Featured Editorials

Virgin Las Vegas has changes in store for 2025, President Cliff Atkinson says. By Ryan Slattery

Virgin Hotels Las Vegas’ original debut was pandemic-delayed. The resort opened somewhat quietly in March 2021, but over the past couple of years has built a loyal local following. Last year’s Formula One race thrust the property into the spotlight, with many visitors rediscovering the property. Cliff Atkinson, president of Virgin Hotels Las Vegas, called it a “re-coming out party.”

Valley View Casino is connecting with guests and team members. By David Ross

California has more tribal casinos than any other state and San Diego County has more than any other county in the Golden State. At or near the top of any listing of the best casino hotels in San Diego County is Valley View Casino & Hotel, set in the small, picturesque and rural community of Valley Center. It proudly lists itself as “San Diego’s Favorite Casino.”
The resort recently completed a $50 million renovation. This small but luxurious hotel has always  been renowned for its floor-to-ceiling windows and 520-square-foot, deluxe rooms with awesome vistas of Palomar Mountain— which is often covered foot to crown with snow in winter months.

Hippodrome Casino’s Simon Thomas sets ambitious goals for the London jewel. By Peter White

Golf capital Mesquite is teeing up casino reinventions. By Ryan Slattery

Mesquite is getting a makeover. Anyone who has driven from Las Vegas to southern Utah has seen this little oasis of a town (population 23,000) with its casino resorts and manicured, green fairways — there are eight golf courses in this tiny burg — hugging the highway.Now, the popular pit stop for spa and golf aficionados is getting a revamp. Mesquite Gaming, which owns both the CasaBlanca Resort-Casino-Golf-Spa and Virgin River Hotel/Casino/Bingo is investing millions to grow its casino. It will also transform a movie theater into a state-of-the-art sports book and remodel its signature restaurant, Katherine’s Steakhouse.