A casino hotel is an establishment consisting of a casino with temporary lodging provided in an on-premises hotel . Customers receive the benefits of both gambling facilities and lodging. Since the casino and hotel are located on the same premises, a gambler's necessities can be provided for in one location.
105-607: Luxor Las Vegas is a casino hotel on the southern end of the Las Vegas Strip in Paradise, Nevada . The resort is owned by Vici Properties and operated by MGM Resorts International . The Luxor features an ancient Egyptian theme, and includes a 65,214-square-foot (6,058.6 m) casino and 4,407 hotel rooms. The resort's pyramid is 30 stories and contains the world's largest atrium by volume, measuring 29 million cu ft (0.82 million m). The tip of
210-532: A $ 1-billion resort in National Harbor, Maryland and a $ 950-million resort in downtown Springfield, Massachusetts . In May 2014, the company broke ground on the $ 375-million T-Mobile Arena located behind New-New York Hotel and Casino, in partnership with AEG Live . The arena opened on April 6, 2016. MGM sold several properties in 2015, including the Railroad Pass Casino ,
315-417: A cybersecurity attack by the hacking group Scattered Spider . The company refused to pay a ransom to the hackers, and stated that its losses of $ 100 million would be covered by cyber insurance . As a result of the cyberattack, multiple class action lawsuits were filed against MGM Resorts as well as Caesars Entertainment , which Scattered Spider had hacked into during the same month, with all stating that
420-679: A $ 525-million offer for its interest in MotorCity from Marian Ilitch , the casino's second largest shareholder. Meanwhile, in Illinois, where MGM needed regulatory approval to take over Mandalay's 50 percent interest in the Grand Victoria Casino , a lack of quorum on the state Gaming Board threatened to delay the merger. MGM considered a sale to the casino's other owner, the Pritzker family , but ultimately gained approval for
525-537: A $ 7.9 billion deal. MGM executives were confident that antitrust regulators would not require the sale of any of the two companies' properties. Michigan law, however, forbade one company from owning multiple casinos, requiring the sale of either the MGM Grand Detroit or Mandalay's 54 percent stake in the MotorCity Casino . After some vacillation about which property to sell, Mandalay accepted
630-460: A 50 percent stake in MGM's CityCenter project. Dubai World would pay MGM Mirage an additional $ 100 million if the project opened on time and on budget. The investment firm would buy 14.2 million shares from MGM Mirage. The firm would also issue a public tender for an additional 14.2 million shares at the same price. On October 29, 2008, MGM Mirage halted a $ 5 billion Atlantic City project on land next to
735-407: A British museum with ancient artifacts, we're a casino-resort. This was a brilliantly conceived building from the outside. The pyramid always created a sense of wow and wonder, but the inside never delivered on that promise." He further said: "We are trying to be approachable. We want to be a cooler and hipper middle-market property. We want to be less themed but still a middle-market property." Despite
840-739: A bid on one of the three available gaming licenses, which would eventually be approved and open in July 1999 as the MGM Grand Detroit . In South Africa , with casino gambling newly authorized, MGM announced plans in August 1996 to develop 15 properties in conjunction with Tsogo Sun . The first, a temporary casino in Johannesburg 's Sundome , opened in October 1998. Three more casinos followed before MGM agreed to sell out its interest in
945-553: A bid to counter their seedy image"; customers are limited to three visits a week; and locals will have to pay an entrance charge of ¥6000, while foreigners can enter for free. The bill "clearly takes a leaf from Singapore's book". In 2007, the Philippine Amusement & Gaming Corporation (PAGCOR) opened Entertainment City by the Manila Bay to four integrated resorts. In 2022, Universal Hotels & Resorts of
1050-529: A bidding war, with MGM finally losing out to an investors group including Kerzner International. The Triangle Casino was sold off to Stanley Leisure in 2006. The company's other development plans were scuttled as the government scaled down, and eventually abandoned, the plan to allow large " super-casinos ". In 2004, the company disposed of some of its smaller properties, selling the two Golden Nugget casinos ( Golden Nugget Las Vegas and Golden Nugget Laughlin ) to Poster Financial Group for $ 215 million, and
1155-516: A bounce house. It has since pivoted to only for people 21+ King Tut's Tomb and Museum opened at the Luxor in December 1993. It consisted of four rooms dedicated to Egyptian history, featuring replicas of various ancient items; these were created for the museum by artists near Cairo , and Egyptologist Zahi Hawass gave his approval of the items before they were put on display. The museum's centerpiece
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#17327809845221260-471: A casino, and a shopping mall. The Boardwalk was closed in January 2006 to make way for the redevelopment, and CityCenter construction began the following June. Singapore emerged in 2004 as the next major new Asian gaming market, calling for proposals to build two " integrated resort " casinos at Marina Bay and the island of Sentosa . MGM partnered with CapitaLand in an estimated $ 3 billion bid for
1365-406: A departure from previous Cirque shows, R.U.N lacked any acrobatic acts and featured rock and roll music, as well as stunts such as motorcycle jumps and pyrotechnics . The show was written by Robert Rodriguez , with music composed by Tyler Bates . R.U.N received mixed reviews and poor ticket sales, and it lacked the time and funds needed to make improvements, closing after four months. In 2021,
