Las Vegas: Lucky Dragon casino is back on
After announcing itself in 2012 and then quickly disappearing, the boutique hotel and casino called Lucky Dragon is one again.
Work has begun on what's touted as a 10-story Asian-themed resort with a 201-room hotel and a 19,000-square-foot casino. The project is being built on 2.5 acres on Sahara Avenue less than a half mile from the Strip.
Situated between one of Las Vegas' oldest restaurants (Golden Steer) and the Allure condo tower, the Lucky Dragon will target Asian locals and visitors and try to capitalize on a 2016 completion date that precedes the opening of the Resorts World Las Vegas megaresort in 2018.
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Gold Strike to downsize: The Gold Strike in Jean, on Interstate 15 about 15 miles south of Las Vegas, has been sold by MGM Resorts International to slot-route operator JETT Gaming. JETT plans to de-emphasize the casino and develop part of the 167-acre site into "one of the largest truck-stop operations in the western United States." Toward that end, it will reduce the number of slot machines at the Gold Strike from 450 to 200. A timetable for building the truck stop wasn't divulged.
Restaurant Week: The annual Restaurant Week fundraiser for Three Square food bank runs through June 26. Several top restaurants are offering special prix-fixe menus priced from $20.15 to $50.15 to benefit the charity. Notices are up everywhere identifying participating restaurants, or see the lineup at helpoutdineoutlv.org.
Party sign: A 100-foot purple banner that spans the Strip has been erected at Sahara Avenue. It reads "Keep the Party Going!" and is meant to promote downtown Las Vegas. City officials have expressed concern that the sign's color makes it difficult to spot red traffic lights.
Steak deal altered: The requirement for getting the lowest price on the excellent 24/7 steak dinner at Ellis Island has been revised. The price is $12.99 and you can get $3 off by swiping your players card. You used to be able to get an additional $2 off, to $7.99, by playing $1 in a machine, but now you have to play $5. It's still one of the best deals in town.
Two tikis: The Little Macau bar in Chinatown has closed, pending a reopening in July as a tiki bar. It will be the second Las Vegas tiki, joining the venerable Frankie's Tiki Room.
Strip flicks: Dive-In Movie Mondays runs through Sept. 7 at Cosmopolitan's Boulevard Pool. The marquee at the pool transforms into a colossal movie screen, showing a double feature each week. The all-ages event begins at 7 p.m.; tickets are $5.
14 bracelets: Poker star Phil Hellmuth won the World Series of Poker's $10K buy-in Razz event to raise his record all-time championship count to 14. The win puts him four bracelets clear of Phil Ivey, Johnny Chan and Doyle Brunson, each of whom has 10.
Question: Has the Fantasy Football convention scheduled for July been canceled?
Answer: Yes. The inaugural National Fantasy Football Convention that was scheduled July 10-12 at Venetian was effectively scuttled by the NFL. It warned players not to participate, citing a policy that prohibits players from promoting events or making appearances that are held at or sponsored by casinos. Coordinators plan to hold the event in Los Angeles next year.
Q: How were the crowds for Rock in Rio?
A: Rock in Rio didn't meet expectations, with the projected turnout of over 300,000 falling well short at an announced 172,000. Cool temps, parking difficulties and high prices for tickets and concessions were cited. Regardless, the festival is booked to return in 2017.
For information about shows, buffets, coupons and deals, go to www.LasVegasAdvisor.com.