Las Vegas has provided fun and exciting gambling for decades. The same venues offer services year after year, including table games, slots, dining and additional entertainment. It is odd to find a new casino coming into the fray as the industry is already established. That is why everyone is so excited to see the Virgin Las Vegas open later this year. The casino is located at the former Hard Rock casino hotel, which is located off the Strip. As the venue prepares to open, Virgin has provided details on the health and safety plan amidst Covid-19.
The Virgin Las Vegas
Richard Branson, the name behind the Virgin brand, acquired the Hard Rock property in March of 2018. The amount paid for the venue remained undisclosed. This year, the Virgin Las Vegas was preparing to open but it happened at a horrible time as the pandemic struck the US. Even though the pandemic has been an issue, the schedule to see the property completed remains on track.
A press release was issued this week that provided information on the new property. Virgin will be using an app known as Lucy that will provide guests with a touch-free experience. With the app, players can lock and unlock the doors to their guest room as well as control the temperature of the rooms, the lighting as well as televisions. The app can even be used to order room service.
The hotel of the Virgin Las Vegas will have 1,505 chambers and suites. The Curio Collection by Hilton will provide the design and brand behind the hotel.
Because of the pandemic, domestic and international travel was suspended which led to a slowdown in supply chains. However, Nevada Governor Steve Sisolak felt the construction was an essential business. He allowed work off the Strip to continue even as businesses were shut down.
With this ruling, the Virgin Las Vegas remains on pace to open in 2020. The operator plans to announce an official opening date before the month is over. According to part owner Richard ‘Boz’ Bosworth, the operations team is expected to be given the keys to the property by November. Yet due to the pandemic, the opening date is being carefully evaluated.
Casino Floor Details
The Virgin Las Vegas is coming together thanks to several companies. One such company is Mohegan Gaming & Entertainment. The Mohegan Tribe of Connecticut owns this entity. For the Virgin, the company will operate the casino floor. The space will be 60,000 square feet in size, and it marks the first time that a Native American tribe has operated a casino in Las Vegas.
The tribe certainly knows what they are doing. They own as well as operate casinos in Connecticut as well as New Jersey, Washington, Pennsylvania and Louisiana. They also have a venue in Canada and are planning a resort for South Korea.
We will stay tuned to any updates on the casino and report on opening day as well as other details as they are made public.
