Fixing Up Vegas · EDGe Vegas

Recently your host, Mr. Eastcoastgambler (Hi), has been bringing you youtube videos of past Vegas implosions. Now that the economy has soured, Vegas isn’t destroying old properties to build new ones but instead is investing money to improve already existing resorts. Yesterday, the trend continued with the announcement that Golden Gate would be adding 19 new rooms and expanding its casino floor. So what other properties need a fixer upper?

Bills Gamblin Hall and Saloon – This place is so in need of some life, that Caesars won’t even let it be part of Total Rewards. As the Barbary Coast, it was unique, boutique and known for great service. Since being taken over by Caesars, it has fallen into disrepair. The service has majorly declined and upkeep has been minimal. The doors even still have the BC initials from the Barbary Coast. There is a lot to like about the interior of Bills, but it needs a lot of work to become relevant again (and a new name wouldn’t hurt either).

Binions – Binions is basically a Las Vegas landmark. Historically, it is known as being the place where Benny Binion would take any bet offered and even would display a million dollars in cash for people to take photos with. Caesars may have stolen (ED: They paid for the name, that’s not stealing) the Horseshoe brand, but that doesn’t mean that Binions should go away. With the Plaza, El Cortez, and Golden Gate getting upgrades, Binions should be next in line to continue the trend.

Excalibur – This place needs so much work I don’t even know where to start. The theme is a killer, as it is distinctly built to be a family oriented place. Since Vegas has moved out of that trend, the theme hinders more than it helps. A fresh coat of paint to bring down the ‘Camelot’ and re-theming the place into a good vs evil knight thing could be a start. However, Excalibur would need a remodel along the lines of the Tropicana to have any chance at relevancy.

Pioneer Club – This is my dark horse candidate. Pioneer Club has one of Vegas’s most iconic signs, Vegas Vic, and yet is no longer even a casino. How sad is it that Vegas Vic now advertises for a gift shop and an ABC store? I would love to see someone buy this place and return it to its former glory and give Vegas Vic the property he so rightly deserves.