1470-491: A family-oriented focus. The Luxor employed 4,500 workers. Tupac Shakur , who was fatally shot in Las Vegas in 1996 , had been staying at the Luxor during his visit to the city, although his injuries sustained from the drive by shooting occurred four miles from the resort. Within a few years of the Luxor's opening, resort executives concluded that it needed to be improved and enlarged. A $ 300 million renovation and expansion
1575-665: A half share of the Monte Carlo . The company changed its name to MGM Mirage in August 2000. Mirage had also owned a half stake in the Borgata , a planned casino in Atlantic City, in a joint venture managed by Boyd Gaming . Work on the Borgata continued apace, and it would open in July 2003. In 2001 and 2002, following the merger with Mirage, the company explored options for its next major development project, including in
1680-1115: A license to run an online sports betting site in the U.K. It acquired a twenty-five percent stake in a company developing the small Triangle Casino in Bristol , which went on to open its doors in February 2004. It inked deals to build casinos at the Olympia Exhibition Centre in London, St James' Park in Newcastle, Meadowhall Shopping Centre in Sheffield, the National Exhibition Centre in Birmingham, Sportcity in Manchester, Glasgow Harbour , King's Waterfront in Liverpool, and at
1785-569: A new real estate investment trust (REIT) with ownership of ten of the company's casinos; the parent company would continue to operate the casinos under a lease agreement. The offering raised $ 1.05 billion, and left MGM Resorts with 76 percent ownership of the REIT. In June 2016, MGM announced a joint venture with Sydell Group to renovate and rebrand the Monte Carlo as the Park MGM, named after
1890-404: A new show at the Luxor known as Mindfreak Live! , based on his television series Criss Angel Mindfreak (2005–2010). Angel ended his run at the Luxor in 2018, after 10 years of performances there. In October 2019, Cirque debuted a new show known as R.U.N , described as bringing an action movie to life for its audience. The show took over and renovated the theater previously used by Angel. In
1995-486: A paid 15-minute ride that brought guests to different parts of the pyramid and passed by pieces of ancient artwork on a river that encircled the casino. The river was 3,000 ft (910 m) long, and was removed after three years. Secrets of the Luxor Pyramid, created by visual effects supervisor Douglas Trumbull , also debuted with the resort. It consisted of three 15-minute attractions, including "In Search of
2100-401: A plan to place the property under control of a trustee until completion of the licensing process. The FTC approved the merger as predicted, and MGM obtained a $ 7 billion line of credit to finance it. The sale closed on April 25, 2005 for a total of $ 7.9 billion, including $ 3 billion in assumed debt. The Mandalay acquisition made MGM Mirage the largest gaming company in the world, but it
2205-548: A poker room, and race and sports books . A high-end gaming pit was added in the 1996–97 renovation. Giza Galleria, a small retail mall with 18 tenants, was also opened. In addition, the Mandalay Place mall is located on a skybridge that connects Mandalay Bay with the Luxor. The tip of the pyramid is three stories, and features a beam of light known as the Luxor Sky Beam. It is the most powerful man-made light in
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#17327809845222310-653: A proposed stadium in Salford . The company also signed a $ 490-million deal to acquire Wembley plc, owner of seven greyhound tracks in Britain and four in the United States. The British expansion plans ultimately amounted to nothing. MGM closed its online casino after less than two years, citing uncertainty in American regulations and competition from established British brands. The Wembley acquisition turned into
2415-427: A variety of colors. Upon its opening, the Luxor included the 300,000-U.S.-gallon (1,100 m) Karnak Lake, located in between the sphinx and obelisk. More than 100 computer-controlled fountains would spray water up from the lake by day, and as part of a free nightly show in which lasers shot out from the eyes of the sphinx. The lasers would project Egyptian imagery onto a 50 foot (15 m) high water screen formed by
2520-600: Is 30 stories, standing 357 ft (109 m). Its exterior sides are sometimes used for advertising. The pyramid includes the largest atrium in the world by volume, measuring 29 million cu ft (0.82 million m). The resort's exterior features a recreation of the Great Sphinx of Giza , located in front of the pyramid and facing the Strip. The recreation is 106 feet high, 80 feet wide, and 262 feet long (32 m × 24 m × 80 m). Within
2625-417: Is a major resort property that includes a hotel with a casino , together with convention facilities, entertainment shows, theme parks , luxury retail and fine dining . The term is largely Singaporean . Earlier IR licenses were awarded to Marina Bay Sands and Resorts World Sentosa , which both began operations in early 2010, and were by 2013 the most profitable casinos in the world. Since then,
2730-455: Is often viewed as a prime example of 1990s Postmodern architecture , and its sphinx appeared on the cover of architecture scholar James Steele's book Architecture Today . The resort has appeared in numerous films, including Showgirls (1995), Synthetic Pleasures (1996), and Mars Attacks! (1996). In Up in the Air (2009), main character Ryan Bingham is asked to take a picture in front of
2835-647: The Bellagio , Mandalay Bay , MGM Grand and Park MGM . The company began operations in 1987 as MGM Grand, Inc. and became MGM Mirage in 2000, after acquiring Mirage Resorts . In the mid-2000s, growth of its non-gaming (lodging, food, retail) revenue began to outpace gaming receipts and demand for high-rise condominiums was surging, with median property prices in Las Vegas twice the national average. The company shifted its focus from owning and operating resorts and casinos to developing and building real estate in
