I. Introduction
Las Vegas is one of the most popular tourist destinations in the world, attracting millions of visitors each year. The city is known for its bright lights, world-class entertainment, and, of course, its casinos. While there are plenty of casino resorts already established in Las Vegas, a wave of new casinos is set to open soon. In this article, we will explore the newest casinos and resorts, their features and attractions, design and appeal, and their impact on the city’s economy and tourism industry.
II. Overview of New Casinos and Resorts
Las Vegas has always been a city that is constantly evolving. In recent years, this has been especially true for the casino industry. Here are some of the newest casinos and resorts coming to Las Vegas in 2021 and beyond:
- Resorts World Las Vegas: This resort is set to open its doors in summer 2021 and is located on the north end of the Las Vegas Strip. It boasts 3,500 hotel rooms, a 5,000-seat theater, a 220,000 square foot pool complex, and a 117,000 square foot casino floor.
- Drew Las Vegas: Previously known as the Fontainebleau, this resort is expected to open in 2022 after several years of delays. The Drew will feature more than 3,700 hotel rooms, a casino, a nightclub, and a 500,000 square foot convention center.
- Circa Resort and Casino: This new property opened in October 2020 and is located downtown. It features 777 hotel rooms, a three-story sportsbook, six bars, and a 1,000 seat rooftop amphitheater.
- Virgin Hotels Las Vegas: Set to open in early 2021, Virgin Hotels Las Vegas is located on the site of the former Hard Rock Hotel & Casino. The resort will feature 1,500 rooms, a 60,000 square foot casino, and a 4,500 seat theater.
- The Drew Las Vegas: The newest addition to the Strip is set to open in 2023. This resort will offer more than 4,000 rooms, a casino, a conference center, and a rooftop bar.
III. Anticipated Features and Attractions
Each of the new casinos in Las Vegas will offer a unique set of features and attractions. Here we take a closer look at what guests can expect:
- Resorts World Las Vegas: This complex will feature a wide range of amenities, including an Asian restaurant called Famous Foods Street Eats, a massive pool complex that features a 1,800 square foot infinity pool and private cabanas, and a 5.5-acre garden with sculptures and other art installations.
- Drew Las Vegas: Guests at The Drew will enjoy top-notch amenities like in-room iPads and Amazon Echo Dots, a rooftop bar, and a 75,000 square foot casino floor.
- Circa Resort and Casino: This resort features many amenities, including a world-class sportsbook, a 165-foot television screen, a massive pool complex with a 14-million pixel screen, and a two-story casino.
- Virgin Hotels Las Vegas: This resort will offer guests a beach club, a club lounge, and a bar that serves both craft cocktails and coffee. Virgin Hotels Las Vegas is also renovating the iconic Hard Rock Hotel guitar sign, which will be reinstalled and illuminated alongside additional neon letters spelling out the resort’s new name.
- The Drew Las Vegas: While specific details haven’t been released about the features at The Drew, it’s expected to be a luxury resort with high-end amenities and a focus on art and design.
IV. Comparative Analysis of Design and Appeal Strategies
Design and appeal are critical factors in the success of any Las Vegas casino or resort. Here we compare and contrast the different design and appeal strategies of the new casinos set to open in Las Vegas:
- Resorts World Las Vegas: This casino’s design focuses on avant-garde architecture and cutting-edge technology to immerse guests in a futuristic experience. Resorts World also features a massive LED facade and a seemingly endless array of dining and entertainment options in its casino and public areas.
- Drew Las Vegas: The Drew will feature a modern and sleek design inspired by the desert landscape. The resort also plans to emphasize art and culture, with several art installations throughout the property. The Drew has also partnered with top-rated Jinsei Spa for offering a range of luxurious health & wellness treatments for the guest.
- Circa Resort and Casino: This property’s design is a nod to Las Vegas’s golden years, specifically the Rat Pack era of the 1950s and ’60s. It aims to blend retro and modern for an overall stylish look and feel. With its three-story sportsbook, the property provides an unparalleled adrenalin spike for any sports lovers.
- Virgin Hotels Las Vegas: This resort’s design carries the Virgin brand’s signature style with a unique twist. The hotel is designed to feel like a luxurious desert oasis and combines the brand’s signature red with earthy, natural desert tones. The property also boasts many nightlife options for visitors.
- The Drew Las Vegas: While information on the property’s design is still limited, insiders have stated that the goal is to create a visually intriguing and unique resort that’s also comfortable and inviting. The Drew’s rooftop pool is rumored to be an attraction feature for the property.
V. Impact on Existing Casino Landscape and Economy
The opening of new casinos in Las Vegas can have a significant impact on the city’s existing casino landscape. Here we examine potential economic benefits and challenges of increased competition in the Vegas casino market:
- Increased tourism: New casinos can increase visitor traffic to Las Vegas, as they create additional options and attract new audiences.
- Increased competition: As new casinos open, they may draw attention and resources away from existing casinos. This could impact the bottom lines of existing casinos.
- Job growth and tax revenue: New casinos bring new jobs to Las Vegas. Additionally, they can generate significant tax revenue for the city because of their profitability.
- Upscaling: The opening of new casinos that integrate luxury features and amenities could create a rise in luxury tourism, which contribute to the development of high-end travel services in the city. As a result, existing establishments might have to rebrand or upscale their offerings to remain competitive.
VI. Factors Behind the Surge of Casino Development
The recent surge of casino development in Las Vegas is fueled by numerous factors. Here we explore some of the most critical drivers:
- Stable Economy: As the US Economy stabilizes, investors feel more confident investing in the casino industry to meet the growing hospitality and leisure demands.
- Technology Advances: With modern technological advancements, casinos are being designed to offer an unparalleled gaming experience to both traditional and modern players. This creates a more excellent deal of confidence in investors and operators to expand their operations and add more amenities to these resorts like shopping, restaurants, nightclubs, and more.
- Gen X and Millennials: Las Vegas is attracting a younger crowd, and these demographics are looking for unique experiences and entertainment. Pop-up parties, new restaurants, and celebrity-studded performances are the key to drawing in this younger crowd.
- China tourists: As China’s middle class grows, more tourists are visiting Las Vegas. This increased traffic from China is one reason that many of the new Las Vegas casinos are featuring Asian design influences, restaurants, and entertainment.
- Changing Demographics: The new generation of travelers is looking for unique and memorable experiences, not just gambling. They want to stay in a luxurious room and be entertained in an exclusive pool club or bar. The new resorts in Las Vegas are specifically designed to have the nuances and attractions that would cater to this demographic’s interests and expectations.
VII. Conclusion
Las Vegas is set to see a wave of new casinos and resorts open in the coming years, each one aiming to provide a unique and unforgettable experience for visitors. With Resorts World Las Vegas, Drew Las Vegas, Virgin Hotels Las Vegas, Circa Resort and Casino, and The Drew in the works, Las Vegas will continue to attract visitors from around the globe. Although these new casinos could create increased competition, the benefits of increased tourism, tax revenue, and job growth for the city make them well worth the investment. We believe that the future for Las Vegas’s casino industry is bright with creating memorable experiences and lavish amenities to become the attractions’ destination rather than just a gambling hub.
If you want to experience these new additions to Las Vegas, we recommend booking your travel today to witness the city’s fast-paced development and ensure availability at your preferred resort.