Although awash in generalities, Cosmopolitan of Las Vegas CEO Bill McBeath did allow some form of insight into his plans for the resort. Allowing that casino-floor performance was “pretty 
anemic,” he hopes to make it more attractive to high rollers. This involves causing it to “resonate and have more energy and personality,” like the restaurant areas, the Cosmo’s bastion of strength. “There seems to be a disconnect between the spaces, and the casino floor feels more transient to me,” said McBeath, pithily assessing the casino’s vibe — or lack thereof. “There’s not enough cool places to embrace and interact socially.” Agreed.
The improvements he envisions “aren’t gaming per se, but are more user-friendly and more in line with the contemporary, cool, hip brand that we are.” Whatever that means. Just like its predecessor, Deutsche Bank, new owner Blackstone Group‘s commitment to the Cosmo is transitory, so McBeath may need to work quickly, although Blackstone overlord Jonathan Gray says “people want to consume this experience. We’re a big believer in Las Vegas.” That belief will entail, in part, finishing some never-completed hotel rooms and possibly even adding more (hotel revenue being another strong suit).
There seems to be a rapprochement with the Culinary Union, which was on hand at a recent Cosmo press conference and whose parent, Unite-Here, represents workers at other Blackstone properties. McBeath even got a lavish tribute from Unite-Here President D. Taylor, who enthused, “I’ve known Bill for over 20 years, and he has run some of the most successful properties. He is very focused, he is a true professional … I can honestly say the best days of the Cosmopolitan of Las Vegas will be in the future with Bill running the helm.”
I guess we won’t see any more picketing at the Cosmo in the foreseeable future.
* The judges who will be hearing oral arguments on New Jersey‘s attempt to legalize sports betting have some interesting connections, one being Mrs. Ed Rendell, another being the sister of Donald Trump. (Hey, you don’t get to choose your siblings.) Maryanne Trump Barry is a Ronald Reagan appointee who was elevated to the Third Circuit Court of Appeals by Bill Clinton. The latter also put Marjorie Rendell on the bench and eventually onto the Third Circuit. New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie (R) is fighting an uphill battle against the Professional & Amateur Sports Protection Act, which presently limits sports wagering to four states. The third judge on the Third Circuit panel, Julio Fuentes, has ruled against the Garden State before, so the state will have to be extra-persuasive in Barry and Rendell households.
* Mistaking one swallow for a spring, MGM Resorts International CEO Jim Murren said it was an “encouraging sign” for the Vegas economy that Vice Media CEO Shane Smith dropped $300,000 on a dinner for 12-25 people at Prime. If 25 people had each spent $12,000 on dinner that would be more encouraging. When people start lining up to spend money on that scale, Murren will make a believer of me.