2940-500: The Egyptian city of the same name . Veldon Simpson was the architect, while Yates-Silverman, Inc served as interior designer. President and owner Charles L. Silverman traveled to Egypt three times to study the country's atmosphere. Of all the casino resorts that his firm had designed, Silverman called the Luxor "the most interesting and difficult". Before the ancient Egyptian theme was chosen, Yates-Silverman had suggested developing
3045-637: The Gold Strike , and properties in Reno ( Circus Circus Reno and a 50 percent stake in the Silver Legacy ) were sold to Eldorado Resorts for $ 72.5 million. In April 2016, MGM sold The Shops at Crystals , the high-end mall in CityCenter, to Invesco Real Estate and Simon Property Group for $ 1.1 billion. In April 2016, MGM held an initial public offering for MGM Growth Properties (MGP),
3150-552: The Las Vegas , Atlantic City , Chicago , and Macau markets. The 55-acre site of the Boardwalk casino on the Las Vegas Strip was earmarked for a technologically advanced megaresort targeting a Generation X demographic. In Atlantic City, MGM shifted focus from its previously announced boardwalk site to a proposed billion-dollar hotel and casino on a 55-acre tract adjacent to the Borgata, where Wynn had planned to build
3255-662: The Las Vegas Strip and in Atlantic City, New Jersey . Casino hotels can be significant employers in an area; in 2009 in Atlantic City, Local 54 of the Hotel Employees and Restaurant Employees Union represented 22,000 casino hotel workers. MGM Mirage MGM Resorts International is an American hospitality and entertainment company. It operates resorts in Las Vegas , Massachusetts , Michigan , Mississippi , Maryland , Ohio , New Jersey , Macau , Shanghai , Chengdu , Hangzhou and Sanya , including
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3360-767: The MGM Collection With Marriott Bonvoy . The new partnership will see four of MGM's properties fully affiliated with Marriott brands beginning in late 2023. The Bellagio will join The Luxury Collection division of Marriott, the Park MGM will join Marriott's Tribute Portfolio , and the Aria will join Marriott's Autograph Collection, which The Cosmopolitan has been a member of since its opening. In September 2023, MGM's hotel and casino operations were disrupted for several days during
3465-630: The MGM Grand Darwin to Skycity Entertainment for $ 140 million. MGM entered into quiet merger talks with Mandalay Resort Group in early 2004. The potential acquisition would give MGM control of more than half the hotel rooms on the Las Vegas Strip. Mandalay assets attractive to MGM included low-end casinos like Excalibur and Circus Circus to broaden MGM's "high roller" appeal; the Mandalay Bay Convention Center , which would allow MGM to compete directly with
3570-557: The Primm Valley Resorts were sold for $ 400 million, and the Nevada Landing Hotel and Casino was closed. On April 19, 2007 the company announced that it planned to purchase a 7.6-acre (31,000 m ) site from Concord Wilshire Partners for $ 130 million and a 25.8-acre (104,000 m ) site from Gordon Gaming for $ 444 million. The two parcels give the company complete control of the southwest corner of
3675-787: The San Antonio Stars of the Women's National Basketball Association . The team was moved to Mandalay Bay Events Center and began play as the Las Vegas Aces in 2018. In August 2018, MGM and Hyatt sold the Grand Victoria Casino to Eldorado Resorts for $ 328 million. In January 2019, MGM bought Yonkers Raceway and Empire City Casino in New York from the Rooney family for $ 850 million, and then immediately sold
3780-565: The Sands Expo center in the convention market; and at least two prime developable sites on the Strip. The talks went public in June, when MGM announced an offer worth $ 7.65 billion. Mandalay rejected that offer because of a clause allowing MGM to back out if antitrust regulators demanded the sale of any properties. Analysts speculated that another bidder such as Harrah's or Boyd might enter, but none did, and MGM and Mandalay soon agreed on
3885-548: The 100th anniversary of the tomb's discovery. The Luxor opened with seven restaurants, and a food court was added in 1997. The following year, Gourmet named the Luxor among the top 50 resorts in the U.S., primarily because of its restaurants. Notable eateries around that time included the Luxor Steakhouse, and a French gourmet restaurant known as Isis. Company American Bistro opened in 2007, with Nick Lachey , Paris Hilton and Wilmer Valderrama as investors. Isis
3990-480: The 350-seat Atrium Showroom. Midnight Fantasy , a topless show, debuted there in 1999. It was created and is produced by Anita Mann , and the title has since been shortened to Fantasy . Comedian Carrot Top has shared the Atrium Showroom with Fantasy since 2005, when he signed on for what was originally a three-year residency. He is contracted to continue performing at the resort until 2030. The Luxor
4095-690: The 900-seat Pharoah's Dinner Theater. It hosted The Winds of the Gods , a show centered on a plot to overtake the Egyptian throne. It included chariot races , belly dancers, and a trained elephant. The theater later hosted an ice production known as Le Ice Show . The venue closed in December 1995, making way for convention space. A 1,200-seat venue was subsequently added. Known as the Luxor Theater, it has since been expanded to 1,500 seats. A production show, titled Imagine, A Theatrical Odyssey , opened in
