19)
Workers at Harrah's New Orleans win concessions
In contract negotiations completed this month, hospitality workers union Unite Here has won a number of concessions for its members at Harrah’s New Orleans. One of the most important gains was an extension of recall rights for anybody who has been furloughed or laid off during the past year, said Leah Baily, an official for Unite Here Local 23, the New Orleans-based chapter with about 2,000 members in the city. “Recall policies require employers to offer to rehire their previous employees first as workplaces reopen and the industry recovers,” Baily explained. The union also won new safety protocols to help protect employees from COVID-19, including 10 days of paid leave for those forced to quarantine because of possible coronavirus exposure. In addition, Harrah’s workers now can opt to join the Unite Here health insurance plan, which is a not-for-profit program that is cheaper than the one offered by Harrah’s and has no deductible. The new contract also includes pay raises for both tipped and non-tipped staff. (4/7)
MontBleu no longer part of Caesars Rewards
MontBleu Resort Casino & Spa in Lake Tahoe is no longer part of Caesars Rewards. Bally’s Corp. closed this month on the company’s purchase of the casino-hotel. As part of last summer’s $17.3 billion merger between Caesars Entertainment Corp. and Eldorado Resorts Inc., the companies had to sell Eldorado Shreveport in Louisiana and MontBleu to avoid federal antitrust issues. Bally’s agreed to purchase both properties for a combined $155 million. The Lake Tahoe casino was valued at $15 million. MontBleu is owned by the Edgewood Companies, which controls the land and buildings. Bally’s said last April it entered into an amended agreement with the landlord that included the extension of the lease term to the end of 2035. The transaction’s closing gives Bally’s its 12th gaming property and its eighth state. The company has deals pending for Tropicana Evansville in Indiana and Jumer’s Casino in Rock Island, Ill. (4/7)
CDC issues new guidance on cruises
The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has issued the next phase of guidance that eventually will allow cruises to resume from U.S. homeports. The agency’s guidance doesn’t replace the Framework for Conditional Sailing that went into effect Oct. 30; rather, it signals a number of changes that will be necessary in order to begin test voyages from U.S. ports of call. The CDC’s new guidance comes days after Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis urged the cruise industry be allowed to restart, with the state’s attorney general even threatening legal action against the government agency. The Cruise Lines International Association, which represents the majority of the world’s cruise fleet, also had called on the CDC to rescind its long-standing orders against cruising. As part of the next phase of the Framework for Conditional Sailing, the new guidance requires cruise lines to establish agreements at ports where they intend to operate. This requires that cruise lines demonstrate they have the necessary infrastructure in place to manage an outbreak onboard, and have healthcare capacity and housing for quarantining known and suspected cases of COVID-19. Lines also must commit to the routine testing of crews and develop plans to incorporate vaccination strategies for crew and port workers to reduce the risk of infection and spread of COVID-19 throughout the vessel. The CDC’s technical instructions also direct that cruise operators be required to shift from weekly to daily reporting of COVID-19 cases and illness onboard vessels. Many cruise operators already have committed to requiring passengers and crew to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19, and that number increases exponentially as operators flesh out their plans for restart outside the United States. “[The] CDC is committed to working with the cruise industry and seaport partners to resume cruising when it is safe to do so, following the phased approach outlined in the CSO.” (4/7)
NCLH plans phased return to cruising
Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings (NCLH) plans a phased return to cruising. The cruise company unveiled a “two-pronged plan” with cruise resumption outside the United States from Jamaica, Dominican Republic, and Greece starting in July. NCLH will offer weeklong cruises from Greece, Jamaica and the Dominican Republic. Separately, NCLH has submitted a proposal to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) with a plan for cruise resumption from U.S. ports starting Sunday, July 4. As part of NCLH’s SailSAFE health and safety program, the company said that all initial voyages will operate only with fully-vaccinated guests and crew, and will include COVID-19 testing for all before embarkation. (4/7)
LINQ Sandwich Co. opens
The new LINQ Sandwich Co. is now open. Replacing Sticky Chicken’s menu of wings and sandwiches, the LINQ Sandwich Co. features cheesesteaks, a meatball sub, and hot beef and fried chicken sandwiches. (4/6)
Tahoe Laurel Lounge comp drink policy differs from Vegas
  If this is AC Burger Co.'s idea of a napkin, I could have brought a paper towel from the dispenser in the men's room.
 Why would anyone want to buy a used chair from a casino? It doesn't even look very comfortable.
Of course, I'm joking. Obviously, this chair is being reserved for someone whose last name is Purchase.
Seriously, this is the sign tacked to chairs which can be "rented" – for a price – for fans to watch games in the sportsbook.
 From the Ketchup Premium Burger Bar at Miracle Mile Shops in Las Vegas: “What? The ‘F’?”
Rio resumes full-time operations
The Rio All-Suite Las Vegas Hotel & Casino has resumed hotel operations seven days a week. The Rio reopened its gaming floor in December after coronavirus closures, but limited its hotel offerings to weekend stays. The Rio represents the final Caesars property in Las Vegas to resume daily operations following the state-mandated closure order last spring. (Updated 4/19)
 New Men's Room sign at Caesars Palace. Note I wrote "Men's Room". "Men" already is plural so you need an apostrophe to make it possessive. That ends today's lesson on punctuation.
