Top 10 casino openings and expansions for spring 2022
It is great to see casinos across the country be active without capacity limits and mask mandates to show signs of life as it was before COVID-19. Casinos and resorts throughout the U.S. are still unveiling new additions and renovations and today, we take a look at 10 new places to check out since our last edition in January.
10. Paris Las Vegas opens new restaurant
Earlier this month, restaurateur, television star and philanthropist Lisa Vanderpump and husband Ken Todd opened their 36th establishment and second Las Vegas venue, Vanderpump à Paris, at Paris Las Vegas.
Similar to Vanderpump’s other locations, the cocktail menu features unique offerings. Guests can enjoy carefully crafted cocktails presented in playful ways including the Tickle Your Fancy, a lightly-spiced white peach and pink peppercorn margarita, and the Riviera Rules, a play on a traditional cucumber martini but with basil, mint and a subtle lavender water rinse.
The wine list also reflects France, with a vast variety of selections, as well as the Vanderpump family’s signature branded Rosé, Chardonnay and Cabernet.
The food menu features reimagined Parisian classics including light bites such as Ratatouille Frites, a colorful mix of spiralized and fried vegetables.
“The opening of Vanderpump à Paris marks the beginning of a new chapter for Paris Las Vegas,” said Jason Gregorec, SVP and General Manager of Paris Las Vegas.
Vanderpump à Paris is now open!??
— Paris Las Vegas (@ParisVegas) March 18, 2022
The restaurant and lounge is a labor of love designed by @LisaVanderpump and @nickalainhome featuring delectable dishes and unique cocktails served in a lush, stunningly visual atmosphere. For all the details https://t.co/DS9WMZYDKg pic.twitter.com/kqz7LxlZzL
9. New meeting and convention at Circa Resort and Casino
Circa Resort & Casino, downtown Las Vegas’s first new resort in four decades, will debut 35,000 square feet of meeting and convention space this September.
Available to book immediately, the new venue will offer groups audio and visual capabilities, and customizable spaces for groups of up to 1,000 guests.
Circa’s meeting and convention offerings will feature a ballroom, breakout rooms and banquet space, adjacent pre-function space and a robust 1,600-square-foot outdoor terrace.
“As meetings and conventions make their grand return to Las Vegas, we’re excited to introduce our stunning new event spaces to meet this moment,” said Derek Stevens, CEO of Circa.
Circa’s next phase:
— Circa Las Vegas (@CircaLasVegas) March 29, 2022
Planners seeking an upscale & lively Vegas experience can look forward to 35,000 sq.ft of meeting/convention space this Sep. ??
Thank you for giving this space a pulse when it functioned as a sports-viewing warehouse. We’re excited for the next chapter! pic.twitter.com/pMnCp5bn5k
8. Walk-On's Sports Bistreaux opens at Harrah's Las Vegas
Walk-On's Sports Bistreaux – a sports restaurant with an underdog culture, Louisiana-inspired menu, and family-friendly atmosphere – opened its doors at Harrah's Las Vegas Casino & Hotel on 28 March.
The restaurant brings its Louisiana flavor to the Strip with made-from-scratch dishes including Crawfish Etouffee, Duck & Andouille Gumbo and Krispy Kreme Donut Bread Pudding, game-day classics such as burgers and everyday favorites like salads, wraps and more.
As the first Walk-On's to feature a full breakfast menu, the Las Vegas location will offer new menu items such as a French Toast Bacon Double Cheeseburger and Chicken & Waffles, in addition to staple dishes like Biscuits & Gravy, Beignets and popular signature cocktails including the Mad Mary.
7. DraftKings sportsbook opens at Hollywood Casino Baton Rouge
CQ Holding Company and DraftKings announced the opening of a temporary DraftKings Sportsbook location at Hollywood Casino - Baton Rouge.
The temporary DraftKings Sportsbook at Hollywood Casino Baton Rouge will offer bettors ages 21 and over an in-person sports betting experience, including 20 self-service kiosks and three over-the-counter sports betting ticket cages.
Construction on a permanent DraftKings Sportsbook located inside of the Hollywood Casino Baton Rouge is currently underway.
“We’re excited to expand our DraftKings footprint in Louisiana, showcasing our commitment to the region with the opening of our second retail sportsbook space,” said Michael Kibort, senior director of retail sportsbooks at DraftKings. “Through our collaboration with CQ Holding Company, Inc. and Hollywood Casino, we look forward to revolutionizing the sports betting experience while providing sports fans with an outstanding entertainment facility in Baton Rouge.”
6. Gold Strike Casino Resort unveils new spa
Located on the 17th floor of Gold Strike Casino Resort’s 1,100-room hotel tower, the new serene retreat specializes in relaxation, rejuvenation and renewal while offering river views from every window.
The 3,000-square-foot facility at the MGM International Resorts property in Tunica, Mississippi features five treatment rooms including a couples’ massage room offering dual massages for couples or friends. Professional massage therapists employ the latest techniques and guests may choose from the spa menu or develop a customized massage tailored to their needs. The Gold Strike Spa offers a variety of massages and enhancements for a pampered and tailored experience, including:
- Athlete Massage – Enjoy rehab for the body and soul as this treatment uses the healing effects of therapeutic massage techniques designed to increase range of motion and recovery of overworked muscles. 50 MIN/$120
- Custom Massage – Consult with your therapist to create a customized massage session to address your specific needs utilizing a variety of massage techniques designed specifically for you. 50 MIN/$110
5. Resorts Casino Hotel announces major pool renovation
Resorts Casino Hotel in Atlantic City announced construction has begun on the rooftop indoor/outdoor pool that will transform the space into a re-imagined year-round amenity. With renovation currently underway, an anticipated completion date is set for late June.