4200-748: The Beau Rivage. In June 2010, MGM Mirage changed its name to "MGM Resorts International", to emphasize the brand's global scope and increased non-gaming strategy. In May 2011 an initial public offering was held for the MGM Macau property through a new holding company, MGM China. MGM retained a 51 percent interest in the company, with Pansy Ho holding a 29 percent stake, and 20 percent sold to public investors for $ 1.5 billion. In January 2013, MGM China received government approval to build its second resort in Macau. In 2013, MGM won state licenses to build
4305-551: The Borgata. At about the same time, New Jersey gambling regulators were evaluating MGM Mirage's suitability to operate casinos in New Jersey, and were unconvinced that MGM Mirage's Macau partner, Pansy Ho, could operate independently from influence of her father, Stanley Ho. The latter was often accused of ties with Chinese organized crime and letting the gangs operate in his casinos' VIP rooms. Faced with not complying with New Jersey gaming regulations, MGM Mirage decided to divest
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4410-708: The Chinese island of Hainan was announced in August 1994, but came to nothing. In Darwin, Australia , a lucrative market attracting high rollers from Pacific Rim countries, the company considered building a hotel, but instead bought the Diamond Beach Hotel and Casino , renaming it as the MGM Grand Darwin. MGM announced plans for an Atlantic City casino in July 1996. In Michigan, where voters approved casinos in November 1996, MGM made plans for
4515-697: The Gokongwei-led JG Summit Holdings conglomerate opened the Nustar Resort and Casino integrated resort in Kawit Island of the South Road Properties reclamation area of Cebu City . Cinnamon Life Colombo is Sri Lanka's first integrated resort. The resort is consists of an 800 room hotel, 47-storeyed resident tower and convention center with 5,000 seating capacity. Integrated resorts are common on
4620-714: The Integrated Casino Resorts Cyprus Consortium, is the first integrated resort in Cyprus, and all of Europe. It was expected to launch in 2021, and is currently open. On 20 July 2018, the Japanese Diet passed a bill allowing the establishment of casinos in three Japanese cities. Under the Integrated Resort Implementation Law, "the casinos will be embedded in family-friendly resorts, partly in
4725-593: The Le Jardin casino. In the Chicago market, MGM agreed to pay $ 600 million to buy the unfinished Emerald Casino in Rosemont, Illinois , whose investors had been accused of ties to organized crime. The deal was rejected, however, by state gaming regulators, and MGM then backed off its effort, saying that Illinois's casino tax was too high. In Macau, where Stanley Ho 's 40-year government-granted monopoly on gambling
4830-409: The Luxor debuted a variety show featuring acts from the television program America's Got Talent . Originally titled America's Got Talent Las Vegas Live , the show was a collaboration between MGM, Syco Entertainment , and Fremantle . In 2023, the show was retitled America's Got Talent Presents Superstars Live , and it surpassed 500 performances. Aside from its main theater, the Luxor also includes
4935-406: The Luxor included the 18,000 sq ft (1,700 m) VirtuaLand video game arcade, created by Sega . The arcade later became known as Games of the Gods, before being removed in 2008. The Luxor announced in 2017 that it would close LAX and convert it into an esports facility. Known as Esports Arena and part of an eponymous chain, it opened in March 2018, becoming the first esports venue on
5040-462: The Luxor, named "The Camel's Toe", appeared in the Las Venturas area of the video game Grand Theft Auto: San Andreas (2004). The video game Call of Duty: Ghosts (2013) also features a mission set in Las Vegas, which includes an Egyptian-themed casino inspired by the Luxor. Casino hotel The casino may offer common forms of gambling including slot machines , table games , and sports betting . The hotel, nearby or directly connected to
5145-411: The Luxor. A futuristic, abandoned version of the pyramid is seen in Blade Runner 2049 (2017), along with other famous landmarks in a post-apocalyptic Las Vegas. Will Smith filmed the music video for " Gettin' Jiggy wit It " (1998) in the hotel's lobby and in front of its sphinx. The resort was also featured in the television shows Fear Factor , Criss Angel Mindfreak , and CSI . A replica of
5250-440: The MGM Grand name. A deal was reached for Bally Manufacturing to buy the company; the deal closed in April 1986, and the two casinos were renamed under the Bally's brand. The terms of the sale allowed Kerkorian to retain rights to the MGM Grand name, and plans were announced to offer the stockholders of MGM Grand Hotels shares in a new company that would hold the naming rights. The company now known as MGM Resorts International
5355-603: The MGM Grand, the company acquired an option to buy an 18-acre site across the street from the project. Gary Primm of Primadonna Resorts approached MGM president Bob Maxey in 1994 with an idea for the site: a casino recreating the New York skyline. A joint venture was formed between the two companies, and construction began in March 1995. Completed at a cost of $ 460 million, the New York-New York Hotel and Casino opened in January 1997. With New York-New York under development, MGM Grand made moves to expand in several other markets. An exploratory agreement to develop two casinos on
SECTION 50
#17327809845225460-427: The Marina Bay site. Their bid advanced to the final stage against three competitors, and was seen as the favorite to win. The government awarded the license, however, to Las Vegas Sands , citing its strength in the meetings and conventions sector. In 2007, MGM Mirage disposed of some outlying properties in Southern Nevada. The two Laughlin casinos (the Colorado Belle and Edgewater ) were sold for $ 200 million,
