Las Vegas Casinos: Uncovering the Secret Relics They Won’t Let You See

What closes in Vegas sometimes stays in Vegas, often hiding behind the neon glow of the most modern gaming floors. What closes in Vegas sometimes stays in Vegas, often hiding behind the neon glow of the most modern gaming floors. For many major Las Vegas casinos, it is frequently more cost-effective to seal off and forget old attractions and outdated rooms that have outlived their usefulness instead of committing to a complete teardown and rebuild. This strategic preservation has resulted in numerous architectural relics and forgotten spaces hiding in plain sight across the landscape of the Strip.

Last year, Casino.org explored the “Hidden Relics of Sin City’s Past You Can Still See,” showcasing spots like the remnants of “Star Trek: The Experience” and the Holiday Casino. We also looked at “Secret Relics Vegas Won’t Let You See,” including the old Excalibur dragon and Hunter S. Thompson’s original Mint hotel room.

The Circus Circus Tram

The Circus Circus Sky Shuttle debuted in May 1981 as the Las Vegas Strip’s first automated transit system. This tram traveled 1,300 feet (approximately 400 meters) between the casino entrance and Circus Circus Manor, an 800-room motor lodge built in 1980. Notably, it was designed by VSL Corporation and cost about $5.5 million to construct. The shuttle featured two air-conditioned cars and was entirely automated, although monitored by closed-circuit TV.

In 1986, the shuttle was extended to connect the casino to the newly constructed 1,012-room West Tower, located about 800 feet away. However, the Sky Shuttle’s Manor tram stopped operating in the mid-1990s due to a shift towards modern accommodations and the escalating costs of maintenance and repair. Its track was eventually dismantled, yet the West Tower remained operational until 2004.

Recent drone footage shared by Chris Holmes (@seventensuited) shows one of the tram cars still sitting unused in a dilapidated bay beside the West Tower, a testament to its forgotten glory.

Vintage Imperial Palace Rooms at Linq

When the Imperial Palace underwent a $223 million renovation to become the Quad (now the Linq) from 2012-2013, all of the old Imperial Palace rooms were thought to have been redone. However, recently, an intrepid explorer named Peter P. (@niteryders818) discovered otherwise.

“Using a service elevator, I ended up in a storied section of the Linq,” he narrated in a video. This showed a neglected hallway adorned with peeling wallpaper and rooms sealed from the outside.

One room he explored seemed to have been used for storage but had become filled with miscellaneous items, including old pipes and equipment. Interestingly, some social media users speculated that it contained rooms from the original Flamingo Capri, although this idea was dismissed as the last of those rooms were demolished in 2011.

These forgotten areas of the Imperial Palace, situated above where rainwater was designed to flow through the parking garage by the Flamingo Wash, serve as reminders of the property’s legacy. “The last tower to be built housed these rooms, which were only rented out when others were fully booked,” shared former Imperial Palace president Ed Crispell. He noted that the decision to seal these rooms off was likely due to their inconvenient location rather than any historical significance.

“Lost Vegas” is an ongoing series from Casino.org that sheds light on Las Vegas’ forgotten history. Click here to read other entries in the series, and if you have a hidden story to share, feel free to reach out!

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FanDuel Addresses Comments on Gambler Harassment Amid Rising Sports Betting Trends

• Red Sox’ Giolito highlights the rise of online harassment as sports betting gains popularity
• MLB commissioner Manfred addresses concerns for player safety amidst the gambling boom

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Recently, Boston Red Sox pitcher Lucas Giolito faced disturbing threats directed at him and his girlfriend from frustrated gamblers following a loss which he experienced first-hand. Recently, Boston Red Sox pitcher Lucas Giolito faced disturbing threats directed at him and his girlfriend from frustrated gamblers following a loss which he experienced first-hand. This incident underscores a growing issue in the realm of sports betting.

Personal Experiences with Harassment

Despite an impressive season record (6-2, 3.97 ERA), Giolito has seen diminishing results on the field lately. In a recent appearance on the “Baseball Isn’t Boring” podcast, he conveyed serious concerns about the surge in abusive messages and threats from angry betting fans, which he shared with MLB commissioner Rob Manfred.

Giolito’s Warnings

“It’s getting worse, by the year, by the week, by the day. I asked Rob, is it going to take a player getting assaulted in front of their apartment building by a disgruntled bettor for real action to be taken? The social media apps often don’t take any action.”

He noted that his girlfriend often bears the brunt of online abuse when he performs poorly, and attempts to report these behaviours often yield no consequences for the perpetrators. This online harassment typically comes from anonymous accounts, making accountability difficult.

FanDuel’s Strong Stance

In response to Giolito’s remarks, FanDuel, which is the official sports betting partner of Major League Baseball, issued a statement denouncing all forms of abusive behaviour towards athletes:

“FanDuel condemns in the strongest terms abusive behaviour directed towards athletes; harassing or threatening athletes is unacceptable and has no place in sports.”

