Las Vegas Sun

April 25, 2024

Bad luck at tables hurt earnings, exec says

The Venetian resort on the Las Vegas Strip recorded substantially improved results in table game drop, slot machine win and hotel occupancy during the third quarter, though a lower hold percentage hurt the property's earnings.

Speaking at a high-yield debt conference in Phoenix, Las Vegas Sands Inc. President William Weidner said table game play at the Venetian was $294 million during the third quarter, a 62 percent increase over the year-ago period.

Over the last 12 months, the Venetian won $220 million at its tables, with baccarat accounting for a "substantial portion of total table win."

However, Weidner said that a lower-than-normal table games win percentage will reduce earnings by $4 million to $6 million. Total expected earnings were not given.

In addition, Weidner said slot machine win per day rose 34 percent to $141 per machine. Room occupancy reached 96 percent, up from 90 percent, at an average daily rate of $169. During the year-ago period, the average daily rate was $145.

Construction on the Venetian was still continuing during the third quarter of 1999, and was not completed until November.

Las Vegas Sands is the parent company of the Venetian.

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