5565-456: The Nevada–California state line, in addition to full control of New York-New York. In February 2000, MGM Grand made an unsolicited offer of $ 17 a share to buy Mirage Resorts , which had floundered due to disappointing results at its new Beau Rivage and Bellagio resorts. Analysts expected a protracted battle, with Mirage founder Steve Wynn seen as unwilling to give up control but under pressure from institutional investors. Mirage rejected
5670-593: The Obelisk", "Luxor Live", and "Theater of Time". Each show took place in its own theater, with the final one projected on a seven-story screen. In 1996, the seven-story screen was repurposed as an IMAX theater showcasing various 3D films, the first Nevada venue to do so. Meanwhile, "In Search of the Obelisk" was successful enough to receive nationwide distribution at other IMAX theaters. A 14,000 sq ft (1,300 m) indoor playground called Play, for children and adults, opened in 2024. It serves as immersive entertainment, providing various activities such as games and
5775-422: The Sahara and Las Vegas Boulevard intersection. When combined with underused parts of the Circus Circus site, the company will have a 68-acre (280,000 m ) site for future development. The Concord site had been the proposed location for the Maxim Casino . On August 22, 2007, Dubai World said it would buy a 9.5 percent stake in MGM for about $ 2.4 billion. It would also invest about $ 2.7 billion to acquire
5880-458: The Strip and only the second one in the Las Vegas Valley . The facility was added in an effort to attract the Millennial demographic. It was renamed HyperX Arena at the end of 2018, through a partnership with HyperX . The multi-level venue measures 30,000 sq ft (2,800 m) and includes a two-story video wall. As of 2023, the HyperX Arena had hosted 700 events and more than 500,000 people since its opening. The Luxor initially included
5985-404: The addition of two 22-story hotel towers, as well as Nevada's first 3D IMAX theater. The Egyptian theme was scaled back as well, including the removal of an indoor Nile River ride. MGM acquired the Luxor in 2005. The company launched a $ 300 million renovation two years later, further scaling back on the Egyptian theme while adding new restaurants and clubs. An esports arena was added in 2018,
6090-442: The adjacent dining and entertainment district, The Park, that opened in April 2016. In August 2016, MGM bought out Boyd Gaming's interest in the Borgata for $ 900 million, and then sold the property to MGP for $ 1.2 billion and leased it back for $ 100 million per year. In 2017, MGM launched two online ventures under the PlayMGM brand: an online sportsbook in Nevada, and an online casino in New Jersey. In October 2017, MGM purchased
6195-491: The body of the sphinx is the resort's porte-cochère . An obelisk stands in front of the sphinx. The hotel includes 4,407 rooms. It originally opened with 2,526 rooms, all of them located in the pyramid. The rooms line the pyramid's interior walls, and walkways outside the rooms overlook the atrium. The interior of the pyramid uses inclined elevators , traveling at a 39-degree angle, to bring guests to their rooms. The structure features eight elevators, with two at each corner of
6300-426: The casino, provides lodging and may include other popular services such as food and beverages, valet parking , a swimming pool , health club , and on-site entertainment. Many casino hotels in popular destinations, operate as resort hotels with additional services such as upscale lodgings, ballrooms, and large conference facilities, in which case they may be called integrated resort . An integrated resort ( IR )
6405-441: The company announced plans for a $ 700-million Hollywood-themed complex, including a 4,000-room hotel and a theme park. The Desert Inn site was initially considered as a location for the project, but within weeks the location was finalized as the Marina Hotel and Casino and the Tropicana Country Club , which MGM Grand acquired for $ 93 million plus $ 30 million in stock. The company put the Desert Inn up for sale to focus efforts on
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#17327809845226510-422: The company filed its annual report stating that "there is substantial doubt about our ability to continue as a going concern," and "it cannot provide assurance that its business would generate sufficient cash flow from operation." Starting on April 6, 2009 news reports surfaced that MGM Mirage had hired investment firm Morgan Stanley to assist the company in finding possible buyers for the MGM Grand Detroit and
6615-535: The company split into two forming MGM Growth Properties , a real estate company, while MGM Resorts shifted to operating properties. Today, MGM Resorts is the largest casino company in the world by revenue, making $ 13.13 billion USD in revenue in 2022. The company's background can be traced to 1969, when airline and casino tycoon Kirk Kerkorian bought a controlling stake in the Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer (MGM) film studio. In 1970 and 1971, Kerkorian struggled with debt from his acquisitions of MGM and Western Airlines , and
6720-434: The first to open on the Strip. The Luxor has hosted various entertainers, including comedian Carrot Top , the Blue Man Group , and magician Criss Angel . The resort was announced by Circus Circus Enterprises on November 14, 1991. Known temporarily as "Project X", the pyramid-shaped resort would be built on the Las Vegas Strip . Groundbreaking took place on April 21, 1992, with the project by then known as "Luxor", after
6825-417: The fountains. The show was meant, but ultimately failed, to rival a popular Strip attraction, the volcano at the Mirage resort . At the end of 1995, the Federal Aviation Administration ordered a shutdown of all laser light shows within 20 miles (32 km) of McCarran International Airport , putting an end to the Karnak Lake attraction. At its opening, the resort also featured the indoor Nile River Tour,