WSOP to return Sept. 30
Pending applicable state and/or regulatory approvals, the World Series Of Poker will return in-person at the Rio All-Suite Las Vegas Hotel & Casino beginning Thursday, Sept. 30, with all play concluding on Tuesday, Nov. 23. Opening weekend is expected to feature a special charity event to benefit frontline health workers, a $25,000 H.O.R.S.E. and a $5 million GTD No-Limit Hold’em event billed as “The Reunion.” Further details and specifics on the complete schedule will be released this summer. Room reservations are now being accepted across Caesars Entertainment’s Las Vegas resorts, including the headquarters at the Rio, with rates starting at $60 for Caesars Rewards cardholders. Visit Caesars.com using promo code WSOPM. Online pre-registration will open until this summer after all events have been determined and approved by regulators. (4/2)
Former Harrah's Tunica to become entertainment venue
The former Harrah’s Tunica Resort will undergo a $140 million redevelopment as a family entertainment venue with no gambling. Tunica Hospitality & Entertainment said the project will include construction of a 20-acre water park, youth sports complex, renovation of two hotels, a convention center, a spa and salon, a 100-acre private lake, a “family fun center” with video arcade, a sporting clay and hunting center, a recreational vehicle park, a boardwalk with dining, retail, and entertainment venues, and renovation of an 18-hole golf course. The first phase of the project will include portions of the water park, expected to be completed in late summer 2022. (4/2)
 Don't forget to opt in on your mobile device for your daily entry into this month's tier credit and Millionaire Maker Finale sweepstakes.
Caesars brings vaccines to employees in Las Vegas
Caesars Entertainment Inc. is bringing the coronavirus vaccine to the Rio All-Suite Las Vegas Hotel & Casino, while MGM Resorts International is making a similar effort by bringing the vaccine to the Mandalay Bay Convention Center. Easing vaccine availability for thousands of hotel and hospitality workers in Nevada’s tourism-dependent city comes with the University of Nevada Las Vegas setting a July 1 date to return to in-person activities, and city workers fanning out following the lifting of sports restrictions to install basketball hoops again at city parks. Caesars started offering shots April 1 at the Rio for all company workers, with a goal of 10,000 vaccinations in April. It is partnering with Albertsons supermarkets to administer up to 2,000 shots per day by appointment only. (4/2)
| Arizona, Maricopa (Phoenix) April 23 to 25: Seven Stars Renewal, Harrah's Ak-Chin Hotel and Casino California, Ione
Mondays: Visit Louie Oliver's for free corkage ($15 minimum food purchase required), Harrah's Northern California
Tuesdays: Veterans, active duty service men and women, and their spouses receive 20 percent off food purchases at Louie Oliver’s and The Marketplace, Salute card or proper ID required (one redemption per card), Harrah's Northern California
Thursdays: Get $1 off draft beers and pint cans every Thursday at Louie Oliver’s, Harrah's Northern California
Florida, Pompano
Wednesdays: Club 55 members receive one free hot dog, Isle Casino Pompano
Illinois, Joliet
Indiana, Elizabeth
Mondays and Tuesdays: 5X Reward Credit multiplier – swipe first at a promotional kiosk, Caesars Southern Indiana Hotel and Casino
Wednesdays: Super Senior Wednesdays, Caesars Southern Indiana Hotel and Casino
Fridays: Fast Money Drawings, Caesars Southern Indiana Hotel and Casino
Indiana, Shelbyville
Mondays: Golden Gamers, Indiana Grand Racing & Casino
Through Nov. 8: Live racing season, Indiana Grand Racing & Casino
Oct. 30: Indiana Champions Day, Indiana Grand Racing & Casino
Iowa, Waterloo
Wednesdays: 5X Reward Credits. Swipe first at a Promotional Kiosk, Isle Casino Hotel Waterloo
Thursdays: Earn 20 tier credits and get a free beer at The Brew Brothers or see a beverage server on the casino floor for a bottle of beer or frozen drink, Isle Casino Hotel Waterloo
Louisiana, Bossier City
Tuesdays: 2X Tuesdays - Present your Caesars Rewards card when making a wager to receive a 2X multiplier on racing wagers, Harrah’s Louisiana Downs
Tuesdays: Dollar Days ($1 hot dogs, drafts, popcorn), noon to 4 p.m., Harrah's Louisiana Downs
Louisiana, Lake Charles
TEMPORARILY CLOSED UNTIL SPRING 2022
Mississippi, Biloxi
TEMPORARILY SUSPENDED UNTIL FURTHER NOTICE
TEMPORARILY SUSPENDED UNTIL FURTHER NOTICE
 Sept. 22 to 26: Seven Stars Elite Signature Event
Nevada, Las Vegas
 TEMPORARILY SUSPENDED UNTIL FURTHER NOTICE
June 7 to 18: Las Vegas Restaurant Week
 Aug. 19 to 22: Seven Stars Signature Event
Aug. 21: Donnie Osmond returns, Harrah's Las Vegas Hotel & Casino
Sept. 30 to Nov. 23: World Series Of Poker, Rio All-Suite Las Vegas Hotel & Casino
Nov. 4 to 7: Great Gift Wrap Up, Digital Main Event
Dec. 6 to 12: Great Gift Wrap Up, Caesars Palace
Nevada, Reno
Aug. 1 to 5 or Aug. 3 to 8: Seven Stars Signature Event
New Jersey, Atlantic City
 Aug. 13 to 15: Beachfest Concert - Phish
Sept. 16 to 19: Seven Stars Signature Event
Pennsylvania, Chester
Through Dec. 26: Live Racing season, Harrah's Philadelphia Casino and Racetrack TEMPORARILY SUSPENDED UNTIL FURTHER NOTICE
 Tuesdays: Between noon and 4 p.m. guests 55 and older can swipe at a promotional kiosk for a 5X Reward Credit multiplier for play during those hours, Harrah's Philadelphia Casino and Racetrack
Canada, Ontario, Windsor
TEMPORARILY CLOSED UNTIL FURTHER NOTICE
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