FanDuel has recently enacted tougher policies to combat such harassment. For instance, they previously banned a bettor for harassing Olympic gold medalist Gabby Thomas at a track event.

New Policies from FanDuel

FanDuel has solidified its commitment to ensuring athlete safety by implementing clear guidelines: “We may suspend or terminate your account, or exclude you from our services if we determine that you pose a threat to any participant in a sporting event or engage in harassment of any kind.”

Growing Concern Over Online Harassment

The growing prevalence of online harassment is becoming a significant concern for sportsbook operators. As Cory Fox, SVP of Public Policy and Sustainability at FanDuel, explained:

“While many athletes engage with fans on social media, it can also lead to opportunities for unacceptable behaviour.”

Commissioner’s Input

During the recent MLB All-Star Game, commissioner Rob Manfred even acknowledged that he has received numerous reports from players regarding threats they are facing. He stated his commitment to taking these concerns seriously and exploring measures to enhance player safety amid the increasing intersection of gambling and sports.

As sports betting continues to rise in popularity, it is crucial to address the issue of online harassment and establish a safer environment for players. FanDuel’s actions and the attention from Major League Baseball signify vital steps in the right direction amid these complex challenges.

Summary

Lucas Giolito’s experiences with online harassment shed light on a growing issue as sports betting becomes mainstream. Together with FanDuel’s commitment to penalising abusive behaviour and MLB’s focus on player safety, the industry is beginning to confront the dark side of gambling culture and its impact on athlete wellbeing.

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Bally’s Plans $250M Chicago IPO to Fuel Expansion of Premier Casino Resort Destinations

• Updated SEC filing indicates offering could roll out next month
• Previously controversial share sale still being reviewed by SEC
• Race-based requirement has been stripped

As Bally’s prepares for its highly anticipated $250 million initial public offering (IPO) as soon as next month, investors are closely watching how the capital will fuel the company’s ambitious expansion into a premier Chicago casino resort. As Bally’s prepares for its highly anticipated $250 million initial public offering (IPO) as soon as next month, investors are closely watching how the capital will fuel the companys ambitious expansion into a premier Chicago casino resort.

This is provided the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) grants its approval for the share sale. Recent updates from the regional casino operator indicate that it has filed a Form S-1 with the commission regarding the investment opportunity in the Windy City.

According to the filing, Bally’s is targeting to conclude both the IPO and the second tranche of the private placement by early August 2025, assuming there are no further comments from the SEC.

The Rhode Island-based gaming company aims to raise $250 million for its $1.7 billion integrated resort project in Chicago, making it the operator’s most costly project to date. The permanent casino hotel is expected to open in 2026. Currently, Bally’s operates a temporary gaming venue in the Medinah Temple area, with Loop Capital spearheading the Chicago IPO.

Bally’s Putting Chicago IPO Controversy to Rest

Initially, Bally’s had proposed to sell a 25% stake in its first gaming venue within Chicago city limits, targeting minorities and women specifically. This initial plan garnered significant local interest but also sparked discontent due to its racial and gender criteria.

Resolution came as Bally’s and Illinois regulators settled two lawsuits from disgruntled investors claiming that the IPO plan was discriminatory. Consequently, Bally’s scrapped the previous requirements, opening the Chicago IPO to a wider audience of potential investors. This flexibility is likely to reduce legal risks and accelerate the share sale process.

Bally’s Chicago Funding Update

Notable to last year’s developments, Gaming and Leisure Properties (NASDAQ: GLPI) announced a significant $2 billion deal acquiring Bally’s Chicago venue property assets, alongside those of Bally’s Kansas City and Bally’s Shreveport. This transaction played a crucial role in furnishing the necessary capital to progress the Chicago project.

Discussion of the REIT’s financial commitment surfaced during the landlord’s second-quarter financial call. With the budget for Chicago’s casino hotel project confirmed to remain steady, CFO Desiree Burke expressed confidence in the funding allocated for the venture. COO Brandon Moore added that while Bally’s Chicago is classified under the operator’s “unrestricted group,” a recent regulatory filing shows there are clear pathways to incorporate the Chicago property to the parent guarantee and the restricted group.

Key Takeaways

• This Chicago IPO marks a significant opportunity for Bally’s, signalling their growth in an expanding market.
• The removal of race-based investment requirements reflects a trend towards inclusivity and wider investment access.
• Bally’s strategic funding and partnerships are aimed at bolstering their long-term vision for the Chicago casino project.

In summary, Bally’s has set itself on a path towards a significant market entry through its upcoming $250 million IPO, with a strong focus on inclusivity, strategic funding, and addressing previous controversies. This project not only encapsulates a shift in operational strategies but also positions Bally’s for a sustainable future in the competitive gaming market of Chicago.

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