6930-442: The highly profitable Borgata in order to continue pursuing the even more lucrative Chinese market. MGM Mirage subsequently transferred its 50% share in the Borgata to a divestiture trust through which it received all benefit of the ownership. The trust was responsible for selling MGM's interest within 30 months, although MGM had the right to direct the trustee during the first 18 months. On December 16, 2008, MGM Mirage announced
7035-399: The idea because of the alleged involvement of organized crime triads in his casinos. Another possibility emerged when the government allowed the three gaming concessionaires to each sell a sub-concession. In June 2004, MGM formed a joint venture with Pansy Ho , Stanley's daughter, to develop a casino-hotel under a sub-concession from Stanley. Despite initial concerns about whether Pansy Ho
7140-426: The interior changes, the exterior Egypt theme remained in place. The resort added more adult-oriented and modern lounges, restaurants and clubs. The hotel rooms were renovated in 2021. Vici Properties purchased MGM Growth Properties a year later, thereby acquiring numerous Strip properties, including the Luxor. MGM continues to operate the resort. On May 7, 2007, a vehicle exploded in a Luxor parking garage behind
7245-488: The land and buildings to MGP for $ 625 million, and leased them back for $ 50 million per year. In 2019, MGM sold two resorts on the Las Vegas strip: Bellagio and Circus Circus. They sold their real estate assets of Bellagio to Blackstone Group while selling Circus Circus to Phil Ruffin. In 2020, they sold their real estate assets of MGM Grand and Mandalay Bay to a joint venture between Blackstone and MGP. In 2021, MGM bought 50% of Dubai World’s share of CityCenter and sold
7350-446: The land with a moat and a real riverboat casino to traverse it. Egyptologists were hired to create and oversee the Luxor's theme, which was prevalent throughout the resort. The interior included replicas of various Egyptian artifacts, made of fiberglass and plaster. Perini Building Company served as general contractor . The project employed more than 150 contractors and 3,500 construction workers, several of whom died while building
7455-465: The leisure and gaming industry—launching the massive CityCenter mixed-use project, which was at the time of its construction the world's largest construction site and ranks as one of the most expensive real estate projects in history. City Center's development coincided with the global financial crisis , causing more than $ 1 billion in writedowns in its valuation. Billionaire investor Kirk Kerkorian and his Tracinda Corporation were, until 2009,
7560-437: The lights are operating. Because of the heat, the room is serviced by a staff of two workers during the day. Temperatures of 500 °F (260 °C) have been recorded five inches (13 cm) above the pyramid tip. The beam originally measured 42.3 billion candela , and shone seven miles (11 km) high. Since 2008, only half the lamps have been lit as a cost- and energy-saving measure. The resort later surveyed tourists about
7665-490: The majority shareholders of MGM Mirage; Kerkorian was the former owner of the Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer movie studio, from which MGM Grand derived its name. Following a $ 1 billion stock offering by MGM Mirage amidst the global credit crunch, Tracinda's shares were diluted from 53.8 percent to 39 percent. On June 15, 2010, shareholders voted for MGM Mirage to change its name to "MGM Resorts International". In 2015,
7770-566: The most challenging aspect of construction was dealing with Clark County officials, who he felt were overly critical of the resort due to its pyramid shape. He claimed county regulations, including improved fire precautions, added unnecessary costs to construction. The Luxor hosted a pre-opening event for hundreds of invited guests on the night of October 14, 1993. It opened to the public the following day at 4 a.m., welcoming thousands of people. It would compete against two other upcoming resorts, MGM Grand and Treasure Island . All three resorts had
7875-595: The new project, but found no outside bidders, and agreed to sell it to Tracinda for $ 130 million. Construction on the MGM Grand Las Vegas and the MGM Grand Adventures theme park began in October 1991, and the property opened in December 1993 at a final cost of $ 1 billion. The park permanently closed in 2002 due to a lack of interest. The company moved its headquarters from Beverly Hills to Las Vegas in July 1992. During construction of
7980-697: The offer, but Wynn met with Kerkorian the next day and named a price of $ 21 a share. The companies agreed on the higher price, for a total of $ 4.4 billion plus $ 2 billion in assumed debt. The merger closed in May 2000, giving MGM ownership of the Mirage , Treasure Island , Bellagio, Boardwalk , and Golden Nugget casinos in Las Vegas, the Golden Nugget in Laughlin, and the Beau Rivage in Mississippi, and
8085-412: The possibility of parole. One of the men escaped prison in 2022, and was apprehended nearly a week later. The Luxor is at the southern end of the Strip, and is located between two other resorts developed by Circus Circus Enterprises: Excalibur to the north (opened in 1990) and Mandalay Bay to the south (opened in 1999). The Mandalay Bay Tram travels between the three properties. The Luxor's pyramid
8190-469: The possibility of turning off the beam completely, an idea that was largely rejected. Aside from the sky beam, the pyramid would blend in with the darkness of nightfall, as it initially lacked any other exterior lighting. In 1997, Bee Construction fitted the four outer edges of the pyramid with computer-guided strobe lighting. Four years had been spent researching and developing the $ 1 million project, and another two months were spent installing it. The project
