Mohegan Sun Rises in Las Vegas

With the old Hard Rock Las Vegas transformation completed, Mohegan Gaming Entertainment opened its doors to the public in 2021. Then, in September of 2022, MCLV announced it would operate under the official name “Mohegan Casino Las Vegas” The 60,000-square foot gaming venue marked a significant milestone for both Mohegan and Indian country becoming the first tribal casino to operate in the prestigious Las Vegas market. Let’s see how the Mohegan Sun Rises in Las Vegas.

Mohegan Sun Rises in the West - Welcome to Las Vegas
The old Hard Rock Las Vegas

“We are eager to bring MGE’s world-class gaming to the entertainment capital of the world,” said previous CEO of Mohegan Gaming & Entertainment (MGE) Mario Kontomerkos.

Virgin Hotel Las Vegas

Entrepreneur Richard Branson founded Virgin Hotels in 2010. Although he was always fond of Las Vegas, he announced in 2018 that Virgin had acquired the Hard Rock Las Vegas. Virgin Hotel’s alignment with the Mohegan tribe extends both companies’ expansion into Las Vegas. Mohegan Sun Arena in Connecticut is evidence of its stellar reputation for entertainment by providing 1,500 top-level shows per year of headliner entertainment.

The alliance of Virgin Hotels and Mohegan Gaming Entertainment will create an excellent experience for Las Vegas guests. The hotel is part of the Curio Collection by Hilton. This property will be one of more than 70 one-of-a-kind hotels and resorts. Also, Curio Collection properties provide travelers with authentic experiences through distinctly local offerings. Also, these hotels offer unexpected amenities tailored to every traveler type. Virgin Hotels also provides the benefits of the award-winning loyalty program Hilton Honors.

The Joint

Furthermore, AEG Presents will assume the management, operations, and booking for “The Joint.” The “Joint” has been a favorite Las Vegas venue since 1995. The Joint initially was to retain its name, but this idea was scrapped due to an issue with naming rights. The venue is now called the Theater at Virgin Hotel Las Vegas.

The theater seats 4,500 people, compared to the original 4000.

Related Post – 25 Years Of Growth at Mohegan Sun

The Hotel

The hotel is part of Hilton’s Curio Collection. The hotel has 1,504 renovated rooms, spread across three buildings: the Canyon Tower, Opal Tower, and Ruby Tower. The Ruby Tower is an all-suite building. A mobile app serves as an optional room key and also allows guests to order room service or check out. In addition, the app allows guests to control lights, televisions, and thermostats in their rooms.

Restaurants and Bars

  • Betfred at Mohegan Sun Sportsbook – Sports Bar
  • Culinary Dropout – Pub
  • Dunkin’ Donuts – Coffee Shop
  • Fú Asian Kitchen – Asian
  • Fuel Cafe – Café
  • Goose Island Pub – Pub
  • Juice Bar – Juice Bar
  • MB Steak – Restaurant
  • Mr. Lucky’s – Restaurant
  • Nobu – Japanese, Seafood, Sushi
  • Oyster Bar – Seafood
  • Pink Taco – Mexican
  • Pizza Forte – Restaurant

The Casino

Mohegan Sun Rises in Vegas with MGE using the Momentum Loyalty Rewards Program. The flagship Mohegan Sun in Uncasville, Connecticut, was the first to use Momentum. In addition, guests can now earn and redeem rewards at other properties. For example, you can use your Momentum Dollars at Virgin Hotels Las Vegas and participating bars, restaurants, retail outlets, and entertainment.
1 Momentum Dollar = $1 Resort Credit or
1 Momentum Dollar = $2 Free Slot Play

The Casino feels small, compared to most on or near the strip. With 650 slots (which includes video poker), 45+ table games, and its own managed Sports Book “BetFred,” it surely doesn’t have the same vibe that the old Hard Rock casino had complete with piano-encased roullette tables and Jimi Hendrix slot machines.

Table games offered include Blackjack, Craps & Crapless Craps, Roulette, Midi-Bacarrat, Face-Up Pai Gow Poker and Three Card Poker.

Pros & Cons

Looking for the same vibe that the Hard Rock had, this is not for you. It’s quiet and if that is a plus for you, enjoy it. But, If you’re looking for action and a party vibe, this is not for you.

Also, depending on your affinity for the strip, it’s more than two blocks to walk. In the heat, could be too much of a walk for most. It is a short Uber/Taxi ride.

I hope to stay there in the future to compare my first visit. Before making plans, here’s what I’ve come up with so far.

Pros

  • It’s a Short trip from Reid Airport – 5 minutes
  • It’s only five years old. Amenities considered clean, well-kept,
  • Three pools, including the Day Club Pool
  • Easy walk to monorail station at MGM GRAN
  • Complimentary 3-night hotel stay (Per Month) at Mohegan Casino at Virgin Hotels Las Vegas with Leap Momentum Level at Mohegan Sun in CT.

Cons

  • Quality of hospitality and service seems to vary by staff members, day, time, and area of service.
  • More restrooms are needed in the casino
  • Expensive resort fee. Not much around in comfortable walking distance.

Other MGE Properties include:

Summary

Mohegan Gaming and Entertainment has its work cut out for it. Being off-strip will be challenging. Two more tribal casinos – the Palms (owned by the San Manuel Tribe) and the Seminole’s Hard Rock Hotel/Casino where the Mirage once stood will have more commanding influence on the Strip. It will be interesting to see what the future holds.

Binbin

NETimeGambling

Similar Posts