Once completed, guests will be able to enjoy an upgraded pool experience all year long that will feature custom tile work, lounge areas, a fully retractable roof and enhanced private party and event opportunities.
The pool deck will also be upgraded to include new luxury furniture including chaise lounges, tables and umbrellas, a new sound system, televisions, and a full bar.
Our rooftop pool renovation is well underway! ??
— Resorts Casino Hotel (@ResortsCasino) March 11, 2022
We can’t wait to unveil this new area, complete with a fully retractable glass pool enclosure for year-round swimming, new ceramic tile on the pool deck, luxury chaise lounges, a new sound system, televisions, full bar and more! pic.twitter.com/iq4BIbDFfG
4. 360-degree rotating bar arrives at Bally's Atlantic City
On Memorial Day Weekend, not only can you take a spin on Bally’s new slots, but you can also revolve 360-degrees while sipping a signature cocktail at Bally’s Atlantic City’s new Carousel Bar.
With 360-degree views of the casino and adjacent areas, it is the first venue of its kind in Atlantic City. Guests can enjoy modern, craft cocktails with the spirit of Atlantic City flavors at their core such as Saltwater Taffy, Cotton Candy, caramel popcorn and more.
The new bar will be open seven days a week and will complete 2.5-5 revolutions every hour.
3. Foxwoods Resort Casino opens new sushi bar and VIP Lounge
Last month, Foxwoods Resort Casino in Connecticut celebrated its 30th anniversary and had some big announcements with it.
These new plans include the opening of a Sushi By Bou restaurant and sushi suite, the re-opening of Wingstop, a new VIP Players Lounge located in the former Veranda Café, CardVault, a retail experience for sports cards and collectibles, and an expansive employee only food court.
Sushi By Bou delights guests with a uniquely designed dining space on the concourse, as well as offer a private sushi dining experience with its Sushi Suite, a luxe addition slated for a completely reimagined hotel suite in the Great Cedar Hotel.
The Veranda Café will be transformed into a brand-new exclusive VIP Players Lounge. Eligible guests will experience a completely reimagined space with over 225 seats, a new buffet line with a variety of offerings and a 15-seat bar.
CardVault will feature a massive walk-in steel vault, housing some of the most sought-after cards displayed in expansive see-through cases. Fans will be able to buy, trade and sell cards from various sports leagues, including the NFL, MLB, NHL, as well as purchase premium sports collectibles and unique artwork.
Just wing it! ?? @wingstop is now open Monday - Sunday! Stop by the Great Cedar Food Court for a flavor experience! #FoxwoodsFoodie pic.twitter.com/BWqRFGHOuj
— Foxwoods Resort Casino (@FoxwoodsCT) March 26, 2022
2. FanDuel Sportsbook opens at Suquamish Clearwater Casino Resort
On 4 February, FanDuel and Port Madison Enterprises announced the grand opening of the FanDuel Sportsbook at Suquamish Clearwater Casino Resort in Suquamish, Washington. The new 2,086 square-foot sportsbook features three live betting windows and 12 IGT PlaySports self-service betting kiosks.
Former Seattle Seahawk greats Steve Largent and Jim Zorn teamed up once again to open the brand-new FanDuel Sportsbook and took part in a ribbon cutting ceremony. Largent cashed in on his ceremonial first bet, a $20 wager (-198) on the Los Angeles Rams to win the Super Bowl, while Zorn lost his $20 wager (+166) on the Cincinnati Bengals.
Washington marks the 14th state where FanDuel offers retail sportsbook locations joining Arizona, Connecticut, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Louisiana, Maryland, Michigan, Mississippi, New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania, and West Virginia.
It's a great day, Washington! ??
— FanDuel Sportsbook (@FDSportsbook) February 5, 2022
We are officially OPEN for retail sports betting at @Clearwaterisfun ??
Steve Largent and @JimZorn10 joined us to celebrate the grand opening ?? pic.twitter.com/nxywWvCEyn
1. Oak View Group to develop new Las Vegas casino hotel
Oak View Group announced on Wednesday its vision to build a new entertainment district, including an arena on the south end of the Las Vegas Strip. Groundbreaking and construction for the estimated $3 billion point of destination entertainment district and arena are scheduled for 2023.
The 25-acre area will feature an 850,000 square-foot arena, casino, hotel, and an additional entertainment venue amphitheater. Featuring roughly 20,000 seats and modern amenities that will include suites, premium hospitality clubs, the arena will host live events including concerts, sporting events, family entertainment, as well as conventions, large meetings, international events, as well as award shows and exhibitions.
"South of the Las Vegas strip represents one of the few areas of potential future growth of the gaming and entertainment corridor," said Tim Leiweke, CEO of Oak View Group. "This unprecedented project is an industry game-changer, and we will usher in the evolution of Las Vegas as the new entertainment AND sports capital of the world. As the largest arena developer in the world, we look forward to driving good paying job creation to Clark County as well as creating the most innovative and environmentally sustainable live entertainment point of destination in the world."
Veteran sports industry executive and former president of the NFL's Las Vegas Raiders, Marc Badain, has partnered with OVG to spearhead and consult on the new project along with the president of business development, Francesca Bodie, who will oversee business transactions and operations.
Oak View Group is headed to Las Vegas!
— OVG (@oakviewgroup) March 30, 2022
Today, OVG announced our newest development, a multi-purpose Retail & Entertainment district south of the Las Vegas strip that will include a 20,000-seat Arena, Casino, Hotel, and additional entertainment amphitheater. pic.twitter.com/dT3VSsPyP0