8295-504: The properties to Tsogo Sun in November 2001. Since the initiation of New York-New York, analysts had speculated that MGM Grand or Primadonna would buy out the other's interest in the project. Instead of making such a cash-intensive purchase, however, MGM agreed to buy Primadonna outright for $ 276 million in stock plus $ 336 million in assumed debt. The merger closed in March 1999, giving MGM ownership of three casinos and two golf courses at
8400-412: The pyramid features a light beam, which shines into the night sky and is the most powerful man-made light in the world. The Luxor was developed by Circus Circus Enterprises at a cost of $ 375 million. Construction began on April 21, 1992, and the resort opened on October 15, 1993, with 2,526 rooms. A renovation and expansion project, costing $ 300 million, took place from 1996 to 1997. The project included
8505-501: The pyramid. The two additional hotel towers added in 1996 are located just north of the pyramid. The ziggurat -shaped towers, designed by Klai Juba Architects, are 22 stories and added nearly 2,000 additional rooms. The exterior of the hotel structures, including the pyramid, is made up of black glass panels. The Luxor includes a 65,214 sq ft (6,058.6 m) casino. Upon opening, it featured 2,500 slot machines, many of them Egyptian-themed. The casino also included 82 table games,
8610-695: The real estate assets of Aria and Vdara to Blackstone and later purchased the operating assets of Cosmopolitan of Las Vegas and later sold the Mirage to Hard Rock International . Also in 2021, MGM would sell the Las Vegas Aces to Mark Davis , owner of the Las Vegas Raiders . In August 2020, MGM cut 18,000 job positions as a result of the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic . The job cuts represent one fourth of its workforce, which before
8715-449: The resort, due to a homemade pipe bomb which left one man dead. Local authorities believed that the victim, a 24-year-old employee at Nathan's Famous hot dog restaurant in the Luxor food court, was the intended target. The resort was not evacuated, operations continued uninterrupted, and the parking structure as well as the casino were undamaged. Two men were found guilty of the bombing, and in 2010 were sentenced to life imprisonment without
8820-455: The resort. Waltek, a Cincinnati-based company, provided the metal-and-glass exterior for the pyramid. Standing 30 stories high, it was one of the largest metal-and-glass projects ever. The pyramid was topped off on July 9, 1993. The Luxor cost $ 375 million to build. The resort was financed using internal cash flow from other Circus Circus properties and did not include any outside financial investors. Circus Circus chairman William Bennett said
8925-484: The sale of its Las Vegas Treasure Island resort and casino to billionaire Phil Ruffin . The sale was completed on March 20, 2009 for $ 600 million in cash plus a $ 175 million promissory note. On March 23, 2009 Dubai World and Infinity World announced that they had filed a lawsuit in the Delaware Chancery Court seeking to be released from their CityCenter joint venture agreement with MGM Mirage after
9030-649: The start of the pandemic was 68,000. MGM lobbied the Trump administration against giving federal approval for a casino operated by two native tribes in East Windsor, Connecticut. The casino would have provided competition to a MGM casino across the border in Massachusetts. In July 2023, MGM Resorts announced an agreement with Marriott International to bring its 17 properties within Marriott's global reservations system and its Bonvoy loyalty program, creating
9135-719: The term has been adopted by the hospitality industry for global use. In August 2018, the Queensland government was set to invite investors to register their interest in developing an Integrated Resort Development in the Gold Coast. This comes after a proposed development on the Gold Coast Spit ended on 1 August 2017. In June 2021, the Integrated Resort Development Act 1987 was updated. The City of Dreams Mediterranean , developed by
9240-488: The two hotel-casinos accounted for most of MGM's income, and the company announced a plan to split itself in two. The next year, the film studio was spun off as a new company, while the original company, renamed as MGM Grand Hotels Inc., retained the two hotel-casinos. Kerkorian held a 47 percent stake in both companies. In 1985, Kerkorian began seeking a buyer for MGM Grand Hotels, to allow him to concentrate on running United Artists and on developing new properties under
9345-553: The venue in 1997. The show closed at the end of 1999, with the Blue Man Group taking over the theater. They performed at the Luxor until 2005. After a decade of playing at other Strip resorts, the Blue Man Group returned to the Luxor in 2015, displacing the dance group Jabbawockeez . The Broadway musical Hairspray opened in February 2006, replacing the Blue Man Group. Like most Broadway-to-Vegas shows, Hairspray
9450-405: The world, using curved mirrors to collect the light from 39 xenon lamps and focus them into one intense, narrow beam. G-Force International Entertainment Corporation was hired to design, build and install the lighting system. Each lamp is 7,000 watts and cost approximately $ 1,200 as of 2001; at full power, the system costs $ 51 an hour to operate, with $ 20 of that going toward electricity. The beam
9555-641: Was a replica of King Tutankhamen 's tomb , as found in the Valley of the Kings . The replica cost approximately $ 360,000. The 12,800 sq ft (1,190 m) museum closed in June 2008, part of the Luxor's efforts to scale back on its Egyptian theming. The replica artifacts were donated to the Las Vegas Natural History Museum , where they are displayed in its "Treasures of Egypt" exhibit, opened in January 2010. The King Tut museum
9660-459: Was accompanied by an outdoor sound system, allowing for synchronized light-and-sound shows. The Luxor sued Bee in 2003, alleging that the lighting system contained design and construction flaws which resulted in frequent power shutdowns. The suit further alleged that Bee had failed to honor contracts to repair or replace the system components. New LED lighting was added along the pyramid's exterior edges in 2019. The lights are programmable and feature
