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Casino operators in Las Vegas discuss and showcase their establishments before the Gaming Control Board
Las Vegas Casino Execs Bullish on Future
The Fontainebleau, Virgin Hotels, and Venetian Shine in 2025 and Beyond
Three Las Vegas casino honchos are exuding optimism for the rest of 2025 and beyond. Chad Konrad (Virgin Hotels), Daniel Ruiz (Venetian), and Maurice Wooden (Fontainebleau) are set to receive their Nevada Gaming Commission licenses at the May 22 meeting. The trio was given the thumbs-up by the Nevada Gaming Control Board last Wednesday.
Daniel Ruiz, a former Caesars Entertainment executive, now oversees gaming operations and marketing at the Venetian since taking the reins in July '23. Ruiz shared that the resort is undergoing a multi-year transformation, investing over $1.5 billion, and the transformation has been a resounding success.
"We've been cautious about the summer, but we're excited for the years ahead. We have great restaurant openings and new suites on the horizon," said Ruiz, adding that they've been successful under Apollo Global Management's ownership since 2022.
Chad Konrad, who joined the Virgin Hotels team after managing the Mohegan Sun Tribe's gaming operations, found things in good shape. Since taking over management from the tribe in March, he's been in the process of rebranding from Mohegan and renegotiating union agreements. Konrad highlighted repairing the relationship with the Culinary Union as a significant milestone.
The very existence of a pool area is a marked departure from the famous Rehab dayclub that previously ruled the site from 2004 to 2018. Konrad shared that the guide won't steer towards such a money-losing venture at this stage, focusing instead on 21-and-older and resort pools that meet customer expectations.
On attending the property's sportsbook, customers will find it operated by IGT, while entertainment will be a crucial differentiator for the property. AEG partners with the theater, and a variety of acts have been lined up for regular performances.
As for Fontainebleau, the north Strip grand dame is witnessing ongoing ascension in hotel and restaurant occupancies, as well as growing convention and group business. "We're a different property than we were in 2024," claimed Wooden, who joined the team in January '24. He explained that they've focused on developing an emotional connection with their clientele and emphasizing exceptional service, setting Fontainebleau apart from competitors.
Convention business is flourishing, with a 60% growth in room occupancy, 60-70% growth in food and beverage, and a thriving sales group optimizing convention spaces. The repositioning efforts are evident in the resort's strong performance, as it now outperforms the expected growth in the region.
On licensing Joe Connelly IV, a Mesquite Gaming board member, his simple landscape of CasaBlanca and Virgin River Casino, the board suggested incurring tens of millions in post-acquisition investments, with the potential for even more in the coming year. Hopefully, this move will help boost both properties, especially as a staycation destination, providing ease of access to beautiful national parks, affordability, and unique experiences.
The Vegas trio, including Daniel Ruiz of the Venetian, Chad Konrad from Virgin Hotels, and Maurice Wooden at Fontainebleau, have expressed confidence in the future of casino-and-gambling in Las Vegas, with major developments ongoing at their respective properties. As the Fontainebleau, Virgin Hotels, and Venetian continue to shine in 2025 and beyond, their focus on exceptional service, unique experiences, and strategic investments reaffirms the cities status as a leading casino-and-gambling destination - Las Vegas.
