“It’s a bargain hunter’s paradise”

CityCenter 5

So sayeth our own Anthony Curtis, toward the end of a superb MSNBC analysis of the impending impact of CityCenter. Other industry moguls, including Sheldon Adelson and Steve Wynn, take a cautious but hopeful view. Even the normally optimistic Bill Lerner of Union Gaming Group tempers MGM Mirage CEO Jim Murren‘s euphoria just a bit, projecting 5% visitation growth next year, as opposed to Murren’s 10% prediction.

They say it’s spinach and they say to hell with it. Or words to that effect. Kansas casino arbitrators are losing enthusiasm for the resorts proposed by Penn National Gaming and Lakes Entertainment, respectively. In a “If you can’t beat them, join them” move, Penn bought Cordish Gaming out of the Kansas Speedway casino proposal and Lakes merged with some of its Wichita-area rivals. But with only two bids on the table for two licenses, the Kansas Lottery Board is underwhelmed and may go back to Square One. For the third time.

The impasse continues. A farcical attempt to bring slots to the greater Baltimore area continues to be a clash of the obstinate vs. the stubborn. A latest attempt to cut the Gordian Knot appears to be going nowhere. Ann Arundel County is in serious danger of frittering a major economic boost away.

Apropos of nothing, last night’s season opener of V was fairly awesome. I’m just sayin’. But only four episodes and then a long hiatus? Gimme a break, ABC! Or are you copying the SciFi, er, SyFy Channel playbook. Yeah, them’s some winning moves. (Not.)

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