9765-429: Was activated on the night of October 14, 1993, and has operated reliably since then. On a clear night, it is visible up to 275 miles (443 km) away by aircraft at cruising altitude, such as over Los Angeles. Moths are also attracted to the light, which in turn attracts bats and owls. The lamp room, located about 50 feet (15 m) below the top of the building, can reach temperatures of 300 °F (150 °C) while
9870-412: Was also replaced that year by CatHouse, a nightclub and restaurant with Kerry Simon as chef. It was modeled after a 1940s bordello . The restaurant portion closed in 2010, followed by the nightclub two years later. Other notable restaurants have included Tender, specializing in steaks and seafood. Ra, a bar and nightclub, opened in December 1997. It was named after the Egyptian god of the sun, Ra . It
9975-546: Was coming to an end, MGM submitted a bid for one of three available gaming concessions, but it was not selected, losing out to Ho, Las Vegas Sands , and Wynn Resorts . MGM made moves into the United Kingdom market after a 2001 government report called for loosening of the country's gambling regulations. It opened an online casino, playmgmmirage.com, licensed in the Isle of Man , a British dependency, and it applied for
10080-507: Was forced to sell a majority of his casino company, International Leisure, to Hilton Hotels at a steep discount. When the Las Vegas Hilton , the casino he had built, subsequently became the most successful hotel in Las Vegas, Kerkorian was inspired to lead the studio into the gambling industry. It opened the original MGM Grand Hotel and Casino (now Horseshoe Las Vegas) in 1973. The MGM Grand Reno followed in 1978. By 1979,
10185-463: Was formed in 1986 as Grand Name Co. as a subsidiary of Kerkorian's Tracinda Corporation . It was renamed in 1987 as MGM Grand, Inc. The company's first venture was MGM Grand Air , a luxury airline offering service between New York and Los Angeles, which launched in September 1987. The company also made an offer to take over financially struggling Pan American World Airways , but this offer
10290-417: Was launched in January 1996, and was mostly finished a year later. The changes included two additional hotel towers. The casino interior, which was redesigned, had initially included sections dedicated to space travel and the skyline of New York City, both of which were removed. The Egyptian theme was also scaled back. The changes improved revenue, and the Luxor was a consistently profitable resort as of 2003. It
10395-548: Was rejected by Pan Am's board in November 1987. In August 1987, MGM Grand bid $ 152 million for the bankrupt Dunes Hotel in Las Vegas, but was beat out by Japanese billionaire Masao Nangaku . Instead, the company acquired the Desert Inn and Sands casinos in February 1988 from Summa Corporation for $ 167 million. The Sands was sold to Sheldon Adelson 's Interface Group for $ 110 million in April 1989. In September 1989,
10500-616: Was replaced by Titanic: The Artifact Exhibition, featuring various items from the Titanic , including The Big Piece . It opened later in 2008, along with Bodies: The Exhibition ; both had previously been on display at the nearby Tropicana resort. Moving them to the Luxor required the removal of the IMAX theater and a game arcade. An 8,000 sq ft (740 m) sports memorabilia exhibit, known as "Score!", opened in 2012. Another exhibit, Discovering King Tut's Tomb, opened in 2022, marking
10605-464: Was reported four years later that more people visited the resort than the actual city of Luxor. Circus Circus Enterprises was renamed Mandalay Resort Group in 1999, and was acquired by MGM Mirage (later MGM Resorts International) in 2005. Two years after the acquisition, MGM announced plans for a $ 300 million renovation of the Luxor that would remove much of the Egyptian theme. Luxor president and chief operating officer Felix Rappaport said, "We're not
10710-496: Was shortened from its original version for a new runtime of 90 minutes. The show experienced poor ticket sales and closed four months later. Magician Criss Angel partnered with Cirque du Soleil to open a show at the Luxor, titled Believe . It debuted in 2008, and was the first Cirque show to feature an individual star. The show initially received criticism, prompting Cirque to give Angel more creative control and fine-tune it. Believe ran until 2016, when Angel and Cirque debuted
10815-556: Was subject to her father's influence, the Nevada Gaming Commission eventually approved the partnership. Construction of the MGM Grand Macau began in June 2005. The property opened in December 2007, completed at a cost of $ 1.25 billion. In 2004, MGM solidified its plans for the Boardwalk site on the Strip, announcing Project CityCenter , an $ 8-billion high-density project including hotels, condominiums,
10920-448: Was subsequently turned into the LAX nightclub, which opened in 2007 with a party hosted by Britney Spears . The two-level venue measured 26,000 sq ft (2,400 m). LAX was popular among celebrities, and included Christina Aguilera and DJ AM as investors. The club proved to be successful, outlasting its original Los Angeles counterpart, before closing in 2017. Upon its opening,
11025-488: Was surpassed just two months later when Harrah's Entertainment acquired Caesars Entertainment in a deal that had been spurred on by news of the MGM-Mandalay merger. Despite MGM's initial failure to win a gaming concession in Macau, the company had remained interested in the burgeoning gaming market. Rumors of a possible partnership with Stanley Ho were reported in 2003, but Nevada gaming regulators informally vetoed
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